# In 1971, Tony Kaye left Yes. Months later, Rick Wakeman joined and helped write their ultimate masterpiece

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1971-tony-kaye-left-yes-months-later-rick-wakeman-joined-and-helped-write-their-ultimate-masterpiece/
- Published: 2026-11-12T06:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T06:19:58+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1971-rick-wakeman-yes-tony-kaye/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- Rick Wakeman’s arrival broadened Yes’s keyboard sound.
- His “Roundabout” solo stayed on the album after Bill Bruford intervened.
- *Fragile* balanced individual contributions with a cohesive band sound.

## Summary

Rick Wakeman joined Yes in 1971 after keyboardist Tony Kaye left, bringing a willingness to use synthesiser alongside piano and organ. His arrival helped expand the band’s sound on *Fragile*, the album widely regarded as one of their finest and which marked a major step in their success in the United States.

Wakeman’s keyboard solo on “Roundabout” became a defining moment on the record, while each band member had space to contribute an individual piece or spotlight. He wanted to redo the solo, but drummer Bill Bruford persuaded him to keep the original take, saying it already worked. Wakeman also contributed “Cans and Brahms”, an instrumental adaptation of part of Brahms’ Fourth Symphony.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.