100 Concerts / Concert #4

Headline Act: Yes

Touring Album: 90125

Opening Act: Berlin (scheduled but a no-show)

Date: April 21, 1984

Venue: The Hollywood Sportatorium. Hollywood, FL

Ticket price: $12.75

 

If Yes is the answer, what is the question? Before "90125", Yes had achieved success in an unconventional fashion. They had released 12 studio/live albums built on new-age lyrics, classical orchestration, acoustic guitar, a strong bass/drums rhythm section, heavy use of synthesizers and one of the most distinctive singers in rock history. Six of their albums cracked the top-10 on the U.S. charts despite music that was not considered radio-friendly. Many songs lasted 10 minutes or more, none of which utilized the verse-chorus-verse pop formula.

Early Yes lineup: Steve Howe, Tony Kaye, Chris Squire, Jon Anderson. Bill Bruford

They built a loyal fan base and a reputation as a musically gifted band but they were widely considered pretentious and self-indulgent by rock critics.  Labeled "progresive rock", Yes was lumped together with early Peter Gabriel-era Genesis, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and King Crimson.  These "prog rock" artists were influenced by the late '60s psychedelic wave of musical and chemical experimentation Yes added a more refined musicianship to the style. Despite their critics, Yes did have a few songs on FM Radio, such as "Roundabout", "Starship Trooper", "Long Distance Runaround", and "Yours Is No Disgrace".  To me, these complex, mysterious songs jumped out of the radio and needed multiple listens to digest properly. What does it mean when "mountains come out of the sky and stand there"? 

One of my early impressions of Yes was their image, not as "rock gods" but their pre-MTV image that arose from Roger Dean's fantasy-inspired art. Dean created many album covers for Yes, some of the most beautiful in rock history (as well as Asia's successful debut) . Yes' iconic logo  reinforced their eclectic, esoteric and mysterious image.  They emerged from their '70s shroud of mystery with a 1983 MTV video, "Owner Of A Lonely Heart", which created controversy and had to be re-edited for containing some disturbing imagery.  The song was a huge hit, their first and only #1 U.S. single, a real game-changer for a band of their stature and history.

I was a fan of their earlier work (the 5 or 6 songs I heard on the radio), and "90125" was a new album worthy of attention. My friends and I devoured the entire album (when it was still the norm to listen to entire albums and not cherry-pick singles like these crazy kids today).  I mean, back in my day....blah blah blah. Like much of their earlier work, "90125" was beautifully produced and contained many unconventional compositions such as "Changes","It Can Happen" and "Leave It". These were multi-layered songs that demanded repeated listens and we obliged.

90125 > 90210

With their strong new '80s release and their '70s catalog, my friends and I jumped at the chance to see Yes in concert. 
We arrived at the Sporto for the show, but my buddy Dave had temporarily lost our tickets! After a frantic search they were found inside the car and we scrambled to get inside. While entering the gates of the arena, we heard the music start and were just able to get to our seats without missing very much.  The scheduled opening act, Berlin ("The Metro"), failed to appear so there was a brief Bugs Bunny cartoon instead (thanks to my buddy Tim for that memory jog).  As part of my concert routine, I make every effort to be in my seats before the show starts, even if I have to sit through an opening act I don't particularly know. This habit has paid off with some memorable opening acts (more on those in future posts).

Jon Anderson & Lord Of The Bass: Chris Squire

Fragile (Roger Dean cover)

While their records are great to listen to, in concert Yes is an incredible quintet of power and precision. Chris Squire is one of rock's all-time greatest bass players, he commands the stage with a regal presence in long, flowing robes that drape his large frame. Squire has the distinction of being a founding member of the band and the only man to play on every Yes album.  During Yes concerts, Squire puts on a solo bass display, where he show off his prodigious talents. He is one of the very few bass players who deserves this type of spotlight.

Over the years, Yes has had almost as many lineup changes as Spinal Tap (but thankfully no need to dust for vomit). On the "90125" tour, young singer-songwriter-guitarist Trevor Rabin had replaced Steve Howe. Original Yes keyboard player Tony Kaye was back with the group after a 12-year hiatus, a position filled more notably by Rick Wakeman (more on him in future posts).  Alan White was the drummer as he had been for most of the band's career, the original drummer was Bill Bruford.

Tales From Topographic Oceans (Roger Dean cover)

The most recognizable aspect of Yes is the voice of lead singer Jon Anderson who has appeared on all but 2 of the group's albums.  The circumstances of his recent replacement in the band is a fascinating story, one to be shared down the road. In concert, Anderson has an effortlessly angelic voice and a boundless spirit that elevates the music with an other-worldly quality.  When he tells the audience between songs something like "It's so beautiful to be with you tonight", you can tell he really believes it.  Listening to him sing, you understand why the mountains come out of the sky and stand there, it's to hear him sing.

Very few bands in rock history can boast their musicianship and originality. Their albums have withstood critics and the test of time. In concert, their music is cinematic, moving, ethereal, and for hardcore fans a true joy to witness.

Isn't it time for them to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame? The answer of course? YES.

Unofficial setlist: Cinema, Leave It, Yours Is No Disgrace, Hold On, Hearts, I've Seen All Good People, Si, Solly's Beard, Changes, And You And I, Soon, Make It Easy, Owner Of A Lonely Heart, It Can Happen, Long Distance Runaround, Whitefish, Amazing Grace, City Of Love, (Encore) Starship Trooper, Roundabout