For those of you who don't frequent the Trevor Rabin boards to know this, the TR webpage has been updated. Check it out at ...
Trevor Rabin webpage
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WELL WELL
From George FANVIKE - August 4
This will be interesting. Seems TREVOR RABIN will be recording with RICK WAKEMAN later this month in his home studio for WAKEMANS "RETURN TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH." Seems RICK has asked TREVOR to play on the record and TREVOR jumped at the chance.
Very interesting, indeed....
AOL has finally added the new Asia newsgroup. Here's the link. Come say hello. :)
Click here: alt.rock-n-roll.asia (browse)
Just got back from seeing 4 shows in Texas. It was VERY HOT there! Don't know how Alan does it. Anyway, just wanted to mention that the band was NOT happy at all with the sound on the VH-1 Hard Rock Live show. Seems that they didn't get the preview tape sent to them till the day before the show aired so there wasn't anything they could do about it then. However, Billy will be remixing it so that when it is shown again in September it should sound much better. Igor was not too happy that his name was left off of the credits either. Don't know if that's going to be corrected or not for Sept.
The band is in the process of setting up their schedule for doing the new album. They're talking to a producer they are ALL interested in and have been checking out a few studios in certain areas when they've been there for this current tour. As of right now they are hoping to ALL be in rehearsals TOGETHER in Hawaii during the months of January and February and to possibly start recording in March.
Attention Yes Fans!!!
Awaken Magazine
will be accepting subscriptions beginning in September!!!
Visit our new (and Very crude..) Website for more info!!!
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Diana Hatsis
-Editor
Awaken Magazine
"Ascend & Create..."
Hey, I recently got a copy of Yes on Budapest TV from the current 1998 tour and I though I would let you all know what was on it:
Set list:
Wonderous Stories
The Revealing Science of God
Owner of the Lonely Fart (the old age Yes version, hee hee)
I've Seen All Good People
Roundabout
Starship Pooper
The show ran an hour and included 2 songs that were more daring than the VH1 broadcast don't you think! The stage set was the from the first leg with the tent covering the band.
Once again I have to apologize for saying nasty things about Igor in the past because he was truly impressive on this show. In fact he was the only thing impressive on this show!! I was amazed at his rendition of Wonderous Stories, and it seemed like Yes couldn't keep up with him durring The Revealing. I must point out though that the mix had Igor turned WAY up, too much even. He was the star of the show! In fact Steve was a bit too low but not too bad, and Chris was so low he could have stayed in his hotel
sleeping and not bothered showing up. Jon sounded fine and was wearing his new half-day beard. And Billy... truly the ugliest man on TV, am I right girls? I can't stress this strongly enough. In fact, the whole dichotomy of the band is weird to see on TV now. You have Igor who looks young enough to be in "Hanson". Then the camera cuts to Steve Howe who, in comparison, looks like the Crypt Keeper from "The Tails from The Crypt."
Best songs played were of course, Wonderous Stories & RSOG, as I have never seen live TV footage of these songs. So it was quite a treat. Roundabout was a gas too with Igor playing with one hand while clanging a cowbell and bongo with the other. I'm telling you he blew me away, he sounded great!!! I take back every rotten, nasty thing I said about him. And the visuals were good too with the hyperspace and other cool effects under the tent!
Interesting that Steve did all the guitar parts in OoTLH leaving Billy to do... to do... to do... what does Billy do again? Oh yeah, Billy did a short little solo during Starship Trooper. Wow! Glad to have him aboard the ship. ;-) (Sorry Billy, you have not won me over yet!)
All in all, it's a nice show. Their age seems to show a bit more on TV compared to TV footage from the Union tour where they all still seemed to be hopping around the stage creating hi-energy rock-n-roll. You can really see how they don't move around much anymore and how truly old they look. Steve also totally screwed up durring Trooper and Chris shrugged it off. But, for the most part they still can make it happen! It was great fun to watch! And don't forget Igor, who stole the show with his brilliant
keyboard playing, youthful appearance and help from his buddy at the soundboard!
We Have Heaven,
Martin from Chicago USA
Wrire me at: treasures@interaccess.com
Hi everyone!
I am happy and proud to say that we are now official - two of our prints are on the Opio Emporium website. Some of you know that my friend, Kathy South and I, are working on a book of graphics art, using Jon photos (thanks to Tami, Robin and Roxi, as well as a few others:). It will consist of the art, along with Jon's lyrics. The book is slowly developing, however, these prints are available now!
The latest Artist Shop newsletter is out and you'll find it in its entirety at the Artist Shop. In the meantime, here's a little snippet from it of interest to Steve Howe fans:
Two eagerly anticipate releases from Magna Carta , Attention Deficit and Explorers Club, are now out! Explorers Club's Age of Impact is a classic, Progressive rock masterpiece the likes of which haven't been heard in years. With the services of a rhythm section to die for, Terry Bozzio's drums (Zappa, UK, Missing Persons, Bozzio/Levin/Stevens) and Billy Shehan's bass (Talas, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big) lay the bed for a five part journey. Guitars are represented nobly by a core contingent led by Dream Theater's John Petrucci, fresh from the kill with Liquid Tension Experiment, and Magellan's Wayne Gardner. Other soloists lending power to the cause include none other than Yes' Steve Howe and Death's James Murphy. Keyboards are mostly composer Trent Gardner's domain while Dream Theater's Derek Sherinian and Matt Guillory of Dali's Dilemma also contribute. Explorers Club's vocal army is just as impressive. Dream Theater's James LaBrie, Royal Hunt's D. C. Cooper, Dali's Dilemma's Matt Bradley and Cairo's Bret Douglas deliver Garner's evolving, revolving tale, often underscoring the tough, progressive metal aggression of tracks that are arranged like the classics - Yes' Close to the Edge and Relayer, Genesis' The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and Trick of the Tale springing to mind.
Gary
The Artist Shop
phone: 330-929-2056
SUPPORT THE INDEPENDENT ARTIST!!!
Check out the latest Artist Shop newsletter
The latest Music News Network (MNN) has some Yesstuff for sale. I'll quote the article:
The official Yestival logo was designed by Roger Dean, and our stock of long sleeved denim and short sleeved black polo shirts sold out quickly. We are considering making more shirts if there is enough interest. Please write or e-mail us if you are interested in a Yestival shirt, and which type.
Yestival merchandise:
- Yestival bottle openers - $2
- Yestival programs - $3
In addition to Yestival bottle openers and programs, some official Yes merchandise from the band's Fall 1997 tour arrived on our doorsteps a few days after convention. T-shirts are available in XL only.
- Long sleeved white t-shirt with/red and orange logo on both sides: $25 - White t-shirt, enhanced logo on front with "Open Your Eyes Tour 1997" and city names on back: $20
- Black t-shirt w/lava logo and "Open Your Eyes Tour 1997" and city names on back: $20
- Black baseball cap with orange Yes logo: $15
- 1997 tour program: $10
- Coffee mug w/orange logo: $8
All prices include shihpping and handling for orders inthe US. Orders outside the US, please add $5 per item.
Please make checks/money orders payable to Lisa Mikita in US funds, drawn on US bank (we are not able to accept credit cards). Mail your order and payment to:
Music News Network
P.O. Box 21531
Tampa, FL 33622-1531 USA
If ordering a t-shirt, please clearly specify which shirt you want.
---
OK, this is Roy back again. I already have most of that stuff; here are my favorites: If it's the one I think it is, the long-sleeved white t-shirt is one of my favorite Yes shirts ever! It wasn't sold at many venues, so be sure to pick one up now. Ask MNN if it has a "water fall effect" on the back to make sure it's the one that I'm talking about. The coffee mug is also very nice; well worth the low price. The tour program has some nice photos but doesn't say much that's surprising. Still worth it at this price.
While I'm at it, let me recommend Music News Network to anyone who has an interest in current progressive music. MNN is published monthly and is usually about 12 pages, containing news, interviews, and concert dates. Very well-done and only $18 per year in the US. The current issue features an extended coverage of Yestival and an interview with Roger Hodgson. For more info, check out its homepage
P.S. If you subscribe, tell them that I referred you so that I get a free issue. That's not why I wrote this - honest! It really is a worthwhile newsletter.
Have fun!
Roy DeRousse (relayer@iname.com)
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
This is really bizzarre:
Trevor Rabin not only scores this upcoming movie, he's in it! Here's the scoop (courtesy of Mania Magazine www.mania.com .
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Preview of Keaton's Jack Frost
Here's a sneak peek and synopsis of Michael Keaton's latest movie, Jack Frost, courtesy of Warner Bros.
Jack Frost (Keaton) is about to make it big as a musician after years of hard work. His passion, however, has a price - days and nights away from his wife Gabby (Kelly Preston) and his son Charlie (Joseph Cross).
One Christmas, Jack decides to skip the most important audition of this career to spend the holidays with his family. But when Jack's car skids off the road, he's killed before he has a chance to make it back home.
The following year, as Christmas approaches, Charlie builds a snowman that he tops off with his dad's old hat, scarf and gloves. Before he falls asleep that night, Charlie takes out the old harmonica his dad once gave him, and he plays a soulful tune on it - the sound of a boy wishing for the return of a father who's gone forever. And that night Jack Frost does come back to Earth, but in a way that neither of them could possibly have imagained … as the snowman built by his son Charlie.
A line-up of rock artists also make appearances in the move including Henry Rollins, Dweezil Zappa, Ahmet Zappa, Trevor Rabin (formerly of the band Yes) and Moon Zappa.
The snowman, which functions as a major character in the movie, is created by the Henson Creature Shop.
I was talking to Rick's secretary Candy the other day and she mentioned that Rick is in the hospital. He has a case of pnuemonia brought on by overwork and exhaustion. His visitors are very limited. They are not sure when he will be released. As far as the release of "Return" it is still scheduled for December. They are being non-committal on the live show scheduled for the third week of January. Sorry for this font. i have no idea how it got here and it'll take me awhile to get it back to normal. Tom
Cards and notes of good cheer can be sent to Rick in care of:
RWCC
1st Floor, Bajonor House
2 Bridge Street,
Peel
Isle of Man,
IM5 1NB
United Kingdom
The following statement has been issued by Nina Wakeman:
In order to avoid any incorrect information being published as regards Rick's current health problems, Nina, after consultation with a senior Consultant at Nobles Hospital on the Isle of Man, has issued the following statement.
On the morning of August 13th, Rick experienced breathing difficulties and chest pains upon his return to the Isle of Man following a trip to Glyndebourne with Richard Lyttelton, President of EMI Classics.
His condition worsened throughout Friday and on Saturday evening Rick collapsed unable to breathe and with serious chest and head pain.
Nina phoned for a Doctor, who shortly after arriving at the Wakeman home, telephoned for an ambulance and in the early hours of Sunday August 16th, Rick was admitted to Ward 8 (Medical Ward) at Nobles Hospital, where he was diagnosed as having advanced pneumonia and pleurisy. He was also displaying symptoms of Legionnaires disease for which he was also treated.
Rick remained in a serious condition until late Tuesday when the intravenous antibiotic treatment began to take a serious hold of the illness.
He was taken off of oxygen on Wednesday morning.
Rick was discharged on Monday 24th August but has a six week programme of rehabilitation ahead of him. He also has to return to hospital for numerous blood checks and X-rays during this period.
Rick has been told that his lifestyle has to change. 18-20 hour days are a thing of the past, as are long gruelling consecutive date tours. Also, in order to avoid strain on his heart, lungs and associated organs, he has been ordered to reduce his weight to 14 stone (196 lbs) as soon as possible.
This has meant a tremendous rescheduling of the "Return" recording and to this extent, both Nina and Rick are extremely grateful for the kindness and understanding shown by everyone at EMI Classics, The London Symphony Orchestra, David Snell, CTS Studios Wembley, Guy Protheroe & The English Chamber Choir, in rearranging their timetables, all of which are extremely full.
They wish to extend special thanks to Sue Mallet of the LSO, Michaela Terry of EMI Classics, Pat Dodds of CTS and the Musicians Union for their invaluable help during this difficult time.
Rick & Nina would also like to thank Frank and Carolyne Rodgers at The Product Exchange and Candy Atcheson for overseeing all these changes.
There is no doubt that this serious illness has placed many question marks over Rick's future and the reality of what he will be able to do in the future will only really be known after "Return" is completed and released and worldwide concerts have been undertaken.
In the meantime, the November Italian tour has been cancelled although the October recording will go ahead with Mario Fasciano with Adam Wakeman taking over the musical director's role from Rick.
The end of November will see the rescheduled orchestral and choir sessions. It is still envisaged at this stage that the release date of January 18th can be met.
January 16th is still planned as the premier live performance of "Return" with venue and concert details to be announced by the middle of September.
Finally, both Nina and Rick would like to thank everybody for the hundreds of cards, flowers, messages and prayers that have poured in, in spite of them trying to keep it quiet.
Nina Wakeman, Isle of Man, 26th August 1998
In reponse to the many emails I've received, if you wish to send a message to Rick, please address it to getwell@rwcc.com
Please note that you will *not* receive a reply from Rick, but he *will* read and appreciate your thoughts.
Regards,
Wayne
Just found this factoid in an interview with Dave Cousins, originally published in the Strawbs fanzine "Jamming" and republished on the web on the
Strawbs website
Jamming: Were you in the studio with Rick (Wakeman) when he did the piano parts?
Dave Cousins: Yes, but we ran into a problem - the tracks were out of tune with the piano in the studio - and there was no varispeed machine, so we had to play the piano through a Leslie speaker to make it distorted so you wouldn't notice the fact
that it was out of tune, otherwise you would have heard the piano playing much more clearly.
---
Interesting! I don't recall hearing that story before.
Have fun!
Roy DeRousse (relayer@iname.com)
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
The Yes show at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, Alaska, on October 5, 1998, has been cancelled. Please contact the point of purchase for refunds: in Alaska the number is 1-800-GRT-SEAT (1-800-478-7328); elsewhere it's 907-263-2787. Yes regrets the cancellation, and sends their sincere apologizes for any inconvenience.
However, Yes' tour throughout Asia is still being planned. The routing is not complete and there are no tentative dates at this time.
For information of collectors:
The Acoustic Adrian Belew (1995), Exiles of David Cross (1997) and Bruford Levin Upper Extremeties (1998) were reissued in Russia two weeks ago. Wetton's Archangel was reissued in May. Belew's and Wetton's albums are reprints of the Japanese versions; they have bonus tracks. In June, an independent Russian label reissued album Rise and Shine (1988) of Belew's old band The Bears. It also contains two bonus tracks from The Bears' debut album. In April, all three albums of U.K. were released in Russia on a double-CD.
According to what is written on the back covers of all these albums, they were produced on a license from original Japanese or Western record companies. A couple of years ago complete collection of King Crimson albums (from "In the Court..." through "Vroom") was released in Bulgaria and sold in Russia on six (!) CDs. Vol.5 of the collection, for instance, contained "Discipline" and "Beat", and Vol.6 - "Three of a Perfect Pair" and "Vroom". Most probably the release of these "collection" was a piracy. Send me a private message if interested in receiving these rarities.
Also - I am looking for fellow collectors of bootlegs of Yes and other "progressive rock" artists (Genesis, King Crimson, Marillion, Fish, Rush, UK, Bruford, Karn, Torn, etc.) and would like to offer some of my bootlegs for trade or sale.
Here they are:
Yes (USA 76 - with Bruford and Wakeman), Genesis (3 titles), Bowie (BBC Recordings 1969-1972), Rush (USA 89), Roxy Music (London 79), John McLaughlin & Carlos Santana (New York, 73), Pat Metheny (USA 79), Blondie (London 80, with Robert Fripp), Neil Young (3 titles), Nirvana (San Diego, 1991; NYC, 1993; + 1 more), Steve Harley and the Cockney Rebel (1974-75; Brighton, England, 1989), John Lennon (demos and outtakes), Clapton (3 titles), and... about a hundred of other titles of other bands.
Send me a private message if you need a full list.
Alexander Domrin
(post@rflr.ru; expert@jurfak.spb.ru)
Awaken Magazine
1st issue coming out in January 1999!!!
Tri-yearly (Jan/May/Sept)... $15/year U.S. ( $20/year International)
Contributions wanted! (see below)
Regular features to include: "The Meeting" fan experiences, "The Calling" Yes-stuff exchange, Fans Write-In, currents, interviews, reviews, Solo Works, and photos too!!!
Subscriptions will be accepted beginning in September 1998...
For further information Email: AwakenMag@aol.com
Or send your subscription, Check or Money Order payable to: Awaken Magazine
Awaken Magazine
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Diana Hatsis
-Editor
Awaken Magazine
"Ascend & Create..."