21 years, 11 months and 6 days ago Tuesday, November 5, 2002 Rochester, New York Blue Cross Arena 14,100 capacity
|
Mark maalmoma@yahoo.ca Section 32 Row A Seat 7. Dead center front row. Bought this ticket at 5:00 the day of the show, The band must have released this 'comp' just as I arrived. I must have done something right that day. Show was astounding from where I sat. The only guy in front of me was Jon. Would love a copy of one of those pictures for my scrapbook to go with the ticket stub. Sec. 32 / Row D / Seat 3 (Ron's Nemesis) My perspective from the 4th row. I love yes. I loved the set list. The show... I've seen better. The most disappointing part though was the crowd. I had an annoying "fan" (Ron)in our row taking pictures of the show. If he was a real fan, he wouldn't have sneaked film in to capture illegal images of people he loves so much. I had a 40 something guy, with a Yes jean jacket, sleeping on his wife in front of me. That's why they make Geritol buddy. The crowd was lame at best. The band wanted people to stand and dance and rock. It was a crime to stand according to some people. It wasn't until the encore that most people stood. Squire had to motion for people to rise. That was the crowd's cue that the show would be over soon so you better try to get up now. You know how your body can't stand being awake past 10pm on a weeknight. Oh- and Anderson, with his little sweat suit...how stoned was he? He couldn't open his eyes for the first three tunes. And when he did, he rambled on and on about something that no one in the crowd (1500) even knew. Sorry Ron, but for $73, I have every right to tell an old, laurel-resting, wig-wam building hippie that I came for music not for mumbling. I've seen Jon and the band look, play and speak with professionalism and care. Tonight was not the night. Hey- they also could invest in somebody that knows how to run a soundboard. When the opening band has a better mix and light/video show, it's not so impressive. Wakemen didn't have any reason to be at this show. He was barely audible the whole night. Only the points where the rest of the band had stopped playing could you actually tell he was there. What a waste of talent. I've seen 30+ shows. This one was my 2nd worst (next to SkyDome, Toronto). Yes is not a hockey arena band anymore. They belong in small theaters, an evening with Yes only. They deserve a crowd that is ready to rock, not sleep. They should wear some clothes that make them look respectable, get somebody (like they use to)to decorate their set and stage, and have Squire pass the happy pills to Jon and Steve. Actually Chris, toss a few of those to Ron in Sec. 32 Row D too! (By the way- The best entertainment all night was the 2 girls in front of Wakemen dancing throughout the show. If the 1500 Yes fans in the building had taken a nap that afternoon, we could have had as much fun as them.) Ronw Wow, what a show it was last night. I had a great seat, 4th row right in front of Jon. Took a roll of film and security didn't even look twice at me. The guys were right on from the get go, a few very minor mistakes which they just laughed off. I was very happy with the length of the setlist considering there was an opener, I really believe the crowd helps motivate them to play longer or more than planned. Loved hearing my favorite CTTE again. First time with Rick, it was amazing. HOTS, and Awaken were out of this world. Jon is in a different place when doing Awaken, you can feel his energy. I wish more people actually stayed and watched ITPO, it is a true YES classic. I am so looking forward to Philly. Even with the opener I believe they'll give Philly fans the whole show. Speaking of the opener, Porcupine Tree, I still don't like the idea of an opener but they are damn good. Not exactly my type of music but the best progressive, heavy, somewhat techno band I've heard. I think they'll do quite well in the USA. Only problem I see is their songs are in the 6-9 minute range which isn't very radio friendly. And finally, although this might be edited by a moderator, to the 3 dickheads who sat in sect 32 row D seats 1-3, next time you consider a YES show stay the f#@k home. After DKTW Jon attempted to talk to the audience but these pr!cks were yelling calling him a wimp and to get on with the show. I know Jon heard them in fact apologized for talking it seemed. He said nothing afterwards but thankyou after each song. I wouldn't have been mad at all if he walked off. |