When the iconic band first began sketching out ideas for what would become "Aurora,” the process was loose and exploratory. There was no preconceived concept at the start, just a collection of musical fragments that gradually began to find one another and take form. Among these early sketches was a piece titled "Aurora," and it quickly became clear that the name carried certain gravity. It suggested light, emergence, and a sense of vastness, qualities that resonated deeply with the band. Jon Davison remembers how "the title immediately resonated with Steve Howe and sparked visual inspiration for artist Roger Dean, setting a conceptual tone that would guide the project."
Work on Aurora began almost as soon as the 'Classic Tales of Yes' tour ended in 2024. The idea of a new album surfaced quickly and with the label's encouragement, the band had the time to develop material organically. Rather than gathering in a single studio for months, they embraced a modern workflow; ideas were born in home studios, shaped independently, and then woven together through constant collaboration. Downes and Howe often acted as the central creative axis, with Howe, as producer, serving as the point through which all ideas eventually flowed.
"Making this record was joyful, a chance to play, explore and give everything to the music,” says Howe. “It's always been about collaboration, somebody can write a song, but until everybody puts their contribution in it isn't really a Yes song. We're not trying to echo the past; we're carrying the spirit of Yes forward and turning it into something new."
“Aurora” will be available as a Limited Deluxe 180g Light Green 2LP+2CD+Blu-ray Artbook & Poster, as well as a Ltd Deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook, both featuring the stunning artwork of Roger Dean and Freya Dean, as well as a bonus disc of instrumentals, and a blu-ray featuring Dolby Atmos, 5.1 Surround Sound & 24bit stereo mixes (by Curtis Schwartz). The album is also available as a Gatefold 180g 2LP + LP-booklet, Special Edition CD Digipak & as Digital Album. Pre-order now here.
Yes recently announced an update on its 2026 live schedule.
“The upcoming Yes ‘Fragile’ UK and EU Tour, due to commence on 22nd April, has had to be postponed as guitarist Steve Howe requires an essential operation that requires recovery time,” shared the band. “This decision has been made to ensure that Steve can return to the stage in full health and deliver the performances that fans deserve.
“We are working hard to reschedule the UK and EU shows to a later date, with full details to be announced after Easter. Please retain your tickets as they will be valid for the rescheduled dates. Tour dates currently being arranged for later in 2026 will proceed as planned. Steve Howe and Yes would like to thank their UK fans and hope for their continued support at this time.”
Add some Yes to your collection here.
Yes
"Aurora"
Release date: June 12
01. Aurora (07:27)
02. Turnaround Situation (05:50)
03. Love Lies Dreaming (06:24)
04. Countermovement (13:48)
05. Ariadne (06:18)
06. All Hands On Deck (03:04)
07. Outside The Box (04:20)
08. Emotional Intelligence (03:30)
09. Jambustin' (bonus track) (04:24)
10. Watching The River Roll (bonus track) (04:42)