Hold On

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hold On" by Yes from their 1983 album 90125, a track that pulses with the band's reinvented energy for a new era. One juicy piece of trivia comes from author Jeb Wright, who revealed in a 2023 interview with Ultimate Classic Rock that 90125—and specifically songs like "Hold On"—inspired his time-travel novel Blast From the Past. In the book, "90125" serves as a secret code for time travel, with "Hold On" being a personal favorite of Wright’s, tied to nostalgic memories of the 1983 tour. He gushed about loving “every note” of the album, highlighting how "Hold On" captures the era’s vibe with its driving rhythm and Trevor Rabin’s slick guitar work. The song itself, though not a chart-topper like "Owner of a Lonely Heart," was a staple of the 90125 tour, where Wright notes “all of that shit happened” in his novel’s comedic recounting of concert chaos.

Another tidbit about "Hold On" surfaces from the album’s production. 90125 marked Yes’ shift to a more pop-rock sound, largely driven by guitarist Trevor Rabin. In a 2013 reflection on Yes’ official Facebook, Rabin shared how the song’s raw energy came from jamming sessions with bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White, blending progressive roots with 80s polish. Fans on Yes’ X account often cite "Hold On" as an underrated gem, with one 2023 post from a Zoo Freak-esque follower calling it “the heartbeat of 90125’s reinvention.” The song’s lyrics, urging resilience, resonated with the band’s own comeback after a 1981 breakup, a story echoed in a 1984 interview where Jon Anderson said, “We held on through the chaos to make something fresh.”

Yes began in London in 1968, born from the creative spark of vocalist Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire. The two met at a club and bonded over their love for complex harmonies and ambitious rock. Recruiting drummer Bill Bruford, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and guitarist Peter Banks, they started gigging, blending covers with original songs. Their early sound, as detailed on Yes’ Instagram, drew from rock, jazz, and classical, laying the groundwork for progressive rock. Their first two albums, Yes (1969) and Time and a Word (1970), showcased this eclectic mix, but it was 1971’s The Yes Album, with guitarist Steve Howe replacing Banks, that cemented their reputation. By the time 90125 rolled around, Yes had evolved through multiple lineups, with Rabin’s arrival steering them toward mainstream success.

Fans can dive deeper into Yes’ world through their official website, which offers tour updates and merch, or follow their Facebook for archival photos and fan discussions. Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes shots, while X keeps the conversation lively with fan polls and song debates. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, the Yes Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant hub with over 10,000 members sharing bootlegs, trivia, and tour stories. Another fan gem is YesFans.com, a forum buzzing with debates about everything from 90125’s production to "Hold On"’s live evolution. These spaces keep the spirit of Yes alive for their global tribe.