Aadam Jacobs

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 10:10 AM

This was my first concert too! I was 13 and knew little more than I had heard on the radio (The Loop, WMET), but liked Yes a lot. I didn't really understand at the time the major line-up change, so I had a good time regardless of how the show was. I bought fourth-row tickets for $20, which was a lot back then, but I'm so glad I had that experience for a first concert. It was the only Yes concert I ever saw as my tastes changed in the next year to new wave and post-punk. I think it was a fine way to start 40 years* and the attendance of over 10,000* concerts.

*and counting

Phil

The only really memorable thing about the show I was at was when Steve's guitar cut out completely at the end of Roundabout. He just laughed it and pretended to play anyway. Poor Trevor. It just wasn't clicking on stage for him.

Tom H

This was my first Yes concert. I had gotten turned on to the band by my older sister's (then) husband when I was about 12 or 13. Drama was my first "new" Yes album. I remember scoring tickets before finding out that Jon and Rick were out of the band. What a bummer! My brother-in-law almost wanted to sell the tickets, but luckily, we ended up going anyway. I saw the new band promo pic and HOPED that Downes was the singer cause Horn looked like such a dork (to this 16 year old, anyway). So there we are at the good old Amphitheater. They opened with Does It Really Happen. At this point I suppose I should mention that I'm a bass player. Squire comes out with this Gibson Thunderbird. COOL! I seem to remember it being like a gun metal blue. I could be wrong as we both had some hash that night! He also played the Rickenbacker (of course), a Fender Jazz, the Electra (with built in flanger)and possibly the Ranney 8 string. Horn blew part of the lyrics and looked back at Squire and they both laughed. The concert was in the round and there was also a round drum riser that rose up on an arm that took it up and over the audience. I was awestruck listening to Amazing Grace, though having heard recordings of it in more recent years, I think it was the hash coming into play again! I still think Downes was an excellent, tastful keyboardist for the band. Horn is no Jon, but I had a great time that I'll never forget. Oh yeah, we were in the 16th row!