Anon.

Please note that Steve's solo was 'Classical Gas/ Cactus Boogie', thanks.

Peter Minihane

I went to be convinced, to be convinced this new line-up could cut the mustard, would they do justice to this beautiful music that I adore so much.

They were splendid, from start to finish. But the biggest surprise was Benoit. Maybe I shouldn't have been surprised, after all, Chris, Steve & Alan weren't going to foist some sub-standard cabaret singer on us. His voice soared when it needed to, he engaged with the audience, and he showed real emotion, especially for Onward and the beautiful And You And I(goosebump city).
He has also imbued the band with a sense of fun, something I haven't seen in a Yes gig in some time. Steve introducing Owner?? Excuse me? Could the cyborgs who took the real Steve, please give him back and take away the replacement? He was WAY too happy!! Joking aside, I've never seen Steve play with such freedom, he was pulling notes and shapes out of places I never thought possible, particularly during Yours Is No Disgrace. The man ROCKED! All night long. And he gave us Mason William's Classical Gas! What a man.
Oliver is his dad's son. I can pay no higher compliment, he's a chip off the old block, he played beautifully.
Alan is Alan, rock solid, and a nifty little solo too.
Bar his mad wardrobe, Chris Squire is a human whirlwind. And I want a Fish Out Of Water Rickenbacker bass for Christmas, Santa please. I've been a very good boy. The man is a demon of the twang.

This line up has a real future, it's been 8 long years since Magnification. I truly believe these guys can add more to the Yesmusic canon.

The audience was fantastic, it seemed pretty full. ALL the standing ovations were well deserved. The band seemed genuinely thrilled with the response they got.
Come back soon guys, you were immense.

Saul Evans

Unbelievable how great this band still play are after 40 years!! As mentioned above the two new members were outstanding. Standing ovations thoughtout the gig. I hope you guys make an effort to come by this part of the world again. Was absolutely bouncing when they came back for Starship Trooper at the end.

Setlist:

1.Siberian Khatru
2.I've Seen All Good People
3.Tempus Fugit
4.Onward
5.Astral Traveller
6.And You And I
7.Yours Is No Disgrace
8.Steve Howe Solo
9.Owner Of A Lonely Heart
10.South Side Of The Sky
11.Machine Messiah
12.Heart Of The Sunrise
13.Roundabout
14.Starship Trooper

Pat Dalton

I only got into Yes about 3 or 4 years ago and this was the first time seeing them live. They were unbelievably good and put an amazing amount of energy into the music.
Having only watched footage on youtube I was surprised at the intensity and emotion of the music, which easily beat other bands i've seen.
They seemed to enjoy themselves greatly too. Steve Howe laughing whilst singing "I've seen all good people", when Benoit made a face at him. Chris and Benoit walking in unison around the stage during Steve and Oliver's duel on SSOTS.
Oliver's attitude has been mentioned quite a bit, but I think he's just very laid back. He did smile at the end when Alan gave him a tap on the chin.
I was one of the younger people in the mixed age and gender audience. I also had seats free in front and either side of me which just meant I had more room. Music like theirs is still inspirational and has affected the way I, and the others of my age there, play.

Joe Walsh

There is no longer a "Classic Lineup"

Much like a respected symphony orchestra, YES have and always will continue (hopefully) to perform their masterworks in any configuration that is a able to perform the music well.

Given the fact that both Jon and Rick were quite happy to continue with YES in various formats without "Classic" members involved, I find it somewhat hypocritical for them to suggest that YES is now a "tribute show", Jon has been "disrespected", and that the current lineup is an insult to YES fans. Rick in particular, comes across as a very bitter man indeed given his recent comments to the media. Perhaps he would be wise to review his comments made on both the "Yesyears" and Yesspeak"DVD's where he states that there will "always be a YES" and that, "Departed members always arrive back better and more positive"

On to the show, er, MUSIC!

First off, David cannot be faulted. He has an exceptional voice which is beyond scrutiny. Irregardless of weather or not he is a 'replacement" for Anderson, he sang beautifully. In my opinion, he performed with much passion, representing Anderson's lyrics and melodies
to a degree in which only a truly dedicated student could provide. Kudos to Squire for finding him and providing the opportunity.

Obviously it varies from venue to venue and despite my reservations, the sound was very good. Perfect volume and very well mixed.

For the most part, the vocal harmonies were excellent... the odd bum note here and there but what band doesn't drop a note or three? However, it struck me for the first time just what an incredible backing vocalist Chris Squire is. Perhaps it was because at this gig I could hear better than at any other, but the way he can make a two part harmony sound like three is simply incredible. Where most backing vocalists will usually harmonize a third above OR below. Squire moves between both seamlessly, creating counterpoints that simulate the effect of multiple backing vocalists.

Steve Howe was on fire. He really seemed to enjoy the gig and his own playing. I have not seen the man so enthusiastic since YESSONGS! Have to question his choice of "Line 6" Amp and the "variaxe" though, as his sound was nowhere near what I've come to expect, but his playing more than made up for it.

Oliver Wakeman:

Unfortunately, I have to agree with many of the other reviews on this site in that the guy just simply appears to be uninterested. My wife noticed this and I tried to explain to her that: "maybe he's just shy", maybe he's not really into YES music that much. "Maybe he's in an awkward position as his Dad got him the YES gig and is now slagging YES off in the media.

In any event Oliver should perform like a professional and not like some kind of jaded spoiled brat. Which is how he came across.
Got news for ya Olly, there are many keyboard players out there who would welcome your lucrative gig with open wallets.

In closing, I must stress that the MUSIC was presented with both the passion and respect that it deserves by the principal players.

I noticed many younger people in the audience listening, dancing to and enjoying the MUSIC.

As far as I could tell, this lineup "passed the torch" to a younger audience extremely well. And I can see a new generation of people listening to and enjoying the music of YES.

Surely, that is the whole point, is it not?

Ian

Been waiting to see this band since 1975. Didn't disappoint in the Olympia, Dublin last night (26/11/2009). Thouroughly enjoyable show with plenty of energy and enthusism from the band (and the crowd). Their body language on stage showed that they were obviously enjoying the show also. Hard to believe that they are men in their 60's! The €49.50 ticket price seems paltry compared to what I've recently had to pay for some gigs in the O2 (e.g. Clapton, Dylan etc.) and the smaller venue is without doubt a much better way of seeing this magnificent band.

Rob

AMAZING gig in Dublin last nite!

Peter Cullen

Brilliant as ever. Benoit and Oliver were excellent and the inclusion of Onward, Tempus Fugit, Astral Traveller, South side of the Sky and the incredible Machine Messiah have me digging out the old albums this morning for a reprise. Steve Chris and Alan were at their usual best. Steve's choice of "Classicl Gas" in his solo was well recieved. Yes a great night in Dublin

Mark

One day short of 29 years since the last time I saw Yes (Drama Tour Glsagow 27th November 1980). I'd been reading reviews of other shows on this tour on this website for the last couple of weeks but while they were very positive I still wasn't prepared for such an amazing show!

I haven't bought a Yes album since Drama but that didn't matter as with the exception of Owner of A Lonely Heart they didn't play anything from after that album. The new guys were warmly received by the enthusiastic Dublin crowd while the 'old hands' looked genuinely surprised by the audience's adolation! One of the plus sides of a fully seated show is that the audience can give a standing ovation after particular songs and there were a few of them last night. And You and I, Yours is no Disgrace and I've Seen All Good People were particularly popular. Highlight of the show was the encore of Starship Trooper although the bouncers tried to spoil it by forcing everyone to sit down during it.

Can't wait till next time - maybe I'll even get to see them with Jon Anderson although to be fair to Benoit his performance was excellent. His interpretation of Onward was as good as anything I've heard Live in years. 10 out of 10!