The Ladder is the eighteenth studio album by the English progressive rock band Yes, released in September 1999 on Eagle Records. It is their only studio album recorded with six full time members and their last with keyboardist Igor Khoroshev and with guitarist Billy Sherwood for 22 years.
The Ladder (Yes album)
"The Messenger" was written about Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley
Yes are an English progressive rock band formed in London in 1968 by lead singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Bill Bruford. The band has undergone numerous lineup changes throughout their history, during which 20 musicians have been full-time members. Since February 2023, the band has consisted of guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Geoff Downes, bassist Billy Sherwood, singer Jon Davison, and drummer Jay Schellen. Yes have explored several musical styles over the years and are most notably regarded as progressive rock pioneers.
Yes in concert, 1977. From left to right: Steve Howe, Alan White (behind the drums), Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman
Steve Howe in 1977
Rick Wakeman with Yes in March 1974, months before his first departure from the band
Yes performing in 1977