Simon Barrow

Tuesday, November 10, 2015 3:15 PM

So on to the final night of the UK leg of this tour, in the familiar surroundings of the Hammersmith Apollo. I was in balcony with two friends tonight, one of whom was seeing the band live for the very first time. She was impressed, overall. Yes in 2011 may not be at the height of their powers, but they are still able to put on a good show, bolstered by a creditable – if not quite classic – new album. I was glad, finally, to hear ‘Machine Messiah’ (in place of ‘Heart of the Sunrise’) on the tour this evening.

Benoit David handles the Drama and Fly From Here material very well, as it suits his register and style. Good to hear Geoff Downes playing on a track he recorded back in 1980, along with ‘Tempus Fugit’, too. On the suite from the new album Chris Squire plays his bass (the extended range Tobias) upright on a stand for the second section, ‘Sad Night at the Airfield’. It’s a pleasing piece of detail, both musically and visually.

The audience was in good spirits tonight, especially during the last two numbers, a barnstorming ‘Starship Trooper’ and the Yes national anthem, ‘Roundabout’. At the end I ventured downstairs to hear the finale from close quarters. The icing on the cake was being given a set list by one of the roadies. Another good evening.