Martedì 13 Dic 2011, 10:35

High expectations for this gig. After the impressive and refreshing release of Fly From Here stakes are high for Yes. At least I was expecting a lot from these legendary Brits. The gig was staged in Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, a wonderful stage almost comparable to the Heineken Music Hall in my own nations capital Amsterdam. Before the show a DJ entertained the thirsty crowds with some nice Prog Rock tunes. Who doesn't love to listen to 'Red' by King Crimson right before a Yes gig :P
On to the gig itself, there was no band opening for Yes. The band started of with Yours is no Disgrace, one of their many classics. After a minute or so the band was warmed up and the vocal harmonies pumped out of the lovely line array speaker system in Ancienne!
The Fly From Here concept is derived from the Fly From Here track, composed by Geoff Downess and Trevor Horn from the Buggles (and during the Drama era from Yes). This track was further evolved and also played during the 1980 Drama tour. It's no surprise then that quite some other Drama tracks were played during this concert.
First amongst which was Tempus Fugit. Time indeed flies. I just loved the compressed bass sound Mr. Squire got out of his Rickenbacker! The song itself was played very well.
Your Move / I've Seen All Good People was next up. Another of those Yes classics. This is where the first little mistakes where made. The vocal harmonies just weren't spot on. I guess it's not fair to just blame David Benoir for this, lets be clear about this. David's vocal capabilities where nothing but great! He and Chris just didn't align on every harmony.

Next up was Life on a Film Set, the first of the Fly From Here album played this evening. And this is where the most brilliance was shown. Life on a Film Set and the Fly From Here suite where easily my favourite tracks of the evening! Perfect in execution, enhanced with cool background videos and played enthusiastically! On these tracks David shone most brightly!
In between Life on a Film Set and The Fly From Here suite where another couple of classic tracks; And You and I, Solitaire and Clap. The last of whom where performed by the brilliant Steve Howe. This must be the second favourite part of the evening for me.

After Fly from here came Wonderous Stories, one of my favourite Yes tracks. I'm sad to say the execution yet again was a little choppy. Next up where Into the storm and Machine Messiah. Machine Messiah was a real surprise for me. This somewhat heavy 'Rushesque' song was in perfect contrast with the more classic Yes tunes! Well chosen!
Last track before the encore was Starship Trooper. Maybe one of Yes' most famous, and most played songs. Wow! what an experience to hear this one live for the first time. However halfway the track, Chris and Alan missed a bar, which messed up a couple of bars of the song. These guys where starting to show some fatigue. Which is perfectly understandable for these grandfathers of prog rock!
The encore, Roundabout was yet again rather sloppy. Still it's fun to hear this timeless masterpiece live for the first time in my life.

All in all this was a memorable night. Great show, nice ambiance and one hell of a lot of great musicians on stage! Next time these guys play at a venue near me, count me in!

Setlist: (from setlist.fm)
1 Yours Is No Disgrace
2 Tempus Fugit
3 Your Move - I've Seen All Good People
4 Life on a Film Set
5 And You and I
6 Solitaire
7 Clap
8 Fly From Here - Overture
9 Fly From Here - Pt I - We Can Fly
10 Fly From Here - Pt II - Sad Night at the Airfield
11 Fly From Here - Pt III - Madman at the Screens
12 Fly From Here - Pt IV - Bumpy Ride
13 Fly From Here - Pt V - We Can Fly (Reprise)
14 Wondrous Stories
15 Into the Storm
16 Machine Messiah
17 Starship Trooper
Encore:
18 Roundabout