This concert is special to me for several reasons. A fabulous performance, a great venue, a good time with Yes friends – and, above all, the fact that I appear briefly on ‘Yesspeak: The Director’s Cut’ movie. I’m looking studious while all around me bop away furiously for ‘I’ve Seen All Good People’ (00:41 and 5:31, next to Andy Oretsky and John Connor, who had come over to the UK from the US for the tour).

Yours is No Disgrace’ was dropped at the end again for this concert. Overall, however, the show was electric. I watched the first half of the gig from the rear bank on the left (Steve Howe’s side). But then for the second half Andy and John squeezed me in by them in the stalls, and I managed to be centre front row for the encore. A fantastic experience. The monitor sound melts into your ears.

A truly fantastic performance by Yes.No doubt you have read the many reviews and setlists posted so I will write a different perspective on the evening.
This was my fourteenth visit to a Yes concert.I was very fortunate in that I managed to obtain front row seats right under Jon Anderson.
I had purchased these the minute they had gone on sale back in January so I was eager to see this show knowing I would have the best view available.
Just a few minutes before the show started my friend and I were approached by one of the Yes management team who asked if we would be prepared to move eight seats to the right (just under Chris Squire).He politely pointed out that it was up to us but if we agreed we could have aftershow backstage passes to meet the band as a thank you.Tough decision? Not really.How could we say no.
After the most awesome of performances including And You And I and Awaken we were backstage in the hospitality room.
Amongst the small gathering waiting for the band were Oliver Wakeman (Ricks Son from his first marriage) and also Dan Wooding author of Rick Wakemans Caped Cruader autobiography.
Alan White was the first to enter the room,he happily posed for a photograph and signed autographs.
Next in was Rick,always a gentleman polite and obliging with photographs and autographs as always.I have met him many times and even did an interview with him once and I am always impressed with how nice and kind he is with everyone.
Steve Howe then entered wearing a black leather jacket and only stayed briefly although he ensured he signed everyone an autograph even stopping to ask if anyone else wanted a signature before leaving.
Finally Chris entered at the end with a Pint in his hand.I asked him if his finger was alright as during the show before he played The Fish he seemed to be in pain with it.He replied "Yeah I got a metal splinter in it and it was sore,then I had to do The Fish but the show must go on you know".
He then stood and had his picture taken with me and signed my programme.
Unfortunately Jon never showed,someone told me he hadn't the night before as his back still wasn't 100%.
A truly fantastic night which was rounded off with an opportunity of a lifetime to sample an hour behind the scenes.
Finally It was nice to see Eriko who had travelled from Tokyo for the UK tour get backstage courtesy of Andrew Wooding (Dans Son).
Eriko met all the band (again) and she was dressed in a kimono which all the band (except Jon) autographed for her.
Lets hope Yes keep making music and touring for many more years to come.

Re: Saw Wakeman put on some dark glasses for ITPO - and then take them off afterwards. What's that all about!!??

They are actually his reading glasses. "ITPO" and "Magnification" are the only songs he needs to check the sheet music for. Rick wasn't involved with the writing or recording of the 'Magnification' album.

I enjoyed the show greatly.

Chris seemed to be having some trouble with his left hand and also had some trouble with the tuning on his triple-neck during the quiet section of "Awaken" - he managed to re-tune mid song but didn't look to happy and had a few heated words with his roadie after the song.

Apart from that, it was great to see the classic five man line-up on stage. I paricularly enjoyed "Siberian Khatru", "South Side Of The Sky", "Heart Of The Sunrise" and (despite the tuning problems) "Awaken" - the ending of which was, as always, awesome.

On to Liverpool on Saturday!!!!

It was a first for me but I may now have been converted. They were excellent live and I really enjoyed the guitar solos. I wasn't familiar with all the songs but it was a great experience. I now understand why you all love YES. The music is powerful, uplifting and very, very moving.........

the reason why "gates" is not played is because RW does not particularly care for that era.

:)

It was our first yes gig, all three of us being 15, and despite the first half being a bit drawn out in a couple of places with newer material, we were completely blown away by the rest, especially the second half of the set. 'Heart of the Sunrise' was the highlight but we were a bit disappointed that ctte and starship trooper were not played. And why is gates of delirium never played?

Scattered thoughts the morning after:

Setlist as per first Hammersmith show (but without YIND. Bummer).

The show was filmed - I counted at least eight cameras so definitely a pro shoot. Christmas DVD anyone?

Relieved they didn't do Owner - as they have done in recent times when the cameras have been there.

Spent a small fortune on merchandise - always wanted a Fragile t-shirt and now I've got one.

Saw Wakeman put on some dark glasses for ITPO - and then take them off afterwards. What's that all about!!??

Overall, another barnstorming two-and-a-half hours spent in the company of the greatest band ever. Do they ever disappoint?