Steve means 'people have to like working with HIM'. No one wants another Union tour, but Yes need to end, the current Yes is an abomination. Slow and dull.
I gave up on Yes in 2009 after seeing David Benoit on vocals and Oliver Wakeman on keys. It just wasn't there. Hearing Steve Howe complain to the soundman a few times was something I've never seen from them before. I followed Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman thereafter, including their tour with Trevor Rabin, which is likely the last time I will ever see them.
I always thought that Chris Squire was the glue that kept the band together. My all time favourite bass player. He seemed to be the soft filling in between two hard cookies (Anderson and Howe). I'm glad that I got to see the real band live several times.
One way Squire held the band together was by having the ability to talk people into doing things and bringing people together when needed. He was key on getting Wakeman into the band, Trevor Horn and Trevor Rabin. If anyone would have been able to get a proper Yes reunion going these days, it would have Squire. Without him, Howe gets to run Yes his way and he seems content with that despite not having their original iconic vocalist. Howe must really not want to go another 10 rounds with Anderson on any level, which is a shame.
@@RushTrader I believe he also brought Tony Kaye back for the "Cinema" project, before they reverted back to Yes. He just seems like a great guy that musicians respected and wanted to be around. I missed a chance to meet him in Vancouver when they were recording and my friend was a keyboard tech. I didn't want to be 'one of those fans' so I didn't go with him. Still one of my biggest regrets.
I agree with your assessment that a reunion can't happen without Chris Squire. It's sad to see (and hear) what Steve Howe's YES is doing under the YES banner.
Life goes on it's not fair to expect so much from our cherished musicians I saw yes last year Billy Sherwood and John Davidson we're outstanding with Steve Howe they gave us great yes music
Time for Yes to go to bed and call it a day. Go home to your families and spent you ending years with them. There is no more great music for you to write. It was nice but now it's sour.
Agreed. I’ve seen them with Anderson, Benoit David and Jon Davidson. Every show has been one of tired diminishing returns. They sounded off musically and “Krull” Howe overacts on stage. Personally I’m OK with them retiring quietly and not ruining their legacy. Take care.
Just bought Steve Howes new book. The first chapter on the rnr hall of fame induction says it all. Fractured beyond repair. And Howe is determined to run it into the ground.
Thorough and well done as always, Ant. It saddened me to read in Rabin's interview that ARW was over. Saw those guys three times during their run and they killed it each time. I agreed with Wakeman in the Rolling Stone interview awhile back when he said the Yes band name probably should have been retired when Chris Squire died. Ah well, we fans will always have the memories, and what glorious memories they are! Anyhoo, keep up the good work, and all the best to you and yours during this shitshow of a year.
Thanks for the kind words Russell! I think if anyone from the Yes camp was going to release anything interesting it would have been something involving Rabin. I really don't think Steve can write anything memorable at this point, judging by recent solo releases and that awful last Yes studio album.
@@RushTrader The Gilded Splinter song from Steve Howe Trio 2019 is an excellent jazz song. But then again it is an unfinished song of his and Brufords from the 70's. It is so sad to see my favorite band deteriorate over these years. Their last great strong tour as real yes was 2004. ARW was enough closure to make make up for Steve's weak lineup. Heaven and Earth is a bad fart. I did enjoy the Fly From Here album because it is unfinished business from Drama. Personally I absolutely love the Magnification album. That is the last great strong Yes material. Those songs are really well composed and structured and very memorable. Thanks for doing the video. You really covered everything well that is going on.
I wouldn't be so sure that they are really over. Rabin says they are hindered by everybody living in different corners of the world. Which might impare your writing and recording new music, but can it be an obstacle to touring? I actually am quite positive that they'll eventually be back.
I feel like post-UNION, THE LADDER is the most worthy Yes release. "Homeworld" from that album was really solid and the band made great use of themselves on it.
"Homeworld" is probably the best one on that album and "The Messenger" is good too. The reason why that album has more going for it than others around that time is because they had a real producer involved with Bruce Fairbairn. Unfortunately, he passed away before completion.
@Jeffrey Leatherwood I agree on "Endless Dream" and was hoping they would have pulled it out for ARW as it would have been interesting to hear Wakeman play on that one.
It was actually Jon Anderson that called Rick Wakeman to rejoin Yes for "GFTO" . Rick said to Jon that he couldn't do another "Tales From Topographic Oceans" album & wasn't a big fan of "Relayer" until Jon played him the the demo of "Wonderous Stories" & one other demo. Steve Was in ASIA when "90215" came out. The first ASIA album was released in March of '82 & YES were recording "90215" in July '82.
Thanks for the comment, Lee. I believe what you're referring to is when Rick was first asked to be part of the GFTO sessions. Initially, he was hired as a session guy and not officially part of the band. In the YesYears documentary (early 90s), Rick describes a moment, before the GFTO tour, where management, along with Chris, approached Rick about becoming a full-time member of the band again. Rick specifically singled out Chris and described how he "severely comes to the forefront when necessary", which indicates how persuasive Chris was in getting Rick back into the band full-time. Also, if you're interested, check out Part 1 of my 2000 interview with Steve where I asked him where he was when he first heard 90125 and what he thought.
You raise many good points...but I'm glad that YES music is still being played...same with Genesis and King Crimson... The music is timeless! Keep up the great posts...I always enjoy them. Would love to hear your thoughts on Genesis Revisited and King Crimson.
Thanks for the comment! About a year ago I did a video on Crimson, my concert review from their last tour. I'm hoping to see Hackett early next year so I'm sure a video on that will follow. Thanks for the recommendations as I always love feedback on what topics fans are interested in.
I just had a brilliant idea! Jon Anderson should tour with Steve Hackett's band and play Yes music from, say, 1970 to 2000 and maybe even a few new songs that Jon has written. I think Hackett would gladly do that.
David thanks for the comment. That's a refreshing idea and something I'd be totally down for. That would be the best way to do the Yes catalog justice at this point.
@@DavidLazarus The only thing is... would he be okay with playing Howe's parts? They have different styles. Actually, Howe should join them too and they have a Genesis/Yes extravaganza.
@@RushTrader - I don't think Howe would do it for the same reason he doesn't want Jon in Yes. It's a darn shame that, apparently, Howe made Chris choose between him or Jon. If I were Chris, I'd have called his bluff and chosen Jon. Anyway, yes, the two Steves have different styles, but that's OK. If I wanted to hear the songs as they sound on the original albums, I'd listen to the albums. :^)
Good video. I think Yes has quite a bit of music from the last 30 years... Magnification is a highly under-rated album. Talk was great - The Ladder was very good. Plenty of music. Howe - really didn't respect Rabin back in the Union days.. however, in the 2010's Howe expressed quite openly that Owner of a Lonely Heart was a sensational song FOR Yes. Rick Wakeman has also commended the Yes-West era. I think it could work - they are older and Howe has got that bug out of his bonnet. I think Alan should probably have retired from touring about 8 - 10 years ago. Wakeman, Peart & Briford made the right decision - they deserve to be able to retire.
It is very unfortunate that there might not be any substantial Yes reunion, especially for a young fan like me who wasn’t even old enough for the Union tour. I hope Howe and Anderson can get over their differences and make something happen while they can still play.
I understand what you mean... if Jon, Rick and Steve could get on the same stage with a solid band again it would be 10x better than the sloppy train wreck that's out there now. Sure, it's not the Yes of old but it would at least have some resemblance to the past and I think you'd enjoy it much more.
Only thing left is creating an opportunity for a new great band. Just a quick thought of The Orphans ... Anderson (vocals), Wakeman (keys), Lee (Bass), Lifeson (guitar), Palmer (Drums). Put it out there ?
Great channel Rush Trader, been on a binge of your content. You address the questions I wonder about concerning Yes, etc. Looking forward to more of your work.
Jon Anderson should do exactly what Steve Hackett does, make his own music and tour YES revisited with top notch players like Roine Stolt, Mike Portnoy and other premier Prog musicians!
Thanks for the comment, Ron! Yeah, I think that would be the best option considering Howe doesn't want to work with him. It would have to be something much better and different than what he did with his more recent solo band. Steve Hackett's done a fine job carrying the torch for that era of Genesis and Jon could do it too with the right players.
SUPER POSTING . Lots to digest and some great insights into the life ( or lack of it ) in one of the worlds greatest bands KEEP US INFORMED APPRECIATED
Amazing that Steve Howe came up with “ownership” of the name, when he isn’t a founding member of the band. But there it is… got to have been bugging him, knowing that Yes Featuring ARW had more original members than Yes (the Steve Howe band). They should all hang it up, as far as Yes is concerned.
I saw ARW in 2016 and they were FANTASTIC!!! So glad I saw that show! Sorry that the classes YES will never perform together again, but that's life I guess.
Saw both bands a few years ago. Steve's version SUCKED!!! We left before the show was over. Saw ARW a few weeks later and they slayed it! A gazillion times better. I'd pay to see ARW again but you couldn't pay me to sit through another "official" Yes show.
I saw both of the lineup’s twice in the last few years and I couldn’t agree more Steve’s Yes while he is a better guitarist but the rest of the band doesn’t come close to Jon’s YES.
Albeit through their differences, Jon and Chris were the heart of YES. Plain and simple. Steve got on board well after they had started the band; gave them the nudge that Trevor then gave in the 80’s. That’s fine. The politics of this band has been their greatest musical asset and ultimately their demise. This current iteration of YES is not YES. If you disagree, you probably never saw them at their peak and n the 70s…. Peace out.
The thing that's a little perplexing to me is John Anderson was in the band before Steve.Howe how does that work? Was it John a founding member along with Chris Squire?
Jon left Yes in the late 70s and that likely ended his stake in the name. After Jon left, Squire took full control of the name and now that he's gone, it's Howe's baby.
I feel that Yes grew and grew up to, and including, "Going For the One". But with the release of "Tormato" the output lost that shimmering quality. It's just the way it goes with just about every band. Sooner or later they just lose momentum - or interest - or each other... What are you gonna do? The truth is that the closest thing to a new great Yes album is Jon Anderson's "1000 Hands". Anderson (and Squire) started the band - anybody interested should listen to him when he says he has eight new suitable Yes songs!
@@RushTrader True - and don't get me started on "Drama"! Has a couple of good pieces on it, but why in the world would they brand it "Yes"? Releasing it under any other name would only have helped the reception.
I too think "Drama" should have been the name of the band as they were totally different than Yes with Jon. You change the expectations that way. They became a different band with Trevor and Geoff added. I thought the album had some strong material, particularly "Machine Messiah" and "Does It Really Happen" but when it came to Horn singing Anderson live, it tanked and Horn decided it was better to produce bands, not front them (which has served him very well, by the way.)
@@RushTrader - Indeed - Trevor Horn is a fantastic producer and did wonders for Frankie Goes To Hollywood and others. "Relax" and "Two Tribes" are very impressive, for example. I still listen to those tracks just for the production! But to substitute Mr Horn for Jon Anderson in Yes - forget it... And to take it on the road - what were they thinking..?
Yes I love this band saw about 15 times I’m 66 years old I saw a rush about six times both of these bands are in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame and members of rush say they were heavily influenced by yes and Emerson Lake and Palmer and yet they’re not in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame think about that for a minute
True, then again, I think the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has become so watered down it's like who cares who gets in at this point. When Biggie Smalls, Madonna and Tupac get into a rock and roll institution before ELP and so many deserving others, it makes it much less important in my view.
I'm quite happy with the way Yes is now. Lots of variety in the setlist, lots of energy from the new guys. Plus Jon Anderson is doing quite well on his own. 1000 Hands album and tour was excellent. He would not be able to do that if he were in Yes, and most likely would not be able to stand the rigors of a long tour. The last ARW tour was only 10 dates.
My musical wish would be for Yes ( Jon Anderson, Rick, Steve and Bill Bruford, with a bass player to cover for Chris ( rest his soul), to make one last album at equals the old stuff. you all know what I'm talking about ( Tales, Fragile , The Yes album, Going for the One, Relayer, etc etc, and best of all, Close to the Edge). I must have spent a 10th of my life listening to Yes, time well spent, and I want to listen to another new epic before I meet my maker.
@@RushTrader The last truly original Yes album. Whilst I did enjoy "Fly From Here" it is really a reworked Buggles album with a few token Yes-like tracks. Please don't mention that later album....trying to forget that it ever existed.
I'm one of those who thought "Drama" should have been the name of a new band rather than a Yes album without Jon, perhaps without those expectations it would have been better received. That being said, I thought FFH sounded more like a side-project than a bona-fide Yes album.
Wow, Ant. I gotta say...brutally honest. A lot of guys that report on Yes and the other great bands are careful not to offend, and hold back from taking a stand on some of these issues. I always say to myself: yeah, if it were me, I'd just go ahead and say what I really think. But even with that, I was surprised at how frank your commentary was. I've no doubt you've offended some people, including (possibly) some band members. Having said that, I can't honestly say that you're wrong. I'd have to say I pretty much agree, both with your opinions and your conclusions, although I do think there were great albums after 90125. To me, the last great Yes album was Talk. Great songs on the Ladder, Magnification, and Fly from Here, but not solid all the way through. At any rate, thanks for your honesty.
It’s over for Yes the way it was, let bygones be bygones, life happens as we move forward in this life. Be thankful Yes music is still played live today in it present form, thanks to adaptive perpetual change.
I agree with you re:Yes. As much as I would love to see Anderson, Wakeman and Howe I don’t see it happening. I enjoy the new stuff from Wakeman but I also understand his situation personally. Jon Anderson will always bring me music that touches my heart and more. As much as I think Steve Howe is an ass I do think he can play well. I just finished Steve Howe’s autobiography. Interesting and not very surprising after following YES and the individual musicians since the day Fragile came out.
Excellent analysis! I’d rather everyone just stay retired and work on enhanced resolutions of their old catalog. Nothing sadder to me than paying to see a bunch of angry old men arguing onstage with the audience. We have our memories of a happier time, let the old men relax and enjoy a life well lived while there’s still time.
I enjoyed ARW live and they ALL enjoyed it too - just watch one of the '50 years' concerts to see what I mean! If Trevor Rabin would do it I'm sure the other guys would be in .. I live in hope!!
Mike thanks for the comment. Yes, I can tell you live in hope! I think there's a better chance of ARW doing something than a Yes reunion of any kind. Considering we still have Steve, Jon and Rick, if they all still had their shit together, they could round out the band with amazing musicians and still command large tours. Instead, well you know how it is...
Yes has been reduced to a tribute band that should change its name to "The Steve Howe All-Stars". I saw them in London for the 50 Years event, and that was the last Yes gig for me.
I had my tickets to go see the reunion that was supposed to happen literally right when Jon got sick. That was it. I could have seen one of the main line up.I still went to go see them with the new singers. And it was good but it wasn't as great as it could have been with Jon. I still went to see Jon with the Florida Orchestra and saw him with ARW and with his new band. The latter version being the best. I fell in love with Yes from my uncle showing me a 90125 concert on laser disc when I was around 6 or 7 years of age. Been a fan ever since. They inspired me to pick up the guitar and make my own music. I'm 35 years of age now. Yes is the best!
@@RushTraderThank you for all the awesome videos and your genuine approach and passion for representing all of us as fans. Rock will never die. It just goes underground for awhile. And it is still doing great things under there.
@@RushTrader Thank you Ant! Agreed. Been trying to get it out there more. If you could share it with anyone it would mean a lot. Also please check out my other songs on my channel. I'm mainly trying to get the songs into documentaries about helping the world. My father tried to send my orchestra piece Autumn Colors to Jon Anderson through his representative. His representative said I am very talented but no promises on it getting to Jon's ears as he is busy with other projects. I thought maybe Jon would enjoy it because it sounds like Prokofiev and Stravinsky a little bit. More like Prokofiev because he is my main favorite composer.
All that matters to.me.is the yes music.... You can also find genesis revisited with hackett and the trio. No complains with that. Ok it is a shame... But they are still with us, offering somehow all this legacy. Yes music is timeless. As good as Asia without wetton or rush without peart.... Let's celebrate music!!!!
They do need to realize what time it is, time to do what they do great while they can. If they play- they will come. If they get into the studio- great music will flow the tide of sales. Steve is right, in part, there is enough space to each do what they want to do- together though, and fans will always be there to listen, but I think his bitter spirit of error has effected them in error to think in error but for Anderson lately who humbly has the right attitude to make it happen. And I get the logistics part, with them all having responsibilities, living in different parts of the world, having made other plans sololy; but surely they can block out a couple months to do as they have before; work together in the spirit of Yes music, even in the spirit of Chris Squire, the spiritual glue that held them together, making an album of honoring the members and the fans who went along for the ride- and all who made it possible, even to tie loose ends, in the creative process. But we do see those members comments in the media, from time to time, some, perhaps, to feel out the mindset of the other members, but the feed back is usually grim, that of cynical error in spirit unrest they are holding onto from the past, while we always have hope, as fans, to see them get together again, to do what they do, as great musicians. In any event we don't hold retiring against them- we still have the great music of that day and more.. ---And In closing, I'm reminded of the words of Bill and Ted: "Be excellent to one another"- and JAM on dudes!
I was well going along with what the gentleman said in the clip - until the point, that is, when he mentioned the alledged being much tighter and more powerful and much greater in "killing the classics" of Yes feat ARW's. Now I do agree Alan is a rather sad sight to see these days (who wouldn't)...however...you should take a closer look at which classics ARW "kill". Namely the same old same old. You take the Classic Yes album, trade Wonderous Stories for Awaken and there you have it. I posted it somewhere else before but it fits in here as well: ARW won't do Relayer stuff (if they'll be active ever again, at all) because only A was on it, R and W weren't. SHs Yes does The Gates Of Delirium. ARW won't do Tales stuff because R wasn't on that either whereas W was but has a history of hating it. SHs Yes does Sides 1 and 4 completely, plus the Leaves Of Green bit of Side 3. ARW won't do Tormato or Drama stuff because either nobody was on it, or certain ones were but rather disestimate it. SHs Yes go along with all of that stuff. That's one reason why I personally like them better, even though I have to admit the other ones are, purely technically, more energetic. But there you have it - technique isn't everything. Rabin is a brilliant guitar player, but he never ever understood, I've a feeling he flatly refused to understand, the position he was in with a group such as Yes. So he gave Yours Is No Disgrace an Eddie Van Halen kinda treatment, cut down Starship Trooper to Wurm only, fitted And You And I with a firecamp-like strumming along, and generally displayed a rather light music like approach to being guitarist in Yes. Or should I say he "killed" things in a rather more literal way. Anyway, I combine that with TR's gradual taking captaincy of the group when he was in it, plus the fact that Rabin actually could and should have known better - he was conducting his own orchestral accompaniments way back when in South Africa, mind you - and I can thoroughly see Steve's point (of not exactly holding a warm spot in his heart for Trevor). And then there is the point that in Yes's case, energy and drive of the music are not defined by speed and/or solidity of beat only. There is another rather undefinable thing, a certain vibe, a certain magic taking place when Yes music kicks in, which doesn't transfer to UA-cam however. To get hold of that, you have to take the trouble to see them real time. I did so and thus can testify that said magic still works. Geoff Downes puts himself to merit in that respect. While he falls a slight bit short of his forerunners Wakeman - both senior and junior -, Moraz or Khoroshev as far as virtuosity goes, he more than makes up for that in terms of recreating the original overall ambiences of Yes keyboards and synthesizers. In that particular way, he sounds more like the above mentioned than they do themselves! The same goes for Billy Sherwood in doing justice to the late great Chris Squire. You just couldn't have a better man for the job. So what I mean to say is, you might be a bit quick in your judgement favoring without further ado Yes feat ARW over SHs Yes.
I appreciate your reply and thanks for taking the time to comment. I realize that ARW isn't classic Yes and will only play a limited amount of material from their catalog and also will play it differently. The problem remains that I can't listen to a band called Yes when Chris and Jon aren't there, especially the latter. ARW was an attempt to regroup Rabin, Wakeman and Anderson into performing again mainly and they did it in their own style. In other words, they weren't supposed to be Yes and it's unfortunate they had to be called Yes featuring ARW because it's something else. That being said, I still would much rather hear ARW perform Yes classics than the current band called Yes mainly because I can't stand listening to a Jon replacement singer and I'm not fond of the the way the current lineup sounds.
@@RushTrader I don't even think the catalogue is "limited" for Yes feat ARW. It's just that it's kinda logical and inevitable for them to look in some other back catalogue corners. 90125, Big Generator, maybe The Meeting from ABWH, Union stuff they can agree upon (quite a task), and Talk. Which of course goes at the expense of other things. I guess to be able these days to know what to expect from any of the two Yesses, you better take all those things, I mean including those that I pointed out in my previous comment, into consideration. Which in turn takes quite a bit of being in the know, I would say. So he who is that can count himself lucky, think things through and take his pick. Pity on the one hand, but a good thing on the other, huh? 😉
The bad vibe beetween howe and rabin started with Asia... Look up for a song named "starry eyes" which later became as "only time will tell" at the very beginning of that supergroup ua-cam.com/video/h1-LvpYEnnE/v-deo.html
90125 was their last good album? Talk was better than that. Add Keys and The Ladder were much better than that pop tripe minus Hearts. Nevertheless, I've been a die hard Yes fan from the 70s. I tended to blame Rick because of all the times he left but after Chris died and that bitter speech Steve gave at the HOF I think he is turning out to be the real jerk here.
Great points. I feel the same way on 99 percent of your presentation. Only small disagreement is regarding STYX. I think they are still terrific. I really dug The Mission and I have seen many others rate it higher than some of the albums with DeYoung. Yes - enjoy this great music while we can!
Peter, thanks for the comment! One thing I've noticed is there's quite a few who really dug "The Mission". I tried listening to it a few times but never got anything out of it. That being said, I do think it's the strongest material they've released in decades and can understand why it's highly regarded.
anderson should record with wakeman ...rabin and the two very good guys on bass and drums....anyway,,,yes have always been like that...never forget tony kaye
I remember an interview with Greg lake after the high-voltage concert and he said back then you’re both in their late 60s in the way they played with it we were in their 20s that music is very difficult to please and like what you’re talking about with yes it was sad to see Alan White oh love that guy I mean still love him he’s around but the physicality the the the time signatures the tightness of the Music so in closing I didn’t mean to leave 303 comments here but I like the way you’re doing things my friend and again I’m 66 years old I saw yes at Jones Beach ninth row dead center what the date was September 7, 2001 something to think about it and then I believe in June 35 Anniversary tour absolutely unbelievable when they did the whole side of fragile my friend a bass player loved Cris why he ambulated him but that night of all nights he didn’t play the fish thanks everybody take care stay well be safe health is wealth
Thanks for the comments James, much appreciated! Funny, I saw Yes at Jones Beach a year earlier on the Masterworks Tour and it's when I interviewed Steve, maybe you saw my video on that. More of that interview to come...
I agree it'll be next to impossible to reunite Jon and Steve. But I take issue with the notion that Yes hasn't created any great music since Union or 90125 or the 1970s. There are a number of outstanding tracks on Talk, Keys 1 and 2, The Ladder, Magnification. Even Fly From Here has a beautifully arranged and performed title epic. It's this kind of exclusionary attitude that causes the band (in whatever form) to lean so heavily on the crowd-pleasing 70s classics rather than doing what Rush used to do, which is to lend credibility to newer material by actually playing it live on successive tours. For fans of a progressive band, which is mean to, y'know, progress, Yes enthusiasts are awfully stuck in one or two eras.
Bob, thanks for the comment. As mentioned in the video, Yes may have done some great songs here and there but I don't believe they made another great, solid album after 90125. Of course, that's only my opinion and there's many who disagree. I think in the later years Yes suffered from a lack of direction, cohesion and having a great producer to pull things together and keep everyone focused. Unlike Rush, Yes was run more like a corporation with people coming in and out, lots of compromises and questionable business decisions that ultimately saw the overall music suffer. As for Rush, their integrity was reflected in their music right up to the end which resonated with fans and why they wanted to see the newer stuff performed live. Sure, not everything was great but they didn't have the same pitfalls as Yes when it came to lineup changes, poor managerial decisions, etc. which, I believe, impaired the music they created.
Thanks Tony. Agree one of the main mechanisms of YES was Chris Squire making things happen behind the scenes. Also wondering if we can have some sort of discussion on who the actual owners of the YES name are. It seems White and Howe are in the drivers seat now but Anderson owns a different entity and still part owner of a separate one. I think it’s all about Money. Would like your take on Steve Howe’s biography. Steve discusses Jon asking for a load of money upon his return from his respiratory illness and Steve mentioned they didn’t want to go that route. Interesting
Thanks for the comment David. Yeah, I was wondering that myself recently, who owns what with regards to the Yes brand, etc.? You should check out what kind of deal Steve Perry got from his Journey exit, wow did he make out or what? I'll probably be discussing this at some point. Also, I need to read Steve's book. I've heard some say it's awful but may be worth the read to get his take on certain things. I'll check into it.
@@RushTrader The Steve Perry deal would be another great video especially after they fired Smith and Valory. According to what I read, Their former manager Herbie Herbert and Perry gave their blessing on Smith's and Valory's attempt to secure more funds after they would retire. I think Cain and Schon may have totally overblown the issue according to Valory who has countersued. This would be an interesting discussion indeed. Looking forward to your take on all of this. :)
@MrDcseltzer Thanks for the input. Funny you mention this because I'm working on a Journey video now which will include this topic and something else I thought would be fun to do.
saw yes live in 78 at Wembley got drama when it came out a good album but yes without Anderson and wakeman not the same and no one can replace Chris squire , Howe is just trying to do a Steve Hackett who is having great success with genesis revisited tours but has really nailed it with Nad sylvan on vocals and great musicians but also doing his solo material as well , never bothered with yes after drama however would love to see Howe Anderson wakeman and white do a final album with geddy lee on bass
Chris, thanks for the comment! Yeah, it does seem like Howe is trying to pull a Hackett, except he has the rights to the name so it's called Yes. It's really a tribute to Yes and doesn't have anywhere close to the quality of talent that Steve has in his lineup.
Hey great video RushTrader. I'm really glad I saw Yes when I did back in 2002. They still had the classic line up then and I actually own a copy of that show on 2 CDRs. The Yes now with Steve Howe is nothing more than a cover band and not a very good one. They have no original members. Same thing with Styx.
Thanks for the comment! Actually, Styx does have one original member with JY and then there's Chuck but he's been a guest appearance for many years now.
I remember Jon Anderson saying a long time ago, he wanted YES to go on for another 25 years after there gone. Its happening now. The new YES or Steve Howe Band will have to prove it with a hit. Then we will have music history repeating itself.
Judging by that last Yes album, I don't think the current Yes lineup are capable of writing anything substantial or memorable at all. In a recent interview, Sherwood mentioned taking the band well into the future. They'll become a no-name tribute act like Foreigner or, dare I say it, Quiet Riot, were there's no original members (or anything even close).
There are NO original members left in Steve Howe's band(including Steve). As far as I'm concerned, they are there already. A no name tribute band that isn't anywhere near the former glory of Yes. Jon Anserson is the last original member from the 1st line up that wants to move forward. God bless him. I absolutely loved the ARW version of Yes. Wish they could do something new and original. That would be great!
@@RushTrader Yes, that is true but I still want music under the name YES even if doesn't have original member left. Musicians will come & go. It might take 4 albums before you like them. When I was a teenager I didn't like YES, it slowly grew on me. I was listening to Savoy Brown & Blue Oyster Cult. Today's music I don't like & YES & other bands you mentioned need to continue to put out music. There is still some time to change the road there on.
#6: COVID KILLED TOURING! LOL. I agree with all your points. And you know what? It's OK! Everyone is getting old and it would be lackluster at best. I won't give Jon Anderson too much praise because many musicians know of his issues with not co-crediting songwriters he's worked with in side projects (which is a freaking shame!), but his voice is what would make any reunion special. Steve Howe plays so much of the material under tempo these days, and his tone doesn't have the warmth or edge it used to (even in the 90's). You covered every other player's issues, which a lot of it is out of their control due to their age. I'm 40 and was lucky enough to see them a bunch in the 90's and early 2000's. I am glad I had that opportunity and their catalog form the 70's will live on and on. Yessongs and Yeshows are great live documents of a band on FIRE, a band passionate about this vibrant music. That's all but gone now, and no amount of wishing will make any of return. I'll go blast Relayer now.
Great points and you're right, I have a feeling it would be lackluster at best. However, the Rock Hall performance had some fire to it, a shame something like that couldn't continue, but then again, Alan isn't what he was just a couple of years ago so, as you said, best to blast the classics. And yes, both Yesshows and Yessongs are great live documents for the band in their prime. I wish they'd remaster and re-release Yesshows, maybe even expand it too. That one hasn't gotten much attention over the years but always a favorite.
@@RushTrader I agree that an expanded reissue of YesShows with some previously-unreleased performances added to the set would be fantastic. But FYI, the Atlantic Records CD release of the album in the late 1990's was a remaster, and, if I recall correctly, it included some additional between-songs banter by Jon Anderson including an acknowledgement of the road crew for whatever that is worth to the listener. Also, about a decade ago there was a UK import release on the Friday Music label that included bonus live performances of "I've Seen All Good People" and "Roundabout" (these were the same two renditions that had previously been made available as bonus tracks on the 1981 anthology album Classic Yes).
Personally When the band sacked Jon Anderson that was Yes finished! ARW had far more going for them, because Jon was doing the singing! Yes isnt Yes without Anderson!
Well said. I lost much respect for Yes after they sacked Jon. I'm not saying Yes is Jon and only him, but if he's not in the mix you've got something else. Thanks for the comment!
Good work, and I appreciate your knowledge and passion, but the cursing was a bit jarring and diminished the presentation. That aside, in the Dan Hedges book, Chris Squire called Yes a "confidence movement", and that the band could continue forever, with a constantly changing lineup (mind you, he said this right at the time Horn and Downes had joined, so perhaps he was in defense mode). And Iirc, Steve echoed those those thoughts in another interview, saying something to the effect of Yes being about the music and not the members. Except, the true Yes sound was the result of a fortunate convergence of a handful of very gifted musicians, and people like Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood (both nice guys, btw) are not in that same league. And, along the lines of what you said, there comes a time (with many exceptions of course) when most septuagenarians simply are too slow and lacking in fresh ideas to continue making exciting music. Why sully the great reputation of this iconic band? The most recent iteration is terrible. Slow, dull, and fronted by a wannabe who thinks he sounds like Anderson, when in fact he doesn't. He can't sing the songs with soul and feel, because he didn't write the songs; he's a mimic who thinks the key to JA is signing with a high pitch. It's depressing watching so many classic bands stubbornly plod along, often with only one or two original (or long-tenured, like Alan) members. I understand wanting to make new music and perform, but then do it under a different name. The reason they don't, is down to the "brand" awareness of the band, which = more $. The list is long, but Yes, Foreigner, Journey, Styx, ELO, and most obnoxiously, Queen, come to mind.
So why don't they do a split part concert like Foreigner did in Foreigner 40 Kelly Hansen & Foreigner, Then Lou Gramm with the surviving members of Foreigner that worked very well. Steve Howe can perform with his version of Yes 1st. Setlists would have to chosen between both bands of course. Then Anderson & His mates can perform second setlists, & Audience will know who the Real Yes is, & they can have their cake & eat it too. Nobody has to play anything they don't like such as Owner of a lonely Heart Steve Howe sucks on song that belongs to Anderson & Rabin by all means. So does You & I, Cinema, Leave It, Chord of Life, Awaken, Changes, Hold On, Tempis Fugit, I've seen all good People, Closer to the Edge, Long distance Runaround, Heart of the Sunrise, Lift Me up, the classics just belong with Jon Anderson that voice. Steve can have Starship Trooper, Roundabout, the Clap, America, his new bands stuff with Benoit & Jon Davidson, Don't Kill the Whale, all the other Trevon Horn stuff there is still plenty of songs to perform. I think that makes complete sense, Steve will be happy he & gets what he wants, that way both camps are split problem solved one last hurrah, bands get what they want & so do the fans.
The studio tracks from Keys To Ascension 1 & 2 are every bit as good as Yes's classic songs. So is The Ladder (which I like to call Homeworld instead). To say that those two albums don't have great material is akin to trashing a 3 karat, nearly flawless diamond because you want a 5 karat one. Seriously. That said, a reunion with all living past and present members would be ridiculous. I'd just love to see Jon, Rick and Steve play together with Lee Pomeroy and Lou Molino III. As much as I like Trevor, he and Steve do not get along. So, he would have to be left out.
Hello Ant. Not posted on your chanel for a while. I hope you are doing ok. Going back a couple of years I stated ARW would not last. It was made up of former YES men who still are more interested in their own projects. Nothing wrong with that. It's where their hearts are at. When Chris gave the rights to YES to Steve Alan and Jon, it should be obvious he meant a united YES. That intention should be eternally remembered to give Chris the true respect he deserves. For a third time, Jon was out of it while Chris was alive. So YES became what Steve and Alan made it to be when Chris passed away. Their right! YES was never what we want it it to be but is what those with the Right to shape it to what they want it to be. Our opinion pales in that Right. They are the creative musicians, we are just the listeners. Today, Alan White remains the most loyal member of YES. but his health might not be what it was. A lot of great YES material came first from the mind of Steve Howe. Jon acted like a spolt child. He made himself ill while YES were resting then blamed YES. He expected to be pandered to. Chris quite rightly wasn't having it! Jon had twice walked away from YES previouslyy. Jon Anderson appears to want to continue with YES. If Steve and Alan dont want to then perhaps they should consider signing the Rights over to Jon. Then YES could continue being shaped by Jon. We might not like what Jon would make of it but we don't have to. Maybe we all need to accept YES has had its day. We still have the great music that can live on forever. Does Jon Anderson really need the name YES? I don't believe he does. He is a great musician in his own right.
Hey Steve, great to hear from you again. I think you said it best... maybe we need to accept that Yes has had it's day. Without Chris and the classic band united, it's the not the same and never will be.
@@RushTrader Hi Ant, I think part of the YES sound came about due to the unique and sometimes obscure way Chris played bass. Of course there are other bass guitarists that are as good as Chris but none would be able to come up with what Chris did. They might be able to copy but not create the Squire sound. It needs to be Chris for that. I've always said YES is far more than just a singer, and so too YES is far more than just a bass guitarist. Steve Howe might not have the fingers he once had and he was very close to his son Virgil. He might be feeling it very hard and with Chris gone too. So I reckon you are right to say YES will never be the same again. We can be grateful to them for the great times they have given us. Not forgotten.
@@stevejones1682 True, and let's not forget Chris provided backing vocals that complimented Jon's lead. Steve's not a great vocalist but what he did contribute added some bottom end to the highs of Chris and Jon. There's a chemistry that just isn't there any more, which is a shame but then again, everything changes and nothing lasts forever. Like you said, we should be grateful for their music and they will never be forgotten.
This band has creative flashes that never catch fire. Howe prefers this arrangement for his personal reasons that really have no artistic value to the vast majority of Yes fans. They need to retire Yes and move on under a different banner.
I saw both groups in the last tours. ARW to me was inferior to current Yes lineup. Trevor Rabin is great on his own stuff, but cannot play old Yes guitar parts. Likewise Geoff has struggled for years to play Waksman chops. Last tour he was better though. I think a lot of people want to keep the music alive, albeit with new blood. Both camps can do studios new things, a continent apart if necessary,, if the music can be written, which I doubt
That's right, my opinion, you can believe what you like. Jon is a founding member and one of the best, iconic lead singers of all time. There's simply no replacing him in Yes. I'm not saying he can be the only guy left in the band but without him and Squire, there's no true Yes to build on.
Hey Richie, great to hear from you! In retrospect, I do think "Talk" is Yes' last solid album. Put another way, I would pull out "Talk" for a listen way before anything released afterwards. By the way, congratulations on the upcoming BOC release! What a surprise to hear you take the lead vocal on "Tainted Blood", a tremendously epic tune and really looking forward to hearing the rest of the new album.
Seems like you're missing the idea of the current Yes. It's not Steve's band, it's a functioning group. They have finally achieved stability. Geoff, Billy, Alan and JD are part of the decision making, and they work well together. Steve is just the guy who gets asked about this all the time, but the whole band agrees. Jon always wants control, and none of them are comfortable with that. Jon also wants a lot more money than everyone else, which is what really caused the schism in 2008. JD's account of his conversation with Jon is radically different. Jon knew exactly who he was at the time, even talked about working together. JD was thrilled with the encounter until Jon started dissing him (again). Jon's story changes constantly in each interview where this comes up. I loved seeing them in the early 2000's, but I don't see how it could work again. That last comment from Jon is the nail in the coffin.
The idea of the current Yes lineup is having a band that Steve can lead without having to deal with Jon's demands. I have a feeling nothing happens in the current Yes without Steve signing off on it. As mentioned before, I really don't see the point of calling anything Yes without having Anderson involved.
@@RushTrader I might agree if I hadn't actually talked to them... but Steve is deliberately not doing that in the band, perhaps a bit in spite of those outside perceptions. Confirmed personally with Jon D, Billy and biographer Jon Kirkman. They work by consensus these days, with Geoff, mostly, as the effective musical director in rehearsals. Everyone gets their ideas heard, and everybody is writing new material and sharing it right now, with Jon D as the travelling liaison, shuttling between the four others' home studios (until recently, of course). It will probably be Billy running the recording sessions, which haven't really started yet. although there's a leftover unfinished epic from the last batch of songs that includes some bass parts recorded by Chris. Steve really just wants to be in a happy, flexible musical situation, in which he doesn't have to control or be controlled.
@Sam Marsh I totally get what you're saying and for good for them if they can all contribute in a healthy, satisfying way. My main issue is labelling this lineup as Yes. They are so far removed from anything resembling Yes at this point it's like they're another band completely. Even if they were called something else I still wouldn't care for it but my feeling is, let's put the name Yes to rest, especially without any founding members and Howe the only remaining significant member. Like Tommy Shaw, Howe just wants to be happy now that the governor is gone, I get it.
Money was definitely not the problem, or not with Jon. Steve and Cris wanted to tour for the money and weren't willing to wait for Jon to recover fully. Speak to the Anderson family or Rick Wakeman and they could tell you what went on, and remember how Benoit David had his permanent departure announced when he believed he was being replaced on a temporary basis. None of the band had the decency to tell him to his face. Now there are no ideas, just regurgitation. The creative spark is a not there, without Jon and Chris that is no surprise.
Its time to say goodbye. Yes is not Yes without Steve, Jon, Rick, or Chris. Im sure there are musicians that can mimic each of them, but they wouldn’t be Yes. Chris is gone, and Steve’s ego seems to be too big to allow any reunion. So its time to let go. RIP - Yes (I idolized Steve, but that was 47 years ago.)
no deep explanation....now, much like a foreigner or a styx...howe, a master, the only one left from the peak 72-76 lineup, as great a musician as he is, cant be expected to perform the superhuman feat of turning a good cover band (except for sherwood...who was groomed by squire) into the real product.
THESE BAND MEMBERS ARE ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH THE WRATH OF GOD IN A LAND BEST LEFT FORGOTTEN WELCOME TO THE VALLEY OF THE DARKNESS OF FAME THE VALLEY OF RICH AND FAMOUS PEOPLE AND THE VALLEY OF HORROR. IN JESUS NAME AMEN AND AMEN.
I like 3 songs on that album "The Calling", "Walls" and "Endless Dream". I know Yes fans either love or hate that album. I never really warmed up to it as a whole but I do think it's probably their last, most solid album considering what came afterwards.
Steve means 'people have to like working with HIM'. No one wants another Union tour, but Yes need to end, the current Yes is an abomination. Slow and dull.
couldnt agree more ,steve howe needs to call it a day
I think a final Yes reunion for maybe a 15-20 date farewell would be nice but doesn’t seem likely. Wouldn’t hurt to ask Geddy Lee to sit in, either
I gave up on Yes in 2009 after seeing David Benoit on vocals and Oliver Wakeman on keys. It just wasn't there. Hearing Steve Howe complain to the soundman a few times was something I've never seen from them before. I followed Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman thereafter, including their tour with Trevor Rabin, which is likely the last time I will ever see them.
You’ve nailed that on the head . Totally agree with you
I always thought that Chris Squire was the glue that kept the band together. My all time favourite bass player. He seemed to be the soft filling in between two hard cookies (Anderson and Howe). I'm glad that I got to see the real band live several times.
One way Squire held the band together was by having the ability to talk people into doing things and bringing people together when needed. He was key on getting Wakeman into the band, Trevor Horn and Trevor Rabin. If anyone would have been able to get a proper Yes reunion going these days, it would have Squire. Without him, Howe gets to run Yes his way and he seems content with that despite not having their original iconic vocalist. Howe must really not want to go another 10 rounds with Anderson on any level, which is a shame.
@@RushTrader I believe he also brought Tony Kaye back for the "Cinema" project, before they reverted back to Yes. He just seems like a great guy that musicians respected and wanted to be around. I missed a chance to meet him in Vancouver when they were recording and my friend was a keyboard tech. I didn't want to be 'one of those fans' so I didn't go with him. Still one of my biggest regrets.
@@coyotecreekband236 Yeah, Squire was a schmoozer and had this way of talking people into things.
I agree with your assessment that a reunion can't happen without Chris Squire.
It's sad to see (and hear) what Steve Howe's YES is doing under the YES banner.
Life goes on it's not fair to expect so much from our cherished musicians I saw yes last year Billy Sherwood and John Davidson we're outstanding with Steve Howe they gave us great yes music
Time for Yes to go to bed and call it a day. Go home to your families and spent you ending years with them. There is no more great music for you to write. It was nice but now it's sour.
Agreed. I’ve seen them with Anderson, Benoit David and Jon Davidson. Every show has been one of tired diminishing returns. They sounded off musically and “Krull” Howe overacts on stage. Personally I’m OK with them retiring quietly and not ruining their legacy. Take care.
Just bought Steve Howes new book. The first chapter on the rnr hall of fame induction says it all. Fractured beyond repair. And Howe is determined to run it into the ground.
Thanks for the comment Jimmy, I have yet to read Steve's book.
@@RushTrader Don't bother, it sucks!
@mum I heard Steve Hackett's book was a snoozefest, know anything about that one?
This ship has sailed. The best we can hope for is Jon & Steve doing (somehow) writing again and maybe a studio album.
Thorough and well done as always, Ant. It saddened me to read in Rabin's interview that ARW was over. Saw those guys three times during their run and they killed it each time. I agreed with Wakeman in the Rolling Stone interview awhile back when he said the Yes band name probably should have been retired when Chris Squire died. Ah well, we fans will always have the memories, and what glorious memories they are!
Anyhoo, keep up the good work, and all the best to you and yours during this shitshow of a year.
Thanks for the kind words Russell! I think if anyone from the Yes camp was going to release anything interesting it would have been something involving Rabin. I really don't think Steve can write anything memorable at this point, judging by recent solo releases and that awful last Yes studio album.
@@RushTrader The Gilded Splinter song from Steve Howe Trio 2019 is an excellent jazz song. But then again it is an unfinished song of his and Brufords from the 70's. It is so sad to see my favorite band deteriorate over these years. Their last great strong tour as real yes was 2004. ARW was enough closure to make make up for Steve's weak lineup. Heaven and Earth is a bad fart. I did enjoy the Fly From Here album because it is unfinished business from Drama. Personally I absolutely love the Magnification album. That is the last great strong Yes material. Those songs are really well composed and structured and very memorable. Thanks for doing the video. You really covered everything well that is going on.
I wouldn't be so sure that they are really over. Rabin says they are hindered by everybody living in different corners of the world. Which might impare your writing and recording new music, but can it be an obstacle to touring? I actually am quite positive that they'll eventually be back.
I, of course, listened to many YES hits on the radio. However, I was never "into" them. I LOVED this interview. Jon & Rick have created NEW fan.
I feel like post-UNION, THE LADDER is the most worthy Yes release. "Homeworld" from that album was really solid and the band made great use of themselves on it.
"Homeworld" is probably the best one on that album and "The Messenger" is good too. The reason why that album has more going for it than others around that time is because they had a real producer involved with Bruce Fairbairn. Unfortunately, he passed away before completion.
I still enjoy "Talk" if only for "Endless Dream," which was one of their finest long-form songs since "Awaken."
@@The_Rockin_Prof I hear you - all I like off of TALK is "The Calling" and "State Of Play."
@Jeffrey Leatherwood I agree on "Endless Dream" and was hoping they would have pulled it out for ARW as it would have been interesting to hear Wakeman play on that one.
The Ladder is one of the best Yes albums full stop.
It was actually Jon Anderson that called Rick Wakeman to rejoin Yes for "GFTO" . Rick said to Jon that he couldn't do another "Tales From Topographic Oceans" album & wasn't a big fan of "Relayer" until Jon played him the the demo of "Wonderous Stories" & one other demo.
Steve Was in ASIA when "90215" came out. The first ASIA album was released in March of '82 & YES were recording "90215" in July '82.
Thanks for the comment, Lee. I believe what you're referring to is when Rick was first asked to be part of the GFTO sessions. Initially, he was hired as a session guy and not officially part of the band. In the YesYears documentary (early 90s), Rick describes a moment, before the GFTO tour, where management, along with Chris, approached Rick about becoming a full-time member of the band again. Rick specifically singled out Chris and described how he "severely comes to the forefront when necessary", which indicates how persuasive Chris was in getting Rick back into the band full-time. Also, if you're interested, check out Part 1 of my 2000 interview with Steve where I asked him where he was when he first heard 90125 and what he thought.
You raise many good points...but I'm glad that YES music is still being played...same with Genesis and King Crimson... The music is timeless! Keep up the great posts...I always enjoy them. Would love to hear your thoughts on Genesis Revisited and King Crimson.
Thanks for the comment! About a year ago I did a video on Crimson, my concert review from their last tour. I'm hoping to see Hackett early next year so I'm sure a video on that will follow. Thanks for the recommendations as I always love feedback on what topics fans are interested in.
No point..its not Yes by any means. Steve Howe is not Yes and frankly should not play under that banner...
Steve uses the Yes name because he can legally. The true substance of the band is gone and all he has now is a weak tribute to a once great band.
My oh my what a bunch of children. I love Yes and listen to them at least once a week but I only listen to the 70s music, enough said.
I was front row on the union tour...that was a special one
I just had a brilliant idea! Jon Anderson should tour with Steve Hackett's band and play Yes music from, say, 1970 to 2000 and maybe even a few new songs that Jon has written. I think Hackett would gladly do that.
David thanks for the comment. That's a refreshing idea and something I'd be totally down for. That would be the best way to do the Yes catalog justice at this point.
@@RushTrader - I think Steve Hackett would be flattered by the idea.
@@DavidLazarus The only thing is... would he be okay with playing Howe's parts? They have different styles. Actually, Howe should join them too and they have a Genesis/Yes extravaganza.
@@RushTrader - I don't think Howe would do it for the same reason he doesn't want Jon in Yes. It's a darn shame that, apparently, Howe made Chris choose between him or Jon. If I were Chris, I'd have called his bluff and chosen Jon.
Anyway, yes, the two Steves have different styles, but that's OK. If I wanted to hear the songs as they sound on the original albums, I'd listen to the albums. :^)
Good video. I think Yes has quite a bit of music from the last 30 years... Magnification is a highly under-rated album. Talk was great - The Ladder was very good. Plenty of music.
Howe - really didn't respect Rabin back in the Union days.. however, in the 2010's Howe expressed quite openly that Owner of a Lonely Heart was a sensational song FOR Yes. Rick Wakeman has also commended the Yes-West era. I think it could work - they are older and Howe has got that bug out of his bonnet.
I think Alan should probably have retired from touring about 8 - 10 years ago. Wakeman, Peart & Briford made the right decision - they deserve to be able to retire.
Thanks for the comment Julian!
It is very unfortunate that there might not be any substantial Yes reunion, especially for a young fan like me who wasn’t even old enough for the Union tour. I hope Howe and Anderson can get over their differences and make something happen while they can still play.
I understand what you mean... if Jon, Rick and Steve could get on the same stage with a solid band again it would be 10x better than the sloppy train wreck that's out there now. Sure, it's not the Yes of old but it would at least have some resemblance to the past and I think you'd enjoy it much more.
Only thing left is creating an opportunity for a new great band. Just a quick thought of The Orphans ... Anderson (vocals), Wakeman (keys), Lee (Bass), Lifeson (guitar), Palmer (Drums). Put it out there ?
That would be interesting.
Carl Palmer is an absolute overrated tosser .
Great channel Rush Trader, been on a binge of your content. You address the questions I wonder about concerning Yes, etc. Looking forward to more of your work.
Thank you Steve!
Jon is a founding member...Steve is not
Jon Anderson should do exactly what Steve Hackett does, make his own music and tour YES revisited with top notch players like Roine Stolt, Mike Portnoy and other premier Prog musicians!
Thanks for the comment, Ron! Yeah, I think that would be the best option considering Howe doesn't want to work with him. It would have to be something much better and different than what he did with his more recent solo band. Steve Hackett's done a fine job carrying the torch for that era of Genesis and Jon could do it too with the right players.
SUPER POSTING . Lots to digest and some great insights into the life ( or lack of it ) in one of the worlds greatest bands
KEEP US INFORMED APPRECIATED
Ken, I appreciate that, thanks so much!
Amazing that Steve Howe came up with “ownership” of the name, when he isn’t a founding member of the band. But there it is… got to have been bugging him, knowing that Yes Featuring ARW had more original members than Yes (the Steve Howe band). They should all hang it up, as far as Yes is concerned.
I saw ARW in 2016 and they were FANTASTIC!!! So glad I saw that show! Sorry that the classes YES will never perform together again, but that's life I guess.
As far as maternal not playing much.Most of Anderson Wakeman Bruford Howe was incredible.
You got the point, man. You say exactly what I think about the current Yes-situation. No chance for a reunion and people should start to accept that.
What a great channel... subscribed
Saw both bands a few years ago. Steve's version SUCKED!!! We left before the show was over. Saw ARW a few weeks later and they slayed it! A gazillion times better. I'd pay to see ARW again but you couldn't pay me to sit through another "official" Yes show.
In the UA-cam videos I've seen of ARW, Wakeman and Rabin especially looked like they were having a ball together.
@@hubbsllc they all had a good time together. I saw them twice and both shows were full of energy and incredible music.
I saw both of the lineup’s twice in the last few years and I couldn’t agree more Steve’s Yes while he is a better guitarist but the rest of the band doesn’t come close to Jon’s YES.
Albeit through their differences, Jon and Chris were the heart of YES. Plain and simple. Steve got on board well after they had started the band; gave them the nudge that Trevor then gave in the 80’s. That’s fine. The politics of this band has been their greatest musical asset and ultimately their demise. This current iteration of YES is not YES. If you disagree, you probably never saw them at their peak and n the 70s…. Peace out.
I would rather see ARW than Yes or even Anderson, Howe, Wakeman.
No Squire, no Yes. Face it. Done. Over.
can you do a deeper thing about Alan White's sad position in that conert.....or tour? what's the reason why they took another drummer on stage?
Alan had back surgery a few years ago. He expects to be back playing full shows, we'll see.
The thing that's a little perplexing to me is John Anderson was in the band before Steve.Howe how does that work? Was it John a founding member along with Chris Squire?
Jon left Yes in the late 70s and that likely ended his stake in the name. After Jon left, Squire took full control of the name and now that he's gone, it's Howe's baby.
I agree, not likely for a reunion. Chris is gone. Most everyone wants one last good Yes album. Do not think survivors can write it. Egos ...
I feel that Yes grew and grew up to, and including, "Going For the One". But with the release of "Tormato" the output lost that shimmering quality. It's just the way it goes with just about every band. Sooner or later they just lose momentum - or interest - or each other... What are you gonna do?
The truth is that the closest thing to a new great Yes album is Jon Anderson's "1000 Hands". Anderson (and Squire) started the band - anybody interested should listen to him when he says he has eight new suitable Yes songs!
Yeah, I'm surprised by how many love Tormato. To me it just sounds so uninspired, especially compared to GFTO.
@@RushTrader True - and don't get me started on "Drama"! Has a couple of good pieces on it, but why in the world would they brand it "Yes"? Releasing it under any other name would only have helped the reception.
I too think "Drama" should have been the name of the band as they were totally different than Yes with Jon. You change the expectations that way. They became a different band with Trevor and Geoff added. I thought the album had some strong material, particularly "Machine Messiah" and "Does It Really Happen" but when it came to Horn singing Anderson live, it tanked and Horn decided it was better to produce bands, not front them (which has served him very well, by the way.)
@@RushTrader - Indeed - Trevor Horn is a fantastic producer and did wonders for Frankie Goes To Hollywood and others. "Relax" and "Two Tribes" are very impressive, for example. I still listen to those tracks just for the production! But to substitute Mr Horn for Jon Anderson in Yes - forget it... And to take it on the road - what were they thinking..?
Yep, I actually did a video about Horn the producer... did you ever see the 2004 Trevor Horn tribute concert? Some nice performances there.
Yes I love this band saw about 15 times I’m 66 years old I saw a rush about six times both of these bands are in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame and members of rush say they were heavily influenced by yes and Emerson Lake and Palmer and yet they’re not in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame think about that for a minute
True, then again, I think the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has become so watered down it's like who cares who gets in at this point. When Biggie Smalls, Madonna and Tupac get into a rock and roll institution before ELP and so many deserving others, it makes it much less important in my view.
RIP
Chris Squire, Peter Banks, and Alan White
I'm quite happy with the way Yes is now. Lots of variety in the setlist, lots of energy from the new guys. Plus Jon Anderson is doing quite well on his own. 1000 Hands album and tour was excellent. He would not be able to do that if he were in Yes, and most likely would not be able to stand the rigors of a long tour. The last ARW tour was only 10 dates.
My musical wish would be for Yes ( Jon Anderson, Rick, Steve and Bill Bruford, with a bass player to cover for Chris ( rest his soul), to make one last album at equals the old stuff. you all know what I'm talking about ( Tales, Fragile , The Yes album, Going for the One, Relayer, etc etc, and best of all, Close to the Edge). I must have spent a 10th of my life listening to Yes, time well spent, and I want to listen to another new epic before I meet my maker.
Yes should have called it quits after the Magnification album.
That album had some nice moments and hard to believe it's been nearly 20 years since the last Yes studio album with Jon Anderson.
@@RushTrader The last truly original Yes album. Whilst I did enjoy "Fly From Here" it is really a reworked Buggles album with a few token Yes-like tracks. Please don't mention that later album....trying to forget that it ever existed.
I'm one of those who thought "Drama" should have been the name of a new band rather than a Yes album without Jon, perhaps without those expectations it would have been better received. That being said, I thought FFH sounded more like a side-project than a bona-fide Yes album.
They did, just no-one told SH
Wow, Ant. I gotta say...brutally honest.
A lot of guys that report on Yes and the other great bands are careful not to offend, and hold back from taking a stand on some of these issues. I always say to myself: yeah, if it were me, I'd just go ahead and say what I really think. But even with that, I was surprised at how frank your commentary was. I've no doubt you've offended some people, including (possibly) some band members.
Having said that, I can't honestly say that you're wrong. I'd have to say I pretty much agree, both with your opinions and your conclusions, although I do think there were great albums after 90125. To me, the last great Yes album was Talk. Great songs on the Ladder, Magnification, and Fly from Here, but not solid all the way through.
At any rate, thanks for your honesty.
It’s over for Yes the way it was, let bygones be bygones, life happens as we move forward in this life. Be thankful Yes music is still played live today in it present form, thanks to adaptive perpetual change.
Please do not mention Styx in the same sentence with YES.
I agree with you re:Yes. As much as I would love to see Anderson, Wakeman and Howe I don’t see it happening. I enjoy the new stuff from Wakeman but I also understand his situation personally. Jon Anderson will always bring me music that touches my heart and more. As much as I think Steve Howe is an ass I do think he can play well. I just finished Steve Howe’s autobiography. Interesting and not very surprising after following YES and the individual musicians since the day Fragile came out.
Ruthie, thanks so much for the comment! I don't see Anderson/Howe doing anything and that's a shame.
Excellent analysis! I’d rather everyone just stay retired and work on enhanced resolutions of their old catalog. Nothing sadder to me than paying to see a bunch of angry old men arguing onstage with the audience. We have our memories of a happier time, let the old men relax and enjoy a life well lived while there’s still time.
I enjoyed ARW live and they ALL enjoyed it too - just watch one of the '50 years' concerts to see what I mean! If Trevor Rabin would do it I'm sure the other guys would be in .. I live in hope!!
Mike thanks for the comment. Yes, I can tell you live in hope! I think there's a better chance of ARW doing something than a Yes reunion of any kind. Considering we still have Steve, Jon and Rick, if they all still had their shit together, they could round out the band with amazing musicians and still command large tours. Instead, well you know how it is...
Yes has been reduced to a tribute band that should change its name to "The Steve Howe All-Stars". I saw them in London for the 50 Years event, and that was the last Yes gig for me.
Great commentary... all extremely well said!
I had my tickets to go see the reunion that was supposed to happen literally right when Jon got sick. That was it. I could have seen one of the main line up.I still went to go see them with the new singers. And it was good but it wasn't as great as it could have been with Jon. I still went to see Jon with the Florida Orchestra and saw him with ARW and with his new band. The latter version being the best. I fell in love with Yes from my uncle showing me a 90125 concert on laser disc when I was around 6 or 7 years of age. Been a fan ever since. They inspired me to pick up the guitar and make my own music. I'm 35 years of age now. Yes is the best!
Thanks for the comment, Shawn! Very cool to hear how Yes inspired you to pickup the guitar!
@@RushTraderThank you for all the awesome videos and your genuine approach and passion for representing all of us as fans. Rock will never die. It just goes underground for awhile. And it is still doing great things under there.
Here is one of my songs ua-cam.com/video/RmwVEJRbd_Q/v-deo.html
Very nice Shawn, thanks for sharing! You should have more views!
@@RushTrader Thank you Ant! Agreed. Been trying to get it out there more. If you could share it with anyone it would mean a lot. Also please check out my other songs on my channel. I'm mainly trying to get the songs into documentaries about helping the world. My father tried to send my orchestra piece Autumn Colors to Jon Anderson through his representative. His representative said I am very talented but no promises on it getting to Jon's ears as he is busy with other projects. I thought maybe Jon would enjoy it because it sounds like Prokofiev and Stravinsky a little bit. More like Prokofiev because he is my main favorite composer.
All that matters to.me.is the yes music.... You can also find genesis revisited with hackett and the trio. No complains with that. Ok it is a shame... But they are still with us, offering somehow all this legacy. Yes music is timeless. As good as Asia without wetton or rush without peart.... Let's celebrate music!!!!
The Ladder is an excellent album worth mentioning from the last thirty years.
They do need to realize what time it is, time to do what they do great while they can. If they play- they will come. If they get into the studio- great music will flow the tide of sales. Steve is right, in part, there is enough space to each do what they want to do- together though, and fans will always be there to listen, but I think his bitter spirit of error has effected them in error to think in error but for Anderson lately who humbly has the right attitude to make it happen.
And I get the logistics part, with them all having responsibilities, living in different parts of the world, having made other plans sololy; but surely they can block out a couple months to do as they have before; work together in the spirit of Yes music, even in the spirit of Chris Squire, the spiritual glue that held them together, making an album of honoring the members and the fans who went along for the ride- and all who made it possible, even to tie loose ends, in the creative process.
But we do see those members comments in the media, from time to time, some, perhaps, to feel out the mindset of the other members, but the feed back is usually grim, that of cynical error in spirit unrest they are holding onto from the past, while we always have hope, as fans, to see them get together again, to do what they do, as great musicians. In any event we don't hold retiring against them- we still have the great music of that day and more..
---And In closing, I'm reminded of the words of Bill and Ted: "Be excellent to one another"- and JAM on dudes!
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
No Jon,no Yes.
I was well going along with what the gentleman said in the clip - until the point, that is, when he mentioned the alledged being much tighter and more powerful and much greater in "killing the classics" of Yes feat ARW's. Now I do agree Alan is a rather sad sight to see these days (who wouldn't)...however...you should take a closer look at which classics ARW "kill". Namely the same old same old. You take the Classic Yes album, trade Wonderous Stories for Awaken and there you have it. I posted it somewhere else before but it fits in here as well: ARW won't do Relayer stuff (if they'll be active ever again, at all) because only A was on it, R and W weren't. SHs Yes does The Gates Of Delirium. ARW won't do Tales stuff because R wasn't on that either whereas W was but has a history of hating it. SHs Yes does Sides 1 and 4 completely, plus the Leaves Of Green bit of Side 3. ARW won't do Tormato or Drama stuff because either nobody was on it, or certain ones were but rather disestimate it. SHs Yes go along with all of that stuff. That's one reason why I personally like them better, even though I have to admit the other ones are, purely technically, more energetic. But there you have it - technique isn't everything. Rabin is a brilliant guitar player, but he never ever understood, I've a feeling he flatly refused to understand, the position he was in with a group such as Yes. So he gave Yours Is No Disgrace an Eddie Van Halen kinda treatment, cut down Starship Trooper to Wurm only, fitted And You And I with a firecamp-like strumming along, and generally displayed a rather light music like approach to being guitarist in Yes. Or should I say he "killed" things in a rather more literal way. Anyway, I combine that with TR's gradual taking captaincy of the group when he was in it, plus the fact that Rabin actually could and should have known better - he was conducting his own orchestral accompaniments way back when in South Africa, mind you - and I can thoroughly see Steve's point (of not exactly holding a warm spot in his heart for Trevor).
And then there is the point that in Yes's case, energy and drive of the music are not defined by speed and/or solidity of beat only. There is another rather undefinable thing, a certain vibe, a certain magic taking place when Yes music kicks in, which doesn't transfer to UA-cam however. To get hold of that, you have to take the trouble to see them real time.
I did so and thus can testify that said magic still works. Geoff Downes puts himself to merit in that respect. While he falls a slight bit short of his forerunners Wakeman - both senior and junior -, Moraz or Khoroshev as far as virtuosity goes, he more than makes up for that in terms of recreating the original overall ambiences of Yes keyboards and synthesizers. In that particular way, he sounds more like the above mentioned than they do themselves!
The same goes for Billy Sherwood in doing justice to the late great Chris Squire. You just couldn't have a better man for the job.
So what I mean to say is, you might be a bit quick in your judgement favoring without further ado Yes feat ARW over SHs Yes.
I appreciate your reply and thanks for taking the time to comment. I realize that ARW isn't classic Yes and will only play a limited amount of material from their catalog and also will play it differently. The problem remains that I can't listen to a band called Yes when Chris and Jon aren't there, especially the latter. ARW was an attempt to regroup Rabin, Wakeman and Anderson into performing again mainly and they did it in their own style. In other words, they weren't supposed to be Yes and it's unfortunate they had to be called Yes featuring ARW because it's something else. That being said, I still would much rather hear ARW perform Yes classics than the current band called Yes mainly because I can't stand listening to a Jon replacement singer and I'm not fond of the the way the current lineup sounds.
@@RushTrader I don't even think the catalogue is "limited" for Yes feat ARW. It's just that it's kinda logical and inevitable for them to look in some other back catalogue corners. 90125, Big Generator, maybe The Meeting from ABWH, Union stuff they can agree upon (quite a task), and Talk. Which of course goes at the expense of other things.
I guess to be able these days to know what to expect from any of the two Yesses, you better take all those things, I mean including those that I pointed out in my previous comment, into consideration. Which in turn takes quite a bit of being in the know, I would say. So he who is that can count himself lucky, think things through and take his pick. Pity on the one hand, but a good thing on the other, huh? 😉
You have been very fair - good commentary - bittersweet ending
The bad vibe beetween howe and rabin started with Asia... Look up for a song named "starry eyes" which later became as "only time will tell" at the very beginning of that supergroup
ua-cam.com/video/h1-LvpYEnnE/v-deo.html
90125 was their last good album? Talk was better than that. Add Keys and The Ladder were much better than that pop tripe minus Hearts. Nevertheless, I've been a die hard Yes fan from the 70s. I tended to blame Rick because of all the times he left but after Chris died and that bitter speech Steve gave at the HOF I think he is turning out to be the real jerk here.
Great points. I feel the same way on 99 percent of your presentation. Only small disagreement is regarding STYX. I think they are still terrific. I really dug The Mission and I have seen many others rate it higher than some of the albums with DeYoung. Yes - enjoy this great music while we can!
Peter, thanks for the comment! One thing I've noticed is there's quite a few who really dug "The Mission". I tried listening to it a few times but never got anything out of it. That being said, I do think it's the strongest material they've released in decades and can understand why it's highly regarded.
Now you don’t have Alan at all, RIP Peter, Chris & Alan.
anderson should record with wakeman ...rabin and the two very good guys on bass and drums....anyway,,,yes have always been like that...never forget tony kaye
Rick has sold most of his keyboards. Another indication.
I remember an interview with Greg lake after the high-voltage concert and he said back then you’re both in their late 60s in the way they played with it we were in their 20s that music is very difficult to please and like what you’re talking about with yes it was sad to see Alan White oh love that guy I mean still love him he’s around but the physicality the the the time signatures the tightness of the Music so in closing I didn’t mean to leave 303 comments here but I like the way you’re doing things my friend and again I’m 66 years old I saw yes at Jones Beach ninth row dead center what the date was September 7, 2001 something to think about it and then I believe in June 35 Anniversary tour absolutely unbelievable when they did the whole side of fragile my friend a bass player loved Cris why he ambulated him but that night of all nights he didn’t play the fish thanks everybody take care stay well be safe health is wealth
Thanks for the comments James, much appreciated! Funny, I saw Yes at Jones Beach a year earlier on the Masterworks Tour and it's when I interviewed Steve, maybe you saw my video on that. More of that interview to come...
ARW was amazing nough said, soooooo good
I agree it'll be next to impossible to reunite Jon and Steve. But I take issue with the notion that Yes hasn't created any great music since Union or 90125 or the 1970s. There are a number of outstanding tracks on Talk, Keys 1 and 2, The Ladder, Magnification. Even Fly From Here has a beautifully arranged and performed title epic. It's this kind of exclusionary attitude that causes the band (in whatever form) to lean so heavily on the crowd-pleasing 70s classics rather than doing what Rush used to do, which is to lend credibility to newer material by actually playing it live on successive tours. For fans of a progressive band, which is mean to, y'know, progress, Yes enthusiasts are awfully stuck in one or two eras.
Bob, thanks for the comment. As mentioned in the video, Yes may have done some great songs here and there but I don't believe they made another great, solid album after 90125. Of course, that's only my opinion and there's many who disagree. I think in the later years Yes suffered from a lack of direction, cohesion and having a great producer to pull things together and keep everyone focused. Unlike Rush, Yes was run more like a corporation with people coming in and out, lots of compromises and questionable business decisions that ultimately saw the overall music suffer. As for Rush, their integrity was reflected in their music right up to the end which resonated with fans and why they wanted to see the newer stuff performed live. Sure, not everything was great but they didn't have the same pitfalls as Yes when it came to lineup changes, poor managerial decisions, etc. which, I believe, impaired the music they created.
8:41 👍👍 8:55 😂😅🤣
Thanks Tony. Agree one of the main mechanisms of YES was Chris Squire making things happen behind the scenes. Also wondering if we can have some sort of discussion on who the actual owners of the YES name are. It seems White and Howe are in the drivers seat now but Anderson owns a different entity and still part owner of a separate one. I think it’s all about Money. Would like your take on Steve Howe’s biography. Steve discusses Jon asking for a load of money upon his return from his respiratory illness and Steve mentioned they didn’t want to go that route. Interesting
Thanks for the comment David. Yeah, I was wondering that myself recently, who owns what with regards to the Yes brand, etc.? You should check out what kind of deal Steve Perry got from his Journey exit, wow did he make out or what? I'll probably be discussing this at some point. Also, I need to read Steve's book. I've heard some say it's awful but may be worth the read to get his take on certain things. I'll check into it.
@@RushTrader The Steve Perry deal would be another great video especially after they fired Smith and Valory. According to what I read, Their former manager Herbie Herbert and Perry gave their blessing on Smith's and Valory's attempt to secure more funds after they would retire. I think Cain and Schon may have totally overblown the issue according to Valory who has countersued. This would be an interesting discussion indeed. Looking forward to your take on all of this. :)
@MrDcseltzer Thanks for the input. Funny you mention this because I'm working on a Journey video now which will include this topic and something else I thought would be fun to do.
@@RushTrader Looking forward to it :)
The best thing I can say is at least Steve Howe is not as bad as Richie Blackmore.
saw yes live in 78 at Wembley got drama when it came out a good album but yes without Anderson and wakeman not the same and no one can replace Chris squire , Howe is just trying to do a Steve Hackett who is having great success with genesis revisited tours but has really nailed it with Nad sylvan on vocals and great musicians but also doing his solo material as well , never bothered with yes after drama however would love to see Howe Anderson wakeman and white do a final album with geddy lee on bass
Chris, thanks for the comment! Yeah, it does seem like Howe is trying to pull a Hackett, except he has the rights to the name so it's called Yes. It's really a tribute to Yes and doesn't have anywhere close to the quality of talent that Steve has in his lineup.
Hey great video RushTrader. I'm really glad I saw Yes when I did back in 2002. They still had the classic line up then and I actually own a copy of that show on 2 CDRs. The Yes now with Steve Howe is nothing more than a cover band and not a very good one. They have no original members. Same thing with Styx.
Thanks for the comment! Actually, Styx does have one original member with JY and then there's Chuck but he's been a guest appearance for many years now.
I remember Jon Anderson saying a long time ago, he wanted YES to go on for another 25 years after there gone. Its happening now. The new YES or Steve Howe Band will have to prove it with a hit. Then we will have music history repeating itself.
Judging by that last Yes album, I don't think the current Yes lineup are capable of writing anything substantial or memorable at all. In a recent interview, Sherwood mentioned taking the band well into the future. They'll become a no-name tribute act like Foreigner or, dare I say it, Quiet Riot, were there's no original members (or anything even close).
There are NO original members left in Steve Howe's band(including Steve). As far as I'm concerned, they are there already. A no name tribute band that isn't anywhere near the former glory of Yes. Jon Anserson is the last original member from the 1st line up that wants to move forward. God bless him. I absolutely loved the ARW version of Yes. Wish they could do something new and original. That would be great!
@@RushTrader Yes, that is true but I still want music under the name YES even if doesn't have original member left. Musicians will come & go. It might take 4 albums before you like them. When I was a teenager I didn't like YES, it slowly grew on me. I was listening to Savoy Brown & Blue Oyster Cult. Today's music I don't like & YES & other bands you mentioned need to continue to put out music. There is still some time to change the road there on.
Steve Howe has absolutely ruined Yes
Uh, Chris Squire is dead. This is no Yes reunion.
no Chris, no YES. just another cash-in
ABWH was a great album and tour.
#6: COVID KILLED TOURING! LOL. I agree with all your points. And you know what? It's OK! Everyone is getting old and it would be lackluster at best. I won't give Jon Anderson too much praise because many musicians know of his issues with not co-crediting songwriters he's worked with in side projects (which is a freaking shame!), but his voice is what would make any reunion special. Steve Howe plays so much of the material under tempo these days, and his tone doesn't have the warmth or edge it used to (even in the 90's). You covered every other player's issues, which a lot of it is out of their control due to their age. I'm 40 and was lucky enough to see them a bunch in the 90's and early 2000's. I am glad I had that opportunity and their catalog form the 70's will live on and on. Yessongs and Yeshows are great live documents of a band on FIRE, a band passionate about this vibrant music. That's all but gone now, and no amount of wishing will make any of return. I'll go blast Relayer now.
Great points and you're right, I have a feeling it would be lackluster at best. However, the Rock Hall performance had some fire to it, a shame something like that couldn't continue, but then again, Alan isn't what he was just a couple of years ago so, as you said, best to blast the classics. And yes, both Yesshows and Yessongs are great live documents for the band in their prime. I wish they'd remaster and re-release Yesshows, maybe even expand it too. That one hasn't gotten much attention over the years but always a favorite.
@@RushTrader
I agree that an expanded reissue of YesShows with some previously-unreleased performances added to the set would be fantastic. But FYI, the Atlantic Records CD release of the album in the late 1990's was a remaster, and, if I recall correctly, it included some additional between-songs banter by Jon Anderson including an acknowledgement of the road crew for whatever that is worth to the listener. Also, about a decade ago there was a UK import release on the Friday Music label that included bonus live performances of "I've Seen All Good People" and "Roundabout" (these were the same two renditions that had previously been made available as bonus tracks on the 1981 anthology album Classic Yes).
Steve Howe's biggest problem is him, he has no one else to blame, keep being the corporate touring machine Steve, good luck buddy
I feel very bad for mr. Alan he was an incredible replacement for mr. Bruford
Personally When the band sacked Jon Anderson that was Yes finished! ARW had far more going for them, because Jon was doing the singing! Yes isnt Yes without Anderson!
Well said. I lost much respect for Yes after they sacked Jon. I'm not saying Yes is Jon and only him, but if he's not in the mix you've got something else. Thanks for the comment!
Likewise me too, also Steves approach to Trevor bothers me as Rabin put Yes on the map in the 80's. amazing guitarist!
Good work, and I appreciate your knowledge and passion, but the cursing was a bit jarring and diminished the presentation.
That aside, in the Dan Hedges book, Chris Squire called Yes a "confidence movement", and that the band could continue forever, with a constantly changing lineup (mind you, he said this right at the time Horn and Downes had joined, so perhaps he was in defense mode). And Iirc, Steve echoed those those thoughts in another interview, saying something to the effect of Yes being about the music and not the members. Except, the true Yes sound was the result of a fortunate convergence of a handful of very gifted musicians, and people like Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood (both nice guys, btw) are not in that same league.
And, along the lines of what you said, there comes a time (with many exceptions of course) when most septuagenarians simply are too slow and lacking in fresh ideas to continue making exciting music. Why sully the great reputation of this iconic band? The most recent iteration is terrible. Slow, dull, and fronted by a wannabe who thinks he sounds like Anderson, when in fact he doesn't. He can't sing the songs with soul and feel, because he didn't write the songs; he's a mimic who thinks the key to JA is signing with a high pitch.
It's depressing watching so many classic bands stubbornly plod along, often with only one or two original (or long-tenured, like Alan) members. I understand wanting to make new music and perform, but then do it under a different name. The reason they don't, is down to the "brand" awareness of the band, which = more $. The list is long, but Yes, Foreigner, Journey, Styx, ELO, and most obnoxiously, Queen, come to mind.
So why don't they do a split part concert like Foreigner did in Foreigner 40 Kelly Hansen & Foreigner, Then Lou Gramm with the surviving members of Foreigner that worked very well. Steve Howe can perform with his version of Yes 1st. Setlists would have to chosen between both bands of course. Then Anderson & His mates can perform second setlists, & Audience will know who the Real Yes is, & they can have their cake & eat it too. Nobody has to play anything they don't like such as Owner of a lonely Heart Steve Howe sucks on song that belongs to Anderson & Rabin by all means. So does You & I, Cinema, Leave It, Chord of Life, Awaken, Changes, Hold On, Tempis Fugit, I've seen all good People, Closer to the Edge, Long distance Runaround, Heart of the Sunrise, Lift Me up, the classics just belong with Jon Anderson that voice. Steve can have Starship Trooper, Roundabout, the Clap, America, his new bands stuff with Benoit & Jon Davidson, Don't Kill the Whale, all the other Trevon Horn stuff there is still plenty of songs to perform. I think that makes complete sense, Steve will be happy he & gets what he wants, that way both camps are split problem solved one last hurrah, bands get what they want & so do the fans.
The studio tracks from Keys To Ascension 1 & 2 are every bit as good as Yes's classic songs. So is The Ladder (which I like to call Homeworld instead). To say that those two albums don't have great material is akin to trashing a 3 karat, nearly flawless diamond because you want a 5 karat one. Seriously.
That said, a reunion with all living past and present members would be ridiculous. I'd just love to see Jon, Rick and Steve play together with Lee Pomeroy and Lou Molino III. As much as I like Trevor, he and Steve do not get along. So, he would have to be left out.
Hello Ant. Not posted on your chanel for a while. I hope you are doing ok.
Going back a couple of years I stated ARW would not last. It was made up of former YES men who still are more interested in their own projects. Nothing wrong with that. It's where their hearts are at. When Chris gave the rights to YES to Steve Alan and Jon, it should be obvious he meant a united YES. That intention should be eternally remembered to give Chris the true respect he deserves. For a third time, Jon was out of it while Chris was alive. So YES became what Steve and Alan made it to be when Chris passed away. Their right! YES was never what we want it it to be but is what those with the Right to shape it to what they want it to be. Our opinion pales in that Right. They are the creative musicians, we are just the listeners. Today, Alan White remains the most loyal member of YES. but his health might not be what it was. A lot of great YES material came first from the mind of Steve Howe. Jon acted like a spolt child. He made himself ill while YES were resting then blamed YES. He expected to be pandered to. Chris quite rightly wasn't having it! Jon had twice walked away from YES previouslyy. Jon Anderson appears to want to continue with YES. If Steve and Alan dont want to then perhaps they should consider signing the Rights over to Jon. Then YES could continue being shaped by Jon. We might not like what Jon would make of it but we don't have to. Maybe we all need to accept YES has had its day. We still have the great music that can live on forever. Does Jon Anderson really need the name YES? I don't believe he does. He is a great musician in his own right.
Hey Steve, great to hear from you again. I think you said it best... maybe we need to accept that Yes has had it's day. Without Chris and the classic band united, it's the not the same and never will be.
@@RushTrader Hi Ant,
I think part of the YES sound came about due to the unique and sometimes obscure way Chris played bass. Of course there are other bass guitarists that are as good as Chris but none would be able to come up with what Chris did. They might be able to copy but not create the Squire sound. It needs to be Chris for that. I've always said YES is far more than just a singer, and so too YES is far more than just a bass guitarist. Steve Howe might not have the fingers he once had and he was very close to his son Virgil. He might be feeling it very hard and with Chris gone too. So I reckon you are right to say YES will never be the same again. We can be grateful to them for the great times they have given us. Not forgotten.
@@stevejones1682 True, and let's not forget Chris provided backing vocals that complimented Jon's lead. Steve's not a great vocalist but what he did contribute added some bottom end to the highs of Chris and Jon. There's a chemistry that just isn't there any more, which is a shame but then again, everything changes and nothing lasts forever. Like you said, we should be grateful for their music and they will never be forgotten.
@@RushTrader I rhink you are right there too.
This band has creative flashes that never catch fire. Howe prefers this arrangement for his personal reasons that really have no artistic value to the vast majority of Yes fans. They need to retire Yes and move on under a different banner.
What is the point if this video? With Squire gone, there cannot be a reunion of Yes.
I saw both groups in the last tours. ARW to me was inferior to current Yes lineup. Trevor Rabin is great on his own stuff, but cannot play old Yes guitar parts. Likewise Geoff has struggled for years to play Waksman chops. Last tour he was better though. I think a lot of people want to keep the music alive, albeit with new blood. Both camps can do studios new things, a continent apart if necessary,, if the music can be written, which I doubt
The last great performance to me was done in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction. I saw reasonably recent performance and it was not really good.
Well you and your opinion is just that. I can see that you were a NO JON NO YES guy from the get go.
That's right, my opinion, you can believe what you like. Jon is a founding member and one of the best, iconic lead singers of all time. There's simply no replacing him in Yes. I'm not saying he can be the only guy left in the band but without him and Squire, there's no true Yes to build on.
No Jon Anderson no Chris Squire no Yes
Jon will rerecord Fly From Here. . .that will open the flood gates.
your 'true Yes fan" shit is where I stopped. Define a true YEs fan.
A true Yes fan knows that without Jon on vocals, it's not Yes anymore.
Talk
Hey Richie, great to hear from you! In retrospect, I do think "Talk" is Yes' last solid album. Put another way, I would pull out "Talk" for a listen way before anything released afterwards. By the way, congratulations on the upcoming BOC release! What a surprise to hear you take the lead vocal on "Tainted Blood", a tremendously epic tune and really looking forward to hearing the rest of the new album.
matter of fact ...yes 2 are more yes than howe's yes
Seems like you're missing the idea of the current Yes. It's not Steve's band, it's a functioning group. They have finally achieved stability. Geoff, Billy, Alan and JD are part of the decision making, and they work well together. Steve is just the guy who gets asked about this all the time, but the whole band agrees. Jon always wants control, and none of them are comfortable with that. Jon also wants a lot more money than everyone else, which is what really caused the schism in 2008. JD's account of his conversation with Jon is radically different. Jon knew exactly who he was at the time, even talked about working together. JD was thrilled with the encounter until Jon started dissing him (again). Jon's story changes constantly in each interview where this comes up. I loved seeing them in the early 2000's, but I don't see how it could work again. That last comment from Jon is the nail in the coffin.
The idea of the current Yes lineup is having a band that Steve can lead without having to deal with Jon's demands. I have a feeling nothing happens in the current Yes without Steve signing off on it. As mentioned before, I really don't see the point of calling anything Yes without having Anderson involved.
@@RushTrader It's the Steve Howe Band and they suck!
@@RushTrader I might agree if I hadn't actually talked to them... but Steve is deliberately not doing that in the band, perhaps a bit in spite of those outside perceptions. Confirmed personally with Jon D, Billy and biographer Jon Kirkman. They work by consensus these days, with Geoff, mostly, as the effective musical director in rehearsals. Everyone gets their ideas heard, and everybody is writing new material and sharing it right now, with Jon D as the travelling liaison, shuttling between the four others' home studios (until recently, of course). It will probably be Billy running the recording sessions, which haven't really started yet. although there's a leftover unfinished epic from the last batch of songs that includes some bass parts recorded by Chris. Steve really just wants to be in a happy, flexible musical situation, in which he doesn't have to control or be controlled.
@Sam Marsh I totally get what you're saying and for good for them if they can all contribute in a healthy, satisfying way. My main issue is labelling this lineup as Yes. They are so far removed from anything resembling Yes at this point it's like they're another band completely. Even if they were called something else I still wouldn't care for it but my feeling is, let's put the name Yes to rest, especially without any founding members and Howe the only remaining significant member. Like Tommy Shaw, Howe just wants to be happy now that the governor is gone, I get it.
Money was definitely not the problem, or not with Jon. Steve and Cris wanted to tour for the money and weren't willing to wait for Jon to recover fully. Speak to the Anderson family or Rick Wakeman and they could tell you what went on, and remember how Benoit David had his permanent departure announced when he believed he was being replaced on a temporary basis. None of the band had the decency to tell him to his face. Now there are no ideas, just regurgitation. The creative spark is a not there, without Jon and Chris that is no surprise.
Its time to say goodbye. Yes is not Yes without Steve, Jon, Rick, or Chris. Im sure there are musicians that can mimic each of them, but they wouldn’t be Yes. Chris is gone, and Steve’s ego seems to be too big to allow any reunion. So its time to let go. RIP - Yes (I idolized Steve, but that was 47 years ago.)
I know what you mean Richard. I'm a huge fan of Steve's work from years ago but his band is only Yes on paper.
no deep explanation....now, much like a foreigner or a styx...howe, a master, the only one left from the peak 72-76 lineup, as great a musician as he is, cant be expected to perform the superhuman feat of turning a good cover band (except for sherwood...who was groomed by squire) into the real product.
Steve prefers control over authenticity.
THESE BAND MEMBERS ARE ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH
THE WRATH OF GOD
IN A LAND BEST LEFT FORGOTTEN
WELCOME TO
THE VALLEY OF THE DARKNESS OF FAME
THE VALLEY OF RICH AND FAMOUS PEOPLE
AND
THE VALLEY OF HORROR.
IN JESUS NAME
AMEN AND AMEN.
Big Generator is just as good as 90215 in my book.....and Union has 5-6 killer songs...Talk 3-4 songs....then poop
You’re leaving out what are the greatest albums talk
I like 3 songs on that album "The Calling", "Walls" and "Endless Dream". I know Yes fans either love or hate that album. I never really warmed up to it as a whole but I do think it's probably their last, most solid album considering what came afterwards.
The only way to see Yes is time travel but time moves in one direction only (Einstein was wrong).