Brian Kerven

Wednesday, January 20, 2016 8:01 PM

I knew that someday this would happen to Yes, and that I would be there to see it. Five musicians producing a respectable facsimile of what ultimately has been the most consistent presence in my life. I never thought that Chris would be gone... ever, and I certainly didn't think that Steve would still be with the band in 2015.

My teenage daughter thought it was magnificent, and my wife, who is a casual Yes fan, thought they did a great job. This was not a poorly done concert by any stretch of the imagination, and overall I enjoyed it.

That said, the music of Yes done on a very small stage, on a very bright and hot day, on borrowed, dusty farm land with an audience of only a couple hundred people - many of whom left after Toto - was depressing, and it still depresses me when I think about it. It felt like a county fair where they march out what's left of The Association to tentative applause for the three songs people actually know.

Steve was surprisingly on point compared to the last few shows I've seen - with possible exception of Owner. I'd be hard pressed to believe that the solo part is too difficult for him to replicate, so I'm going to just assume he hates playing it..

Billy did a phenomenal job considering the shoes he filled, and he's just such a great guy.

You have to love Jon for his passion and youthful energy.

Each time I see Alan he seems to slow and get a little muddier, but he still puts in his all.

Finally, while I recognize that Geoff is an accomplished, competent keyboardist, all I can hear is where he cannot keep up with the spirit of the music, and often the rest of the band. He's a different kind of keyboardist than Rick or Patrick, and that's obvious on the most complex pieces of music.

How the mighty have fallen, and after decades of Yes concerts, this will likely be my last. Compare the above videos against Yessongs, the Union videos, or even against the SLO show. This is a different caliber band with a different feel and aura. It's an ostensibly talented band which contains a kernel of Yes magic, but it just doesn't feel like Yes.