This post includes some talk of the setlist and the stage setup. Click to the next post if you don't want to know!
I have returned home to catch my breath for a few hours, read my mail and get ready to leave for Ft. Lauderdale. I will make an attempt at this. Feel free to click off this post as I go on and on...I have been accused of that before! This post is huge. Just my account and opinion.
The stage:
The stage is rather small...or crowded just a bit, but everyone has enough room. On either side, there are the 6 Homeworld symbols. Each is about 2-1/2 feet in diameter, painted silver and black, spaced out over 20 feet lighted by a spotlight, usually purple just underneath them. The Yes box logo, probably around 7' x 7' and in 3D, comes down as a backdrop halfway through he show and goes up and down maybe three times. Projected on a floor to ceiling solid white curtain are several different light shapes, blobs, ect. Moving rocks, rain falling, some grey and some color mixed in from time to time. The Ladder album cover, complete with the words "The Ladder" also is projected on this curtain for a few minutes during a song or two and then at the end of the show. Shameless plug, but who cares! The band is in their usual places with Jon's percussion gear located between Alan's riser and Igor...complete with a small keyboard and half sized gong. The amplifiers are covered with a thin white cloth that matches the front of the drum riser and Igor's riser. Same equipment for Billy, Steve and Chris as last year. Different light effects were used on Tuesday's show. More color also. The falling rain sequence looks hauntingly moody at the end of "Awaken." Great use of frontal lighting which always highlights Steve, Jon and Chris, with minimal spots on Billy and Igor, unless they were soloing. I have no idea why they do this as Billy is mostly bathed in red at the far side of the stage. Overall, the lighting is very good... Tuesday's performance was sharper with more overall color. Some small use of a medium speed strobe at one point. I have seen Yes over the past 26 years so this light show is OK, but not the best I have ever seen from them. No complaints, though
The Songs, The Band and Other Things:
The complete set lists have been posted before. The opening of the Firebird Suite with a montage of Yes pictures, old Logos, footage from old shows, still clips taken from past videos shown on the backdrop as the band approaches the stage is sensational! It is emotionally thrilling with Jon waving, Alan from 25 years ago...one, maybe two clips each of Trevor, Trevor, Geoff, Peter, Rick...then a few shots of Billy and Igor at the very end. Great addition to a Yes show. The history is so evident just as they walk on stage. The Ladder mixes well with the older material. "Yours Is No Disgrace" and "Perpetual Change" are good testaments to the early style that Yes was working on in the beginning. They both have aged well with "Perpetual Change" evoking many great yes memories for me personally. "Saying we have the whole world in our hand!" Jon soared here.
After "Homeworld," Jon does an audience sing along chorus of "Time and a Word." He also does the "We love when we Play" part from "Ritual" acapella. This was an emotional part of the evening for me. I could feel a lot of love surrounding me. OK, no tears just yet! On Tuesday evening, he also sang "The Leaves of Green" vocal part from "The Ancient." His voice cracked slightly at the beginning of it, but he recovered quickly. I though that Steve was going to play along a few chords with him, but Igor jumped in instead. It seemed unplanned. Steve soloed on Monday with a version of "Clap." He played a funny "inside-out" version of it, then about 2 minutes of the actual song. On Tuesday, he came out with his classical Martin and played a beautiful piece, reminiscent of "Classical Gas," then segued into "Mood For a Day." Here Steve's guitar sound, without the aid of special effects proves, without a doubt, that great guitar sound needs only to be amplified for a live show.
Both nights, I believe Steve's solos were to give Jon a break. They were written into the songlist for both nights and not just a spur of the moment thing. Steve Howe is a master guitarist and should never be missed in a live performance. Has he ever played for the Queen of England?
Cinema, minus Steve and Jon, Owner and Roundabout is the encore. The regular set closed with "Awaken," which is unreal if you have never heard it performed live and "I've Seen All Good People," Your Move." Jon will benefit from a day off today before doing three shows in a row. Although clear, his age, vocally, is showing. The new material is demanding for him, as he has a lot of vocals to do especially with the new songs, "Homeworld" in particular. "Hearts" is another gem played with true passion and true to form from the "Big Generator" album, not like the "Change We Must " version from Jon. I was disappointed that they (Steve?) does not let Billy play the second lead in the song.
Jon is such true professional on stage. His technical use of the microphone and stage instruments is astounding. Witnessing a seasoned stage veteran in his element, Jon is such a joy to see in concert. He plays assorted percussion during "Perpetual Change" including keyboards. The tambourine he plays in "Awaken" is a double. A tambourine in side of one. It looks custom made and sounds fantastic. If someone can tell me what that pod looking instrument he uses in the beginning of "Homeworld" is, please do as I have no clue.
Igor is a perfect fit for this band. His playing is suburb and he compliments the guys in a unique style. He is not trying to overpower the sound or play differently than his Yes keyboard predecessors. Igor provides respectful, similar and familiar sounds to the older Yes classics, while adding his own talents, which are immense, to the new material. He is having so much fun on stage too! Singing little "do's...do's" with Jon, waving to the audience, rocking his head back and forth. Igor rules! (as I so aptly shouted at the end, couldn't help myself). Igor is Yes. There, I said it. No pompous ego. Just a quality musician doing his job. I hope he will be the last keyboard player to perform with Yes. I ran into his stage tech, Will, at the hotel and during conversation, I mentioned that some have said (here and on other "opinion" boards...) that Igor is too low in the mix and can't always be heard. From my 8th row seats, I heard him just fine on Monday, but he was a little down on Tuesday in spots. His tech told me that Igor's stage volume is very loud and they have to keep him balanced with the other sounds coming from the stage. I did see Jon motion several times to the techs on stage right to turn him up on both nights. Oh yeah, his hair is cut short now! Igor is living large traveling the world. His future is very bright, indeed.
To say that Alan is "as solid as ever," or "he is the backbone of Yes, etc," doesn't do this musician justice. Alan's playing is so integral to the sound of Yes, he simply doesn't get enough credit for his percussion skills. His equipment is impeccable and his drums are the absolute finest sounding, perfectly toned instruments I have ever heard. He knocks himself out and gives it all he has. Alan's cymbals must be the finest in the world and he uses them brilliantly. Give Alan his due. While at times his playing seems simplistic, he really provides a solid rhythmic sound in concert. He looks great too, although I'd loose the purple belt. He also needs to get out in the sun a little more! LOL
Chris Squire needs a huge hug from all of us. That's my impression. He needs attention and deliberately positions himself at the end of the show so he is the last one off stage, at least he did this these two nights. Chris blows me away. I believe he is the finest bassist I have ever seen. He is using several basses this time out including his famed triple neck for "Awaken." It was a slight distraction when he walks out with it while Jon is singing the beginning to "Awaken." Chris is a master on the bass guitar. I also hear him singing more now than last year and his voice is still strong and clear. A perfect blend with both Jon and Billy. He pays attention to Igor and Billy, going over to them several times during the show. he was playfully kicking Igor off the stage on Tuesday at the end, mainly reserving the "last look" for himself! Chris is a great guy. He needs all the love wecan give him!
I had an opportunity to meet the band, again. I chatted with Jon about his and Alan's charity show in Clearwater, Florida back in August. He said, "It was crazy...mostly noise!" Alan said that some kids from the Angelus House would be in attendance on Monday. They were, but with seats kinda far away. Speaking with the kids after the show, it was apparent they had a great time.
We got all the usual autographs and handshakes. Chris was impressed that my son called him "Mr. Squire." I said it was good upbringing! He gave me a wry smile. It was a funny moment, one Chris has forgotten I'm sure!
Chris looks great in his kickers, white rolled down socks and boots. Ya gotta love him! Should be interesting seeing him on Saturday after they play the HOB and he drives to Jacksonville. LOL A "cabaret" or so he says. Billy looked to be wearing an Armani style jacket off stage, with tight brushed satin pants and a tailor made, long sleeve sweater/shirt. No wild "Shaquille O'Neil " sneakers this time out! Black boots with silver buckles. Billy is playing great too. He is still too low in the mix and underused but he really adds much to the sound. He still looks like a billboard for Carvin at times. LOL He plays Trevs parts in "Hearts" and "Owner." He steps to the front while soloing during "Hearts," but Steve claims the end solo on the Fender Steel and robs Billy of his one chance to let it rip for an entire song. Give the guy a break! Let him shine through. Having chatted with Billy for a while, again, before the sound check, he is such a nice guy. Someone you could really hang out with. He made a strong impression on my son, who is also a guitar player. Billy looks like a rock star without all the disgusting ego attached to lesser musicians. He has dyed his hair jet black but it looks great. He "turbo moused" it before the show! LOL I like Billy a lot and try to convey that to him whenever I see him or in concert.
Steve is driving around in the same white Mercedes wagon like before. I mentioned to Steve that I had heard that he had some technical problems in Atlanta Saturday night. He paused, looked up in the air for a few seconds, then looked at me and said, "You know, a musician can only get.....as good....as he can be at any given moment. That's all." I think Steve and I aren't friends any more! Even when I spoke to his guitar tech later he said that
they "all" had some technical problems in Atlanta, but that is why they were did an extensive sound check, to "fix things." Alan arrived in Lincoln Town Car driven by someone else. Jon and Billy came in a hotel van. It was fun time chatting with the guys and meeting other Yes fans. Meeting them outside a hall is OK. I never was a groupie, hanging outside to get an autograph before or after a show. But it was fun. Billy will talk for ever! Igor was already inside, so, unfortunately, I couldn't talk with him this time.
Merchandise for sale consists of mouse pads with The Ladder cover on them and black Yes logo mugs (good size too!) for $15.00. Black, white and blue tie-dyed T's for $27.00 each. A Yes demi shirt and sweater, both with the box logo. The tourbook is outstanding! Many old photos of ticket stubs, concert memorabilia, studio pictures of the guys, an extensive account of the bands history, covers of every tourbook since 1970 and a collage of many Yes pictures taken from the last few tours. It is worth the $15.00 for serious Yes heads! There is a caricature of the 6 guys that is very funny. Buy the tourbook just for that! It truly captures them just as they are! I saw many people buying and wearing new stuff. Everything is the current (...not really new) "box" Yes logo. Nothing has the old logo on it.
Well, that was about it. We had a wonderful time, the hotel was directly across the street, Yes fans everywhere for two solid days of music and Yes fun. I met some wonderful Yes fans from as far away as Dallas and as close as 2 miles away. I will be seeing Yes in Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow, then Orlando Friday (HOB...that should be fun standing up), then Jacksonville on Saturday.
All in all, a great show by a great band. It is so magical when they play together. Don't miss them this time out as you will not be disappointed. Spend some time, give them the accolades they deserve and share the love with all around you. That's what we're here for.
This the longest post I have ever written about anything to anyone! I hope you didn't mind.
Just happen to be web surfing and came across this pre concert newspaper article in Jacksonville ... as we all know ... the concert has gone by ... but thought some of you might care to take a look at the small press article. Steve
YES
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St.
Tickets: $37 and $44.50
Information: (904) 355-2787 or (904) 353-3309
Florida Theatre to rock with classic sounds of Yes, Styx
By John Carter
Times-Union staff writer
Get ready for a heavy shot of classic rock this week at the Florida Theatre.
The British band Yes will perform Saturday on the same stage that will be occupied by American heartlanders Styx just a few days later, on Thursday. Combined the two groups have about six decades of performing experience.
"I suppose, after all these years, it's still a worthy job," said Yes guitarist Steve Howe by phone from London. "We hope so anyway. I've begun to believe that touring is inbred in me."
It must be. He's been doing it for nearly four decades, since he was 14.
Yes has been together (on and off) for 30 years, debuting as the opening act for Cream's farewell concert at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1969.
Yes' adventurous arrangements, spiked with Howe's classical-sounding guitar work and Jon Anderson's soaring vocals, created quite a stir in the early '70s with tunes like Yours is No Disgrace, Starship Trooper and I've Seen All Good People.
Masterworks like Roundabout and Long Distance Runaround - especially when played in darkened bedrooms illuminated by blacklight and lava lamps - were absolutely mind-blowing.
"Sometimes when the audience is singing along on the big songs, we get this enormous choir accompanying us - whether we want it or not," Howe said.
"That's what just happened to us in Australia - a bit over the top actually like this giant drone. It'll be nice go get to the United States where people join along singing just here or there, but not throughout," he said, chuckling.
Howe used to get a little freaked out by live concerts, which, he said, can be magical or mundane for seemingly inexplicable reasons. Now he tries to even things out.
"It's sort of the Zen idea that these experiences are my arrows. I'm just firing another arrow. It's not a particularly special arrow, just one more. But since all the arrows are the same, there's no reason not to expect every one to hit the middle of the target."
'
Pretty cosmic, huh?
An individual named Colm Rowan recently contacted me to inform me about some artwork of Jon's, and I thought I'd pass along the information. Back in 1995, Jon released his lithograph of "Sunhillow". They have been trying to get the word out since, but it's been slow. Image Makers Art is Jon's publisher for this artwork, so you won't see it at OpioWorld. It's a *beautiful* piece of artwork - an offset lithograph in a numbered edition of
875 with Jon's pencil signature. Check it out!
The Image Maker's Art website is: http://store.imagemakersart.com/ and Jon's piece of artwork can be seen at: http://stores.mindspring.com/cgi-bin/ePages.storefront/910461102/Product/View/3516&2D8329.
Check out what this reviewer says about Yes' Roundabout in this "Outside Providence" CD review.
This chat with Jon and Chris was much better than the last one. More in-depth, technical questions and stuff about lyrics, Drama, new album.. no cheesy questions about tv shows!
One funny response came from Chris (I think). Someone asked something about Wakeman and he said that was back in the days when Wakeman was performing "Henry the VIII On Ice".. have to get the transcript, they were both very jovial and accomodating.
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From: Zen Cat36 - Oct. 24
Well, they played LS, TM, and F2F from the new cd.. Probably the only time I'll hear anything new on our radio stations. And the songs sounded great on radio!
Steve and Jon talked about their blues influences and the host, Dan Ackroyd, played lots of other groups.. but good exposure for the new cd. Ackroyd said the band is "hotter than ever" and the tour is "smoking" so.. every little bit helps :)
Eventually I will be adding a page to my website with captions, etc.
Yahoo FINALLY put up the chat transcript from Sept. Here's the link: YES chat Yahoo http://chat.yahoo.com/c/events/transcripts/special/091799yes.html
Great to see all of you guys in Myrtle Beach and Atlanta! The shows were
awesome!!!!!
Hey Folks, Maybe it's not too late for those who didn't pick it up.....Jon is included ( with small photo ) in a USA Today story ( Friday edition...todays paper ). The story is on music used in computer / video games.
Steve is on the cover of December's issue of Vintage Guitar. He does a two and a half page interview. Included in the same paper is an interview with my friend Michael Bruce ( of the Alice Cooper Group...before Alice went solo....long story....) One more thing is a full page ad for the new Bruce Cameron CD "Midnight Daydream", in which Michael and the drummer for the Cooper Group, Neal Smith, appear on. Sad news regarding Bruce Cameron. He committed suicide last Saturday ( the 16th). From hearing Midnight Daydream, I can say that the world lost a truly talented musician. May he rest in peace.
I saw Yes 5 times this past week. Just a couple of slight changes in the set list.
Firebird (the best firebird opening ever for Yes IMHO with the video montage playing...when Jon comes on the screen...smiling...it's the best!)
Disgrace
Jon sings the chorus to TAAW
Homeworld
Perpetual Change
Lightening Strikes
Jon sings excerpt form "The Ancient" Leaves of Green (Tampa 10-19-99 only)
New Language (The Messenger -Jacksonville 10-18-99 Only)
Jon sings the chorus from Ritual
And You And I
Steve Solo (Alternated each night between Ram, a half version of "Clap" and "Mood For A Day" some stuff from Steve's solo album and at the HOB in Orlando, he played a song from his album "Beginnings" ...the name escapes me right now.
It Will Be A Good Day
Face To Face
Hearts
Nine Voices
Awaken
Your Move - All Good People
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Encore -
Cinema
Owner
Roundabout (No middle section)
Small ending Jam each night. At the HOB in Orlando, they did a 3 minute jam with Jon singing, "Have ya heard the news? ...Yes played the House Of Blues!"
Bows from the band with Igor trying to incite a small riot and standing ovation amidst screams and cheers.
I made my "huge post" about the Tampa shows prior to this, not required reading...LOL. Thanks to those who said "thanks" to me for posting it. I like to share. It's the only way to be.
Thursday night, 10-21-99 in Ft. Lauderdale, despite what others have said here, was an off night for the band. I say this having seen them twice earlier in the week and by talking to several Yes veterans and a few guys who are with the band. It was Yes, but they were taken back by the rowdy crowd. I was 8 feet from the stage, behind Jon's wife ("You better by the new album Jane") and could actually talk to Chris and Billy from my seat. In other words, I could see what was going on. In the first few rows of people, there were the most obnoxious. Boisterous, undisciplined assholes I have ever seen. Not everyone, but several. Some were actually scary. Screaming at the top of their pot smoked lungs at Jon and Steve. The band was trying to be professional and polite and achieved that at times, but overall it was insane. Some who were there will disagree with me and that's fine. I have my opinion, you have yours. The guys sitting next to us were smoking crack. 2nd. row, 8 feet from Steve soloing, (Steve, by the way, was not at his best...it was just one of those nights when everything he tried was kinda disjointed) ...or Jon singing or trying to talk..which he just gave up at times, and here are these guys smoking crack and weed. Scary. If anyone wants a more detailed explanation of my version of this show, email me. I have a boot of the show to bear me out on some of this stuff. It's one thing to want to voice your approval of a band, but the lack of respect for Yes as musicians and artists was the order of the evening. I would be very surprised if they ever play that area again. Let's stand up and scream at someone 10 feet from their face. Jon smiled, but then turned and looked at Chris and frowned in disgust. Anyway...
I was able to enjoy myself to some degree, but it was the worst of the 5 shows I saw. All my opinion, of course.
Orlando HOB was the next night. What a difference one day makes! The band was tight and the sound mix was the best I have ever heard, well..except for my "Tales Quad" experience. PeabodyMatt knows what I mean...:) Steve was sensational! He made up for Thursday night in Lauderdale. I was worried that the HOB gig would suck because it was "Yes in a bar." I was dead wrong. It was like a club with everyone up close, but you could see the band as the HOB stage is up high. The guys shined. Every night, there are mistakes, small things here and there, but they cover well. In another post (can ya stand it?) I'll talk about some little things and observations that I made. Overall, Yes at the HOB was very good and everyone there had a great time. If you are in Orlando, don't miss seeing anyone at the HOB as it is a great place.
Jacksonville,10-23-99, was a very good night for Yes. Jon was at his most intense so far. Concentrating, listening, being patient with the audience, who, for the most part, was very well behaved and respectful. Jacksonville should be proud of they way they conducted themselves. A great old, refurbished theater built in 1926 and the sound was CD quality from where I was sitting (8th. row). Wonderful evening of Yes music. A small change in the set list, excluding "New Language" but substituting "The Messenger" instead. The band, again, will benefit from a day off before they get to New Orleans. Will Alexander, Igor's technician, said I could go with the band but he'd have to stash me in the luggage compartment under the bus bathroom urinal. It crossed my mind! LOL
What a great week of Yes. Very special friends, made new friends and met several faces to go with screen names! Many hundred miles on my new car, my wallet is a bit lighter, but my heart is fuller. I will be remembering this week for years to come. I wish we all here on this board could go to one full week of Yes together. Sorry I missed out in MB and Atlanta. Seeing yes fans, some old, some young, some YesWest, some pre-Fragile, some tie-dyed, some chino's and jackets, all made for a wonderful week. If anyone is out there debating on if they should see them this time out because of the set list, expenses, ect. Don't miss this tour. They are so very proud of "The Ladder" and welcome our support. You WILL have a good day!
OK..you can wake up now! I will answer any questions if ya contact me, here or by mail. I will also try to make a small review to Yesworld anyone cares!
Sincere thanks to all who made my week a very special one. "Yes" music will live forever in my heart. I am so glad to be alive!
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