Yours Is No Disgrace (Live 1999)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the epic "Yours Is No Disgrace (Live 1999)" by Yes, from their live album House of Yes: Live From House of Blues, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, originally from 1971’s The Yes Album, is a nearly 10-minute progressive rock masterpiece that showcases the band’s intricate musicianship. The 1999 live version, recorded on Halloween night at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, stretches to over 20 minutes, highlighting an extended and powerful performance. Fans on Reddit’s r/yesband have praised this rendition, with one user calling it “incredible” and noting its raw energy, despite a minor mistake by bassist Chris Squire, which only adds to the live charm. The song’s antiwar themes, influenced by the Vietnam War, resonate through lyrics like “Death defying, mutilated armies scatter the earth,” which Songfacts notes reflect the futility of war and the innocence of soldiers.

Guitarist Steve Howe has shared that his work on “Yours Is No Disgrace” is among his favorite contributions to Yes, particularly due to the innovative overdubbing techniques used in the studio. In a 2021 post on @yesofficial, Howe reflected on the song’s significance, stating, “Yours Is No Disgrace… These were not small, dismissible works. Because underneath it, none of us wanted to stand still, play blues riffs or do anything that most other bands were doing.” The song’s complexity was a bold step for Yes, with AllMusic critic Dave Thompson describing it as a “tester” for the band’s longer, more ambitious compositions like “And You and I.” For the live 1999 performance, keyboardist Igor Khoroshev stepped in for Rick Wakeman, and despite some mixed reviews about his presence, fans on ProgArchives appreciated his ability to handle the classics, though his keyboards were sometimes mixed too low.

Yes formed in London in 1968, founded by vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, drummer Bill Bruford, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and guitarist Peter Banks. Their early days were marked by a mix of original songs and covers, blending rock, pop, blues, and jazz, as heard on their debut albums Yes (1969) and Time and a Word (1970). A pivotal shift came in 1970 when Steve Howe replaced Banks, bringing a distinctive guitar style that defined their sound on The Yes Album. The band rehearsed in a farmhouse in Devon, crafting ambitious, original material that set them apart in the progressive rock scene. Over the years, Yes became known for their complex compositions and frequent lineup changes, with 20 full-time musicians contributing to their legacy, including notable members like Rick Wakeman and Trevor Rabin.

Despite challenges, including internal conflicts and changing musical trends, Yes persevered, releasing iconic albums like Fragile and Close to the Edge. Their resilience is evident in their continued touring and recording, with their 1999 album The Ladder fueling the House of Blues performance. Today, Yes remains active, led by Howe, keyboardist Geoff Downes, bassist Billy Sherwood, vocalist Jon Davison, and drummer Jay Schellen. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Dedicated fan communities thrive on platforms like Reddit’s r/yesband and Facebook’s Yes Fans group, where Zoo Freaks can join discussions about the band’s enduring legacy.