Yes, the legendary prog-rock band, have announced their 24th studio album, Aurora, set for release on June 12th via InsideOut and Sony Music. This highly anticipated album marks the band's second studio release with the current lineup, featuring Steve Howe on guitar, Geoff Downes on keyboards, Jon Davidson on vocals, Billy Sherwood on bass, and Jay Schellen on drums. The album's title track, 'Aurora', has been unveiled along with an accompanying music video, offering a glimpse into the album's vibrant and progressive sound.
The current lineup has been together since 2015 and 2023, respectively, with Billy Sherwood joining in 2015 following the passing of founding member Chris Squire, and Jay Schellen replacing the late Alan White in 2023. Steve Howe, a key figure in the band's evolution, emphasizes the collaborative nature of the album's creation, stating, 'It’s always been about collaboration... We’re not trying to echo the past; we’re carrying the spirit of Yes forward and turning it into something new.'
The title track, 'Aurora', is a significant part of the album's narrative, with Jon Davidson explaining, 'The title immediately resonated with Steve Howe and sparked visual inspiration for artist Roger Dean, setting a conceptual tone that would guide the project.' The music video for 'Aurora' showcases the band's signature symphonic elements, reminiscent of their earlier work, such as the album 'Magnification' from 2001.
Despite the excitement surrounding the album's release, a recent setback has occurred. Yes were set to embark on a UK tour later this month, but it has been postponed due to Steve Howe's upcoming medical operation. This news comes as a disappointment to fans, but the band remains focused on the album's release and future endeavors.
In the meantime, former Yes members have been keeping busy. Jon Anderson, the iconic former frontman, is set to go on tour with the Band Geeks starting April 17th, 2026. Similarly, Rick Wakeman, another iconic keyboardist, released a new solo album titled 'Melancholia' in November 2025. These developments highlight the enduring legacy of Yes and the continued creativity within the prog-rock genre.
As fans eagerly await the release of Aurora, they can pre-order the album from the Century Media Store. The album artwork and tracklist have been revealed, offering a glimpse into the diverse and captivating world of Yes. With their rich history and ongoing innovation, Yes continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of musicians.
