The Yes song "A Time And A Word" was the first time that music spoke to me in a meaningful way.It became my mission statement , as Martin O'Neil would say my "benchmark" for all projects.
Its been a long 27 years or so ive been waiting to see Yes.When i got into them they had just made Drama , and then stopped touring for what appeared to be ever.There were always tantalising rumours they might get back together , but always one or another was not up for it.
Eventually they got back with a brilliant triumphant return album called 90125 , this time with former lead singer Jon Anderson returning , only to have Steve Howe absent.And so it went on for many more years , with Lawyers becoming involved to "simplify" matters, at one stage the only official members of Yes were Steve Howe ( too busy with new band Asia) and Jeff Downes ( the other half of the Buggles).
Alas the years have not been kind to the external appearances of the band line-up
Steve Howe looks like he has just been interrupted from an indefinite spell of Somnambulistic therapy in a coffin , dusted down with as much mascara as John Lewis perfumery department could provide , then rounded of with a dusting of whiter than white cement from Perkins and Travis.
Chris Squire takes after the Giant Haystack on a eating crawl bender Look , he took no prisoners if any former-Yes member ever lost focus , now he appears to be doing the same with desserts.
Drummer Alan White looks in worse nick than Steve Howe and Jeff Downes looks like only a half member of the Buggles can.
But dont get me wrong , that is only a superficial comment on the worst aspect of the music business scene , the external appearances.Music is the Food of the Soul and these Musicians are , and especially tonight , beautiful in every long term Human way.
Though they have been doing full length versions of "Close To The Edge" on this tour the song they done from that Album was the majestically haunting harmony to all loved ones called "And You And I" from side Two.
Another glorious song they performed was from the incredible landmark Drama Album titled "Machine Messiah".
A Yes concert is first and foremost a Rock Show , with the progressive part being a most valued added factor of the Rock Show , that is why , no matter how their material may appear in the studio album format , a Live Yes concert is one of the greatest experiences in Art.
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