Exclusive Jon Anderson Interview with Middle-earth Network

“Tolkien was totally on a different level!”
- Jon Anderson interview with Middle-earth Network 11/6/11

In the fall of 2011, our Director of Special Projects, John Di Bartolo, was excited to learn that Jon Anderson, famed lead sing of the the legendary progressive rock band Yes, was going to be visiting his neck of the woods.  Remembering that our friend Arjan Kiel, was working on some music with Jon Anderson, we asked if Arjan could set up an interview between John & Jon during Jon’s visit to Westbury, Long Island on November 6, 2011.  Arjan set it up right away, and Jon Anderson was very welcoming and interested in doing the interview with the Middle-earth Network.

Knowing that Jon Anderson was interested in Tolkien’s works, John was hoping to talk more about JRR’s influence on Anderson’s work.  Little did he know that he would be having “a chance meeting in Middle-earth” with another minstrel that shares a love of fantasy.  As when any true chance meeting in Middle-earth happens, collaborative ideas are born, and a possible project between Middle-earth Network & Jon was sparked regarding a faerie story by Jon Anderson and his Zamran tale.  We’ll let you know more about that as it develops.

You may know Jon Anderson as the lead singer and musical director of the Progressive rock Band Yes. But more than that Jon Anderson is a true visionary, writer, musician, and all around warm soul who emanates compassion and his desire to share his love of fantasy and faerie with his fans and friends. I had a chance meeting in Middle-earth with Jon on his recent tour with Rick Wakeman for “The Living Tree” concert series.  This was my very first meeting with Jon Anderson, and having met legions of musicians in my life and career, I have to say that Jon Anderson is one of the most engaging and welcoming artists I have ever met. Before our meeting, I told Jon I really wanted to talk to him about his Tolkien influences, and that’s where we started our meandering discussion.

The conversation covers a wide array of topics such as Tolkien, the Occupy Wall Sreet movement, corruption in government, war, opiates and Michael Jackson!

This Middle-earth Network Special episode will air on Middle-earth Network Radio Monday, January 20, 2012 at 8:30 PM EST and be available for download the following week.

You can learn more about Jon Anderson on his website. His latest album “Open” is available on I-Tunes.

John Di Bartolo can be contacted at minstrel@middleearthnetwork.com or through the Lonely Mountain Band.