Ralph Kisiel - Toledo Blade

Thursday, May 18, 2023 4:33 PM

"Sweltering Night Keeps City Fresh in the Memory of Yes"

Ralph Kisiel interviews YES drummer Alan White for the March 1, 1984 issue of Toledo Blade about their July 30, 1977 concert at the Toledo Sports Complex, and how that was part of the inspiration for lyrics to the song "Our Song" from "90125."

Robert Terry

Saturday, October 30, 2021 5:39 PM

Everyone remembers the heat. I remember the band's outfits particularly Chris Squire's black and white striped suit and white Rickenbacker bass. Also Alan White's North drums with the flared bottoms on all the toms. During the middle, subdued section of Awaken where the triangle, flute, and organ are featured, a backdrop was lowered and an image of a woman dancing in what I remember as a bed of red flames. Very, very James Bond opening credits kind of imagery. It was the summer before my senior year in high school. Yes also performed at Cobo Hall in Detroit, MI. a few weeks later on August 22 & 23. Can't remember which of the two but I was at one of those as well. What a time for radio, music and concerts. And how tragic is everything that's replaced it.

Someone mentioned what a dump the Toledo Sports Arena was. I can't entirely argue it wasn't, but it was my dump and many people cherished the concerts and better events they hosted there. I saw so many through high school and hockey games through 2006 or 2007. Saw the Toledo Storm's last game (as all the previous ones with my son!) before the demolition in 2007 and reflected through the years of all the shows I saw as leaving there for the last time. I'm glad I have a few pictures to accent the memories. Yes, a Dump of Dreams.

Bruce Duerringer

Friday, July 10, 2020 8:57 AM

I'm amazed to have found this website, which is a treasure trove of history related to YES. I was at the July 30, 1977 show at the Toledo Sports Arena, and as others have said the heat and humidity was oppressive. I clearly remember sitting in bleachers directly back from the stage, with my shirt off and sweat rolling down my chest. Hard to imagine that the band could play in those conditions.

Tim Riddle

Saturday, May 25, 2019 7:31 PM

The AC didn't"go out". The sweat Arena didn't have any.

Jim Masters

Monday, July 31, 2017 7:11 PM

My wife and I were celebrating our sixth anniversary. I remember a good but not great concert.

Curtis Mosser

Friday, June 16, 2017 4:55 PM

Went with a bunch of college friends from BGSU. We were on the floor. I remember all these guys having to carry their girlfriends out to the hall because it seemed like they were about to pass out from the heat. I had to get to the hallway, too. I started getting dizzy, but made it out to the hallway and sat down for a spell. What a dump that Toledo Sports Arena was.

Rolfe Porter

Friday, January 15, 2016 9:11 AM

I was centre, maybe 25 foot from the stage. I can remember being unimpressed with Donovan, don't know why maybe I was expecting more. I haven't tracked down a recording of the concert, the nearest I have found was the next one which was at Wembley, England. As for the heat, it had been hot and humid all summer, so I must have been getting use to it by then.

Steve Rogers (Beeflin)

Sunday, September 6, 2015 10:43 PM

According to the Wikipedia entry for "Our Song" (90125), this is the Toledo gig referred to in the lyrics.

Robert Stenger

Donavan opened. 1st show on the tour. It was a sweat box. Opened with Roundabout. I thought that was great cause the previous two year it was the encore. Not all the stage setup was there. Band commented on that. Played every song off going for the one except going for the one. The encore started with a video of a man slowly runing toward the audience. He kept getting larger and larger. I figured going for the one but they played Starship Trooper. Great Show. Lots of sweat.

Mike Ulrich

Oh Yea, I remember! My wife and brother and sister in law all wanted to leave before the concert even started. I said go ahead, but I've waited a long time for this event to happen and I wasn't going to miss it. I was soaked, and my new Levis Jeans faded through to my underware and legs.... Yea I'll never forget it, and on May 8,2004 I will see them again after almost 27yrs. at the Palace of Auburn Hills Michigan. Thanks to who put this web site together, it sure brings back some cool memories.....

Julie Sunderman

I am wondering if there is anyone out there that remembers the 1977 (I think that was the year) Toledo, Ohio concert when the AC went out and the entire place turned into a sweat bath. The floor was water, papers were stuck together, everyone, including the band members, looked like they had just gotten out of the swimming pool and Steve had a horrible time keeping his guitars tuned. The most amazing thing was the perseverance of YES as they kept playing, trying to give us their best. And the fans joined in not caring at all of the quality of sound or performance or any of the critic jargon, everyone was, well at least the bunch I was with, were happy just to be with our YES family. It turned out to be a concert never to forget. Anyone else remember that one???

Bob Ronau

I was standing front and center about fifteen feet from the stage. It was a brutally hot and humid night, as I recall, and Steve appeared to have trouble keeping his guitars tuned. The floor of the arena was actually damp from the humidity.

When the band came back [after 'Awaken'], Jon asked the crowd what they wanted to hear. I shouted out "South Side of the Sky." He looked down toward me (and many other people of course) and said, "Who said that?" Then the band played 'Starship Trooper'. Oh, well.

Pete Whipple

'Ram' is performed by the entire band except for Anderson

ZOLIAS

Saturday, July 30, 2022 6:54 AM

I honestly doubt they opened the show with Rondabout. The guy who said that must have been totally stoned..hahaha