Genesis and Yes Altered the Course of Classic Rock

Jon Anderson of British progressive rock group Yes vividly recounts the moment he walked into a London recording studio in April 1972 and was immediately struck by an overwhelming “barrage of sound.” As he witnessed his bandmates – Chris Squire on bass, guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and drummer Bill Bruford – immersed in a spontaneous instrumental piece, Anderson was captivated by the sheer power and energy of their improvisation. Despite being initially dismissed as a mere jam session, Anderson recognized the potential in the instrumental piece, urging his bandmates to play it again, thus kickstarting the creation of what would become the iconic 18-minute track “Close to the Edge” – a cornerstone of ’70s progressive rock. The album, which combined elements of rock, classical music, folk, psychedelia, blues, and jazz, marked a pivotal moment in expanding the boundaries of popular music into a realm of limitless creativity and innovation.

By the early 1970s, the musical landscape was ripe for new sonic explorations, following in the footsteps of groundbreaking albums like The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s” and “Abbey Road.” Upon its release in September 1972, “Close to the Edge” swiftly climbed the charts, reaching No. 3 in the U.S. and No. 4 in the UK. This success was further solidified by the reception of Yes’s subsequent album, “Tales from Topographic Oceans,” in 1973, which topped the UK charts despite its esoteric concept based on Hindu metaphysics. While the punk movement of the late ’70s challenged the complexities of progressive rock with its stripped-down approach, the influence of bands like Yes, Pink Floyd, and Genesis continued to shape the evolution of rock music. Even in the 21st century, modern bands such as Radiohead, Muse, Opeth, and Tame Impala draw inspiration from the progressive rock movement, infusing their music with a sense of existential restlessness.

Rhino Records is set to release reissues of two classic prog albums this year, showcasing remastered sound and additional bonus content. The “Close to the Edge” box set features instrumental versions of the entire album and a live concert recording from 1972, highlighting the band’s dynamic performances. Additionally, a 50th-anniversary super deluxe reissue of Genesis’s 1974 double album “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” is scheduled for June, celebrating the band’s poetic storytelling and musical innovation. With its intricate narrative and lush melodic passages, “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” remains a testament to Genesis’s unparalleled creativity and ambition during the ’70s.

Former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett reflects on the enduring appeal of classic prog rock, acknowledging the nostalgia that often surrounds iconic bands and their music. Despite his departure from Genesis in 1977, Hackett’s relentless pursuit of musical exploration has led to a successful solo career marked by boundary-pushing albums. Embracing a balance between honoring the past and embracing the future, Hackett emphasizes the timelessness of music created by bands like Yes and Genesis, whose compositions draw inspiration from classical composers and transcend the musical trends of their era. From Tony Banks’s reference to Rachmaninoff in “Firth of Fifth” to Yes’s incorporation of Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” into their live performances, the influence of classical music on progressive rock remains a defining feature of its enduring legacy.