I could go on and on about Yes. They are BY FAR and away my favorite band (have been from a very tender age). Masters of their craft and not just great musicians noodling on but wrote some of the best compositions I've ever heard. It is not hyperbole for me to say that their best works are a religious experience for me. RIP Alan, Chris and Peter 🕊
I am extremely grateful to have experienced the late sixties and early seventies in my youth in America. Fantastic British bands like: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Clash, ELP, The Sex Pistols, Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Deep Purple etc.. Along with Motown, Stax , Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and so many, many more. Music, I believe is the greatest accomplishment mankind has given this beautiful blue dot of a planet that we ALL call Home. ✌️❤️
Alan White was amazing. One of my best friends, who actually taught me to play bass in the 90s, is Jon Davison. The current singer for YES. Decades before Jon(I call him Juano) joined YES he was the bass player in a band with a bunch of my friends called Sky Cries Mary from here in Seattle. Alan and Juano knew each other and after the SCM sound track I got to have lunch with my wife, Juano and Alan before the SCM gig. He was just the nicest English bloke you'd ever want to meet. Just a regular guy that happened to be the drummer in an iconic band. Juano's the same way really. Just a dude that sings in an amazing band. R.I.P. Alan! You rocked my friend. You were awesome and Seattle will miss you living around here.
Alan White played a larger part in composition than most people realise. The perfect all round musician and a hero of mine. RIP Alan ~ borne away on the silent wings of freedom.
Turn of the Century is one of the most underrated Yes songs IMHO. This song slays me every time I hear it. Amazing balance of everything. And the ending... spectacular.
"He was My best man at my wedding to Janee in Maui 1997…We love you Alan and will miss you…You were just the best of the best for Yes, and an amazing drummer...We wrote 'Turn of the Century' together all those years ago, just one of so many wonderful times together…he was a gentle soul." - Jon Anderson, Anderson's message concludes, "And now you're in heaven…resting after the long journey Home to meet your dear Mom who you loved so much...Blessings brother."
Alan live(d) about four minutes away from me on the East Side of Seattle in Newcastle. I couldn't believe it when I heard it ... I would see him out in his yard quite often. It would never occur to me to invade upon anyone's private life while at their home, or out eating dinner, etc... He always wore a black hat ... Not like Bonham's bowler hat... Just a cool black hat. I would listen to Big Generator or Imagine and think... "I just drove by that guy who's playing on these albums..." RIP Alan. I shan't see you in your garden forever more. Going For The One was one of my favorite albums as I was growing up. Alan White, Top bloke.
@@algreaves4515 Thanks for sharing that memory! He was a truly talented drummer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, and a wonderful guy. Best to you! RIP Captain!
@@johnkru1295 Alan was the only member of YES that called Jon when he almost died from respiratory arrest. Yeah, an amazing career, I will miss Alan and cherish his work. Best, John!
Steve Howe just crushed his guitar on this out of the world masterpiece! The tones and development of the song is one of the best examples of the band 's composition and performance skills . Kudos!
From Jon - Dear Alan. My best man at my wedding to Janee in Maui 1997 We love you and will miss you You were just the best of the best for Yes and wonderful soul... We wrote Turn of the Century together all those years ago, just one of so many wonderful times together… And now you’re in heaven ….resting after the long journey Home to meet your dear Mom...and Chris of course Blessings brother 💕💕💕💕 We love you so Alan. Jon&Janee🙏🙏🙏💕💕
Jon put out a beautiful tweet earlier saying that Alan would be seeing his dear mother and Chris Squire in heaven very soon. Whether you believe or not, this certainly brought a tear to my jaundiced eye ❤️❤️
Alan’s best playing I feel was the Going For The One album and Drama. He has a great feel and touch and excellent timing. I love the chime work he does on Awaken. Turn of the Century is a perfect choice and my favorite song Yes ever did. Harmonies and playing are superb. RIP Alan and Chris
When Bruford quit and Alan joined as his replacement, he had only THREE days to learn the set material from The Yes Album, Fragile, and CTTE before the first night of the CTTE tour - the same tour that you're watching.
On 19 July 1972, after Yes had finished recording Close to the Edge, Bruford left to join King Crimson.[7] With their supporting tour less than a week away, the band were desperate for a replacement. White then got a call from Tony Dimitriades, who handled Offord's affairs and later became Yes's manager, informing White that the band wanted him to join.[16] Anderson and Squire then met White at Offord's flat, and he joined. He spent the following three days learning the band's repertoire before the Close to the Edge Tour began in Dallas, Texas on 30 July 1972.[17] In the same week, White was offered to join Jethro Tull and America.[18] White's performance was documented on their first live album Yessongs, in 1973;[19] this was followed by his first studio album with them later that year, Tales from Topographic Oceans.[20]
He had sat in on Siberian Khatru (at least) while it was being recorded. They also didn’t perform Close to the Edge for the first time itself until mid-tour. But yes he picked it up very quickly.
@@NewBritainStation Yeah, and according to an article in Prog magazine on the making of the CTTE album Alan was there for the mixing of the album (to listen in as a drummer and friend of Offord) as Bruford had gone to King Crimson after the CTTE tracks were recorded but before mixing and mastering.
Thank you Doug for such a fitting tribute to the late Alan White. He was more than just a drummer, he was the heartbeat of this truly unique and brilliant band of musicians. This shows us how good they were, being able to reproduce such intricate music live, in the 70's, when the sound equipment wasn't what it is today. I saw them perform Turn of the Century, in the early 70's. Steve absolutely nailed the guitar parts on it. As he played the solo, a ballet dancer appeared on top of the amps at the back of the stage. She danced across the amps, then suddenly jumped in the air and turned in a ball of fire that whizzed around behind them. It was a brilliant piece of back projection that fooled us in the audience, making her look real. The looks on the fan's faces was priceless! Once again, thank you Doug, RIP Alan, and thank you for your music and the enjoyment you brought us, on record, and on stage.
R.I.P Alan. I also raised my glass to my < All Time Favourite > drummer. Many thanks Doug for this beautiful tribute. Especially playing . This Song is Paradise On Earth. It is not beautiful, it is CELESTIAL.
The genius of Close to the Edge is how the composition and arrangement feels like it's just one stray thread away from completely unraveling... close, so close to the edge -- but it never quite goes over.
Alan wasn't on that album. Buford recorded on that one. But I'm sure if he had been, it would have been as perfectly good with him as it was without him.
I have seen yes 22 times over 45 years until Jon left the band. I have met Alan several times. He was kind hearted and warm. I will miss him. Seeing Yes was a spiritual experience. The music effected you on more levels than just with your ears and eyes. It was combination excitement, awe and spiritual calm. Alan was awesome each and every time I saw them. He was a beautiful person.
I was gifted front row tix for their 2015 tour at the Fox. Alan and Chris shared a brain, I experienced so much effortless music from both of them, I was lifted from my seat. Seeing Chris's wry smile when he went somewhere and Alan joined him, magical. Alan heard things that no one else did. A bit of Ringo, a bit of Ginger, a bit of Giles, and a huge dose of confidence and intelligence. When he hit a note, it was obvious it was him, his snare was so unique and full of personality and fire. I hate losing heroes.
Doug amazing tribute, loved it, YES my band, I first watched YES live in Bristol UK 1968 and watched them many times since, they have been an inspiration for me all my life, my favourite track, like you Close to the Edge, I have the T shirt I wear it with pride. Thanks for these precise and in depth reviews, Cheers Me Dear..
I'd like to see all the surviving members and ex-members who are still musically active do a one time reunion show in honour of the legacy of Alan and Chris and the history of the band... They don't need to change the current lineup of the band... Just all get together and put the awkwardness aside and do a true "An Evening of Yes Music"... Just one time. Just for the legacy... Record it for the fans worldwide to see... I would love to hear the two Jons singing lead vocals together... A guy can dream, I guess. Thanks for this awesome tribute, Doug!
The 'song' (series of movements) 'Close To The Edge' is about life and the Circle of Life. Thus the microscopic underwater creatures. Hint: the very beginning and the very end, where you hear rushing water and birds chirping. It represents the beginning and end of life. When we're born we rise from the ever-changing primordial soup that comprises nature and when we die we go back to it. The chaotic guitar work after the beginning water/birds opening represents the chaos of childhood and adolescent life. In more of the latter part of the 'song' (31:51) we hear acceptance, resolution and wisdom. It's all so simple.
Watching people re-‘Awaken’ to the incredible body of work that the YES alumni have created is pure joy !! Sadly, Yes’ heartbeat 💓 has left us. Chris & Alan, Thank God we will carry you ‘Onward’ in our ‘Hearts’. I know, eventually, we will meet again. RIP CHRIS & ALAN🥲🥲🥲
The magic that is YES-music. The magic that was Alan White. Many/most drummers don't get the recognition that they deserve. Alan was a giant of a drummer/percussionist.Alan White was a true legend.
I was blessed to be able to talk directly with Jon Anderson this week.. It was very touching; I told him of my experience meeting Alan White.. There have been so many wonderful musical artists that are leaving us.. as Jon Anderson said : "Alan is up there in heaven with Chris Squire" Jon just made it a tad easier to cope with this mourning... We'll love you and the gifts you have given us over the last 50 years, and I can honestly admit, I was introduced to them in 1971, and have been an avid fan; I've had the oppty to see him perform 17 different concerts over the last 50 years.. (* I definitely will hang out with all the best when it's my turn for heaven).
Time passes very quickly, it seems like yesterday when I was 12 years old and I heard that almost heavenly voice for the first time, and from then on Yes was part of my musical life, today at 61 years old I still get excited like when I was just a teenager discovering the most wonderful progressive rock musicians.
Yes music is a very important part of my life, and Alan's drumming is key in my favourites, including masterworks Ritual, Awaken, Gates of Delirium, Release Release, Endless Dream and Mind Drive among many others. One of the Finnest Drummers I ever seen! Thank you for all these beautiful songs and RIP Mr Alan White.
Alan wasn't just drummer, he was a multi instrumentalist and composer. And like Stewart Copeland and Neil Peart, Alan taught me the value of learning to play as many instruments as possible. Because, music is ever changing, just like skiing or sailing. You never stop learning.
Y3S, my friends. The heart of the band now in heaven, Chris and Alan. Alas, I've never seen the band play live, but Yes, they have been the heartbeat of my life
I was twelve when 90125 came out and I thought Yes was a new band...I bought the album and couldn't stop listening... When I heard the odd-timed intro to Changes (which is credited to Alan White) for the first time, I thought that was the coolest rhythm I'd ever heard. And at that point I didn't even know how many brilliant albums there were to discover from the band!
Turn Of The Century is one of their absolute best! Alan White also turned down an offer by Jethro Tull to join Yes. In 2019 I got to meet Alan & his wife Gigi at a Rock&Roll Fantasy Camp while in the recording studio with Eddie Kramer & Laurence Juber. We also saw Alan back in the lobby of the Universal Sheraton where he was alone & lost! He remembered my group from earlier in the day, chatted with us, took selfies, & was very grateful for our escort back to the elevator to go back to his room. God speed Mr. White. You were superlative & will be dearly missed.
Thanks Doug for this magical tribute. Been riding the spiritual wave with Jon and YES for over 50 years now and seen them play live in every continent of this beautiful planet. Such Chakra spinning sounds. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all today. It has been such a pleasure watching you find Yes music and watching the impact it is having on you. Just let it in. I was a mere 14 year old in Scotland when I first heard CTTE and it just blew my mind and it still does.. I found YES the day after the passing of my father when I was 14……it was perfect timing and heaven sent. It’s a big toast to you Doug……Cheers
Your last comment about how we are all close to the edge and returning to the same river and why can't we just share. Very good observation. It's greed, plain and simple. We humans are capable of many emotions and greed seems to grip some people more then others. And we are therefore territorial creatures. From the begining of time, we seek for our selves. Hunting for food, water and selter. And we're not going to share with those others that are not part of our group. Human nature.
Very happy (and sad) that you are paying tribute to Mr. Alan White. I am one of the lucky one to meet with Alan in a drum seminar where he took the time to tutor and give advise to many drummers all at once. He was brilliant....played roundabout live for us not once but twice...left handed and right handed. It was a wondurful experience to see how versatile he really was. Rest Peacefully my friend and mentor, SIR WHITE.
RIP Alan White. Your work has been my pleasure since 1976. Very nice tribute to his work, Turn of the Century and CTTE were wonderful choices. Doug, in the future I hope you finally get to their fabulous live video of "Ritual: Nous Sommes du Soleil", but the Symphonic Live version. A full orchestra, Yes and excellent live performance footage, sans any "under water scenes"! Alan is so awesome in that, they all are of course...
Tip a glass to a musical giant, indeed! Turn of the Century is a YES master piece, everyone at the top of their game. Alan is barely heard, a couple of toms and cymbals. But an inspired melody and perfectly realized. Whenever I get tired of my limited skill set, I go to Turn of the Century, Awaken or Close to the Edge and get re-inspired.
The first Yes I ever head was the Starship Trooper from Yessongs when I was a preteen in the early 70's. His drumming on that song especially blew me away as a young drummer myself. Godspeed Alan! 🧠🌌♾❤
Listening to this was an emotional experience for me. Alan white had some big shoes to fill but he more than stepped up to the challenge and in only 3 days yet! What a legend.
I went to the cinema to see this concert film. Fantastic in the big screen. This live album got me into YES in a big way. Chris Squires stage presence had a massive impact on me. Still one of my all time favourite bass players. I think I’m right in saying this was the first recording that Allan White appeared on. His first album in the studio was Relayer. An absolute masterpiece in my opinion. Totally mind blowing.
@@brandoncrow3741 Yes. I think you’re right. Then Wakeman left and Moraz joined for Relayers. My bad. They really made him earn his keep in those early days with them. 😂
@@kevinbrown3082 to be honest, I wasn't sure. My initial Yes journey started with Fragile and 90125! 🤣 A child of the 80's. What can I say? A huge loss for us with Alan passing. 🙏
As a Yes fanatic I've always preferred Alan White's playing with them to Brufords. Not a knock on Bill but I agree with you that Alan was more of a rock player & brought a power & propulsiveness that they didn't have with Bruford.
thanks Doug, that was great. Yes have been my favourite band since 1982 because of songs like these. I get the love for CTTE, although I put Awaken, Gates of Delirium and Ritual slightly over it. And Turn of the Century is staggerigly beautiful.
Thank you for doing this. I loved Alan's playing. Turn of the century is one of my all time favs. And You and I, Awaken and Chris's masterpiece Onward.
RIP Alan White. Thanks for this post. There is percussion all over Turn of the Century -- temple bells, muted cymbals, etc. It's mixed in the background, but shows true ensemble playing. Also, compare Bill Bruford's and Alan's drumming on Close to the Edge. Bruford is very sparse -- excellent jazz drumming. Alan brought a rock drummer's approach to Yes. It brought the group to a new place.
Thank you for taking your time & being gracious enough to dedicate a show to Alan White! Even though we all know that we're only on this Earth for a short time, it's still hard to say "So long, and see you later!", to the people who helped us to enjoy this phase of our lives! I've personally lost 12 friends over the last 2 years, in fact I have another Funeral for a Friend tomorrow. Stay in touch with those people who you love, and let them know how you feel!
This is classic! I've seen YES live when the drummer was Alan White and Rick Wakeman was wearing a sequin cape while playing keyboards. Thanks for the review and the reminder of good times. I'm glad you appreciate the music all these years later!
"Close to the Edge" is definitely my favorite Yes album. I tried to learn the bass part of the song, but even playing it at half speed it broke my brain! Haha. Great video. Alan White was a legend, and we celebrate his work behind the kit.
Nice tribute Doug, thank you. Alan gave me a drumstick after a concert on the Drama tour. I couldn't believe how splintered it was from striking the rims. A life well lived.
I've never seen your channel, but love that you paid tribute to Alan White. I did not know he had passed but still feeling the loss of Chris Squire I had to watch. I had the privilege of seeing him perform on my 40th birthday in Maryland on the Yes In The Round tour, thank you.
I love Doug's channel - but can't believe he's never heard the Yessongs version of CTTE. For me it's one of the most astounding pieces of music ever played. As for Turn of the Century, it's mesmerisingly beautiful. If you can keep a dry eye at the 10:00 break (in this video), you're not human. Love to Alan (who was from our neck of the woods, in Durham, England) and to Yes fans the world over. Mick and Nic and Pamela, from the UK. 🙂 PS Alan White's snare drums on Future Times are every train in the world barrelling along together. Simple, and simply brilliant. (Exclamation mark omitted for emphasis.)
I recently came across your channel and now have a good excuse to listen to Yes again. Because of yourknowledge of music and clear descriptions in your reactions, I feel validated by sharing good taste in music. Although I am not a musician myself, I have ears! I grew up on classical, but wove in jazz, soul, funk, punk, hip hop, world music, a smattering of everything. I went overseas to school in Budapest to follow Liszt Ferenc and Bartok Bela and learn how folk music inspired them. But Yes was and is music that occupies a special place in my musical soul. Thanks for your tribute to them. A real delightful discovery for me.
So Sad, Seen Yes at least 3 times in my hey days in Pittsburgh, All of the members are top notch artists Yessongs Live is my best, Always jammin loud in the 70's!! along with Sabbath,Nugent,Skynard,Manfred Man,Uriah Heep and my Favorite Pink Floyd seen them 4 times including Animals Tour in Cleveland 77' Seen Roger 4 times plus gonna check him out again July 6th them years was real Rock, R.I.P Alan and Chris.. And another great reaction Doug Thanks ✌ out
@@Domino-bo4kh _"Laughing as they danced, highest colours touching others..."_ _"We walk hands in the Sun, memories, when we're young love lingers so..."_ {:-:-:}
Love your reactions and commentary when listening to YES. My favorite band of all time! I first saw them the night before my 18th birthday in Nov '72 - a month before the YESSONGS recordings - and just a few months after Alan joined the band. It was truly an astonishing night! Over the ensuing 50 years I have seen them ~200 times. Alan, and Chris, are now making music for the angels.
Turn of the century is one of those hidden gems. The guitar work is amazing and it perfectly captures the atmosphere of Victorian England as per the title.
R.I.P Alan White Not only did he work with YES , but John Lennon and George Harrison on All Things Must Pass . I was lucky enough to see him play live 3 times. Thank you Alan , Godspeed brother! 🧠🌌♾❤
As soon as Steve's acoustic guitar begins accompanying Jon .... tears. And when the acoustic guitar takes over at 6:47 .... beauteous. Heart-felt melodious genius.
Your video was the first I heard of Alan's passing. I had the good fortune of watching both performances live with front row seats in the late 70's in the Spokane Collusium (Yes-in the Round). No backup - no overdubbing - only four guys . He joins Chris Squire as two of the best modern musicians that are no longer with us. What I am amazed by is how they can sing harmony while playing intricate runs flawlessly. Most bands rely on overdubbing or backup musicians when live. I'm glad to see someone as professional and brilliant as yourself appreciate Yes as much as I do. Makes me feel that I'm not as dumb as I look!
I was lucky to see yes live many times. I am a Yogi and now live in Cambodia. Last night may 27th I was watching the colorful videos of Heart of the sunrise and perpetual change live ,Posted by Jon. I was meditating in a higher mind. After listening i got my phone from charging,I looked at it and the article from the BBC that Alan died was opened on my phone without me opening it. Hard to believe but that's what happened.
Certainly one of the most beautiful ever. A true Materpiece! When they did that tour they had a holographic ballerina dancing behind them. They were the masters of PROG!
In 2013 I did a meet and greet at Foxwoods. When I asked Alan about working on All Things Must Pass with George Harrison he just lit up. He smiled, chuckled and said it was a wonderful experience and George wouldn't hurt a fly. I left feeling that I had made his day. Thanks Alan
What Yessongs shows, for sure is how talented these guys were as musicians in the wild world of live performance. Studio albums reveal a more planned and controlled creativity.
And, the Yessongs versions of Yours Is No Disgrace and Perpetual Change in my opinion, contain the greatest examples of electric guitar playing of all genres, all eras, all time, period.
I know this is practically heretical to say in Yes circles, but here it is: To me, Alan White was always the better drummer for Yes, the drummer that Yes always needed. DON'T MISUNDERSTAND ME! I have great love and respect for Bill Bruford - his work with KC, his solo albums, and many others has been outstanding and unique. It's just that White's earthy, hard-hitting playing coupled with the swing of his feel brought Yes an edge that grounded their sound in a way that Bruford never could. It probably doesn't hurt that my personal favorite Yes album is Relayer! You may disagree with me (and probably do!), but this is how I feel. R.I.P. to one of rock's best people.
Thanks for honoring Alan! I have been listening to a lot of Yes since his passing (more than usual). Consider "In the Presence Of" from the Magnification album for a future episode. Alan had a big part in the writing of that song. It is a lovely late period Yes song that is now 21 years old.
Thank you, Doug. A very good choice of Yes songs. I remember standing outside the sixth form common room at school. The sixth formers were allowed a record player. I stood nearby and heard this excellent music. A sixth form friend of mine appeared. I pulled him to one side and asked him to find out what the music was. He told me it was the Yes Album. I have from that day onwards been hooked on Yes. I have both Yessongs and Going For the One albums in my record collection. I saw Yes in London during the Going For The One Tour. It was mind-blowing. Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman and Alan White was the best Yes lineup. RIP Alan.
TOTC is a beautiful song. I've been a huge fan of Yes fan for years, and I've never thought that Alan joining the band took away the band's potential as some may say. If anything, him being a rock drummer brought Yes to a wider audience. Also, learning the Yessongs repertoire in 3 days as he did is quite a feat. Although some may say he sounded like "a bull in a China shop" on that album, again, he was more of a rock drummer and put his own stamp on it. He seemed like a great guy to all who've met him, and during his time in Yes, especially in the earlier years, he was the mediator between the other band members during their many heated arguments, and probably has a lot to do with the band staying together as long as they have. RIP Alan. Thanks for the many years of music.
I too think that Alan was the best drummer for Yes. Bill was (past tense only because he no longer plays) a phenomenal drummer, but Alan was what Yes needed.
Sad news. Alan White was a very underrated drummer. While Bill Bruford is a genius and totally unique, I've also always loved Alan's straightforward, rock-oriented versions of the older stuff on Yessongs. I've always admired his extremely energetic performance on Anne Of Cleves from Rick Wakeman's The Six Wives of Henry VIII, his style and brutal sound really seemed ahead of its time. His drumming on Relayer is spectacular, too, especially Sound Chaser.
@@JeffreyBrock58 Yeah, he had an amazing gift for fills. When I was listening to Yessongs 30 years ago, Alan's fills were the main attraction for me. So distinctive, gutsy, youthfully vigorous, even the simple things sounded cool, powerful. Very quick hands. Like the polar opposite of Bruford's restrained, clinical, more intellectual style. I remembered every fill he played on that album, note for note.
@@J.-M. I’m glad you agree about his genius. I was never a Bruford fan. He was way to esoteric for me. To me rock music is based on the power of the rhythm section. Alan and Chris were truly amazing. Sadly we have lost them both. To be honest I have seen Yes play live over 30 times but I haven’t seen them since Jon left. That’s just me.
RIP Alan, a perfect drummer for a perfect prog band. So sad to hear to hear this news. Been a follower since '75. I am not a musician, but IMHO the YesSongs version of CTTE is very different to the studio version *mainly* due to Alan's dynamism on the kit driving the music forward in contrast to Bruford's classic metronomic precision holding the band really tight in the studio version. The resulting energy in the live version released by Alan's playing is unreal. That version never ceases to amaze me.
This is a hard one. Other than Chris Squire, Alan White was a mainstay with Yes. What a bummer. If i remember, I think "Turn of the Century" was the first song I played in the year 2000
Hello Doug! From México City! Yes music is another feelings level!!! Is not for everyone! They were 50 years ahead!!! Of any other bands! Impress and complex music! My favourite band ever! Emerson, Lake & Palmer! The second greatest complex music band!!!
I cannot express how much this band and their music has enriched my life for over 50 years.
I’m right there with you! I was going to leave pretty much the same comment, truly the soundtrack to my life.
I could go on and on about Yes. They are BY FAR and away my favorite band (have been from a very tender age). Masters of their craft and not just great musicians noodling on but wrote some of the best compositions I've ever heard. It is not hyperbole for me to say that their best works are a religious experience for me. RIP Alan, Chris and Peter 🕊
So agree...Made my life full
Yes, ELP
I am extremely grateful to have experienced the late sixties and early seventies in my youth in America.
Fantastic British bands like: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Clash, ELP, The Sex Pistols, Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Deep Purple etc..
Along with Motown, Stax , Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and so many, many more.
Music, I believe is the greatest accomplishment mankind has given this beautiful blue dot of a planet that we ALL call Home.
✌️❤️
Alan White was amazing. One of my best friends, who actually taught me to play bass in the 90s, is Jon Davison. The current singer for YES. Decades before Jon(I call him Juano) joined YES he was the bass player in a band with a bunch of my friends called Sky Cries Mary from here in Seattle. Alan and Juano knew each other and after the SCM sound track I got to have lunch with my wife, Juano and Alan before the SCM gig. He was just the nicest English bloke you'd ever want to meet. Just a regular guy that happened to be the drummer in an iconic band. Juano's the same way really. Just a dude that sings in an amazing band. R.I.P. Alan! You rocked my friend. You were awesome and Seattle will miss you living around here.
Alan White played a larger part in composition than most people realise. The perfect all round musician and a hero of mine. RIP Alan ~ borne away on the silent wings of freedom.
Amazing that two very different drummers found themselves in Yes, and not a beat was missed.
He was a good enough pianist to have auditioned for the keyboard vacancy whenever it came up.
@@vccgmarkpearce4984 He played all the keyboards on Magnification
Very nice tribute, David.
This is my favorite song by my favorite band. No piece of music has ever moved me like Turn of the Century.
Turn of the Century is one of the most underrated Yes songs IMHO. This song slays me every time I hear it. Amazing balance of everything. And the ending... spectacular.
Turn of the Century is one of the most beautiful and powerful songs in the Yes arsenal. Thank you Alan
"He was My best man at my wedding to Janee in Maui 1997…We love you Alan and will miss you…You were just the best of the best for Yes, and an amazing drummer...We wrote 'Turn of the Century' together all those years ago, just one of so many wonderful times together…he was a gentle soul." - Jon Anderson, Anderson's message concludes, "And now you're in heaven…resting after the long journey Home to meet your dear Mom who you loved so much...Blessings brother."
Very good!
Alan live(d) about four minutes away from me on the East Side of Seattle in Newcastle. I couldn't believe it when I heard it ... I would see him out in his yard quite often. It would never occur to me to invade upon anyone's private life while at their home, or out eating dinner, etc... He always wore a black hat ... Not like Bonham's bowler hat... Just a cool black hat. I would listen to Big Generator or Imagine and think... "I just drove by that guy who's playing on these albums..." RIP Alan. I shan't see you in your garden forever more. Going For The One was one of my favorite albums as I was growing up. Alan White, Top bloke.
@@algreaves4515 Thanks for sharing that memory! He was a truly talented drummer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist,
and a wonderful guy. Best to you! RIP Captain!
@@johnkru1295 Alan was the only member of YES that called Jon when he almost died from respiratory arrest. Yeah, an amazing career, I will miss Alan and cherish his work. Best, John!
Your loss Our loss❤️😢❤️🎶🎶🎶
Seeing Yes in the mid-70’s literally changed my life, to this day. Never missed a tour.
Yes has been a huge part of my life.
That's awesome. I saw them once here in Finland. 2001. Highlight of my life.
Me too. 22 times.
Saw them for the first time in 1973. Changed my life forever!
@@brucereidelberger2154
Steve Howe just crushed his guitar on this out of the world masterpiece! The tones and development of the song is one of the best examples of the band 's composition and performance skills . Kudos!
Turn of the Century is one of prog rocks (and rock in general) most beautiful ballad ever composed!
From Jon -
Dear Alan. My best man at my wedding to Janee in Maui 1997
We love you and will miss you
You were just the best of the best for Yes and wonderful soul...
We wrote Turn of the Century together all those years ago, just one of so many wonderful times together…
And now you’re in heaven ….resting after the long journey Home to meet your dear Mom...and Chris of course
Blessings brother 💕💕💕💕
We love you so Alan. Jon&Janee🙏🙏🙏💕💕
Thank you for this brother!
✌💀👍🧠🌌♾
Life is short. Don't let it just pass you by.
Jon put out a beautiful tweet earlier saying that Alan would be seeing his dear mother and Chris Squire in heaven very soon. Whether you believe or not, this certainly brought a tear to my jaundiced eye ❤️❤️
I remember Jon saying that when Jon was hospitalized with repiratory collapse, Alan was the only one that contacted him.
@@Magnetron33 that's true...
I met Alan many times and he was incredibly nice.
You better believe it. 777
So good that we have recordings, videos and memories, right?
@@matto9734 So very true my friend 👍
Alan’s best playing I feel was the Going For The One album and Drama. He has a great feel and touch and excellent timing. I love the chime work he does on Awaken. Turn of the Century is a perfect choice and my favorite song Yes ever did. Harmonies and playing are superb. RIP Alan and Chris
This is GFTO's 'And You And I'
In Relayer he was from another planet
If ever there was a more beautiful song than this, I have never heard it. RIP Alan White.
Tormato gets a lot of stick, but Alan was amazing on every track.
Agree with Turn of the Century. So beautiful. Perfect song.
When Bruford quit and Alan joined as his replacement, he had only THREE days to learn the set material from The Yes Album, Fragile, and CTTE before the first night of the CTTE tour - the same tour that you're watching.
Dave: No pressure !!
On 19 July 1972, after Yes had finished recording Close to the Edge, Bruford left to join King Crimson.[7] With their supporting tour less than a week away, the band were desperate for a replacement. White then got a call from Tony Dimitriades, who handled Offord's affairs and later became Yes's manager, informing White that the band wanted him to join.[16] Anderson and Squire then met White at Offord's flat, and he joined. He spent the following three days learning the band's repertoire before the Close to the Edge Tour began in Dallas, Texas on 30 July 1972.[17] In the same week, White was offered to join Jethro Tull and America.[18] White's performance was documented on their first live album Yessongs, in 1973;[19] this was followed by his first studio album with them later that year, Tales from Topographic Oceans.[20]
Good thing it was only Yes music and not something difficult 😂
He had sat in on Siberian Khatru (at least) while it was being recorded. They also didn’t perform Close to the Edge for the first time itself until mid-tour. But yes he picked it up very quickly.
@@NewBritainStation Yeah, and according to an article in Prog magazine on the making of the CTTE album Alan was there for the mixing of the album (to listen in as a drummer and friend of Offord) as Bruford had gone to King Crimson after the CTTE tracks were recorded but before mixing and mastering.
Thank you Doug for such a fitting tribute to the late Alan White. He was more than just a drummer, he was the heartbeat of this truly unique and brilliant band of musicians.
This shows us how good they were, being able to reproduce such intricate music live, in the 70's, when the sound equipment wasn't what it is today.
I saw them perform Turn of the Century, in the early 70's. Steve absolutely nailed the guitar parts on it. As he played the solo, a ballet dancer appeared on top of the amps at the back of the stage. She danced across the amps, then suddenly jumped in the air and turned in a ball of fire that whizzed around behind them. It was a brilliant piece of back projection that fooled us in the audience, making her look real. The looks on the fan's faces was priceless!
Once again, thank you Doug,
RIP Alan, and thank you for your music and the enjoyment you brought us, on record, and on stage.
So true. On a different note, can U picture Doug @ a Karaoke bar? I think it would B a hoot.
R.I.P Alan. I also raised my glass to my < All Time Favourite > drummer. Many thanks Doug for this beautiful tribute. Especially playing . This Song is Paradise On Earth. It is not beautiful, it is CELESTIAL.
162 live YES shows. Still the best ever. Doug - see SYMPHONIC YES blu-ray!
The genius of Close to the Edge is how the composition and arrangement feels like it's just one stray thread away from completely unraveling... close, so close to the edge -- but it never quite goes over.
Turn of the Century is an amazing piece, and the lyrics are truly poetry.
Relayer was a standout for Alan. Great intros and strong elements of fusion in that album.
Every track Alan played on was a standout
Soundchaser is Alan’s Magnum Opus ( In my humble opinion )
Right? The intro for Sound Chaser showed off his amazing gift for rolls, which he could articulate more cleanly than anyone I've ever heard.
Sound Chaser, Doug. You need to do Sound Chaser
Alan wasn't on that album. Buford recorded on that one. But I'm sure if he had been, it would have been as perfectly good with him as it was without him.
I have seen yes 22 times over 45 years until Jon left the band. I have met Alan several times. He was kind hearted and warm. I will miss him. Seeing Yes was a spiritual experience. The music effected you on more levels than just with your ears and eyes. It was combination excitement, awe and spiritual calm. Alan was awesome each and every time I saw them. He was a beautiful person.
I was gifted front row tix for their 2015 tour at the Fox. Alan and Chris shared a brain, I experienced so much effortless music from both of them, I was lifted from my seat. Seeing Chris's wry smile when he went somewhere and Alan joined him, magical. Alan heard things that no one else did. A bit of Ringo, a bit of Ginger, a bit of Giles, and a huge dose of confidence and intelligence. When he hit a note, it was obvious it was him, his snare was so unique and full of personality and fire. I hate losing heroes.
Doug amazing tribute, loved it, YES my band, I first watched YES live in Bristol UK 1968 and watched them many times since, they have been an inspiration for me all my life, my favourite track, like you Close to the Edge, I have the T shirt I wear it with pride. Thanks for these precise and in depth reviews, Cheers Me Dear..
"Turn Of The Century" is one of the best YES songs.
I fell in love with a girl because of this piece of music! Goosebumps even now at 63 years of age!
Alan White was a genius! I LOVE THIS! ❤❤❤
I'd like to see all the surviving members and ex-members who are still musically active do a one time reunion show in honour of the legacy of Alan and Chris and the history of the band... They don't need to change the current lineup of the band... Just all get together and put the awkwardness aside and do a true "An Evening of Yes Music"... Just one time. Just for the legacy... Record it for the fans worldwide to see... I would love to hear the two Jons singing lead vocals together... A guy can dream, I guess.
Thanks for this awesome tribute, Doug!
The 'song' (series of movements) 'Close To The Edge' is about life and the Circle of Life. Thus the microscopic underwater creatures.
Hint: the very beginning and the very end, where you hear rushing water and birds chirping. It represents the beginning and end of life.
When we're born we rise from the ever-changing primordial soup that comprises nature and when we die we go back to it.
The chaotic guitar work after the beginning water/birds opening represents the chaos of childhood and adolescent life.
In more of the latter part of the 'song' (31:51) we hear acceptance, resolution and wisdom. It's all so simple.
The live version of Close to the Edge is so full of energy and just so intense so good. Only Yes would do this only Yes.
Watching people re-‘Awaken’ to the incredible body of work that the YES alumni have created is pure joy !!
Sadly, Yes’ heartbeat 💓 has left us. Chris & Alan, Thank God we will carry you ‘Onward’ in our ‘Hearts’.
I know, eventually, we will meet again.
RIP CHRIS & ALAN🥲🥲🥲
Turn Of The Century can bring me to tears when someone HASN'T just died.
The magic that is YES-music.
The magic that was Alan White.
Many/most drummers don't get the recognition that they deserve. Alan was a giant of a drummer/percussionist.Alan White was a true legend.
I was blessed to be able to talk directly with Jon Anderson this week.. It was very touching; I told him of my experience meeting Alan White.. There have been so many wonderful musical artists that are leaving us.. as Jon Anderson said : "Alan is up there in heaven with Chris Squire" Jon just made it a tad easier to cope with this mourning... We'll love you and the gifts you have given us over the last 50 years, and I can honestly admit, I was introduced to them in 1971, and have been an avid fan; I've had the oppty to see him perform 17 different concerts over the last 50 years.. (* I definitely will hang out with all the best when it's my turn for heaven).
Time passes very quickly, it seems like yesterday when I was 12 years old and I heard that almost heavenly voice for the first time, and from then on Yes was part of my musical life, today at 61 years old I still get excited like when I was just a teenager discovering the most wonderful progressive rock musicians.
Yes music is a very important part of my life, and Alan's drumming is key in my favourites, including masterworks Ritual, Awaken, Gates of Delirium, Release Release, Endless Dream and Mind Drive among many others. One of the Finnest Drummers I ever seen! Thank you for all these beautiful songs and RIP Mr Alan White.
"Turn of the Century" is one of Yes' most beautiful songs. RIP Alan.
Some of the greatest moments of my life have occurred with the sound of Alan White's drumming in the background. RIP indeed.
Alan wasn't just drummer, he was a multi instrumentalist and composer. And like Stewart Copeland and Neil Peart, Alan taught me the value of learning to play as many instruments as possible.
Because, music is ever changing, just like skiing or sailing. You never stop learning.
Turn of the Century. Such a beautiful story and song. Love, loss, grief. And transcendence.
Simply Gorgeous.... (Turn of the Century) Thank you Alan White & YES
One of the most beautiful songs ever. RIP Alan. You touched so many, and left us so much, but are gone too soon.
Going for.....the 1 Goodevening sir, 🎶👍
Y3S, my friends. The heart of the band now in heaven, Chris and Alan.
Alas, I've never seen the band play live, but Yes, they have been the heartbeat of my life
I was twelve when 90125 came out and I thought Yes was a new band...I bought the album and couldn't stop listening... When I heard the odd-timed intro to Changes (which is credited to Alan White) for the first time, I thought that was the coolest rhythm I'd ever heard. And at that point I didn't even know how many brilliant albums there were to discover from the band!
Turn Of The Century is one of their absolute best! Alan White also turned down an offer by Jethro Tull to join Yes. In 2019 I got to meet Alan & his wife Gigi at a Rock&Roll Fantasy Camp while in the recording studio with Eddie Kramer & Laurence Juber. We also saw Alan back in the lobby of the Universal Sheraton where he was alone & lost! He remembered my group from earlier in the day, chatted with us, took selfies, & was very grateful for our escort back to the elevator to go back to his room. God speed Mr. White. You were superlative & will be dearly missed.
R.I.P. Alan…thank you for everything.
Doug, it’s entertaining watching you realize what us Yes fans have known for decades….
Iconic Yes music and a great choice to honor Alan’s vast legacy with this wonderful assemblage of virtuosos. Thanks, Doug.🙏🏻
Thanks Doug for this magical tribute. Been riding the spiritual wave with Jon and YES for over 50 years now and seen them play live in every continent of this beautiful planet. Such Chakra spinning sounds. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all today. It has been such a pleasure watching you find Yes music and watching the impact it is having on you. Just let it in. I was a mere 14 year old in Scotland when I first heard CTTE and it just blew my mind and it still does.. I found YES the day after the passing of my father when I was 14……it was perfect timing and heaven sent. It’s a big toast to you Doug……Cheers
After the shock of Chris's death in 2015, Alan in turn has just left us. YES, how not to be sad! R.I.P Alan. Thank you, Master Helvering.
Your last comment about how we are all close to the edge and returning to the same river and why can't we just share. Very good observation. It's greed, plain and simple. We humans are capable of many emotions and greed seems to grip some people more then others. And we are therefore territorial creatures. From the begining of time, we seek for our selves. Hunting for food, water and selter. And we're not going to share with those others that are not part of our group. Human nature.
Thanks Doug! Saw Alan roughly 40 times with YES. Incredible drummer, compser and Human Being. We have been hugely blessed by this man RIP
Very happy (and sad) that you are paying tribute to Mr. Alan White. I am one of the lucky one to meet with Alan in a drum seminar where he took the time to tutor and give advise to many drummers all at once. He was brilliant....played roundabout live for us not once but twice...left handed and right handed. It was a wondurful experience to see how versatile he really was. Rest Peacefully my friend and mentor, SIR WHITE.
The true test of any band is their ability to reproduce their albums live. This is a perfect example of virtuosos at work.
RIP Alan White. Your work has been my pleasure since 1976. Very nice tribute to his work, Turn of the Century and CTTE were wonderful choices. Doug, in the future I hope you finally get to their fabulous live video of "Ritual: Nous Sommes du Soleil", but the Symphonic Live version. A full orchestra, Yes and excellent live performance footage, sans any "under water scenes"! Alan is so awesome in that, they all are of course...
Turn of the Century is the only song that gives me chills every time I listen to it. Love it. RIP Alan White, we'll miss you.
Tip a glass to a musical giant, indeed! Turn of the Century is a YES master piece, everyone at the top of their game. Alan is barely heard, a couple of toms and cymbals. But an inspired melody and perfectly realized. Whenever I get tired of my limited skill set, I go to Turn of the Century, Awaken or Close to the Edge and get re-inspired.
Close to the Edge is a masterpiece. Loved Alan’s playing on Yessongs
That got me going!
The first Yes I ever head was the Starship Trooper from Yessongs when I was a preteen in the early 70's. His drumming on that song especially blew me away as a young drummer myself.
Godspeed Alan!
🧠🌌♾❤
"On Silent Wings of Freedom" is one of my all-time favorite songs. Squire & White nail it !
Listening to this was an emotional experience for me. Alan white had some big shoes to fill but he more than stepped up to the challenge and in only 3 days yet! What a legend.
What a beautiful discussion and tribute to Alan White. RIP Alan. And thank you for all you do, Doug.
One of your best reaction! Thank you!
I went to the cinema to see this concert film. Fantastic in the big screen. This live album got me into YES in a big way. Chris Squires stage presence had a massive impact on me. Still one of my all time favourite bass players. I think I’m right in saying this was the first recording that Allan White appeared on. His first album in the studio was Relayer. An absolute masterpiece in my opinion. Totally mind blowing.
I think Topographic Oceans was his first studio album with Yes.
@@brandoncrow3741
Yes. I think you’re right. Then Wakeman left and Moraz joined for Relayers. My bad. They really made him earn his keep in those early days with them. 😂
@@kevinbrown3082 to be honest, I wasn't sure. My initial Yes journey started with Fragile and 90125! 🤣 A child of the 80's. What can I say? A huge loss for us with Alan passing. 🙏
As a Yes fanatic I've always preferred Alan White's playing with them to Brufords. Not a knock on Bill but I agree with you that Alan was more of a rock player & brought a power & propulsiveness that they didn't have with Bruford.
For me, this is Yes’ most beautiful song. I am giving thanks to Alan for all the years of enhancing my life. ❤️❤️❤️
thanks Doug, that was great. Yes have been my favourite band since 1982 because of songs like these. I get the love for CTTE, although I put Awaken, Gates of Delirium and Ritual slightly over it. And Turn of the Century is staggerigly beautiful.
Thank you for doing this. I loved Alan's playing. Turn of the century is one of my all time favs. And You and I, Awaken and Chris's masterpiece Onward.
RIP Alan White. Thanks for this post. There is percussion all over Turn of the Century -- temple bells, muted cymbals, etc. It's mixed in the background, but shows true ensemble playing. Also, compare Bill Bruford's and Alan's drumming on Close to the Edge. Bruford is very sparse -- excellent jazz drumming. Alan brought a rock drummer's approach to Yes. It brought the group to a new place.
Turn Of The Century, MASTERPIECE, Close To The Edge, MASTERPIECE, Alan White, MASTER DRUMMER, PERCUSSIONIST, RIP
Thank you for taking your time & being gracious enough to dedicate a show to Alan White!
Even though we all know that we're only on this Earth for a short time, it's still hard to say "So long, and see you later!", to the people who helped us to enjoy this phase of our lives!
I've personally lost 12 friends over the last 2 years, in fact I have another Funeral for a Friend tomorrow.
Stay in touch with those people who you love, and let them know how you feel!
I totally broke down hearing this. Never fails to move me after all these years.
This is classic! I've seen YES live when the drummer was Alan White and Rick Wakeman was wearing a sequin cape while playing keyboards. Thanks for the review and the reminder of good times. I'm glad you appreciate the music all these years later!
When we listen to this song, we are not quite the same after.
"Close to the Edge" is definitely my favorite Yes album. I tried to learn the bass part of the song, but even playing it at half speed it broke my brain! Haha. Great video. Alan White was a legend, and we celebrate his work behind the kit.
Nice tribute Doug, thank you. Alan gave me a drumstick after a concert on the Drama tour. I couldn't believe how splintered it was from striking the rims. A life well lived.
That's a great memory for you I'm sure, thanks for sharing it with us!
I've never seen your channel, but love that you paid tribute to Alan White. I did not know he had passed but still feeling the loss of Chris Squire I had to watch. I had the privilege of seeing him perform on my 40th birthday in Maryland on the Yes In The Round tour, thank you.
Beautiful tribute Doug ! Glad you chose Turn of the Century, as it shows a different side of Alan, as a composer, and what a track it is !
I love Doug's channel - but can't believe he's never heard the Yessongs version of CTTE. For me it's one of the most astounding pieces of music ever played.
As for Turn of the Century, it's mesmerisingly beautiful. If you can keep a dry eye at the 10:00 break (in this video), you're not human.
Love to Alan (who was from our neck of the woods, in Durham, England) and to Yes fans the world over.
Mick and Nic and Pamela, from the UK. 🙂
PS Alan White's snare drums on Future Times are every train in the world barrelling along together. Simple, and simply brilliant. (Exclamation mark omitted for emphasis.)
I think Alan did his best work on "Relayer" and "Drama." A great guy who'll be dearly missed.
I recently came across your channel and now have a good excuse to listen to Yes again. Because of yourknowledge of music and clear descriptions in your reactions, I feel validated by sharing good taste in music. Although I am not a musician myself, I have ears! I grew up on classical, but wove in jazz, soul, funk, punk, hip hop, world music, a smattering of everything. I went overseas to school in Budapest to follow Liszt Ferenc and Bartok Bela and learn how folk music inspired them.
But Yes was and is music that occupies a special place in my musical soul. Thanks for your tribute to them. A real delightful discovery for me.
This wasn't the easiest of days, but your tribute made it better - thanks for this.
So Sad, Seen Yes at least 3 times in my hey days in Pittsburgh, All of the members are top notch artists Yessongs Live is my best, Always jammin loud in the 70's!! along with Sabbath,Nugent,Skynard,Manfred Man,Uriah Heep and my Favorite Pink Floyd seen them 4 times including Animals Tour in Cleveland 77' Seen Roger 4 times plus gonna check him out again July 6th them years was real Rock, R.I.P Alan and Chris.. And another great reaction Doug Thanks ✌ out
Oh, I am so glad you did _Turn of the Century._ One of my favourite ever songs.
{:-:-:}
Absolutely awesome spine-tingler...
@@Domino-bo4kh
_"Laughing as they danced, highest colours touching others..."_
_"We walk hands in the Sun, memories, when we're young love lingers so..."_
{:-:-:}
One of my favorite songs!
Love your reactions and commentary when listening to YES. My favorite band of all time! I first saw them the night before my 18th birthday in Nov '72 - a month before the YESSONGS recordings - and just a few months after Alan joined the band. It was truly an astonishing night! Over the ensuing 50 years I have seen them ~200 times. Alan, and Chris, are now making music for the angels.
Turn of the century is one of those hidden gems. The guitar work is amazing and it perfectly captures the atmosphere of Victorian England as per the title.
A sensational tune highlighted by Howe’s genius and Jon’s incredible vocals.
Need to hear Annie Haslam (Renaissance) and Steve Howe do their beautiful rendition of this song.
Rock In Peace Alan.
I’ve seen them at least over 30 times since 1976! The best live band! RIP Alan! You will be forever missed! You are now with Chris! ❤️🥁
R.I.P Alan White
Not only did he work with YES , but John Lennon and George Harrison on All Things Must Pass .
I was lucky enough to see him play live 3 times.
Thank you Alan , Godspeed brother!
🧠🌌♾❤
As soon as Steve's acoustic guitar begins accompanying Jon .... tears. And when the acoustic guitar takes over at 6:47 .... beauteous. Heart-felt melodious genius.
That last squeal of the guitar before the vocals come back in puts my heart in my throat every time!
@@pwethman1 will never get old. Goosebumps since I first heard it all those many years ago.
Me, too. I always imagine someone choreographing a ballet to this piece.
Your video was the first I heard of Alan's passing. I had the good fortune of watching both performances live with front row seats in the late 70's in the Spokane Collusium (Yes-in the Round). No backup - no overdubbing - only four guys . He joins Chris Squire as two of the best modern musicians that are no longer with us. What I am amazed by is how they can sing harmony while playing intricate runs flawlessly. Most bands rely on overdubbing or backup musicians when live. I'm glad to see someone as professional and brilliant as yourself appreciate Yes as much as I do. Makes me feel that I'm not as dumb as I look!
Thank you Doug - I really think Alan deserves a ton of credit for his loyal contribution to Yes.👍👍👍
I was lucky to see yes live many times. I am a Yogi and now live in Cambodia. Last night may 27th I was watching the colorful videos of Heart of the sunrise and perpetual change live ,Posted by Jon. I was meditating in a higher mind. After listening i got my phone from charging,I looked at it and the article from the BBC that Alan died was opened on my phone without me opening it. Hard to believe but that's what happened.
Certainly one of the most beautiful ever. A true Materpiece! When they did that tour they had a holographic ballerina dancing behind them. They were the masters of PROG!
In 2013 I did a meet and greet at Foxwoods. When I asked Alan about working on All Things Must Pass with George Harrison he just lit up. He smiled, chuckled and said it was a wonderful experience and George wouldn't hurt a fly. I left feeling that I had made his day. Thanks Alan
As a side note, EVERY track on Yessongs utterly blows away the earlier studio recordings of the same songs, IMHO. Without exception.
Agreed
What Yessongs shows, for sure is how talented these guys were as musicians in the wild world of live performance. Studio albums reveal a more planned and controlled creativity.
And, the Yessongs versions of Yours Is No Disgrace and Perpetual Change in my opinion, contain the greatest examples of electric guitar playing of all genres, all eras, all time, period.
I know this is practically heretical to say in Yes circles, but here it is: To me, Alan White was always the better drummer for Yes, the drummer that Yes always needed. DON'T MISUNDERSTAND ME! I have great love and respect for Bill Bruford - his work with KC, his solo albums, and many others has been outstanding and unique. It's just that White's earthy, hard-hitting playing coupled with the swing of his feel brought Yes an edge that grounded their sound in a way that Bruford never could. It probably doesn't hurt that my personal favorite Yes album is Relayer! You may disagree with me (and probably do!), but this is how I feel. R.I.P. to one of rock's best people.
Thank you Doug for a fitting tribute to Alan.
Thanks for honoring Alan! I have been listening to a lot of Yes since his passing (more than usual). Consider "In the Presence Of" from the Magnification album for a future episode. Alan had a big part in the writing of that song. It is a lovely late period Yes song that is now 21 years old.
Sad to hear of Alan's passing. Andy Fletcher of Depeche mode too. Going for the one is my favourite yes album, beautiful throughout, a fitting tribute
Thank you, Doug. A very good choice of Yes songs. I remember standing outside the sixth form common room at school. The sixth formers were allowed a record player. I stood nearby and heard this excellent music. A sixth form friend of mine appeared. I pulled him to one side and asked him to find out what the music was. He told me it was the Yes Album. I have from that day onwards been hooked on Yes. I have both Yessongs and Going For the One albums in my record collection. I saw Yes in London during the Going For The One Tour. It was mind-blowing. Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman and Alan White was the best Yes lineup. RIP Alan.
TOTC is a beautiful song. I've been a huge fan of Yes fan for years, and I've never thought that Alan joining the band took away the band's potential as some may say. If anything, him being a rock drummer brought Yes to a wider audience. Also, learning the Yessongs repertoire in 3 days as he did is quite a feat. Although some may say he sounded like "a bull in a China shop" on that album, again, he was more of a rock drummer and put his own stamp on it. He seemed like a great guy to all who've met him, and during his time in Yes, especially in the earlier years, he was the mediator between the other band members during their many heated arguments, and probably has a lot to do with the band staying together as long as they have. RIP Alan. Thanks for the many years of music.
I too think that Alan was the best drummer for Yes. Bill was (past tense only because he no longer plays) a phenomenal drummer, but Alan was what Yes needed.
Thank you for doing this tribute to Alan! I’ve seen him perform with YES almost 50 times since 1975! I love your reactions to their phenomenal music!
Sad news. Alan White was a very underrated drummer. While Bill Bruford is a genius and totally unique, I've also always loved Alan's straightforward, rock-oriented versions of the older stuff on Yessongs. I've always admired his extremely energetic performance on Anne Of Cleves from Rick Wakeman's The Six Wives of Henry VIII, his style and brutal sound really seemed ahead of its time. His drumming on Relayer is spectacular, too, especially Sound Chaser.
I think Alan was a genius too. Listen to his fills. There were never two alike.
@@JeffreyBrock58 Yeah, he had an amazing gift for fills. When I was listening to Yessongs 30 years ago, Alan's fills were the main attraction for me. So distinctive, gutsy, youthfully vigorous, even the simple things sounded cool, powerful. Very quick hands. Like the polar opposite of Bruford's restrained, clinical, more intellectual style. I remembered every fill he played on that album, note for note.
@@J.-M. I’m glad you agree about his genius. I was never a Bruford fan. He was way to esoteric for me. To me rock music is based on the power of the rhythm section. Alan and Chris were truly amazing. Sadly we have lost them both. To be honest I have seen Yes play live over 30 times but I haven’t seen them since Jon left. That’s just me.
@@JeffreyBrock58
Not just you.
Underrated? In which planet lived you in the last 30 or 40 years?
RIP Alan, a perfect drummer for a perfect prog band. So sad to hear to hear this news. Been a follower since '75. I am not a musician, but IMHO the YesSongs version of CTTE is very different to the studio version *mainly* due to Alan's dynamism on the kit driving the music forward in contrast to Bruford's classic metronomic precision holding the band really tight in the studio version. The resulting energy in the live version released by Alan's playing is unreal. That version never ceases to amaze me.
This is a hard one. Other than Chris Squire, Alan White was a mainstay with Yes. What a bummer.
If i remember, I think "Turn of the Century" was the first song I played in the year 2000
Hello Doug! From México City! Yes music is another feelings level!!! Is not for everyone! They were 50 years ahead!!! Of any other
bands! Impress and complex music! My favourite band ever!
Emerson, Lake & Palmer!
The second greatest complex music band!!!