South Side of the Sky

Greetings, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the epic "South Side of the Sky" by Yes from their 1971 album Fragile, and we’ve got some cosmic trivia to share. This track, clocking in at 8:04, is a journey through howling winds and thunder, kicking off with a heavy, riff-driven sound that showcases Steve Howe’s ferocious guitar tones, which critic Ryan Reed called some of Yes’ most intense. Jon Anderson, in a 2003 Montreux Jazz Festival intro, described it as a song about climbing mountains, symbolizing life’s daily challenges. Lyrically, it’s inspired by a tragic polar expedition, with lines like “so cold that we cried” and “warmth when you die” evoking hypothermia’s grip, as noted in the remastered Fragile liner notes. The song’s middle section, with Rick Wakeman’s sublime piano and wordless vocal harmonies from Anderson, Chris Squire, and Howe, is a fan favorite—Reddit users on r/progrockmusic call it “absolutely sublime” and praise the rhythm section’s phenomenal energy.

Digging deeper, Zoo Freaks, the song’s creation was a team effort. Anderson and Squire wrote the core, but Wakeman’s piano interludes were so pivotal that he contributed significantly, though contractual issues left him uncredited. Fans on r/progrockmusic speculate it was partly inspired by two English mountaineers who perished in a storm, adding a haunting layer to its narrative. The track’s dynamic shifts—from gritty riffs to serene piano—make it a standout, with one Redditor calling it their favorite on Fragile for its “haunting prog-rock classic” vibe. Live versions from 2002-2003, with extended guitar/synth solos, sometimes outshine the original, as noted by fans hunting bootlegs on sites like Yesfans. Its jagged edge and urgency set it apart, even among Fragile’s other epics like “Roundabout” and “Heart of the Sunrise.”

Now, let’s rewind to how Yes got started. Formed in London in 1968, the band emerged from the psychedelic rock scene when Jon Anderson (vocals) met Chris Squire (bass) at a club. Both shared a love for complex harmonies and ambitious compositions, influenced by bands like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. They recruited Peter Banks (guitar), Tony Kaye (keyboards), and Bill Bruford (drums), naming the band “Yes” for its short, positive punch. Their early gigs in London clubs like The Marquee built a cult following, blending folk, jazz, and classical elements. Their self-titled debut in 1969 and 1970’s Time and a Word showed promise, but it was 1971’s The Yes Album, with Steve Howe replacing Banks, that marked their progressive rock breakthrough. Fragile, with Rick Wakeman’s arrival, cemented their status, thanks to Roger Dean’s iconic artwork and hits like “Roundabout.”

Yes has evolved through lineup changes and stylistic shifts, but their core of intricate musicianship and cosmic themes endures. You can keep up with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans gather at Yesfans for deep discussions and bootleg hunts, and the Yes Fans Facebook group is a vibrant spot for Zoo Freaks to connect over prog-rock love. So, crank up “South Side of the Sky,” and let’s climb those musical mountains together!