Still got it? Oh Yes!
Yes @ Waterfront Hall, Belfast By John McKeown - 15/12/09
YES are for many people the most melodic of the Prog Rock bands-balancing the gorgeous vocals of Jon Anderson with the instrumental skill of Steve Howe and the keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman.
Currently on their 'In the Present' tour, Anderson is missing from the band, his vocal role taken French Canadian Beniot David, one-time vocalist in a Yes tribute band. Any disappointment is quickly laid to rest once you hear David's vocal power on such classics as 'Owner of the Lonely Heart'.
Wakeman is also absent, but in a nice touch is replaced by a younger Wakeman - his son Oliver, looking not unlike his father in his slim Yes mode of the 70s. Seated round a bank of keyboards he would certainly give his old man a run for his money when it comes to the ivory-tinkling territory.
The classic rhythm section of Chris Squire (pictured) on bass and drummer Alan White hold this mighty band together through some of rock’s most intricate arrangements, leaving the floor open for the 'guitarist's guitarist' Steve Howe to take full command of the stage.
Howe’s playing is magic dust sprinkled over an already high standard of musicianship with music that at times is a cross between jazz and classical.
The old hands in this band have been playing together for 40 years; no free bus passes needed though - they played for two and a half hours solid, taking us from the early albums such as 'Time and a Word' and 'Close to the Edge' up to 'Drama'.
Fans had a hard time staying in their seats as they recognised one classic after another, 'Yours is No Disgrace', followed by 'Roundabout' getting the most frantic reception from the faithful. We left with a big smile on our faces. Magic!
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