Starship Trooper: a. Life Seeker – b. Disillusion – c. Würm

The Zoo Crew is spinning the cosmic vibes of Starship Trooper: a. Life Seeker – b. Disillusion – c. Würm by Yes from their seminal 1971 album, The Yes Album, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This progressive rock epic, stretching over nine minutes, is a fan favorite, and its creation is steeped in fascinating trivia部分 of the story behind it. Jon Anderson, the band’s lead vocalist, drew inspiration for the song from the title of Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 novel Starship Troopers, though he envisioned the song’s protagonist as a metaphorical “guardian angel and Mother Earth” rather than a literal sci-fi soldier. The track is a masterful collage of individual contributions: Anderson penned the soaring Life Seeker, Chris Squire crafted the reflective Disillusion (recycled from an earlier Yes song, For Everyone), and Steve Howe brought the hypnotic instrumental Würm, originally written for his previous band, Bodast. Fans on Reddit rave about the song’s dynamic arrangement, with one user noting how Bill Bruford’s unconventional drumming in the opening section transforms “something truly weird into something truly catchy and grooving.” Another fan shared a vivid memory of hearing it on WMMS in Cleveland in 1971, instantly becoming hooked on Yes, a testament to the song’s enduring impact.

The Würm section, in particular, is a standout, with Steve Howe’s guitar solo described by Pitchfork Media as one of the “great Yes moments,” weaving multinational voicings over a repetitive three-chord pattern in a non-blues style. Fans on Songfacts praise its “grinding intensity,” with one Australian listener, Adrianm, sharing how playing the chorus still gives them shivers. The song’s live performances are legendary, with versions from albums like Yessongs, 9012Live, and Keys to Ascension each offering unique takes on Würm. A Yesfans post compared four live renditions, with the 1984 “YesWest” version lauded for its explosive energy, driven by Alan White’s spirited drumming and Trevor Rabin’s fiery guitar solo. However, some fans, like those on Yesfans, prefer the 1978 Wembley recording for its classic vibe or the Yessongs version for Rick Wakeman’s electrifying keyboard solo.

Yes began in London in 1968, founded by Jon Anderson and Chris Squire, who met at a Soho nightclub and bonded over their shared love of harmony and complex music. Originally a covers band playing Beatles and Motown hits, they quickly developed their own sound, blending psychedelic rock with intricate arrangements. Their early lineup included Peter Banks on guitar, Tony Kaye on keyboards, and Bill Bruford on drums. By 1970, Steve Howe replaced Banks, bringing a virtuosic edge that defined The Yes Album. The band’s big break came with their 1969 debut album, Yes, but it was The Yes Album, produced with Eddie Offord, that catapulted them to fame, showcasing their progressive, symphonic style. Despite numerous lineup changes—17 musicians have been part of Yes, with the current roster featuring Jon Davison, Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Billy Sherwood, and Jay Schellen—the band has maintained a loyal following, as seen on fan communities like the Yesfans Facebook group.

Yes remains active, with recent performances and new music, as chronicled on their official social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans continue to engage on platforms like Yesfans, a forum founded in 2001 by Tim Lutterbie and now run by John Vehadija, where discussions range from favorite live versions to memories of iconic shows. For the Zoo Freaks, Starship Trooper is more than a song—it’s a journey through cosmic imagery and musical innovation, perfectly suited for THE ZOO’s eclectic airwaves.