"CLOSE TO THE EDGE" TOUR CELEBRATES THE FIFTY YEAR OLD ALBUM WITH A STOP IN SOUTH FLORIDA
So much has happened since the YES: Close To The Edge Tour was originally planned. The pandemic disrupted all of our lives, a new album was presented, and the sad and untimely death of long standing band member, drummer Alan White. At the time of the tour announcement, the band decided that for their live concert return, announced that they would be playing the Relayer album but decided to tackle their 1972 iconic album Close To The Edge album instead.
YES took to the stage before a sold-out audience, rapidly taking to their feet, while a video tribute played in honor Alan White, a great acknowledgement to the legendary drummer.
“The Firebird Suite” was a great choice for the band to launch the beginning of their long-awaited performance. “On The Silent Wings of Freedom”, ‘Yours Is No Disgrace”, and “No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed” ( Ritchie Havens cover) rounded out the opening warm-up.
The band’s current line-up consists of Singer Jon Anderson, Guitarist Steve Howe, Keyboardist Geoff Downes, Bassist Billy Sherwood, and Drummer Jay Schellen. All of the band members were in absolute top form as they continued to play the complex catalog of music. Anderson’s vocals took everyone back to the early days and it was a very smooth ride in the machine that took us back in time to when YES made Prog Rock a household name.
The stage featured a large LED screen, with two smaller ones on either side. Images filled the screens with beautiful imagery that featured photos, graphics, and animation that accompanied the music very well. The lighting was spectacular and well done. The sound, total eargasm.
Steve Howe was on fire tonight. He may be a bit older since the last time we saw him on tour, but his fingers are still as young as when he first started playing his guitar. Tasty licks and beautifully arranged guitar melodies were served on a silver platter for the music-hungry crowd. Howe did not miss a note while playing electric, acoustic, and slide guitar.
After a brief intermission, the band returned with “Dare To Know”, “Heart Of The Sunrise”, “Close To The Edge”, album in full, and closed out the night with “Roundabout” and “Starship Trooper”.
This show was one for the books. Classic songs were revisited and new ones were played. The audience gave a standing ovation after EVERY single performance and left the theater definitely wanting more. If you have Yes on your list as a band that you need to see, don’t wait to get your tickets as the band is easily selling-out most of the cities they are playing in. Bottom line... You owe to yourself and this band to get out to a show.
ROCKBANDREVIEWS.COM / 2022