Gem

saw the "boys" from the second row at the "joint" hard rock casino in las vegas. This was my first time in this concert hall. if you ever get a chance, go see a concert here (preferably YES). the capacity is only around 1400 and everyone is very close to the stage. The Stones have played here before also and this hall has become the place to see rock concerts in vegas. truly a memorable experience. really makes u feel like it is a special invite concert. anyway, the group looked a little travel weary but did they ever kick ass. Close to the edge was the highlight. Younger YES fans were in awe as they mentioned it was the first time they saw the song live.

jon, struggled with his voice on the first two numbers; but then he appeared his old self from there on. he mentioned it was great to be back in vegas and that after the show all of us would make a lot of money at the tables after the concert. of course, everyone chuckled knowing the odds of beating vegas. he was wearing what looked like a bowling glove on his left wrist indicating maybe a slight injury of some type.

at the end of roundabout, as the show ended, the group struck a few bars of "viva las vegas" in tribute to the concert setting. Steve and Chris were never better. There was never a doubt that both were in total control of their respective instruments and leads. What was really neat was at the end of the show, the group took their bows in unison to a standing ovation. Chris looked at Steve, they winked and shook hands. That was very moving to see. It was two professionals congratulating each other knowing they kicked ass and that their success is dependent on one another.

Shortly thereafter, the rest of the group members responded in a similar manner.

The setlist was identical to other previous shows with some minor revisions to arrangements. As the crowd left the "joint" concert hall which opened into the casino, an outsider (age - late twenties) asked us who was playing. Someone said YES. His response was that you could here them through the concert hall walls and people were commenting how awesome that group sounded "in there". .........