zinabre

Thursday, February 25, 2021 3:47 PM

Yes 2001 Magnification documentary: Jon says: We played in Madrid in a ugly disco...haha.

Paul Mc

I have to say that, although, I enjoyed the show it was nowhere near as good as the last times I saw Yes, on the ABWH tours.

The new material is unenthralling, although "Homeworld/the Ladder" works well. The new members did not impress me. I doubted whether Billy Sherwood's guitar was plugged in half the time, actually, and as for Igor - his playing was very subdued and one-handed, as a competent keyboard player myself, I'd say I could replicate any of the parts he played with no preparation. Shades of Tony Kaye, instead of Wakeman or Moraz, or even Downes.

White is an uninspired, unsubtle drummer and Squire, despite capturing something of his old self, left me cold, they're chugging beats seemed more appropriate to an ambitious pub rock band, than two the supergroup of yore.

Two members stand out: Howe and Anderson were on great form. The band only reached vertical take off on quite magnificent versions of "And You and I" ,"Awaken" and "Perpetual Change".

Why did they resurrect the cringeworthy "Hearts" instead of "It Can Happen" or "leave It" from 90125.

To be honest, if they same line-up returns to madrid in the next few months, I shan't be going to see them.

Pedro González

What a delicious night!

La Riviera, the spanish House of Yes, gave an outstanding ovation to the group when the fisrt chords of YIND began to full the air with renovated promises of a band that seems to be in one of their best times. We, the spanish admirers, have not been very lucky in Yes world tours. Since ABWH concerts, Yes troup has not visited our country and, obviously, we all were anxious. Last friday night was the expected night, the time to hear to one of the most particular and emotive rock groups in the musical scene.

It was 21:15 PM when the excited crowd began to call, shouting, to the group. Everything was prepared and the first bars of The Firebird suite preceded a very nice execution of YIND. Steve Howe played his guitars with a mix of profesionality and delight that captivated the audience repeatedly. It could be heared people shouting: "torero, torero, torero". Billy Sherwood is a nice guy (he was very kind signing our programs after the show) who gives to the band some good samples of singing and guitar playing. Igor is a very talented keyboard player who fits perfectly in the band. Squire is powerful and enthusiastic, always jumping around and enjoying the performing of the songs. Alan White has got clear eyes and gives to the band the solid ground that the music needs. Jon Anderson sings as ever: fragile, emotive and clear.

All the old songs were very well received by the crowd (over 2.000 people). A very special mention to AYAI and to AWAKEN. Both of them were very well played with some new arrangements which delighted to all of us. The new songs are very interesting. Themes like HOMEWORLD offer us a new dimension of the group, music to listen and to enjoy with special feelings. Yes has got the particular habiliy to make music which captures the ear of the audience in a way that produces surprise. Yes music is like “the eagle in the sky” in OWNER: dancing one and only…

It was a beautiful night. All of us would like to receive Yes in Spain some more times. All of us would like too to listen to the group sitting in a concert hall and see our minds transported again to the wonderful Yes hills.

Come back soon.