My first Yes concert ever. I was a 20 years old piano student in a Conservatory. What an evening for me after studying Chopin and Rachmaninoff. The venue was a velodrome for cyclists. My seat was 6th row about on the Howe’s side. Before the concert started, I had to chase out two women who took the places of my brother and mine. The show began with the brave singer Donovan which I knew from softy songs and his mouth harmonica. What an idea to share Yes and this guy after each other on the same platform? The only thing I can remember is that my ears were full of sssssissssing sounds of the decibels he had produced. And then, after a break, came the magical moment to be confrontated with the 5 musicians of YES. Since I had learned the album “Close to the edge” on my 15, the love for their music has growth. The new album “Going for the one” was full of energy and musical ideas that it was a dream to see them doing it live. From the beginning with “Parallels”, I felt the power and the belief in their own music. To my surprise “Turn of the century” really took me very hard from the emotional side. Even more than the studio version. Also was “Going for the one” a great powerful moment to hear it live in a dizzy tempo. I heard “Close to the edge” for the first time and couldn’t believe my ears that it was all done in real time. And I was sooooooo jealous not to be Rick on his keyboards. He impresses me so hard to play with so much ease and virtuosity. This evening changed my opinion completely about rock concerts. Thanks to my father who has arranged my tickets.

Koen Dejonghe, Belgium