When any band manages to makes it past their 50th year as a creative group of people you just have to take notice, YES have reached that landmark milestone and are still going.
Of course there have been many ups and downs over such very long period of time, but at the end of the day these guys have managed to endure and continue and tonight in Dublin Vicar Street is full, barring a couple of seats in the corner of the Balcony.
Tonight’s show began with a very touching video tribute to the bands late Drummer Alan White, which was greeted very warmly by all in attendance. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the release of the Close To The Edge album and that’s the current Tour.
The show is split up with the album being played in full in the 2nd half after a brief interval, which is probably the best way to approach it as they have built up the set already and given the crowd a lot before they even get there, but it’s a cracking album so never anything to worry about anyway, the only problem this evening I think is that there isn’t 6 hours available to show more.
Have always enjoyed the sound of shows in Vicar Street and tonight is no different, everything is clean and crisp, and one thing that shines out on the first half of the show is the sheer variety in the musical styles on show, of course it’s progressive rock, but there’s a lot more, always the finger picking homage of “Clap”, rock, some pop influences it’s all there.
The tracks from their latest studio album “The Quest” are really excellent live and all accentuate the abilities of the musicians on show, Jon Davisons vocals are superb, Steve and Geoff’s playing are top notch, Billy is almost quiet on Bass in front of Jay who is just a wonderful Drummer, reality is that this band is an institution.
It’s not all about the excellent songs though, the band have very always been very adept with visuals and the backdrop of screens showing a variety of images from beautiful landscapes to animations of the earth etc just add to the overall show and are now just random images thrown together to detract the view/listeners gaze.
It’s quite pointless picking favourite songs from tonight’s but I will add “The Icy Bridge” up there with some of the other classics, it’s a terrific song.
As the set rounds off the band are already getting a standing ovation before they make their way off the stage, very briefly, before returning for an excellent Encore and YES are left in no doubt at all how much the audience have enjoyed this show, another long standing ovation ensues before they make their final bow, great show from a band that still has more to give.
The mix of Close To The Edge, classic tracks and newer songs worked perfectly. How many more opportunities we will get to see these guys is anyone’s guess, when members are in or approaching their 70’s it becomes more difficult, but there still seems to be an appetite among them and as we are living longer so the lifeline of some of our most loved bands extends and as long as it’s still working and they are enjoying it along with the audience then long may it last.
If you have the chance to get along to the Cork show Jun 29th then don’t hesitate to go and grab a ticket, tonight really was a terrific show, covering so much of what’s been great about YES over their history. Brilliant musicians who continue to just provide entertainment for all they come across. .
Setlist –
On The Silent Wings Of Freedom
Yours Is No Disgrace
No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed (Richie Havens cover)
Does It Really Happen ?
Clap
Wonderous Stories
The Icy Bridge
Dare To Know
Heart Of The Sunrise
Close To The Edge
Close To The Edge
And You And I
Siberian Khatru
Encore
Roundabout
Starship Trooper
Review and Photography : Stephen Brophy for MPM
