Tempus Fugit

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Tempus Fugit" by Yes from their 1980 album Drama, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing with its high-energy prog-rock pulse. This song, whose title translates to "time flies" in Latin, was inspired by its own relentless pace, as keyboardist Geoff Downes explained in a Songfacts interview. He noted the title reflected the song’s fast tempo, which drives its frenetic energy. The track tells a vague but evocative story of a desperate search to reunite with a loved one, with lyrics that flow like a fever dream, perfectly matching the music’s intensity. Fans on Reddit have called it a standout, with one user in 2022 proclaiming it their favorite Yes song, saying it "absolutely rips" for its dazzling bassline by Chris Squire and Steve Howe’s wild, distorted Stratocaster riffs.

Behind the scenes, "Tempus Fugit" emerged during a turbulent time for Yes. The band started working on it before Downes and Trevor Horn, formerly of The Buggles, joined the lineup, replacing Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. As Songfacts details, Downes and Horn were initially brought in for a single song but ended up shaping the entire Drama album. Steve Howe shared a tidbit about the song’s creation on X in 2021, revealing that its core riff was a jazzy idea he played on a Stratocaster with a tremolo, transforming it into something electrifying. Despite some fans’ resistance to the new lineup, the song’s live performances, like a 2008 Cincinnati show described on Reddit, were explosive, with Howe, Squire, and drummer Alan White delivering a blistering rendition.

Yes formed in London in 1968, born from the creative spark of vocalist Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire. The two met at a Soho club and bonded over their love for harmony and ambitious musical structures, as detailed in band biographies on their official website. They recruited guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Bill Bruford, blending rock, jazz, and classical influences into a bold new sound. Their early gigs in London’s underground scene built a cult following, and by 1969, they released their self-titled debut album. The 1970s saw Yes evolve with lineup changes—Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman joined, cementing their progressive rock legacy with albums like Close to the Edge and Fragile. Their intricate compositions and cosmic lyrics made them pioneers of the genre, though internal tensions often reshaped the band’s roster.

Today, Yes remains active, with their official channels keeping fans connected. You can dive into their world at yesworld.com, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather on dedicated spaces like the r/yesband Reddit community and the Yes Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits sharing memories of epic live shows or debating the merits of Drama. For more fan-driven content, check out ProgArchives, a hub for progressive rock enthusiasts celebrating Yes’s legacy.