no Jon Anderson = don’t bother going.

if Jon Anderson was there = don’t bother going.

I saw Yes in December with Benoit David singing, and they played really well. I missed Jon Anderson intensely, but Mr. David sounded much like Jon and the rest of the band was on fire. This will be a great show. I would love to see Yes and Asia together.

I AM the Music Authority, with many pertinent comments on the Jon Anderson Blog. How come I wasn’t consulted about this new Tour!???? -how dare Chris Squire to leave me out. I could have put together some fantastic arrangements for Benoit and the others, and will Brother JON be there, this is just insane to the membrane, I don’t get it,
Jon says he was “disrespected”, well what about me? nobody asked my opinion in getting this new Tour sarted up.
I think they owe me an apology. . . “Brutha J”

Crack band, crack writing, crack performance. Bring it!!

Totally ironic to see Jon’s picture above. I saw Yes with his ‘understudy’, they were great, but… let’s pray for the recovery and return of the real deal, Mr. Anderson.
Get well, Jon!
(and well done, Steve, you deserve your time in the spotlight.)

Come on…..Asia!!! I’ll take bad 80’s bands that should not have gone farther than the 80’s for 500 Alex!!!

I’ll go for ASIA and leave before FAKE YES comes on.

Genesis is more popular than ever especially the old songs with Peter Gabriel singing or Phil Collins singing.This reunion tour would be huge.

Yes on tour without Jon Anderson is a crime! Benoit David is horrible! When asked who his influences were, the guy said one of his favorite bands of all time is Loverboy!!! Why can’t Yes wait until Jon gets the green light from his Dr. to go ahead?

Asia will mop the floor with the headliner each and every night. Yes needs to stop.

Signed,
Long time and hardcore Yes fan

PS-Bring back ELP and UK!

Wasn’t TORMATO the best Yes album ever? Trevor Horn was in there singing, I think. Bleah!

RUSH still rocks after all these years. Seen them 25 times. seen all these prog bands so many times…they should hang it up. However, saw Asia in NYC a few years ago at Times Sq, Theatre..pretty good. Is Jon Wetton going to be there signing for Asia?

Thank God for this tour!

Hey, I would like to see any band, I just serverd 2 years time, & now I’m free again, feels great! haven’t been to a rock show in ages. I was once a YES fan, but this “mish mosh”, is ridiculous!where is JON ANDERSON!??, I don’t believe in knock offs.
Like some other Bloggers have said, RUSH RULES this genre of music, and if Peter Gabriel, ever reunites with Phil Collins, that would be the bomb baby!!!
ELP were also awesome! I just have a real problem with this YES replacement band, I will not be going, although my Parole Officer said she thinks it will be a great show, so go figure!

This is intriguing beyond description….There’s some awesome venues listed to see something like this…

All we need now is for GTR to open the show, then Steve Howe could do three gigs in one night!

Squire348, the day that Asia mops up ANYONE is the day that Carl Palmer plays in time.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Shame does even care about the impact of these progessive-rock bands. To my knowledge Pink Floyd is the only progressive in the hall. It’s a disgrace to not acknowledge the fan bases and influence of these bands like Rush, Genesis, Yes, and most of the other progressives.

NOW IF ONLY GENESIS WOULD REFORM WITH GABRIEL AND HACKETT ALL WOULD BE RIGHT WITH THE WORLD!!

I will not be going to these shows, because the music all revolves around the Golden Voice of Jon Anderson, who we all know is sick in bed, so how dare all these people go ahead without him, and shame on all of you that will dispect
Jon, by going as well! -Bobby

AWBH should open, then ASIA, then GTR, Then YES

Or Steve Howe could just do a solo tour

i couldnt agree more. How the hell can they go out without Jon Anderson??? I was very excited about this until i found out he wont be there…no thanks!! Like Zep without Plant!!

Where is Trevor Rabin ?

Spinal Tap should open first, then Asia

Concerns about this Yes lineup’s “authenticity” are legitimate, of course. But I’ve seen them, and they completely tore it up, the new guy knew his place and sang beautifully, Wakeman’s replacement is as legitimate as he could be (being his son), they did new material (and I DON’T mean the two Drama tunes). It’s legit, it was alive, it was Yes. Love to have Jon back, but he is no more Yes than Roger Waters was Pink Floyd, or Bon Scott was AC/DC.

Stop wait on jon….Thank god for tom petty aerosmith the boss…The real deal not some cheep cove band.

Since Chris Squire has the rights to the Yes group name, he can (and indeed has done) anything he wants to with it. So, this time it’s really up to the fans. They will decide how successful this deserves to be.

I saw an ad in the paper and I bought tickets on-line immediately.
Now I find out that Jon Anderson is not touring with the band!!!!!
I will be returning my tickets if at all possible. Anyone interested in 6th row seats at the Welmont Theater in Montclair NJ 07/29/09?

Marillion opening for Mike and the Mechanics opening for Genesis…

Without Anderson, they shouldn’t tour as Yes. They should tour as Yeah Maybe (but not quite).
No thanks.
Please get better Jon! We miss you.

I have seen Yes with 3 different line ups and they never put on a bad show.

This is it, folks – just go & enjoy. Sure, we’re all sorry Jon (pr. ‘Jan’?) can’t be there, but … WWJD? (what would Jon do?)
Let’s celebrate the legacy of the best band that’ll come your way … except, maybe, if you’re lucky enough to live in a location that features a concert by John McLaughlins’ current outfit: his Five Peace Band.

Is this tour really that “ludicrous”? Oh, wait, this is Rolling Stone — and its always-cynical attitude towards prog rock.

Prog groups (particularly these two) are famous (infamous?) for having a revolving door as far as band members go. These bands have always been more than the sum of their parts. Anderson was MIA for a previous album and tour (the underrated DRAMA) and I don’t recall anyone questioning the band’s legitimacy back then. Although I would have loved to see Jon this time around, I can’t resist the temptation to see two great bands like this while I still can.

I bet it will still be well worth seeing. I saw the Drama tour, with Downes replacing Anderson and it was still kickass. Seeing Steve Howe in any live situation is great.

All you that are putting down YES with Benoit David as the singer, have you seen the show. I saw the opening night here in Hamilton Ontario and it was great, the low point was Oliver Wakeman, he’s not as good as his dad. I would love to see this tour, but no Canadian dates

The music of YES is an entity of it’s own;beyond the actual players in the band at any time;past,present,and future.The spirit of the music of YES continues on anyways…no matter who plays in the band.Therefore this evolving and ever changing band daringly puts out live new unissued songs.. “Aliens” for ex. and tours a lot.. Good for YES music and their fans new and old….ASIA is cool too…unfortunately no Canadian dates this time round for me…IMHO this would be a cool show to experience ..Get over it die hard YES fans..bands change, and this YES version is adventuresome by playing more obscure material that Jon wouldn’t touch…

By the way,I have been with Yes music since “The YES Album” 1970? or so…been almost 40 yrs now, and I’ve seen various live incarnations of Yes shows in that time..always worthy..very professional..mind you the keyboard players change…but the music still works (though I admit Rick Wakeman’s excellent MOOG and Hammond synth sounds are now watered out) nevertheless, the music still works and the new YES band is playing underrated songs from “DRAMA”..eg. Machine Messiah…a longer very prog rock song, and the fill in lead vocalist is right on for the most part in most songs too…I’m for one pleased that Chris Squire, Alan White,and Steve Howe have carried on the YES legacy no matter what.

Since when is Asia considered “prog”?

If Jon Anderson could tour with Anderson, Bufford, Wakeman and Howe. Chris Squire should be allowed to take this lineup on the road. It is sad that Jon is not physically able to tour and I wish him better health. But I wil enjoy this tour because it is a showcase for Steve Howe.

Its worth it just too see the talent of squire,wetton,palmer and of course howe.but,whats the deal with rick wakeman?how come he is sending his son in his place?

This will be my first Yes concert (June 26, 2009 in Las Vegas), so I am happy some members are touring, even though Jon Anderson will be missed. Can’t postpone seeing Yes, or I may miss the chance.

I saw this line up in Nov. 2008. David Benoit nails the vocals. He has the same Alto voice as J.A. whose voice unfortunately is temporarily toast. In fact, D.B. sounds like Anderson did when he was younger.
Oliver is adequate on keyboards but a far cry from his virtuoso father. This Asia/Yes billing will be KILLER!!!

Ain’t NO Yes withour Jon Anderson!
This is NOT Yes at all!
I’m not gonna support those bastrads that left their ill comrade behind!

“imagine Wings opening up for the Beatles… It’s that big.”
No, it’s not!
Imagine “the Beatles” where Julian Lennon replaced John and an uknown guy from a tribute band replaces George!
Would it be really “big”????

“If Jon Anderson could tour with Anderson, Bufford, Wakeman and Howe. Chris Squire should be allowed to take this lineup on the road.”
Helo-oo!
Jon toured with the band called ABWH, NOT Yes!
If you cannot see the differnce, then go ahead and pay almost $100 to see “Yes tribute” band!

Yes withour Jon, huh…
Sure, why not?
Why don’t we have:
- Rush without Geddy Lee,
- Led Zeppeling without Robert Plant,
- Rolling Stones without Mick Jegger,
- Jethro Tull without Ian Anderson?
Sounds stupid, doesn’t it?
Not to mention JON WAS STRONGLY AGAINST TOURING AS YES WITHOUR HIM! They didn’t even ask him if he was ok with it.

I can hear the naysayers – “yes without Jon Anderson… pshaw!”

Let me tell you Benoit David’s voice is a real gem. He can do old Yes stuff far better than Jon is able to these days. I know, I have seen them with Benoit. Close your eyes and you would never know. Other than Steve and Chris looking a little long in the tooth (lose the spandex, Chris!). They sound magnificent. DO NOT MISS THIS Yes FANS!

This is certainly not the first time we have been presented with a version of Yes that didn’t include Jon Anderson. Don’t forget when they were minus Steve Howe (an even greater atrocity!). And of course we are accustomed to Mr. now you see him, now you don’t Rick Wakeman. So let’s all remember that these guys are human and subject to any number of reasons for not being included in a tour or recording project. And don’t hold it against Chris Squire and others that they do what they have to do to keep on keeping on — they have families to feed. And it’s not like Yes is the only band that does this sort of thing — I once saw Bad Co. without Paul Rodgers. On a more picayune note, Rikki commented, “Rick Wakeman’s excellent MOOG and Hammond synth sounds are now watered out.” Rikki should be aware that a Hammond is an electric organ and not a synthesizer.

Mr. CDRscotty is right. I been a Yes fan for years and have seen many of their concerts. Their recent concert in Nashville with Benoit was one of their best! Very energetic and refreshing!

I say if there is someone who can hit notes that Jon Anderson can hit, then let him do the gig. Anderson will always be there in spirit no matter what the lineup is. Who do you think is the real genius behind the songs of Yes? One guess, Jon Anderson. I must admit, I’d like to hear Machine Messiah live. I’ve seen the video and that singer gets the job done. Lets face it, you’d never get to here that song if Anderson was on board. And perhaps Asia will do “Video Killed the Radio Star”. I’ve seen that video as well. Bottom line is, to see all those legends onstage in one night is worth the money !!!!

There is a 40 year catalogue here wanting to be played. I do not think you can compare other classic bands to a classical/classic rock outfit whose compositions when dusted off are still so marvelous to listen to. Add to that solo stuff that they should really be mixing in more and you’ve got stellar music. I wish rather than compromise who likes what in their band they would play more rarities like Anderson’s Solid Space or Squire’s Hold out your hand or the Billy Sherwood collaborations. The 90125 band I thought was lame but Leave It is pretty cool. Cut the new singer slack folks he does them incredibly proud. If Anderson comes back keep this guy for harmonies what a singer!!! Brave new world = YES.

My all time guitar hero-Steve Howe-looks like Barney Fife now. But he still plays unbelivably well. Saw this Yes line-up in Baltimore last winter and it was a great show! You’re close-minded if you think this a cover band. Go if you can and don’t be stubborn (stupid) and return or sell your tickets if you already have them.

YES shows have become a kind of Vegas review of their former selves. But it’s often a really good show, no matter who they drag out onto the road. I’d go watch Steve Howe practice scales. And this tour has prog icons Carl Palmer & John Wetton!

I just saw the first night of the tour and Jon Anderson or not, the Yes Cover Band Guy absolutely nailed it. I was in a state of disbelief the entire show. I have seen almost every incarnation of Yes over the last 30 years and this was really good. I was expecting to be disappointed and was absolutely blown away.

I just saw the first night of the tour and Jon Anderson or not, the Yes Cover Band Guy absolutely nailed it. I was in a state of disbelief the entire show. I have seen almost every incarnation of Yes over the last 30 years and this was really good. I was expecting to be disappointed and was absolutely blown away.

I’ve seen almost every YES tour since the late 1970s. So I knwo the deal. First songs had techno and sound issues, band was off etc. Very poor start! Got itthey together about three songs into the show. Hearing stuff from DRAMA was great. By the end of the show the band had it together. Howe is still great. The young Wakeman did a nice job as well as Chris and Mr. White. Young singer filled in OK but tried to look and act too much like Jon. That all being said, YES is still better than most classic rock bands touring these days. Not sure if non Anderson YES was the result of so many $25 empty seats, but Clapton and Winwood was the same night doen the street.

ASIA was nice to see again. With King Crimson, ELP and Buggles tunes mixed in with the ASIA prog pop classics.

hIfBRx

Saw them in Ft Worth last night in a great music hall (Bass Hall). Took my 14 year old son who is now discovering these great bands. Asia was pretty good, especially when they played Court of the Crimson King and Fanfare for the common man. Mr Palmer did the drum solo right off the record, he is defintley one of my hereos.

On Yes, show started a little slow, crowd was not into it, but then they played “And you and I” and it started cooking. I tell you Benoit David sounds exactly like JA, didn’t miss him at all. Last three songs were just awesome, Roundabout, Heart of the Sunrise, Starship Troops. The weak points were that awful 80’s song Owner of a Lonley Heart and also weak was the drumming, Mr White is past it, of course I have never got over Mr Bruford leaving.

What….a….show! Pretty awesome seeing Carl Palmer nail the solo from fanfare – easy to see why he was the best at one time. John Wetton has aged gracefully and carries a tune well.

You with Benoit David was surprisingly good. Saw Yes many times – reminds me a lot of a young Jon Anderson. VERY similar band and (learned I’m sure) mannerisms. Given Jon’s limitations these days, I see no problem with Benoit and in some ways I think he is better than the current version of Jon. Oliver Wakeman is appropriately in the background, but competently so. This is Howe and Squier’s show right now, and they didn’t disappoint. Although Alan White plays OK, he really should avoid drum solos shortly after Carl Palmer schooled him in “Fanfare”. Only thing I wish is that Yes would give up on that crappy pop “lonely heart” song – ugggghhh! They should substitute Hold out your Hand or one of the better solo tunes…

Saw the Detroit show last night and was supremely disappointed. DTE didn’t have the sound right, Yes was off-tempo on at least the first four songs. The Yes playlist was boring given the wealth of classics they have and the Anderson replacement made me dizzy with all the spinning he did onstage – sheesh! These guys need a stylist as well; some stage presence would be appreciated!

Asia as a group wasn’t much better though Mr. Palmer was awesome. The music was somewhat disjointed, like they hadn’t played together in a while and were going through the motions. Great to hear Court of the Crimson King – what wonderful memories…

Glad I paid only $11 bucks for the lawn, I dismissed the evening and will hold onto better Yes concert memories of old… like me.