This was the Golden age in music for all genres, especially rock. The 70's showcased bands who could explore and try new things. The synthesizer by Moog, Arp and Oberheim where just entering the stage. Those of us who grew up with the music from Yes, ELP Pink Floyd, led Zeppelin realize now it will never happen again with the way the industry is now. Times have changed, and thank God we have their music, videos to relive those memories, and concerts of years past.
"I wonder what music will be like in 50 years time." Little did Jon know. These guys set the standard back in 71-72. They raised the bar to an almost impossible level. I have not heard it being surpassed that many times since, only by these guys themselves!
I think he said 15 years, not 50. Before that, he said 10, 12, 14... Little did he know, prog rock peaked in the early seventies, and never recovered. You're right, nothing has come close to Yes at their peak, with this lineup.
@@geoffwales8646 I sometimes cringe when people describe current musicians as being shadows compared to those from the past, because I actually like modern indie & EDM nearly as much as seventies prog stuff. But I gotta say, whenever I watch yes on stage I can't ignore the fact that no one, NO ONE... plays with such gusto on stage anymore. Just watch Yes blast through Yessongs & try telling me any band since has been able to match their mastery & intensity. Then watch Page & Zeppelin assault the stage with Achilles Last Stand on their 'DVD' release. The energy in that performance was absolutely remarkable & if you ask me, one of the most amazing performances in recorded rock history. So absolutely, no one has ever come close to Yes or Zep, diverse though they are.
When Steve Howe came in, the game all changed! The two albums, The Yes Album and Yes Fragile - I played over and over. This is just legendary hearing this again.
Chris Squire was not only an innovative bassist, he was a bloody good backing vocalist. Whole ensemble of talent in the band which combined in different ways.
Yeah, Chris played his bass from a singers perspective, alot like Jamerson and Andy Rourke of the Smiths: lots of harmonic counter- point and rhythmic syncopation.
And to think all you need today is to be a karaoke singer on a "Got talent" , or "Idol" program, have a song written for you, and that makes a superstar. Sad! This was the golden age of music, real musicians blending their talents and coming up with a true masterpiece.
To be fair though, Jon Anderson did use pitch correction live sometimes, I would need one to if I sang for as long as he did, they really did work hard
In a two year period they went from they produced four albums. The Yes Album and Fragie were released in 1971. This is a remarkable achievement and an incredible rush of creativity. In '72 they release Close to the Edge, and the following year Tales from Topographic Oceans. Relayer followed in 1974. An utterly amazing achievement.
As I watch this nearly 46 years after I started listening to and seeing Yes, two things come to mind;. One, youth is fleeting and two, I wish I knew that 46 years ago. Rest in peace Christopher Squire
Very unlikely we will ever again see musicians of this caliber in the field of rock music get together and form bands like Yes. Each one of them was the peak of creativity on their instruments and the songwriting was so complex.
"The musical arrangements, quite complex to us, but I suppose to better musicians not so complex." Bruford's modesty is refreshing. He knew he was still learning.
"I write the tune, and then I write the lyrics - not so much for the idea behind the lyrics but for the sound of the words." Anderson is a true Impressionist. I always loved the lyrics, the way they conjure up dreamlike scenes, moments and fragments of lives. I listened to Yes when I was stoned many, many years ago. What a time.
That's an excellent comment. I read years ago from one of his interviews that he would use certain words - not necessarily because they had any great meaning - but because he liked the sound of that word in the context of the musical phrase he put it in. I love that.
Coins and crosses (Turn round tailor, assaulting) Never know their fruitless worth (all the mornings of the interest shown, presenting one another to the cord) Cords are broken (All left dying, rediscovered Of the door that turned round) Locked inside the mother Earth (To close the cover, all the interest shown) They won't hide, hold, they won't tell you (To turn one another, to the sign at the time float your climb) Watching the world, watching all of the world Watching us go by...
It is beyond words. Arguably the best period of Yes, and surely the best lineup. This was magic what they did, which rather shows on the film too. They were young, talented, and keen on creating exceptional music. Historical moments.
@@hpatss4966 Respectfully disagree. Live, Alan was a powerhouse, but in the studio I don't know if it was the production, the brand of drums, or the way the songs were written, but the drumming post-Bruford sounds flat and uninspired. Compare the drumming on Close To The Edge with Tales From Topographic Oceans. On the latter there is simply no drive, no edge to the music. Lovely album with many beautiful moments, but the loss of Bruford's jazzy energetic drumming is a deal breaker for me. On Yessongs Alan plays Bill's songs with gusto and admirable energy, but without that unique nuance of Bill's that made, for me, Yes music constantly interesting. Rick Wakeman commented on the change of drummers thus: "Alan's drumming made a huge change in our sound; people either loved it or hated it." I definitely hated it, and still do. That all said, I attended a Bill Bruford Earthworks show at a small venue in Seattle years ago. Alan White was in attendance since he lives in Seattle. I got to meet both Yes drummers that evening, and Alan came across as a wonderfully warm and gracious man, while Bill - my hero! - was an asshole. Hah! C'est la vie!
BobHunter1977 I mean I know that close to the edges drumming is amazing. Huge mad props to Bill Bruford for making it sound awesome. But I say it’s hard to judge Bc their styles or so vastly and completely different. I really like how Alan plays his drums. TFTO has a lot of music padding. Whether it’s with the percussion or extra guitar or what, I still think it’s absolutely awesome. Listening to how closely knit Alan and Chris sound just gets me on that album. Take another listen to the ancient and the revealing and see if you get what I mean. I prefer some of Alan’s interpretations of bills parts when live. Alan is a solid rock drummer. Who happens to play a lot of proggy music. I’d say that Bill is polyrhythmic and Alan isn’t. And Alan doesn’t try to be. And In my opinion it doesn’t make him any less of a drummer because of it. I had the privilege to have a personal drum lesson with Alan earlier this year and that’s when I realized that his playing is sooooo solid. (I’m 15 btw so I don’t have as much experience with this music as you might) one thing he asked was if I could play the opening part to heart of the sunrise, and he meant the album. So I played it. And he said that it was exactly right, which shows that one of the reasons I think he’s an amazing drummer, is that he understands the music. And imo, more than bruford does. When I hear some of brufords interviews, he kinda treated yes music like any old band, yet Alan understood - and frankly loved- the music. That’s mainly why I prefer Alan over Bruford.
This is the greatest rock band ever assembled!! No question about it. That voice of Jon Anderson cannot be immitated. Add the best players: Wakeman,Christ Squire, Allan White,Steve How, Trevor Robbins, Bufford..the real show of YES was always played live. I was there,in front of the stage at least 20 times. I know what I am talking about.
Early 70s you had Yes, Genesis, Zeppelin, Deep Purple and in the mid 70s Queen turned up. I know I've missed out plenty of others, but these were amazing times in rock music. All great musicians, all innovative in their own way. All a big part of my life growing up. Thank you, to all those amazing 70s bands.
if your parents gave you such music, than you owe them a lot. more than you think Roswitha. :) (I had to explore it by myself, but it is a great luck in my life that I have discovered Yes, Floyd, Gentle Giant, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, ... when I was 13-14 years old. In a country where these records were banned, not existing, and about 20 years before internet and youtube.)
Sure you found these bands on your own like many of us did then. It was truly revolutionary music and helped in listening to these bands open up the portals of culture and art and mind exploration. For me it caused me to move to San Francisco and study painting and live a life of music and art and hope. Saw all these bands you mention and still all that reverberates on high percolation. I say Yes!!
Yeaa me too..try my channel.. Yes,genesis,camel,pink floyd,king crimzon,elp,kanzas,led zeppelin,deep purple,uriah heep,supertramp,ufo,styx..and many more..go to my channel..bye.
@@brianloy7856 If it was a for the cameras Steve Howe wouldn't have asked the interviewer which parts of the performance they'd manage to get. If it was a rehearsal they wouldn't crowd noise in the middle. What you're probably just is the less than perfect acoustics of a largish venue.
If I recall correctly, Wakeman picked up the cape during his first US tour with Yes. He happened to spot one in a shop in New York, I think. He said that reaching with his arms and legs for all the different keyboards and pedals he used looked kind of weird, and the cape help cover up the contortions.
Shame Ian in his old age let his ego get out of control. Paid loads to get VIP tickets in Perth Western Australia, saw the fantastic show and waited with the other 10 people to meet and greet. Went into the room and went to shake his hand, he physically recoiled, “oh I just do elbows” , we then had to bump elbows. Talk about feeling like the great unwashed! Ian, mate, if you cant stand “common folk” don’t charge the $ for VIP.
Sophie Kuchinka Sorry my rant was about Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) got my Andersons mixed up, Im sure Jon if I ever him is a lovely guy. Thanks for picking up my error, stay safe in this time of trouble.
Saw Kimberly, YES, and Jethro Tull in Sacramento, CA 1971, and had friends in Berkeley that saw it too. They gave us 3 tickets, front row center. Steve Howe played an accoustic solo that stunned the crowd to silence for what seemed like forever, before a burst of applause.The original keyboardist was still with them then, Tony Kaye.. Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull came on next and was looking right into my eyes. Fell in love with him that night. The newspaper called it one of those unusual magical nights. It really was. Best concert ever.
I saw that first US tour also. Evansville, Indiana. The gig was supposed to be YES, Tull and Black Sabbath. Sabbath didn't show, which thankfully, gave more time for YES and Tull. After YES, when Tull came on, it was sadly anti-climactic and our group of YES geeks just had to leave. Alone, Tull is a Hell of a show, but YES had just redefined what virtuoso rock sounds like. Nothing would compare at that point.
To quote a guitar playing friend of mine: "That is the most insane guitar playing I've seen my entire life!" referring to Steve Howe's soloing in Your is No Disgrace in this video. God, he was great here.
"School - the best thing to do is form one and take it around he country - which is Yes!" They are all so insightful in addition to being incredible musicians. The school of Yes! We're all there now - if we're watching/listening then and now.
Where in the hell has this been my whole life. OMG. That was so freaking awesome to see my heroes that young and probably struggling (though they didn't know it) and blowing them away. God bless the world for Yes!
This is a 50 year old video. Still love the music and Yes. I owned all their albums. Anyone remember the big plastic discs called records that sounded scratchy but great musical clarity too.
Yes, you're right Mark. Chris certainly used Rotosound Roundwounds in the early days. I don't know if he stayed with them in later years. A fantastic sound, ideally suited to the Ricky 4001 when they were fresh but in my experience they pretty much needed replacing before every gig because they lost their brightness after just a couple of weeks. Keep them on any longer and you might as well be using flatwounds on a P Bass. Just as well they were cheap! ☺
Speaking for myself that is how it was for me, as someone who thought a band was only as good as their drummer. I continued to listen after CTTE but something was lost that never came back. I know many loved Alan, I just don't have an ear for 4/4 bang away drumming.
It's a real treat to see this incredible band at their peak (almost kids in a way). And listen to them talk about their music. Wish they would issue the entire footage on DVD - it would be a sell out!
Jon, yes I found that your lyrics made sense to me...thanks Yes!! PERPETUAL CHANGE IS ONE OF THOSE SONGS THAT HAS EVERYTHING IN IT, ROCK, JAZZ AND FUNK W/ SOME CLASSICAL PARTS...YES IS ALL I CAN SAY, AND THINK OF...
Catherine O'Driscoll yes were my first indoor concert early in 1973 they toured Australia for the first time I meet the band when they arrived and had them all sign close to the edge. Wonderful morning talking music with the guys
I saw them in at Festival Hall in Melbourne in '73 too. I'd never heard a note by them when I went with my best friend and fellow muso, who had heard them on the radio, and I had my 16-year-old-mind blown but the unbelievable musicianship and incredible audio quality. I stayed a fan until Topographic Oceans when they disappeared up their own arses :). BTW the my first concert was Led Zeppelin at Kooyong Tennis Courts in 1972.
WOW, that was great! And I was in my mother's womb... But in 1987 my older cousin gave me to hear this 'green album' called 'Close To The Edge'.... I got hooked by Yes until now. It was released in September of 1972... Same month and year I was born, hahaha!!! I always believed that there must be some kind of spiritual binding between Yes and me. I believe in reencarnation, but anyway! My favourite band, of course. Glad to know a fan of those years. Namaste.
The all time line up at their peak around Close to the Edge. Rick Wakeman had released his all time best album at this time as well; The Six Wives of Henry the Eighth. So this is valuable footage!
This is how I remember them. First saw them in 1969 when I went to one of their concerts with a guy called David Foster who was co-writing songs with Jon Anderson at the time. I had forgotten just how unique Bill Bruford's drumming was, Bill and Chris Squire were one hell of a rhythm section.
This incarnation of Yes was always my favorite. It's too bad that they had so many squabbles and temper tantrums. With Chris Squire's passing a few years ago, it seems like the band lost their anchor. At least I can play the CD's and remember when music came first and was adventurous. Great video, thanks for sharing!
Oh my god look how young they are! I know for a fact I was NEVER that young but...but... What a great band. I am so lucky to have been born at an age where rock and roll and I could grow up together. So many great bands during my lifetime, it's like having Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Stravinsky all at once and more piled on top. If there is anything my generation should be known for it is Rock and Roll. We got it right on the first try.
You nailed it mate! I'm 67. In those days my mind was blown so many times per WEEK by bands I saw live, that I never got into drugs. Why bother? Oh, cheers! 🍷
Bill Bruford made me love the early YES his drumming was just so sharp and to the bone that I loved it nothing sounded the same after He left this Band!
Agreed! The loss of Bruford turned out to be huge. In so many ways Bill's jazzy nuanced drumming balanced the band's otherwise huge top-heavy sound created by Howe and Wakeman, to say nothing of Jon's weirdly wonderful lyrics. Bill kept it musically honest and interesting, another "lead instrument" in the band, whereas Alan's drumming was pretty much background time-keeping, flat and dull.
@@BobHunter1977 With you all the way here. I loved the attack of Bill Bruford's drumming. You can hear the jazz influences in him. This was the prime-time of Yes, for me. Is his Ph D in music or English? He is much, much more than just a drummer.
...they were one of the first bands exploring new directions together with a new approach to music in general, and they succeeded brilliantly. I first saw them in 1977 at the age of 15 with the GFTO tour, and sat besides their wife's and children. I still remember my heartbeat pumping when they started with Parallels after the Firebird intro...nothing ever was the same after that..
Me, too, Butler Crow. I bought my first Yes album (Close to the Edge) in 1973, just turned 14. It was my first prog album (I was listening to Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Wishbone Ash up to then). I don't know what caused me to buy CTTE, but I know I loved it and played it to death. Then bought all the others of course and saw them in concert in '74 and '75. Yes bring back more memories for me from the '70s than any of the other bands I was listening to. On this video here for Seconds Out, the boys were having a real jam on Yours is no Disgrace. Best wishes.
Yeah, I found that a pretty revealing statement. And I've known people that wrote whole college term papers trying to find the deeper meaning of Anderson's lyrics. Turns out he was choosing words to fit the music.
Thank you for this the best of my high school music listening, i picked up my 72 mach 1 the morning of Fragile being released best of everything back then
It's nice to finally know that it's a waste of time trying to decipher his lyrics since they were chosen for their sounds, and not for their content. I wish I had known that as a teenager.
yep! that's him. Can't be duplicated. Actually, some female covers of Yes songs come closer to Jon's voice, than his recent replacements. (I'm not bashing Benoit David or Jon Davison, they both did great jobs)
That is the range known as "alto". I have the same range. I have been singing as Jon Anderson 4 over 35 years.Jon "taught " me how 2 sing.If U listen closely to Chris Squire's harmony voice,U will notice it is higher than Jon.This is the range known as "mezzo soprano ".Steve Howe takes the lower register of the "tenor"range.This completes the 3 part harmony.Sometimes Chris will take the "high tenor"range just below Jon's alto. The vocal virtuosity of those two gentlemen is staggering.
I believe 'The Yes Album' was released right after they visited Eastown Theatre, Detroit. Tony Kaye and Bill Bruford were in the band. When they were announced the sound of two or three handclaps echoed throughout the theatre. 2 or 3 tunes after opening with 'Your's Is No Disgrace' they had Eastown's audience firmly in the palms of their hands. One concert I'll never forget.
Steve Howe is arguably the most creative and innovative guitarist in progressive rock music and that is not to say it and he should have been much more appreciated everywhere!
I remember watching this at the time it was broadcast on our Black & White TV - had school the next day and had to ask permission to stay up past 10pm - where has the time gone!? That bass run by Chris Squire 6mins 55 seconds in is like WHOOOOOOOAAHHHH!
I remember when this was broadcast in '71. I never thought I'd ever see it again. Thank you. I recall at the time I recorded the audio on my first reel to reel. I kept that tape for some time. Rick Wakeman's piece about not knowing when to play always amused me. Fragile will always be my favorite Yes album.
One of the greatest contemprary rock & fusion bands to come out of the late 60s & those awesome early days of the 70s YES. there's no doubt's about it.
Generally the best way to see a quality band and performance,... A small venue, without all the distractions of flashing screens and and huge riggings.
I thought the same thing! "How, after over 50 years, does this man's voice not change??" 😂 Voice of an Angel, though...what a gift. Glad my dad got me into this before today's pop music could swallow me up...😬 I'm 19, but I've never connected with a genre of music on such a spiritual and emotional level as I have with prog. It's such an overlooked gem...gosh🙏💙
I missed this in Jan '72. I must have seen a repeat of it - around June of that year [a curiously early morning broadcast]. I remember the effect it had very clearly. I was only 14, but it changed my outlook on music forever. Now 48 years ago, and they're still going in various forms.
"What is THEIR music going to be like, in say 10, 12, or 14 yers. It's going to be really incredible." ~ Jon Anderson (1971) Oh, how sad predictions can be. Jon Anderson didn't realize he was at the peak of musical expression, breadth and depth in all human experience up through 2021. The types of proficient musicians and lively music scene spanning from classical, jazz, swing-pop, orchestral, rock, pop, bubble gum, progressive edges, electronic.... narrowed so far down... and by 1985 the high level of talent in all music had retired and the music charts narrowed along with song writing styles. 50 years later, we wait for a rebirth in culture that is sorely overdue.
Thanks YES saw your first show in America at the Spectrum unbelievable you guys are the best and I've saw every show in Philly when you guys come to Philly and once at Millersville college we got lucky and snuck in because it was sold out unreal thanks for your fantastic show's
Prog is for me the peak of rock music, so creative and so diverse and mindblowing!
I'm l9ß to m3
that´s it prog is the top of the rock music and Yes with Genesis were the best!!
Prog is at the top of MUSIC
@@Farnklin-s8n that´s right!!
This was the Golden age in music for all genres, especially rock. The 70's showcased bands who could explore and try new things. The synthesizer by Moog, Arp and Oberheim where just entering the stage. Those of us who grew up with the music from Yes, ELP Pink Floyd, led Zeppelin realize now it will never happen again with the way the industry is now. Times have changed, and thank God we have their music, videos to relive those memories, and concerts of years past.
Chris Squire is the best electric bass guitarist ever. His backing vocals were also second to none. I still miss him.
I agree, and Chris's loss is a hurt that will never heal 😢
"I wonder what music will be like in 50 years time." Little did Jon know. These guys set the standard back in 71-72. They raised the bar to an almost impossible level. I have not heard it being surpassed that many times since, only by these guys themselves!
I think he said 15 years, not 50. Before that, he said 10, 12, 14... Little did he know, prog rock peaked in the early seventies, and never recovered. You're right, nothing has come close to Yes at their peak, with this lineup.
@@geoffwales8646 I sometimes cringe when people describe current musicians as being shadows compared to those from the past, because I actually like modern indie & EDM nearly as much as seventies prog stuff. But I gotta say, whenever I watch yes on stage I can't ignore the fact that no one, NO ONE... plays with such gusto on stage anymore. Just watch Yes blast through Yessongs & try telling me any band since has been able to match their mastery & intensity. Then watch Page & Zeppelin assault the stage with Achilles Last Stand on their 'DVD' release. The energy in that performance was absolutely remarkable & if you ask me, one of the most amazing performances in recorded rock history. So absolutely, no one has ever come close to Yes or Zep, diverse though they are.
I guess Jon didn't know that 50+ years later he would still be making music 🥰
check out black midi
genesis
When Steve Howe came in, the game all changed! The two albums, The Yes Album and Yes Fragile - I played over and over. This is just legendary hearing this again.
Agreed...saw them in Fall 1971 at my small college...blew me away!
Chris Squire was not only an innovative bassist, he was a bloody good backing vocalist. Whole ensemble of talent in the band which combined in different ways.
He can easily be a lead vocal also.
Listen his Days of Wonder from Conspiracy album.
Very powerfull.
He is the reason I had to buy a Ric Bass. My absolute favorite player.
@@lylesmith9547 Roundabout was THE song that prompted my to play bass, and collect RIC basses!
Yeah, Chris played his bass from a singers perspective, alot like Jamerson and Andy Rourke of the Smiths: lots of harmonic counter- point and rhythmic syncopation.
And to think all you need today is to be a karaoke singer on a "Got talent" , or "Idol" program, have a song written for you, and that makes a superstar. Sad! This was the golden age of music, real musicians blending their talents and coming up with a true masterpiece.
Amen, CWhite.
yes- no loops or click tracks used then…
To be fair though, Jon Anderson did use pitch correction live sometimes, I would need one to if I sang for as long as he did, they really did work hard
@@Farnklin-s8nThat's something I've never seen and I've seen yes so many times I've lost count. Even Jon's solo tours I've never seen this.
Anything by Yes is stunning. I still can’t get enough of it….even at 72
Once the Yes fever grabs you it will never let go of you again and I'm glad about this! This mad music keeps me sane!🎼🎵🎶🎶🎸🎹🎸🥁🎤🪕
In a two year period they went from they produced four albums. The Yes Album and Fragie were released in 1971. This is a remarkable achievement and an incredible rush of creativity. In '72 they release Close to the Edge, and the following year Tales from Topographic Oceans. Relayer followed in 1974. An utterly amazing achievement.
As I watch this nearly 46 years after I started listening to and seeing Yes, two things come to mind;. One, youth is fleeting and two, I wish I knew that 46 years ago. Rest in peace Christopher Squire
“I like hearing mistakes in my music, that means people are trying, risks are being run” might be my favorite comment ever made by a musician
R.I.P. Bill Bruford's drumming career
I cant hear those mistakes in Bruford’s drumming though
@@WhoisVinnie Why do you say that? Did he suffered an injury?
Cheers
@@SDsailor7 No, he just doesn't wanna do it anymore for some reason since he thinks it's been 4 decades
@@WhoisVinnie Ah ok. I see.
Thanks
Very unlikely we will ever again see musicians of this caliber in the field of rock music get together and form bands like Yes. Each one of them was the peak of creativity on their instruments and the songwriting was so complex.
The rhythm section of Bill Bruford and Chris Squire....... amazing.
Where? What's the timemark?
AGREED!!!
Chris Squire was incredible.
Yeah, that era between Yes Album and Close To The Edge may have been the best rhythm section ever, all due respect to Peart and Lee.
Yeah, it's too bad that Squire's perpetual lateness got on Bruford's nerves so much that they will probably never play together again.
"The musical arrangements, quite complex to us, but I suppose to better musicians not so complex." Bruford's modesty is refreshing. He knew he was still learning.
Little did he know he was about to create in himself one of the most spectacular drummers of all time.
And yet, he still sounds snooty.
Steve Howe's "Mood For A Day"! To me one of the most beautiful classical guitar pieces !
"I write the tune, and then I write the lyrics - not so much for the idea behind the lyrics but for the sound of the words." Anderson is a true Impressionist. I always loved the lyrics, the way they conjure up dreamlike scenes, moments and fragments of lives. I listened to Yes when I was stoned many, many years ago. What a time.
"I always loved the lyrics, the way they conjure up dreamlike scenes, moments and fragments of lives." Perfect, completely true.
I get stoned and listen to them every day. This line up of Yes is one of the best bands ever..
That's an excellent comment. I read years ago from one of his interviews that he would use certain words - not necessarily because they had any great meaning - but because he liked the sound of that word in the context of the musical phrase he put it in. I love that.
Coins and crosses
(Turn round tailor, assaulting)
Never know their fruitless worth
(all the mornings of the interest shown,
presenting one another to the cord)
Cords are broken
(All left dying, rediscovered
Of the door that turned round)
Locked inside the mother Earth
(To close the cover, all the
interest shown)
They won't hide, hold, they won't tell you
(To turn one another, to the
sign at the time float your climb)
Watching the world, watching all of the world
Watching us go by...
Yes, Zeppelin, Rush, Floyd, and Sabbath are the bands that fueled my childhood. SO grateful to have them in my life.
It is beyond words. Arguably the best period of Yes, and surely the best lineup.
This was magic what they did, which rather shows on the film too. They were young, talented, and keen on creating exceptional music. Historical moments.
I still prefer them with Alan
Correct Laszlo. The best line up, including Bill.
Not just the best period of yes the best period of music.
@@hpatss4966 Respectfully disagree. Live, Alan was a powerhouse, but in the studio I don't know if it was the production, the brand of drums, or the way the songs were written, but the drumming post-Bruford sounds flat and uninspired. Compare the drumming on Close To The Edge with Tales From Topographic Oceans. On the latter there is simply no drive, no edge to the music. Lovely album with many beautiful moments, but the loss of Bruford's jazzy energetic drumming is a deal breaker for me.
On Yessongs Alan plays Bill's songs with gusto and admirable energy, but without that unique nuance of Bill's that made, for me, Yes music constantly interesting.
Rick Wakeman commented on the change of drummers thus: "Alan's drumming made a huge change in our sound; people either loved it or hated it." I definitely hated it, and still do.
That all said, I attended a Bill Bruford Earthworks show at a small venue in Seattle years ago. Alan White was in attendance since he lives in Seattle. I got to meet both Yes drummers that evening, and Alan came across as a wonderfully warm and gracious man, while Bill - my hero! - was an asshole. Hah! C'est la vie!
BobHunter1977 I mean I know that close to the edges drumming is amazing. Huge mad props to Bill Bruford for making it sound awesome. But I say it’s hard to judge Bc their styles or so vastly and completely different. I really like how Alan plays his drums. TFTO has a lot of music padding. Whether it’s with the percussion or extra guitar or what, I still think it’s absolutely awesome. Listening to how closely knit Alan and Chris sound just gets me on that album. Take another listen to the ancient and the revealing and see if you get what I mean. I prefer some of Alan’s interpretations of bills parts when live. Alan is a solid rock drummer. Who happens to play a lot of proggy music. I’d say that Bill is polyrhythmic and Alan isn’t. And Alan doesn’t try to be. And In my opinion it doesn’t make him any less of a drummer because of it. I had the privilege to have a personal drum lesson with Alan earlier this year and that’s when I realized that his playing is sooooo solid. (I’m 15 btw so I don’t have as much experience with this music as you might) one thing he asked was if I could play the opening part to heart of the sunrise, and he meant the album. So I played it. And he said that it was exactly right, which shows that one of the reasons I think he’s an amazing drummer, is that he understands the music. And imo, more than bruford does. When I hear some of brufords interviews, he kinda treated yes music like any old band, yet Alan understood - and frankly loved- the music. That’s mainly why I prefer Alan over Bruford.
This is the greatest rock band ever assembled!! No question about it. That voice of Jon Anderson cannot be immitated. Add the best players: Wakeman,Christ Squire, Allan White,Steve How, Trevor Robbins, Bufford..the real show of YES was always played live. I was there,in front of the stage at least 20 times. I know what I am talking about.
I'm sure you did,pity you never learned to spell though,and who is Trevor Robbins?
Early 70s you had Yes, Genesis, Zeppelin, Deep Purple and in the mid 70s Queen turned up. I know I've missed out plenty of others, but these were amazing times in rock music. All great musicians, all innovative in their own way. All a big part of my life growing up. Thank you, to all those amazing 70s bands.
The positivity and musicality of the band YES has saved me a few times, I can tell thee!
Something about "Heart of The Sunrise" whenever I hear it, makes me think that it's my fave Yes song until I hear the next Yes song...
I grew up with Yes, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd - I love this kind of music!
if your parents gave you such music, than you owe them a lot. more than you think Roswitha. :)
(I had to explore it by myself, but it is a great luck in my life that I have discovered Yes, Floyd, Gentle Giant, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, ... when I was 13-14 years old. In a country where these records were banned, not existing, and about 20 years before internet and youtube.)
Me too.
Sure you found these bands on your own like many of us did then. It was truly revolutionary music and helped in
listening to these bands open up the portals of culture and art and mind exploration. For me it caused me to move to San Francisco and study painting and live a life of music and art and hope. Saw all these bands you mention and still all that reverberates on high percolation. I say Yes!!
Yeaa me too..try my channel..
Yes,genesis,camel,pink floyd,king crimzon,elp,kanzas,led zeppelin,deep purple,uriah heep,supertramp,ufo,styx..and many more..go to my channel..bye.
@@laszlokovacs5885 what country if you don't mind me asking?
Is nobody else noticing? Wakeman, early 70s, WITHOUT a cape!
He wasnt a wizard yet
No Audience. No wizard. It was a rehearsal or performance for the cameras only. You can hear the slight slap back of an empty 1,000 seater
@@brianloy7856 If it was a for the cameras Steve Howe wouldn't have asked the interviewer which parts of the performance they'd manage to get. If it was a rehearsal they wouldn't crowd noise in the middle. What you're probably just is the less than perfect acoustics of a largish venue.
If I recall correctly, Wakeman picked up the cape during his first US tour with Yes. He happened to spot one in a shop in New York, I think. He said that reaching with his arms and legs for all the different keyboards and pedals he used looked kind of weird, and the cape help cover up the contortions.
And sitting down with only five keyboards! LDR sounds much better on a Fender Rhodes than it does on an RMI 368!
Steve's playing on Yours is no Disgrace is phenomenal.
I was just noticing that as I was reading.. phenomenal. Thought i'd heard every live thing Yes had done. Pleasant surprise. 🤩🤟✌️
Phenomenal, absolutely.
I can not even imagine seeing Heart of the Sunrise live in 1971
Shame Ian in his old age let his ego get out of control. Paid loads to get VIP tickets in Perth Western Australia, saw the fantastic show and waited with the other 10 people to meet and greet. Went into the room and went to shake his hand, he physically recoiled, “oh I just do elbows” , we then had to bump elbows. Talk about feeling like the great unwashed! Ian, mate, if you cant stand “common folk” don’t charge the $ for VIP.
@@elliepond5984 Ian?
Sophie Kuchinka Sorry my rant was about Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) got my Andersons mixed up, Im sure Jon if I ever him is a lovely guy. Thanks for picking up my error, stay safe in this time of trouble.
Saw Kimberly, YES, and Jethro Tull in Sacramento, CA 1971, and had friends in Berkeley that saw it too. They gave us 3 tickets, front row center. Steve Howe played an accoustic solo that stunned the crowd to silence for what seemed like forever, before a burst of applause.The original keyboardist was still with them then, Tony Kaye.. Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull came on next and was looking right into my eyes. Fell in love with him that night. The newspaper called it one of those unusual magical nights. It really was. Best concert ever.
I saw that first US tour also. Evansville, Indiana. The gig was supposed to be YES, Tull and Black Sabbath. Sabbath didn't show, which thankfully, gave more time for YES and Tull. After YES, when Tull came on, it was sadly anti-climactic and our group of YES geeks just had to leave. Alone, Tull is a Hell of a show, but YES had just redefined what virtuoso rock sounds like. Nothing would compare at that point.
I saw the same tour in Atlanta. I remember Jethro Tull being equally good though. Tickets were about six bucks apiece. SMH.
My Uncle Hank and Aunt Marianne saw them on that same tour on July 7, 1971, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Atlantic City Convention Hall, I think.)
Ian Anderson is one of the most charismatic performers I've ever seen. The only one to match (and even top) him is Todd Rundgren.
I don't think people appreciate enough how ambitious the interlude for Perpetual Change (6:20) is. Just insane instrumentation.
The idea was to have two contrapuntal pieces of music at the same time. The Yessongs version is my all time favorite Yes song.
@@markhunter8554 ,
CT😭🥳😭😭
To quote a guitar playing friend of mine: "That is the most insane guitar playing I've seen my entire life!" referring to Steve Howe's soloing in Your is No Disgrace in this video. God, he was great here.
"School - the best thing to do is form one and take it around he country - which is Yes!" They are all so insightful in addition to being incredible musicians. The school of Yes! We're all there now - if we're watching/listening then and now.
Where in the hell has this been my whole life. OMG. That was so freaking awesome to see my heroes that young and probably struggling (though they didn't know it) and blowing them away. God bless the world for Yes!
This is a 50 year old video. Still love the music and Yes. I owned all their albums. Anyone remember the big plastic discs called records that sounded scratchy but great musical clarity too.
Went to see them live, 4 times in 1971.
Videos from that time, are previous.
Thanks for posting.
One of the best groups for all time
And this was the days when amps went all the way to 11 ! Thanks for the memory, it still holds up today .
‘Even some of the chicks are aware of what kind of strings you use’. Love it.
Yea, I was just going to post same comment, LOL.
Rotosound round wounds for Squire I do believe.
Yes, you're right Mark. Chris certainly used Rotosound Roundwounds in the early days. I don't know if he stayed with them in later years. A fantastic sound, ideally suited to the Ricky 4001 when they were fresh but in my experience they pretty much needed replacing before every gig because they lost their brightness after just a couple of weeks. Keep them on any longer and you might as well be using flatwounds on a P Bass. Just as well they were cheap! ☺
@@Raelscage Entwistle used to change them after every gig.
I saw Yes opening act on first US tour. I haven't let go of them since.
34 shows and still counting!
For me this is the ultimate Yes line up. When Bill Bruford left some chemistry went with him.
Speaking for myself that is how it was for me, as someone who thought a band was only as good as their drummer. I continued to listen after CTTE but something was lost that never came back. I know many loved Alan, I just don't have an ear for 4/4 bang away drumming.
It's a real treat to see this incredible band at their peak (almost kids in a way). And listen to them talk about their music. Wish they would issue the entire footage on DVD - it would be a sell out!
What an incredible band my god!!
I know right!? They were blessed
Such a gem. The Yes Album sounding so incredibly fresh live 50 years ago. Superb movie quality too, thanks!
Jon, yes I found that your lyrics made sense to me...thanks Yes!!
PERPETUAL CHANGE IS ONE OF THOSE SONGS THAT HAS EVERYTHING IN IT, ROCK, JAZZ AND FUNK W/ SOME CLASSICAL PARTS...YES IS ALL I CAN SAY, AND THINK OF...
You had to be there - and I was! I was there! I was there! The first concert I went to, aged 15. It was WONDERFUL.
Catherine O'Driscoll yes were my first indoor concert early in 1973 they toured Australia for the first time I meet the band when they arrived and had them all sign close to the edge. Wonderful morning talking music with the guys
I saw them in at Festival Hall in Melbourne in '73 too. I'd never heard a note by them when I went with my best friend and fellow muso, who had heard them on the radio, and I had my 16-year-old-mind blown but the unbelievable musicianship and incredible audio quality. I stayed a fan until Topographic Oceans when they disappeared up their own arses :). BTW the my first concert was Led Zeppelin at Kooyong Tennis Courts in 1972.
WOW, that was great! And I was in my mother's womb... But in 1987 my older cousin gave me to hear this 'green album' called 'Close To The Edge'.... I got hooked by Yes until now. It was released in September of 1972... Same month and year I was born, hahaha!!! I always believed that there must be some kind of spiritual binding between Yes and me. I believe in reencarnation, but anyway! My favourite band, of course. Glad to know a fan of those years. Namaste.
KIsses !
tell me more from your first sexual experiences
The all time line up at their peak around Close to the Edge. Rick Wakeman had released his all time best album at this time as well; The Six Wives of Henry the Eighth. So this is valuable footage!
This is how I remember them. First saw them in 1969 when I went to one of their concerts with a guy called David Foster who was co-writing songs with Jon Anderson at the time. I had forgotten just how unique Bill Bruford's drumming was, Bill and Chris Squire were one hell of a rhythm section.
This incarnation of Yes was always my favorite. It's too bad that they had so many squabbles and temper tantrums. With Chris Squire's passing a few years ago, it seems like the band lost their anchor. At least I can play the CD's and remember when music came first and was adventurous. Great video, thanks for sharing!
The best line-up, sadly lasted a little more than a year.
The best line up.
Thank you BBC for capturing this. How fantastic this is to see so many decades later.
Oh my god look how young they are! I know for a fact I was NEVER that young but...but...
What a great band. I am so lucky to have been born at an age where rock and roll and I could grow up together. So many great bands during my lifetime, it's like having Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Stravinsky all at once and more piled on top. If there is anything my generation should be known for it is Rock and Roll. We got it right on the first try.
You nailed it mate! I'm 67. In those days my mind was blown so many times per WEEK by bands I saw live, that I never got into drugs. Why bother? Oh, cheers! 🍷
Rick Wakemen had an awesome sense of humour way back then as well !
Bill Bruford made me love the early YES his drumming was just so sharp and to the bone that I loved it nothing sounded the same after He left this Band!
Agreed! The loss of Bruford turned out to be huge. In so many ways Bill's jazzy nuanced drumming balanced the band's otherwise huge top-heavy sound created by Howe and Wakeman, to say nothing of Jon's weirdly wonderful lyrics. Bill kept it musically honest and interesting, another "lead instrument" in the band, whereas Alan's drumming was pretty much background time-keeping, flat and dull.
@@BobHunter1977 With you all the way here. I loved the attack of Bill Bruford's drumming. You can hear the jazz influences in him. This was the prime-time of Yes, for me. Is his Ph D in music or English? He is much, much more than just a drummer.
...they were one of the first bands exploring new directions together with a new approach to music in general, and they succeeded brilliantly. I first saw them in 1977 at the age of 15 with the GFTO tour, and sat besides their wife's and children. I still remember my heartbeat pumping when they started with Parallels after the Firebird intro...nothing ever was the same after that..
Bass sounds BOLD !!!!! RIP Chris.
Steve is very analytical and a great musician.
Goosebumps, Fragile and Close to the Edge were for me the best of all the YES Albums...
Any relation to Jon? 😉
Every time I hear YES, dozens of memories from the 70s come rushing back into my head.
Me, too, Butler Crow. I bought my first Yes album (Close to the Edge) in 1973, just turned 14. It was my first prog album (I was listening to Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Wishbone Ash up to then). I don't know what caused me to buy CTTE, but I know I loved it and played it to death. Then bought all the others of course and saw them in concert in '74 and '75. Yes bring back more memories for me from the '70s than any of the other bands I was listening to. On this video here for Seconds Out, the boys were having a real jam on Yours is no Disgrace.
Best wishes.
Jons voice is piercing and still incredible, most people don't get he put the words around the music
Yeah, I found that a pretty revealing statement. And I've known people that wrote whole college term papers trying to find the deeper meaning of Anderson's lyrics. Turns out he was choosing words to fit the music.
Thank you for this the best of my high school music listening, i picked up my 72 mach 1 the morning of Fragile being released best of everything back then
Rick Wakeman what a Legend he is.
That's solo on yours is no disgrace , pure eargasm.
They must have worked very hard, practiced a lot, yet they were so talented too. I did see them around 1974. Always loved them a lot.
Hot colour melting the anger to stone! , they are so young .What fantastic gentlemen .OMG I was 12 years of age! Beautiful memories
It's nice to finally know that it's a waste of time trying to decipher his lyrics since they were chosen for their sounds, and not for their content. I wish I had known that as a teenager.
Noone writes music like this anymore. Noone. Soooo good.
black midi does
Best Yes line-up, vintage Yes. Such a great band, such a joy to watch and listen: five solo musicians creating one band. Fantastic!
R.I.P.
Chris Squire
1948 - 2015
Cause of death: Leukemia
you taught me how to play bass and always kept me on my toes!!! Love you Chris, now you can teach God how to play.
He was the very, very best rock bassist of the 70s. Without peer. This line up were all world class. But he was in a leauge of his own.
I love chris, pricelessly captured the changing times. 'Even some of the chicks know about bass strings' - awesome lol.
Rotosound round wounds (even if I'm not a chick).
Anderson, Howe, Wakeman, Squire, Bruford - original line-up was magic, magic MAGIC. Those that are still with us still got it - YES, indeed.
They were magic indeed, not the original lineup, though the most celebrated.
@@trinitylutheranchurch5512 True. Anderson, Squire, Bruford, Kaye, Banks.
Every member of this lineup of YES is musically gifted
I like most of what Yes was in those days but the most distinctive thing I noticed was that Bass player Chris Squire!
Anderson has the smoothest and sweetest voice I've ever heard from a male guy.
It seems he is an octave up from the standard male level.
yep! that's him. Can't be duplicated. Actually, some female covers of Yes songs come closer to Jon's voice, than his recent replacements. (I'm not bashing Benoit David or Jon Davison, they both did great jobs)
@@roboneil408 I don't know why, but when getting older, his vocals were just on a higher tone than he had back then.
@Rob ONeil I don't know why, but when getting older, his vocals were just on a higher tone than he had back then.
That is the range known as "alto". I have the same range. I have been singing as Jon Anderson 4 over 35 years.Jon "taught " me how 2 sing.If U listen closely to Chris Squire's harmony voice,U will notice it is higher than
Jon.This is the range known as "mezzo soprano ".Steve Howe takes the lower register of the "tenor"range.This
completes the 3 part harmony.Sometimes Chris will take the "high tenor"range just below Jon's alto. The vocal
virtuosity of those two gentlemen is staggering.
I believe 'The Yes Album' was released right after they visited Eastown Theatre, Detroit. Tony Kaye and Bill Bruford were in the band. When they were announced the sound of two or three handclaps echoed throughout the theatre. 2 or 3 tunes after opening with 'Your's Is No Disgrace' they had Eastown's audience firmly in the palms of their hands. One concert I'll never forget.
Absolutely amazing! I didn't know this existed. My childhood is now complete 😁
Never seen this before and two seats everybody so young and kicking ass musically and talented
Never ceases to amaze me the rare videos that turn up on u tube. Just glad I found this one.
The greatest rock band of all times, no ifs, ands or buts 🙌
Steve Howe is arguably the most creative and innovative guitarist in progressive rock music and that is not to say it and he should have been much more appreciated everywhere!
True
I remember watching this at the time it was broadcast on our Black & White TV - had school the next day and had to ask permission to stay up past 10pm - where has the time gone!?
That bass run by Chris Squire 6mins 55 seconds in is like WHOOOOOOOAAHHHH!
To think they recorded & put out Fragile & Close To The Edge in less than18 months with a tour between.
Those were the days my friend.
This is fantastic seeing the band have a real jam here with Yours is no Disgrace. I thank God that these videos exist for us to see.
Thanks a lot for this very touching moment in the history of the my most beloved rock band. Yes always will be the progressive music's culmination.
Amazing footage from Yes! Steve Howe! OMFG!!!! His hands are Gifts!
This is really good.. Spent my pre teens and early teens loving their music.. Timeless! RIP Chris
I remember when this was broadcast in '71. I never thought I'd ever see it again. Thank you. I recall at the time I recorded the audio on my first reel to reel. I kept that tape for some time. Rick Wakeman's piece about not knowing when to play always amused me. Fragile will always be my favorite Yes album.
Best lineup ever they had here.
One of the greatest contemprary rock & fusion bands to come out of the late 60s & those awesome early days of the 70s YES. there's no doubt's about it.
No light show.. no lasers.
Just an awesome band playing music that certainly didn’t get better 15 years later
Generally the best way to see a quality band and performance,... A small venue, without all the distractions of flashing screens and and huge riggings.
It’s amazing how little Jon Anderson has changed in the past 50 years. He still sounds the same, and still looks like Jon Anderson.
I thought the same thing! "How, after over 50 years, does this man's voice not change??" 😂 Voice of an Angel, though...what a gift. Glad my dad got me into this before today's pop music could swallow me up...😬 I'm 19, but I've never connected with a genre of music on such a spiritual and emotional level as I have with prog. It's such an overlooked gem...gosh🙏💙
Best line-up ever...
Love to hear Jon talk with his own, pre-transatlantic Lancs accent.
Aye lad!
Bye gum that’s relight, proper talkin.
Li''le Northen Fella'!
Bruford once said that he couldn't even understand Anderson.
@@markhunter8554 When holidaying in the UK I could never understand anyone above London.
I love these guys discovered them in 83
Great time to be alive to enjoy this wonderful music.Glad I was of that era.
They were pushing the boundaries all the time. Must have been really great to have been involved :-)
I missed this in Jan '72.
I must have seen a repeat of it - around June of that year [a curiously early morning broadcast]. I remember the effect it had very clearly. I was only 14, but it changed my outlook on music forever. Now 48 years ago, and they're still going in various forms.
Hard to believe this was almost 50 years ago.
"What is THEIR music going to be like, in say 10, 12, or 14 yers. It's going to be really incredible." ~ Jon Anderson (1971)
Oh, how sad predictions can be. Jon Anderson didn't realize he was at the peak of musical expression, breadth and depth in all human experience up through 2021. The types of proficient musicians and lively music scene spanning from classical, jazz, swing-pop, orchestral, rock, pop, bubble gum, progressive edges, electronic.... narrowed so far down... and by 1985 the high level of talent in all music had retired and the music charts narrowed along with song writing styles. 50 years later, we wait for a rebirth in culture that is sorely overdue.
brilliant on every level...
you'd never think from listening to him speak that beautiful singing voice is there
Jon Anderson, MY GOD! That Accrington accent..
Thanks YES saw your first show in America at the Spectrum unbelievable you guys are the best and I've saw every show in Philly when you guys come to Philly and once at Millersville college we got lucky and snuck in because it was sold out unreal thanks for your fantastic show's