To The Moment

The song "To The Moment" by Yes, featured on the 2021 album From A Page, holds a special place in the band's extensive discography. Written by former Yes bassist Chris Squire and completed by the band after his passing in 2015, the track carries an emotional weight, reflecting Squire's lyrical and musical vision. In a 2021 interview with Prog Magazine, guitarist Steve Howe shared that the song was built from Squire’s demo tapes, with the band aiming to honor his legacy by preserving the essence of his composition. Howe noted, “Chris had this knack for melodies that felt both cosmic and grounded, and ‘To The Moment’ captures that perfectly.” The song’s ethereal keyboards and soaring vocals, led by Jon Davison, evoke Yes’s classic progressive rock sound, blending nostalgia with fresh energy.

On social media, Yes fans, often called “Zoo Freaks” in the context of THE ZOO radio station, have celebrated "To The Moment" for its intricate instrumentation. A 2021 post on the Yes Official Facebook page described the track as “a journey through time, reflecting Chris’s love for layered harmonies.” Fans on the Yes Fans Facebook group echoed this, with one member calling it “a bittersweet tribute that feels like Chris is still playing with the band.” The song’s lyrics, which speak of fleeting moments and eternal connections, resonate deeply with listeners, especially given Squire’s absence. A fan on Yes’s X account tweeted, “Hearing ‘To The Moment’ live was like feeling Chris’s spirit on stage—pure magic.”

Yes, formed in London in 1968, began as a bold experiment in blending rock, jazz, and classical influences. Vocalist Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire, the band’s founding members, met through a mutual connection in the London music scene. According to the band’s official biography on yesworld.com, Anderson and Squire bonded over their love for complex harmonies and ambitious song structures, drawing inspiration from bands like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. Joined by guitarist Peter Banks, drummer Bill Bruford, and keyboardist Tony Kaye, Yes started performing covers and original songs at local clubs. Their early gigs, including a notable performance at Blaise’s club in 1968, showcased their willingness to push musical boundaries, setting the stage for their progressive rock legacy.

The band’s breakthrough came with their third album, The Yes Album (1971), which featured guitarist Steve Howe and introduced their signature sound of extended compositions and virtuosic musicianship. As detailed on the fan site Relayer, Yes’s early years were marked by relentless touring and a commitment to evolving their sound, even amidst lineup changes. Keyboardist Rick Wakeman’s arrival for Fragile (1972) solidified their status as progressive rock pioneers, with hits like “Roundabout” earning them global acclaim. Despite numerous personnel shifts over the decades, Yes has remained a creative force, with their current lineup including Howe, keyboardist Geoff Downes, bassist Billy Sherwood, vocalist Jon Davison, and drummer Jay Schellen.

Fans can stay connected with Yes through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where the band shares tour updates, archival photos, and new music teasers. The Yes Fans Facebook group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks discuss the band’s history, share concert experiences, and celebrate tracks like "To The Moment." Additionally, fan sites like Relayer and YesFans.com offer detailed discographies, rare interviews, and forums for fans to connect, keeping the spirit of Yes’s music alive for generations.