Doug Walsh

Well, here I am, having just got home from the second night in Tokyo, but I promise to be more consise than last night's review. The setlist was mostly the same ( but more on that a little later........seriously, keep reading!!!!!!) but tonight my seat was in a different area, which affected my perception of the show. Last night's sound, from the upper level ( correction to last night's review - there are only 2 levels as such in the venue, as level 0ne is directly behind the floor level behind the mixer) was a bit boomy, and Steve tended to get lost in the mix, but tonight on the first level, the sound was great and Steve was as clear as a bell. Either they fixed the mix, or my position changed my perception of the mix, but either way, the sound was spot on.
The light show is different from the lower level too, and tonight showed how amazing a light show can be when presented simply. The lights enhanced the mood of the music, as the lighting guy obviously knew the music well.

The first couple of sets proceeded in the same way that last night's gig did, although the band seemed tighter. Songs like 'Heart Of The Sunrise' and 'And You And I' were really nailed tonight, and the playing and interplay between the instruments was terrific. Even 'Tulip', the Japanese folk song that Jon had a crack at last night seemed more assured, although once again he only did a couple of verses before stopping, and breaking into 'Show Me'.

For the second night running 'Awaken' left me in tears, but instead of still being devasted when Yes came back for the encores, tonight something distracted me.

When they come back out for the encore, Jon announced that tonight they are doing a special request, 'for the first time today at least'.

'Aha', thinks me. 'All Good People again, just like last night'.

Alan hits the drums,and Steve launches into 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart'.

I'll say that again.

Alan hits the drums,and Steve launches into 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart'.

Yup, 'Owner Of A Fxxxxxg Lonely Heart'!

The band had dinner last night with Mr. Udo, the top Japanese promoter, and it looks to me a lot like he made a polite request that couldn't be ignored, such is the respect for him here ( he brought the Beatles out in 1966 ) Steve actually seemed to be enjoying his solo, and Rick's solo was great - surely the first time that this line-up has ever had a crack at this?
The crowd loved it, and were on their feet all through the song, and then Yes follow this up with a cracking 'Roundabout' and then it's time for home again.
I would doubt that tomorrow night's Yokohama gig will have this track, but you never know - I'll get back to you then!
Your roving Far East reporter - Doug Walsh ( notdixon@ihug.com.au )