Yes have launched their “The Fragile Tour 2025” with their first show in Wallingford, CT. At these “evening with Yes” shows, the progressive rock veterans will perform their early 1971 album, Fragile, in its entirety along with classics cuts from their catalog.
The band is excited to perform in front of a video wall featuring artwork by design visionary Roger Dean, whose longtime relationship with YES began with his design of the Fragile album. The animation of Dean’s iconic YES logos and album artwork through the years brings his visuals into this decade. His art will be on display in the merch area at all the shows.
“The first time I watched the animations with the music was just incredible; it’s wonderful that it was so much more powerful with both together,” says Dean.
The multi-platinum album Fragile album features their signature songs “Roundabout,” “Long Distance Runaround,” and “Heart of the Sunrise.” Marking the band’s fourth studio album, Fragile was released in the UK in November 1971 and in the US in January 1972. The “Fragile Tour” is regarded as a key moment is Yes’ history — it’s when the band became a headline act in the US.
“All the band’s albums had a unique feel and approach,” reflects Steve Howe. “After ‘The Yes Album,’ so many things came together, with [co-producer] Eddie Offord steering the proceedings. While the band focused on only four main songs with full arrangements, each of us wrote and designed a solo piece, which was Bill [Bruford]'s great idea. It's fairly 'odd-ball,' but we were at the height of our creativity, determined for success.” Howe adds: “It gave us confidence, further than our own in-stock belief, we'd crafted this unusual but noticeable musical twist to rock and what later became prog.”
Fragile also marks the band’s first album to be designed by Roger Dean. He would also design many of YES’ future album covers, the band’s logo, and live stage sets. This striking union of music and design is key in how Yes’ sound and vision would be perceived; it also underlined how important artistic visuals were becoming in the rock world. On “The Fragile Tour 2025,” Yes will perform in front of a video wall featuring animations of Dean’s art, bringing Yes’ art into the 2020s. Roger Dean art will be available in the merch area at all the shows.
“Roger was and is quintessential to the look of Yes,” notes Howe. “He’s still creating great paintings and design — he has no competition.”
For a complete list of upcoming tour dates and ticket information, visit yesworld.com.
