Sorry , but without Jon Anderson and RICK Wakeman This is not MY YES!!!
Cure
That was a great show. It was fourth time I saw the band on a live gig. Every time was a different one, every time was a superb concert! That lineup rocks! Last Friday on Katowice I saw the REAL BAND. There were joy, friendship and passion on that particular gig. Howe was stellar, he stole the show. Squire was amazing, and nice as usual - he still drinks vodka (or stuff like that) during shows - regards for that:). Benoit was a very, very nice guy! He understands this music, this is the most important! White was solid, and underrated as usual. O. Wakeman was ok. The sound of his Hammond was the best I heard at Yes concert. But he looked liked a little bored.
If you have an occasion, go and see them!
Adam Teluk
That was my second Yes gig. First happened during the Yes Symphonic Tour, and was brilliant. Before the current European tour there was a lot of apprehension among fans due to the changed line-up. Honestly I believe that it's rather funny to hear all that moaning and complaining while having in mind all personnel changes over the years in Yes and the age factor. Steve Chris and Alan simply don't have the comfort of having time to wait for Jon and Rick for some real commitment to Yes.
That being said, I was going to this gig with my mind open for the new experience, without any prejudices. And they didn't let me down. Show was magnificent, level of performance was very high. They played very tightly, yet giving themselves enough place for having fun and dropping some improvisations here and there. Really, I was surprised to see that level of harmony and unity during only the second gig of tour. They have really played as a BAND. All songs were performed with more vigour than on the album versions. For me that gig was certainly not inferior to the one from Symphonic Tour. As for the highlights, it's hard to pick anything when the whole set was simply fantastic. But the "Machine Messiah", "South Side Of The Sky" and "Yours Is No Disgrace" were particularly breathtaking.
As far as the individual members are concerned, traditionally Steve and Chris were stunning. Both were playing their best stuff. The only drawback is age, especially in regard with Chris, who was visibly exhausted at the end. And that was in my opinion reason for dropping the "Starship Trooper". Of the new guys, David was splendid. Really not a "fill-in", he's really earning his spot in this band, and I hope that this lineup will exist long enough at least to record an album and make some touring with new music. Olivier also gave really nice performance, maybe not as commanding as his father, but really convincing. And what's most important he wasn't copying his father. He's definitely trying some new ideas, and most of these ideas really fit well.
All in all, a great concert, a great lineup. And with a bit of luck a very, very bright future in front of them.
Peter Stahn
I do not know, who organized this place. But it is pitty for the band that hall was less than 50% filled. All ages! Nevertheless they played like there is no tommorow and I wouldn´t have missed the concert. Really cool sound and with a lot of bass boxes in front of the stage. You could feel in your stomach each of Chris` activities. They played only very old songs. Drama was the oldest album in this row of titles. Starting with Siberian KAthru and closing with Rounabout. But nothing from ToTO and Relayer. Skoda! I heard Astral Travel and Machine Massiah the first time live. And it was great. Benoit has a nice voice, gave some fresh sound to the act, but sorry, he is no Jon; finally I missed the spirit,the shivers which I usually felt thruout a YES concert. And the sound mix put him very often on too low volume. Wakeman jun. played excellent even I had the impression that he is not really into the team. Almost 2 hours full of old memories and I hope I do not have to wait another 4 years??!
justyes (Aleksander)
The setlist was similar to the one in Olomounec the day before: Firebird Suite Siberian Khatru I've Seen All Good People Tempus Fugit Onward Astral Traveller (incl. Drum Solo) And You And I Yours Is No Disgrace Steve Howe Solo (Mood For A Day/In The Course Of The Day) Owner Of A Lonely Heart Machine Messiah South Side Of The Sky Heart Of The Sunrise --- Roundabout (encore)
They dropped Starship Trooper unfortunately but the show was very good. I hope to see the guys again in the future...