John S

Friday, March 7, 2025 2:02 PM

I was 16, and this was my first time seeing Yes. I was already a huge fan (I'd bought the first album and Time and a Word when each first came out). I went with my best friend, and we walked about a mile from the # 4 subway in the Bronx, rather than taking the more direct #1 through Manhattan.
That walk gave us a chance to ruminate about what our deep into music minds might be about to experience. We were already Mahavishnu fans, and loved the stuff that was coming out from these sorts of bands. We endured, more than enjoyed, Jo Jo Gunne and J. Geils, and I kind of recall it being a humid NYC summer night with the possibility of thunderstorms. When Yes came on, we were simply transported beyond awareness of anything beyond the music.
My friend was already a really good drummer, having absorbed a lot from Mitch Mitchell, Ginger Baker, Tony Williams, and Billy Cobham at that point. I was a less proficient, but budding, bassist, and Chris was my "guy" at that point. We also both played guitar. Wow! for both of us. Yes was simply in a different league than any band I'd seen up to that point (my buddy had already seen Mahavishnu, but I still wouldn't for a few more months). Alan amazed us as the "new guy", and the profiency and energy of everyone onstage and the musical vision was jaw dropping.
Needless to say, I remember less about getting home that night, and I went to see Yes at least once on each of their passes after that through the NY area up through the time of the Drama tour. Great music and memories in all cases.

Gary Adamson

The second year in a row that Yes visits Gaelic Park, this time as headliner to J. Geils Band and Jo Jo Gunne. Being a huge Bill Bruford fan, I am quite disappointed over his leaving the band, but Alan White fits in nicely, with only a few shaky moments through all those complex arrangements. Chris Squire does spend some time, back to the audience, giving White cues. For me, first time hearing live performance of Close To The Edge material, which I consider their greatest work. Also, spectacular, dynamic version of Heart Of The Sunrise. Not bad for five bucks!!