Legendary progressive rock band, Yes performed three albums penned during their breakout period in the 1970s in their entirety at ACL Live at the Moody Theater Wednesday; "Close to the Edge", Going for the One and "Yes the Album". The British rockers played crowd-pleasing song, "Roundabout" as an encore (see video below). A packed room of enthusiastic Yes fans hooted and hollered their appreciation throughout the two and half hour show.
The band has a long history of line-up changes and the current edition of Yes is no exception. Newest member (and only American), Jon Davison who joined the band last year, sang flawlessly, which is a challenge considering the high notes he had to reach. Davison is much younger than the rest of the group. His energy and passion for Yes' prog-rock roots gave the aging act a welcome boost. The rest of line-up consisted of founding member, Chris Squire (bass), Steve Howe (guitar), Alan White (drums) and Geoff Downes (keyboards).
An impressive light show accompanied a set that began with 19-minute opus "Close to the Edge" the title track of an album often considered the band's best studio effort by devoted prog-rock fans. The song highlighted Howe's masterful guitar work and demonstrated Yes' still relevant musical genius. A number of successful progressive rock acts including Rush, Tool and The Mars Volta have been influenced by Yes. The band spawned Emerson Lake and Palmer. and former member, Bill Bruford worked with progressive rock peers, King Crimson.
Set highlights included "Siberian Khatru", "Going for the One", "Starship Trooper" and "I've Seen All Good People" in addition to the aforementioned encore (see setlist below). Howe's exceptional guitar work was matched by the Downes incredible and complex keyboards, White on the drums and Squire playing a three-necked guitar at times. Much of the material presented was, indeed, complicated as indicated by the current band members.
Steve Howe says, “These albums we all easily agreed on--they are complete works in themselves,” adding that several of the songs have rarely been performed live. “I believe the only song not performed in concert is ‘A Venture’ from The Yes Album,” says Chris Squire, “And probably the most tricky of all the songs planned for this set is ‘Turn of the Century’ from the Going for the One album.” Alan White believes “This is a great opportunity to show the growth of YES in these different eras--and to relive the memories of these times.” - ACL Live
Setlist:
Intro / Firebird Suite
(Igor Stravinsky)
Close to the Edge
Close to the Edge
And You and I
Siberian Khatru
Going For The One
Going for the One
Turn of the Century
Parallels
Wondrous Stories
Awaken
The Yes Album
Yours Is No Disgrace
Clap
Starship Trooper
I've Seen All Good People
A Venture
Perpetual Change
Encore:
Roundabout
Yes will continue their North American tour in Grand Prairie, TX (near Dallas) tonight through April before heading to South America. Remaining U.S. and Canadian dates are listed below:
03/21 Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre
03/22 Biloxi, MS Hard Rock Live - Biloxi
03/24 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Live Arena
03/25 Ft. Lauderdale, FLMSC Poesia
03/30 Melbourne, FL Maxwell C. King Center for the Perf. Arts
04/02 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
04/03 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
04/05 Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand at Foxwoods
04/06 Hampton, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
04/07 Bethlehem, PA Sands Bethlehem Event Center
04/09 New York, NY Beacon Theatre
04/11 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
04/12 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
Tickets and more information are available on the Yes tour page.
Special thanks to Keitha Spears and Tony Cruz.
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