Yes in NYC 2008 - "Close To The Edge" (Part 1)

[donparis1]

He can hit the notes when he sings, but doesn't carry the consciousness... Does an incredible job of imitating, but doesn't take us into the higher worlds. Jon has the gift of making our soul fly into the spirit worlds...

[electron115]

@donparis1 Exactly! And if you listen closely to Jon Anderson's versions of all the YES songs and compare them to this, you will hear it with your own ears. Sorry, but without Wakeman and Anderson, this band is not YES but rather just a very good tribute band. Sorry to say.

[jk4bs]

Not the same without Jon Anderson. Benoit is close but w/o John Anderson it cant be the same

[Colddeed]

I watch this video. And I can't help but that what happened to this song, we once knew so well?.

[ucprepper]

No.

I have been a Yes fan since 1973 (Close to the Edge/Tales from Topographic Oceans). I am also a guitarist, and Steve is one of my main influences. Have seen them many many times, last time 2002, but no more. Unless Jon and Rick return (not likely, it seems).

This is no longer Yes. It is a Yes trib band sans Jon and Rick. Not the same. My apologies, but this is my feeling on their current state. I wish them the best of luck. At least they keep trying. God bless them for that.

[jhudso214]

Fly From Here is a great album despite Jon Anderson's not singing

[MrHueso74]

my god, yes without Jon..., they should send that guy back to his yes tribute band and call back the heart of the band...., they could survive without Chris bot not Jon, every1 is expendable but not him....

[zscheuch]

Steve Howe has created some of the most incredibly unique, unapproachable and enigmatic guitar parts and compositions ever. They have always amazed me in their inception. In my book he is a real genius, along with his band mates and they have brought great joy and wonder to people world wide. Very, very few modern bands do not even come close to the standards YES have set.

Thanks Steve and The Yes Men for creating those timeless classics

[artefla]

without Jon Anderson this and alla songs exceps fly from here and Drama are no good. Wakeman is no Wakeman, sorry. And Bruford for this song is better.

This is no YES!

[Bluesee]

Steve Howe is a genius. A God, even. so.

[peterkyn]

Pffff .... dumb

[Interst890]

how about a hand for Albert Einstein on the guitar! man who would've known he could come back to life and replace steve howe in yes...

[DungeonMasterJ]

@Interst890 Looks more like Pierre Trudeau to me... but either way, man can he play.

[BenoitDavidBlows]

Can you say TRIBUTE BAND!

[luismendeze]

Sorry so much, but "Yes" it's not the same without Jon Anderson. He is the brain and the soul of this band.

[catchrnthkudzu]

The singer's name is Benoit David, a fan chosen by Yes from a UTube video he posted to stand in for an ailing Jon Anderson. His vocals are passable but his Huggy Bear outfit is hilariously distracting. He looks like a military man or vacationing MTV executive goob.

[shadowmalik009]

i think the vocalist (i really dont know his name) dos a good job getting the same notes as jon. my only problem is that i never liked how white played the drums on this song, not to take away from him, his drumming on relayer i really like but bills drums for this song were just so technical. especial at the end of siberian with that crazy syncopated snare pastern (which iv never heard white recreate)

[joseluisbarrera02]

steve parece una marioneta

[LedWilde]

Say whatever you want. These musicians are talented. Let's see you play this song.

[warlockig]

Yes is Bruford, Howe, Wakeman, Anderson, Squire. Any other combo is not Yes imho.

[JimSVoit]

@warlockig So you haven't enjoyed any of their music since 1972? Wow...

[KillingLies1]

@warlockig dont forget alan white. he possibly isn't as good as bill but he worked in some of the great records of the band.

[jo366]

Does ANYONE know the tuning for the second guitar?

[LeJaxx]

Alan White sucks ass compared to Bruford... gotta say its a totally different style of drumming Bruford has and as a drummer Whites attempt at this song is dissapointing.

[spiral2012]

No reason to dress like Jon...

[drewbacsi]

I love these guys, but this is a Vegas show somehow.

[apachenoise]

Jon Anderson used to rock. Benoit rocks. Yes rock.

[Hellcat2800]

@apachenoise Jon still has his voice, and the man can sing just as he always has. There is no Yes without Jon.

[doolb666]

yeesh benoit, you crack way to often for live performances, good try lol

[TardisType30]

Good tribute Band ?

[AvirtualSwitzerland]

@TardisType30 ....No, BAD tribute band. Squire looks like a skinny Jerry Garcia. Geezus help these guys.

[aliensporebomb]

Is it just me or does it seem like Steve Howe has twice the energy of all the others and wants to get that tempo up there where it belongs? My first time hearing Benoit. Not as bad as he's made out to be but I remember similar comments about Trevor Horn in the Drama days. I need to hear a studio recording to see how this guy puts his stamp on the current band.

[WingThaiJ]

@aliensporebomb It's easier in the studio with all the effects. This is live. This guy does a Great job, but I'd still rather see Jon as he is the real part of Yes and I'd like to see Yes.

[GrigoriSom]

I don't care how many puffy-sleeved drawstring peasant shirts and vests he puts on, this guy ain't Jon Anderson.

[vivelavidarocka]

BLASPHEMY!!! ..STOP "KARAOKE YES" AT ONCE...!!

[nat00ben06]

How pathetic this isn't the rocking Yes, I saw in the 70's Benoit who? This guy stinks worse then Capt Acid after the runs. Jon and only Jon!

[trentdog1]

Any Yes song slowed up sounds better than in the Studio. This song is no exception.

[marklcy]

Benoit David put so many affort on it ! I like Jon and Benoit !

Oliver did great job too , I guest that his father should proud of him !

[666pokey]

That is not Rick that is Oliver Rick's son

[tacomonster98]

wow Rick hasn't aged at all

[tacomonster98]

@tacomonster98

hah! kidding!

[MarianZep]

The best song of all fucking time.

[ohrofax]

oh No, no...........

[Nicap2]

I have always loved this track. However, this version is dire...

[ctte90125]

悪評紛々だけど、ラビン時代のイエスよりはるかにマシだと思うぞ­。

あの頃は危機すらやらなかったではないか。

[JennaP46]

Im sure they sound really great in person..Most of you bitch about it but you haven't any idea what talent and integrity is..it just doesn't relate to you...Grow up!

[MajorTom106]

Yes without Jon Anderson is No.

[JennaP46]

@MajorTom106 ..Get out your bible..Jon is still with us!!!DUDE

[rbennet4]

Sorry but is sounds like a funeral march

[jhbonarius]

I love Yes. From when I was a young boy. Got all their music. But this is silly...

I don't think they had this in mind when they called it "Progressive Rock"

[stevezane]

Is it me or this version is so slow that it makes me want to sleep?

[stevezane]

What the hell is Steve doing with a Line 6 amp...is he gone mad..lol

[capth00k]

No disrespect... but I have to second the 'This isn't Yes' comment. I didn't enjoy this performance ; but I like the original a lot. ;\

[darknessblackened]

back jon for love of god yes die without you

[algolfan1]

When you think Steve doesn't have it. You see this and You know he does.

[obeythepenguin]

Benoit's got a damn good voice, though he doesn't quite have Jon's stage presence, and I think all Oliver needs is a cape. But the performance really lacks energy. The tempo's too slow, and I desperately miss Steve's Fender amps and the original Coral sitar. I know it's an unfair comparison, and it's probably still exciting as hell to see them in person, but compared to their old 70s videos... well, it's kind of sad.

[fitasc9]

Howe looks like a living corpse!

[aenema22]

THIS IS NOT YES.

[telemacherT2]

YES !!!

[powerman5000ca]

He was absolutely on FIRE for about 3 Hours . He even came out to a little horse shoe shapep area and did awutographs .

A True Gentle Kind Master .

Thanks Steve

and THANK YOU " the matic3060" for Sharing this great performance .

[Mr1w1w1w1w]

the russion keyboard player cool

[danielexr]

@Mr1w1w1w1w he's more british than you! he's a wakeman, not wakemanovic

[ASHOE555]

Yea, the singer sounds pretty good..but Jon will be back this year!! Plus I hope the real keyboardist..that isn't the keyboardist they used to have either!

[WesB]

@ASHOE555 do you know for sure wen jons coming back or are u assuming?

[danielexr]

@ASHOE555 this keyboardist is not very far from the original... check out his name and google a bit...

[darrodizzle]

wow, singer is a solid substitute. Not to take anything away from Anderson, but damn, mimicry is really good. I think I'll go to the Yes concert in DC tonight after all. They better play this song. Plus, And You and I.

[weeeendog]

what was the deal with jon not along for the ride this time?

[lastdaysguitar]

Benout David is giving it a great effort - and is by far the best Jon replacement on the planet... still not Jon though.

I listened to some of Jon's stuff from this last year and all I can say (with greatest respects) is:

WAKE UP CHRIS - YA BLOODY FOOL: GET THE REAL THING WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[klepetar]

@lastdaysguitar he aint bac.. but he is off pitch sometimes..

[travisn146]

yes i agree. not many years left for any of them. fuck the bullshit and play together.

[genesis310788]

AGUANTE JON ANDERSON

[dandeepu]

pure psychodelicness

[martinjp1958]

Saw them last night. Will post this whilst fresh in my mind. The singer was very good but his mic was poor - or mixed far too low on purpose? The bass and bass drum created an unpleasant indistinguishable rumble which lent a turgid rhythm to everything, [this also drowned most of Steve Howe's lower registers]. The tempi were too slow and stumbling. All the playing was good, but the presentation seemed a bit amateurish. I still love the music, but for me the live experience didn't add much.

[travisn146]

@martinjp1958 yeah i seen them in atlantic city. dont know why the tempo is slow on everything. they went from a real tour playing huge places to this small time bullshit with benoit

[jamalam17z7]

steve howe using a line 6!? what has become of the world

[jackcartwright1990]

he has used them for a few years now.. he's also swapped his fender twins for a line 6 vetta 2... its madness i tells ya

dont stop him sounding amazing though

[eddievhfan1984]

Yeah, still wish he and Chris didn't forsake a lot of their harder sounds, though. I heard Steve's solo in Yessongs; that shit was positively screaming!

[jackcartwright1990]

I agree... Chris still uses his same gear to my Knowing, The Amp-peg/Marshall cabs and Marshall Heads and the custom Midi Board

[Delgift]

IMO the intro is very well played. Why is everybody critisizing ? Yes are amazing and have always been like that.

Benoit is good but definitely Jon Anderson is the original and irreplaceable Yes singer.

[KillingLies1]

sorry but Jon Anderson rocks!

[nat00ben06]

@KillingLies1 this Benoit dude looks he belongs in the pocketsandwich theater talking to little hand puppets, he sucks.....trying to do Yes without Jon Anderson is like having your girlfriend give you a handjob with sand and little rocks in her hand, no way!

[KleePietro]

The most identifiable sound in a rock band is the singer. To change singers is always risky, with YES it is almost criminal. The band does not sound tight and it is as they are imitating themselves. If Jon does not come back they may record new material with Benoit or someone (including possibly a woman) who can truly hit the high notes. Do you imagien yes with a rocker mezo-soprano? Another change is to bring a new, more dynamic drummer. Alan has been great but he looks too old sometimes.

[cdmacdonald2112]

I love Steve Howe jumping about looking surprised at what his fingers are doing...

Shame about the singer and Oliver. Jon and Rick need to come back before I go see them!

[studentjohn36]

It's Squire's call who gets to sing. He needs the band to finance his fancy cars. Howe by himself or with Asia can still draw an audience. Jon is packing halls on the road, and Rick could do the same if he so desired.

[theorytest5]

Siberian khatru and others from the in the present tour are still pretty tight. This=poor (in comparison to original yes)

[basswiz88]

what we are watching is the slow transformation of Yes into its own tribute band.

[harveydents]

No shit, oliver is good but yes should be rick, and the singer has to be Jon, but i do love the drama album... Also I cant stand 90215 whatever number it is, Trevor Rabin cant hold a candle to howe.

[mlmr11]

They rhythm section during the "total mass retain" section of the movement brilliant.

It's the kind of signature that was lacking when Bruford left the band

[zepgen8]

It's still not Jon anderson...the only singer and light for YES...jUST SEEN HIM lIVE atill wonderful.

[Ears14U]

Anderson most likely is grateful that someone has such a similiar voice, especially filling in for him due to his illness.

[Mikemaniax]

I don't get it. Jon's doing shows solo. Why isn't he back with Yes now? Is he that bitter that he won't play with them anymore?

[jpjm44]

I agree with much that was said here, but for me personally, I think it is the absence of Biggie and Tupac that leaves the greatest hole in the song.

[PROTENON]

the beginning of close to the edge always sounds like crap live, even on yessongs. i think they would need a 6th person to reproduce the album version faithfully

[scumboi]

Pople get old you know. Considering it's 36 years since the release of Close to the edge, i think they still kick ass. Grandpa style!

[AsiaPhoenix2008]

Actually, it's been 37 years since the release of CTTE.

[connord12]

i thought it was pretty good

[ipermetro]

Sembrano una cover band...

[diaventisei]

xD ...è triste ammetterlo ma è vero

[YESTORMATO]

What happen to the the SONG we knew so well:(

[JGRDunbar]

Its so sad. I listen to this and it all seems a little tired, spiritless. Is that Benoit on vocals? - a bit laboured but heart in the right place I suppose. Still, they have earnt the right to a little respect, don't you think?

[WesB]

it seems like alan isnt like giving it his all like he keeps the one straight beat for the intro with out doing anything like fancy idk

[sonilink2]

I was thinking, it's not the absence of Jon that shocks me here, it's Bruford and Wakeman, these two were amazing on the amazing, if you ask me the best live version is the ABWH one.

Peace!

[mauvezonemagick]

ABWH close to edge IS best.. You are correct ,sir.

[WesB]

no jon. boo

[mawel1955]

The band sounds so tired, bored and pathetic......As someone who grew up loving this group, it's very painful to watch....almost like Muhammad Ali in his declining years.......At least Bill Bruford has it right -- retire -- which is what these poor wretches should do...

[pintanalley]

Totally agree. This sounds pretty warmed over Even though these guys are playing slow, I still think Howe is skipping notes.

The band needs some new songs to actually get excited about...or think about retirement.

[matic3060]

Actually, I think Close to the Edge has seemed a bit watered down ever since the SLO shows in '96. The last time they *really* consistently played it up to par was on the ABWH tour. That said, there have been some very inspired isolated performances of it since then. Most notably on the Masterworks tour. I also felt that at least the opening solo was more inspired than usual at the show I attended in Williamsport, PA in 2008. Unfortunately there seems to be no footage of it.

[bigslavas]

То, да не то! Похоже, но...

[telemacherT2]

Who is "leading" the band

these days?!?!!?

[sonilink2]

Chris

[prattimus]

Steve