Deni

Wow.

Putting the effort into going to see this was paid back fully! Us 4 old *ahem* men met up around noon and off we go to the wilds of Bristow/Manassas or where ever the hell this place is (we drove from NC).

Well, The Shriner's were loose on this one(!), although one of our number inevitably fell to the wayside while trying recapture old glories. 25% is an acceptable loss. Roadtrips may be more fun now than ever, seeing how they come around like Halley's comet. Many great Yes bootlegs were listened to along the way.

Arriving UFO: The weather is beautiful, the parking/traffic a non-issue. We're here.

The less said about the opening band, the better. As The Greasy Weasel put it: "Homey, this is like getting pulled over by the cops." We flee the pavillion to imbide and people watch.

Back in for the Main Event: 1st memory is Chris B saying "You know it's going to be a good rock show when the drumset gets an ovation." Then their off!

GFTO: Suprise! But lawd was the mix bad. Kinda freaked me. Didn't they soundcheck?

Sweet Dreams: More fader moves. I head for the head while the Sound Clown remediates. I know the best is yet to come.

All Good Peeps: Getting better. Rollicking version.

South Side: NOW we're talking. Mix is in! Hurt my neck from head-banging. What a heavy tune! The old-school Rick/Stevie tradefoffs at the end were fantastic! The concert has officially started.

CTTE: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Transcedental.

[Acst set] Hits and misses. Long Distance, Clap, Stories (stunning!) were exceptional. Swinging "Rondabout" and stale "Owner", puh-leeze!

AYAI: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Billowing.

Awaken: Almost too much info at this point. Felt like I was living the end of 2001: Space Odyssey. I dug in and held on for dear life.

Starship: Always one of my faves. Rocked it hard!

Anderson - Was in FINE voice. Hitting everything he was looking for.
Wakeman - MVP. It is NOWHERE the same without him. Still plays the old-school moogs. Loved it.
Squire - 2nd hardest-working man in the biz. Vocals were dead-on.
Howe - THE hardest-working man inthe biz! Dug all the tones and the elec sitar sounded great! Also did a fine vocal job.
White - They wouldn't rock as hard w/o him. Very exciting player.

Concert faves:
-the guy who yelled for "Don't Kill The Whale" during the acst set, prompting Jon to comment on the "enthusiastic but somewhat confused" person.
-the guy who "directed" all during "Awaken"! Good job!

Thanks Yesmen for one memorable evening of music!

Joe G.

I have been a life long Yes fan (seen shows in 77,78,80) and to be honest had not planned on going to see them on this tour. A kind person had given me a copy of the NYC show from this tour. I was blown away and I decided I had to check it out.

I attended with my 10 yr old son who has now become a major Yes fan. My primary observation regarding the music is these guys can still play! The music is timeless and it does not come off as a revival show in any way. None of the band members has even a hint of "going through the motions".

I did note that the set list only included material up to 1984 (Owner of a Lonely Heart) but this was my favorite Yes material. Not a marginal selection in the setlist at all!! I must admit I am not the biggest fan of the 1980s and 90s Yes material but I am learning to appreciate it more.

To me the performance came off as spirited and the audience was very receptive and appreciative. Not having any other experience with other shows this tour I can't say how differently it compared. Sound quality was good, although I might be tempted to say a little low on the mix for Steve. It was not overly loud. My experiences back in 77 & 78 (MSG & Spectrum respectively) I recall the sound being incredibly loud.

The visual experience of the show was great too. The Roger Dean designed set was exciting and at Nissan the band appeared to be more enveloped in the stage sculpture (like the Holmdel pictures) rather than in front of it (like MSG). The lighting on the inflatable sculptures was outstanding as well.

We had terrific seats for this show right behind the orchestra , on Rick's side R & slightly raised up. Perfect sightlines for a terrific show.

I too am greatly looking forward to the DVD of this tour. (Support Yes, buy the commercial releases!) I hope a live recording of this show turns up as well. (i did get a kick out of the tour book chronicling Yes's career in terms of bootleg releases)

John K

Why did I wait so long to see this band?? I've been a Yes fan quite a long time and this was my first show. I'm kicking myself!

I admit the main reason I attended this concert was the fact that I'm a huge Dream Theater fan. And while I've been into Yes since the late 70s, have never taken the opportunity to see a show. Something I really regret now.

Anywho, DT was amazing as usual. Even after seing them as many times as I have it never gets old. The setlist was perfect for the evening, performances were first rate and the crowd was most appreciative. Looking forward to the upcoming DVD out in October!

What can I say about Yes? I didn't realy know what to expect. I was completely mesmerized from the first note to the last. After Awaken (possibly my new favorite song), there was a standing ovation. In fact there were several times when the crowd jumped to their feet to show their appreciation. I wasn't expecting that level of energy and excitement! Well, I could go on and on about how amazing this show was. But don't take my word for it, seeing is believing.

John Sullivan

After having seen them in Philadelphia in May, I'd have to say that that was the superior show. They were more energetic, the set list more diverse; Steve even jumped in the air during "South Side." Having said that, the show last night at Nissan had a sense of humor and a relaxed feel to it that made it very enjoyable. Some stand-outs: "Sweet Dreams," "And You And I", the crazy/cheesy flame effects during "Awaken." The acoustic set was hilarious, with Wakeman doing his vaudeville shtick during Squire's intro to "Roundabout," Anderson talking about smoking pot, White's kilt, Wakeman being wheeled off the stage while playing some old music hall tune--I hope my friend Nick gets the same kind of performance in Allentown.
As in Philadelphia, the mix was lacking. Howe, once again, was too far down in the mix. All in all, a nice, quiet show. Actually Dream Theater was louder. Where have you gone, Clair Bros. Sound System, a nation turns its lonely eyes to you...woo, woo, woo...
As for Dream Theater--what can I say? They're excellent musicians--and one of the most anonymous-sounding groups I've ever heard. They are, if nothing else, the sum total of their influences. You want modern Progressive, try Bjork, Sigur Ros, or Mum (Iceleand rules!). OK, I'm done...