Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe: The Progressive Rock Supergroup
Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, often abbreviated as ABWH, was a short-lived but significant English progressive rock supergroup formed in 1989. The band consisted of four former members of the legendary group Yes: vocalist Jon Anderson, drummer Bill Bruford, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and guitarist Steve Howe.
Early career
The members of ABWH each had long-established careers, primarily as part of Yes throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. By the late 1980s, a version of Yes existed that did not include Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, or Howe, leading to legal complexities over the band name. This situation directly inspired the formation of their new collaborative project, aiming to recapture a classic progressive rock sound.
Breakthrough
The group's breakthrough was immediate, fueled by massive fan anticipation. Their self-titled debut album, Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, was released in 1989 on Arista Records in the US and Europe. The album achieved commercial success, reaching No. 14 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 30 on the US Billboard 200, eventually earning a gold certification.
Key tracks
Brother of Mine — This ambitious, multi-part suite was the album's lead single and a concert staple, showcasing the group's intricate compositional style.
The Meeting — A shorter, acoustic-driven track that highlighted Jon Anderson's spiritual lyricism and the group's harmonic vocals.
Order of the Universe — Another epic-length track that featured complex instrumental passages and became a centerpiece of their live performances.
Quartet — This instrumental piece demonstrated the virtuosic interplay between Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman, a key draw for progressive rock fans.
The band embarked on a extensive world tour in 1989 and 1990, documented on the live album An Evening of Yes Music Plus. Legal negotiations eventually led to a reunion of most classic Yes members, including the ABWH lineup, for the 1991 album Union, effectively dissolving the ABWH entity after just one studio album.
Fans of the intricate musicianship and epic song structures of Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe should also explore other progressive rock acts. Listen to Yes for the foundational work of these musicians. Discover Emerson Lake and Palmer for another pioneering band in the symphonic rock genre. Explore Genesis for complex storytelling and musical evolution. Try King Crimson, especially the era featuring Bill Bruford, for a more experimental and avant-garde approach.
The music of Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe maintains a dedicated following and is regularly featured in rotations on classic rock FM stations and specialized progressive rock online radio streams. Their intricate compositions are a staple for programs dedicated to the genre's rich history.
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