Now, after over 6 years from the show and one month before the next show in Poland I think this particular concert was the best experience I ever had. I was 15 then and this was my first rock concert. Yes was the ultimate band, I didn't really know much other music back then and Jon, Steve, Chris, Alan and Rick were my idols. It was like a dream to see and hear them live. Now, 6 years from the date I think this was my best concert experience...
czik-czik
Now, after 29 days I can say a few words about my feelings about the gig. I feel satisfied. It was my second Yesshow, the first one was Spodek, Katowice 2001 (Yessymphonic), which for me was PERFECT, and better than this one, with Rick, which was also pretty good. It didn't blew my mind, really, but it had some great MOMENTS (moments! moments, moments, moments, momeeeeeeents...). Moments like AYAI ( for me, one of the most beautiful songs in the word, although in Spodek with orchestra it sounded better...), like Awaken (as above, with Soon, TBOver and TOTCentury, but it WAS the BEST version I've heard!!!) like To Be Over from Steve's acoustic set (what a surprise! I just couldn't say a word...), like South Side (this dialogue)... But it has also its disadvantages, such as:
1.lack of Revealing. I've waited all my life for this moment moment... 2.For about first fifteen minutes of the concert the sound was bad, Steve's guitar was too loud (and it hurted my ears, especially in DKTW:(), Rick's keabords was too quiet, there was a little sound chaos. 3.Steve's playing wasn't very well, he had problems with articulation, (in Katowice he was better, and also looked better and younger) 4.Jon's voice wasn't shining 'brighter than before', it was a bit flat (he sure sang better in Spodek :))
Apart from that, the concert was great, and now I'm going to focus on particular MOMENTS (moments moments...):
Firebird Suite - here they come, firstly some of the audience were still talking, because they just didn't know what is going on. Those who knew just stood up, happily there were more such people and soon they gave the band a standing ovation Siberian Khatru - in my opinion they sc...ed up this number, bad sound + Steve's problems with the guitar + Jon's problems with voice... Not a very good mixture Magnification/ DKTW - it was pretty good, except the sound problems In The Presence Of - great, even without orchestra. Rick made it himself and I admire him for that We have heaven/SSOTS - We have heaven was a very nice surprise and SS knocked me out! what a dialogue! What MOOGS!!! AYAI- as I wrote before. Brilliant but... TBOver/Second Initial - TBO was also a great surprise. Moving. Tearjerking (in a positive sense) Show Me - nice acoustic song, nothing more Rick Solo - This part of Rick's playing, for me, was the least breathtaking. I admire him for making a great background and playing just what he should in the right place. Of course, it's amazing how fast he can play something, and it was nice that he played Six Wives... HOTS - this magnifficent number here didn't sound so great as I hoped it will. Jon's voice didn't shine like it should. But it was OK. LDR/Whitefish - whitefish was boring for me. Chris shown he's a good showman but he didn't play anything interesting for me Awaken - ORGASMIC! MARVELOUS! STOPENDOUS! I can't say anything else... Roundabout - Quite OK. It may have sounded better than in Katowice. Starship Trooper - great but it might have sound heavier in WURM. Of course, everything that I wrote that is OK is jyst great though I love all these numbers and I know they could play them better. That's all. I hope Yes will soon come back and play Revealing and play Sound Chaser or Hearts or Time and a word!
Pacjusz
YES, it was a great show. I'm absolutely satisfied with the level of performence shown by the guys and I can hardly imagine anything better than this. Jon's voice shined even 'brighter than before' (it really gets better with age!), Steve played everything perfectly ('To be over' was simply magnificent!), Chris showed everyone how to use bass guitar properly during a rock show (Whitefish rules as always!), Alan was just perfect (yes, what a passion) and last but not least The Greatest Wizard - amazing Rick Wakeman who is just a genius (no more comments needed). The highlights of the show were: South Side of the Sky (with incredible jam in the last part of the song - Steve and Rick together!), Heart of the Sunrise (they love to play this), touching 'And You And I' and - of course - 'Awaken'. The funny moment was when someone from the audience shouted during Jon's speech abot his (probably) favourite topic 'LOVE': 'I love you'. Jon replied quickly and smartly: 'I love you, too'. It was just him ;) The crowd really enjoyed the gig. The band was warmly welcomed with a standing ovation just after 'Firebird suite' - what a great way to start the show. After the concert the members of YESOMANIA (polish YES fan club) were allowed to meet the band in Bristol restaurant (in famous polish hotel when YES spent a night). The meeting was great. Jon, Rick, Alan and Chris signed many items, talked to fans and shook many hands. It was a truly unforgettable night and I will never forget it. Please come back to Poland again as we love when you play!