'Yes' on QTV

[acerrite]

So many awkward pauses...

[RFIDemocracy]

He does a decent enough job but....without Jon Anderson in front, Yes is reduced to a very good Yes tribute act.

[GuitarMasterizer]

I'm 14 and I'm doing the Meet and Greet with my dad this summer when Yes comes to L.A. So excited!

[LouiePlaysDrums]

In my humble opinion, Yes is Yes no matter who is playing and singing with the band. Every line-up has brought something very special musically (including the "Drama" line-up). I'm very much looking forward to the new Yes album in July with Benoit on vocals. He deserves a chance just like Ray Wilson deserved a chance when he became the lead singer for Genesis in 1997.

[sonicdeath10]

@LouiePlaysDrums Agree with everything except the Ray Wilson thing: not that he wasn't a good singer but that album was stinky. The new album is good, not quite the Jon Anderson style but fine. People often forget that Jon basically wrote the bare chords and melodies while the band arranged the rest. The vocal melodies aren't the strongest which is where the album suffers but Benoit cannot be faulted. He sings very well.

[asarapi]

Good singer Benoit. The issue is the band "mates" should have considered Jon's illness. in his own words: "With the exception of one phone call from Alan [White, Yes drummer] none of the guys have been in touch since my illness, just to find out how I am doing, and how we will foresee the future for YES. [I'm] disappointed that they were not willing to wait till 2009 when I'm fully recovered." The show must go on? Reminds me of Genesis and Gabriel issue when his daughter's birth needed him.

[woofycalling]

Great story, nice guy

[sosatallei]

Great Job Benoit!!! Congrats!!! I saw you in Mendoza, Argentina!!!

[EleloyMr]

Nadie duda que David Benoit tenga la voz o el talento para suplir a Jon Anderson, incluso 10 años verdaderos, el estará ahí con nosotros, y riendo también.

[munster322]

I saw yes last year and benoit david does a great job give him a chance.

[thekitchenfreak]

The interviewer has such great questions!

[BrokenChair88]

What happened to Yes is tragic. They're no longer the same band. I mean, Rick Wakeman's son is in the band for crying out loud! And even Rick Wakeman wasn't an original member.It's become more like a Yes cover band, but with the same name as Yes. Yes could continue on for another 100 years with enough replacements.

[linkinparkblink182ro]

All we are saying, is give Benoit a chance!

[lakemichigan100]

As a 30 year yes fan, I am impressed by this man's ability to walk into Yes and hold his own. Most could not. I am looking forward to hear him sing some songs written precisely around his voice and abilities.

[bkrbtlg08]

EVERYONE WANTS JON IN YES,..but he's not! And Benoit David is a great singer...don't deny that...so let's move on and listen to what they play for us,

[MrDodstink]

Let Jon handLe the vocals and YES WILL BREATH...

[KLezlie]

Humble- lovely man. Fine singer & he made those high notes. We all love Anderson, and want him to be well enough to sing with Yes - but the small amount I've heard of Benoit David & Oliver Wakeman is good stuff.

[KLezlie]

Humble- lovely man. Fine singer & he made those high notes. We all love Anderson, and want him to be well enough to sing with Yes - but the small amount I've heard of Benoit David & Oliver Wakeman is good stuff. 

[Nicap2]

A dream ticket for the imposter.. A total fake for loyal fans of Yes.

You can't just replace Jon Anderson with some lightweight. I notice that Mr Wakeman is having none of this. Guessing that this is driven by Chris 'so far up my own arse it hurts Squire'. Oh, forgot to add - IMHO.... lol

[wndperry979]

Benoit seems like a very nice guy, but as someone posted, Jon is still very alive and well, thankfully still touring and has just released a new CD with Rick Wakeman. I think the other Yes members do themselves a disservice without Jon and Rick too. Jon is the "heart" the spiritual force of the band, his presence is very much missed.

[jpirard]

@wndperry979 GOD this is getting SO OLD!

[JOSEMANUELVERONA]

Benoit puede ser buen tipo pero es una victima de las ambiciones de Chris Squire, que se ha quedado con la marca YES. En su puñetera vida él podria haber llegado dónde está sin YES y YES no habria llegado dónde está sin JON ANDERSON. O sea Chris Squire no habría llegado donde está sin la magia de las melodias y las letras JON ANDERSON. Lo que le ha hecho a JON ANDERSON es una puñalada trapera propia de los peores enemigos y no del espÍritu positivista de YES.

[416234765]

Benoit is a good singer, but when he first toured with them it was all slapped together to fast and it was my daughters first yes concert in toronto.What a disappointment.I also feel they have no respect for jon anderson, that includes you Howe.Jon anderson said only Alan White called to see if he was doing o.k.

[oliastales]

quite honestly I am disgusted with them at this point. I am not going to say the he is not talented. Jon Anderson is not dead and feel as though that they should not do this anymore out of respect for the quality of it all.

[jpirard]

@oliastales Jon held them up for 4 years. Then he got sick through no fault of his own. They waitied, then toured first without using the band name. Then things changed. Benoit is in, Jon is out.

[pepemalfi1]

Yes sin Anderson no es Yes y para colmo tampoco esta Wakeman. Ojala mi grupo favorito se reuna aunque sea por una ultima vez.

[JOSEMANUELVERONA]

Estoy contigo pero no te olvides de Bruford ....!

[TopJimmyWinn]

Am i watching Youtube or federal express tube?

[customrez]

I agree but they gotta pay their bills some how. They could start charging us a flat, monthly subscription fee of say $4.95 a month so that there would be absolutely no commercials at all. I'm curious, would you go for that option?

[woodwired1]

This is a wonderful interview and insight into the inner workings of YES.

[Lucvanacker]

I Love the Recycle T-shirt ! Benoit got a great sense of humor !!!!

[mamastooks]

FOR SOME REASON, THIS WAS POSTED UNDER XEROHOUR13, THIS IS MY OPINION.... NOT XEROHOURS.... As good as Benoit may be..... he is NOT and will NEVER be Jon Anderson.... Shame on them for not waiting a while until Jon was better.... NOONE could ever replace Jon.. such an angelic voice, a pure, beautiful voice, and such a spiritual voice and person..... I have the NEW lineup coming to the local concert hall 15 minutes down the road, but until Jon is back with them... I won't be seeing them

[xerohour13]

As good as Benoit may be..... he is NOT and will NEVER be Jon Anderson.... Shame on them for not waiting a while until Jon was better.... NOONE could ever replace Jon.. such an angelic voice, a pure, beautiful voice, and such a spiritual voice and person..... I have the NEW lineup coming to the local concert hall 15 minutes down the road, but until Jon is back with them... I won't be seeing them

[CHHSE1986]

Benoit, as phenomenal as he is, he will NEVER

EVER, have the history of a hippie, medieval trubador, anachronism that an ancient soul like Jon Anderson has...... Anderson has the soul of 15th century prophet.... Yes is an empty slate without him.... G-d bless Benoit David.....

[Tashinima]

Of course seeing Yes without Jon Anderson is...different.

However, here we a rein 2010 & on June 23, 2010, I will be at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA watching Yes with...Benoit David singing--& I cannot wait!

[StormCloud511]

Come-on! Why can't you guys just do a video with jon for the world to see!?

[roderashe]

Wow, BD is a total opposite of Billy Bob Thornton on the same show!

[tet1963]

C'mon guys it is not Yes, they should go out under another name. See that they can't sell out more than small theatres so that says it all. Yes is no more.

[Greg763]

Amazing story. Very inspiring.

[Greg763]

Absolutely amazing story.

[yesmuseum]

I was in Europe when Yes recently came to L.A.. Now that I'm in L.A., they're in Europe. I'm not a huge fan of the replacement. Based solely upon the video and audio recordings I've heard, I don't feel the connection. I saw Jon Anderson in Santa Barbara last weekend, and this felt right.

[pinkfloydrule27]

he's a great singer i saw them last night and benoit and oliver wakeman as the new guys were both amazing benoit is a great singer and i wouldnt have any complaints if he sees out the rest of yes' career in the band

[truebeliever21]

Oh, he's SOOOO cute!

[NewPaltz75]

And I can see Russia from my window!

[iloveyoubebe]

11:07 lmao

seems like a real nice dude

[pinkintine]

a wonderful young man.

recently saw YES and Benoit was absolutely stellar.

Just a great story .. dreams surely can come true.. :)

[JackBlair2]

I'm glad you said he's a young man, since he is only about a year and half younger than me. :-)

[tuktuktok]

I don't really know what to think of Yes anymore.

On one hand Benoit is probably a nice guy and no one in his shoes would have said no to such proposal and as much as some people hate to admit it sounds good and he himself recognices that he isn't Jon, just a cover guy.

On the other hand the situation with Jon is so weird. Jon was "sick" so they replaced him. No Yes is touring in Europe and Jon is doing a solo tour! Nearly on the same time in the next town. There's something wrong with that!

[gustavito7]

Jon Anderson can't do "big" tours.. he can do little tours that don't carry too much stress..

[fnlost]

seems to be filling in quite admirably

will be seeing YES again in the fairly near future

[MBlood08]

He is a very good singer, especially for Yes, but I'd really love to see Anderson, Wakeman, Howe, Bruford, and Squire. Best lineup in my opinion. Still, Yes rocks!

[sonicdeath10]

@MBlood08 Never happen in a million years but it would be fun. Frankly, Alan White is the better drummer for Yes. Bruford is the way better drummer but I think Alan's style fits their music more completely.

[VladtheEmailer]

I saw him on Tuesday night in PIttsburgh PA. He was absolutely incredible! On pitch like 99.9 % of the time. Filled with energy as well. They should compose a new album with him.

[JackBlair2]

They might, since Anderson may not be with us very much longer.

[jarwz]

He is not well but he is not on deaths door.

[JackBlair2]

He almost died.

[ontherush77]

Rick Wakeman almost died 8 times

[JackBlair2]

Well, he's a big ol' drunk.

[CHHSE1986]

@ontherush77 I want details...... I can't believe that........

[CHHSE1986]

@JackBlair2  Almost died???? Please explain....

[JackBlair2]

@CHHSE1986 He had a major asthma attack. His doc told him he had to take a year off.

[ITubeSheTubes]

Is this movie a remake?

I vaguely remember seen the original on HBO, There is also the Journey made for YouTube movie.

This Benoit guy has to shop for a better wig to play Jon. Let's wait for the wardrobe selection.

[ndigre]

Just saw YES on Friday night.

Squire and Howe were amazing. Right on.

And Benoit was way better than expected. His voice was uncannily like Jon Anderson's. I wish I could have seen Anderson but this guy was exceptional.

Great concert. They mostly played the songs from the YesSongs tour album. Everything was tight. Oliver Wakeman did a good job Alan White was still right on.

Fantastic!

[deldine70]

Is it just me, or does this guy seem to have a half hearted attitude toward all of this?

[mmglv]

Just out of curiosity, how does Jon Anderson feel about all of this? I'd have to imagine he'd feel a little back stabbed by all of this.

[trilingual]

Very grounded guy. He has a great fun presence and is doing this primarily because he loves the music. Je suis Canadien et je dis "Vive le Québec et vive le groupe Yes! Bonne chance Benôit!"

[AmericanYesGuitars]

Great interview, great guy too. I really liked the part where the members of Yes made Benoit feel like one of the guys. I had the extreme priviage to have rehearsed with Benoit, Chris Squire and Alan White on October 1st, and this is all true blue stuff. I was made to feel like one of the guys too. Can't wait to hang out again next week! See Roundabout - The American Yes Tribute on myspace!

(sorry, shameless plug :P)

[Johnnywr]

Oh yeah....I forgot that one, just add it to the list. You may also add `people with a sense of humour`. Yay for Quebec

[Johnnywr]

YES kinda stopped in 1980.....everything after is just ....BLAH!!!! I mean....that `singer` is from Quebec.....Quebec??? ...Quebec??? What the fuck is Quebec?

I`m from Scotland so I know Nova Scotia and Toronto and .....and...stuff like that.....but he`s from ...Quebec???

Scotland gave the world television, penicillin, radar, insulin, tar, the flush toilet, postcards, logarithims, golf, refrigerators, Treasure Island, Sherlock Holmes, Peter Pan. Quebec...Celine Dion? What`s the point of Quebec

[Ginnagan]

No one cares, cry/rage more..

[MysteryClown000]

Who cares where hes from? Besides your two points are completely unrelated.

[rubysueross]

Apparently Scotland also gave the world enthnocentric snobs.

[dhalgren57]

To ignore bagpipes. LOL

[titanenano]

Jon Anderson is unique!!!!!!! stupids

[LostGentlemen]

it makes me little sad to hear that Jon's obviously not gonna sing for a while and Rick isnt't onboard either ...hmmm

but David on the other hand is a cool guy...

[ShadeyBladey]

No, Kinkykbb, Topographic Oceans is the album that Rick Wakeman can't stand. Personally, it's a work of utter geniius.

I'd hate to see Yes without Jon, though. This guy looks like his kid brother's son.

[beazzayyyy]

same thing as carrietide.agreed,

[clavebrije]

I saw them in Mexico, great experience, well done David! Keep on going!!!

[Aspartamebraintumor]

The interviewer is an asshole who keeps interupting him.

[bearmare]

What do you expect? The guy's Persian.

[markkens]

Everything about him shouts "temp"...so I'm not worried.

[DOGExists]

I agree. I want to take my 11 year to see Yes; his favorite band. I would hate to blow 100.00+ to see "Maybe" and then have Yes tour in the fall. Where is Rick? Out touring with another band. No Bill either? Again, "Maybe".

[kinkykbb]

I'm a long time Yes and Jon Anderson fan and quite frankly the idea of being replaced in this way is a joke.

He says he has alawys loved their music and goes on talk about the wonders of Topographic Oceans, whcih even the band members dont like and is the one album I can't bear.

[povethestud]

ok look,so benoit aint no Jon Anderson,but they pluck him from a dedicated YES cover band and still sell out everywhere! aint many bands can do that..consider U2 without Bono? Stones without Jagger even Queen now without Mercury. Good luck on the tour guys! see you in UK.

[carrietide]

Although I love Jon,and always will,

Benoit does a very fine job.I like his personality.He is honest and sincere.That is the true YES spirit!!And YES I

like his voice!!!!!

[ghomeshilover23]

Poor Jian, he has a broken finger.

Hopefully, he is OK.

[SelfInstructor]

Wow, nice guys, real music and almost obscure. Its a sad state of the music industry when such musical geniuses are almost ignored by most and the self destructive sickos are revered.

As for Benoit, he shows true YES spirit. (Check out his shirt! ) Well spoken, intelligent and honest!!!!

Good luck to all and Get Well Jon, but stop whining! (I think he has.)

[bearmare]

Blame Bush and the dumbing down of America and everything else. Do you think there's even one band out there that is allowed, by the industry, to develop their talents and build their audience? No way! That's the way it should be done, and you get a loyal audience. No way these days. How many fans does Three Doors Down have now? And look at Rush and Yes. Over 30 years in the biz and they can pack them in. Maybe, they can sell a few thousand CDs and downloads as well. I'd like see Nickleback...

[HuntersMoon73]

Sigh. Benoit is SO cute and talented. Gah, I love the Frenchie accent too :)

[absolutemotion]

I saw the band last night in Orlando, and I was floored. Of course Jon Anderson originated the music, but David's voice has a clarity that is a joy to listen to. His stage presence and enthusiasm are undeniable, and this was after months on tour, Oliver Wakeman OTOH was just adequate maybe they should have used CTTE's keyboard player as well! Anyway, I hope Jon Anderson makes a quick recovery, but at the same time I hope this guy sticks around for a long time.

[1Triphammer1]

I had the joy of meeting Benoit david backstage after a Yes show in my home town and him and the rest of Yes were great , warm people!

[SiberianMan2u]

Saw Yes in Atlanta on the 7th. Benoit did a great job and it looked like he was having fun. He danced around some (which looked a little silly sometimes because you can't really dance to Yes music). They've had about 17 band members come and go so why not have another singer? (at least until Jon gets well). I would see this version of the band again if I got the chance.

[vf15012]

Saw you last night in Chicago- you did a fine job!!! Loved CTTE, And You and I and Starship best.

[curiousted]

Benoit David! What a fine job you're doing singing with YES!

[trekie01]

Benoit rules!!!!!!

[peppoman]

True Uber Rock history fans sadly realize time happens, the music must live and it must live through those that have the gift and talent and who are fans of the originators.

Those that choose to keep classic Rock alive to give the Future generations the reference of the beginning of POP CULTURE. IT IS THE FUTURE

[ledzeplad]

YES have sold out BIG TIME!!!!....surely none of the band members can be that hard up for cash!!!

[stalrunner]

Thank you. I hopefully will be able to take the test in Biloxi, but hopefully Jon and his voice will make a full recovery. If they can't get Rick back, I hope that they can at least get that young guy from the symphonic live tour back.

[stalrunner]

I am a high school senior and a huge Yes fan. My dad bought tickets for me, him, and 2 of his friends to see them in Biloxi, MS on Dec. 13. The problem is that it is a few hour drive from my hometown to Biloxi and I have the ACT the next morning. This is my last chance to take the ACT and I am 2 points shy of my goal. I MIGHT be able to change my test location. Is this guy and Rick's son worth the risk?

[RoadDog56]

Don't risk your important test. There will be another time to see Yes. The show in Columbus Ohio was good but not the same without Jon. Rick Wakeman's son is not even close to being as talented as his father.

[oliasdoug]

Overall I enjoyed the interview; Benoit is a charming guy who exudes both humility & confidence. My only minor gripe here (speaking as a fellow disc jockey) is that in the early part of the interview, the DJ was frequently interrupting Benoit as he was trying to answer the questions. Not a good way to treat guests, & he thankfully knocked it off after awhile. Hearing Benoit on Youtube clips has been great; looking forward to the band touring the western United States next year (hopefully!).

[DreamerEasy831]

Benoit had huge shoes to fill, and he fit the bill! I saw Yes in Albany, NY and he did a fantastic job. Thank you for carrying on the legacy of their music.

[poodius7]

Benoit did a awesome job!! I saw Yes at Massey Hall this november and it was too much!! He made us Canucks proud!! Way the go, Benoit!! Yes rules!!!!

[Freshette]

What a sweetie-pie!

[Gettulio]

"Yes" is garbage.

[peterroome1]

I heard Benoit with Yes in concert last Saturday in Asbury Park. I've been a Yes fan for ages (I've seen them before back in the early 70's) and I have to say that I was amazed by the performance and the way Benoit sang. I was really impressed!

[mazhammer]

What a smashing bloke .I've loved Yes since the early seventies and have seen every line-up and have all of their albums, and this quiet unassuming man can give the band a new lease of life . I really like this guy and I wish him every success for the future .I am looking forward to seeing him and the rest of the band in England. Best of luck to you Benoit

[w1nl0ve]

Saw Benoit in Hamilton....this guy is great!....I thought I was dreaming when I heard him sing the first couple of notes...I couldn't believe it! Talk about a performance with heart...don't think twice about going out to see it!

[DSINKS]

Everyone needs to get the New Mystery Cd.

Benoit David sings in this band!

The new Cd is Beneath the veil of winters face. It is Outstanding!!!

[hwyfan]

Nice guy, great voice, really down to earth. A refreshing change.

[vbobcan]

Way to go Ben!! vas-tu tripper avec nous autres apres cette gig là??LOL

Bonne tournée!!

[vbobcan]

Great stuff....Ben, amuse=toi en masse!!

[tigercubii]

What a great story. It's not very often you see someone with such "class" these days. I've a feeling Don Cherry would give Benoit a "thumbs up" for this great Canadian kid!

[stevecouncil]

Wow, what a great guy. I miss Jon but until he returns and is back to health this is a match made in heaven.

[dasdrums]

He seems like a really down to earth, nice guy. I will see the tour in Lousiville, KY

[eennymo]

I have been a Yes fan since 1973 and if I were to ever pick a singer in place of Jon, I think Benoit would be an excellent choice. He seems like a really nice guy. I DO hope Jon can come back, but I must say that Chris, Steve and Alan couldn't have picked a nicer guy! I wish Benoit the best!

[Wildcats22]

my dad is the guitarist of close to the edge they are so amazing props to benoit for playing with yes!!!

[trilingual]

bonne chance benoit!!

[Monia1969]

Great interview!!!! Knock 'em dead tomorrow night!!

[YesMusicFan]

GREAT interview, mr david!! [great queries as well from the interviewer]looking Very forward to seeing you all in detroit on november 26th! wouldnt miss it for the world-it'll be my 37th Yesshow, and i know i wont be disappointed! Go Well Mr. David-bon chance to the yes dudes tonight in canada!!

Kathi in Da U.P. of Michigan

[wigginsdesign]

Nice guy. Cool he has a french accent as well. Not quite as profound, I have a similar story. Last August 2007, Jon saw my graphic art on Myspace and called me about working with him on solo art for his solo tour. A dream come true. We later talked many times, met twice and worked on a few concepts with the possiblitiy of going on tour with him & maybe YES. Well you know the rest. I obviously wish Jon all the best and a full recovery. And my best to David whose dream was fully realized.

[inyth]

really this guy is amazing

long live yes

[DominickBlack]

At 16:39 I started crying....So wonderful how the dream unfolds....

[DominickBlack]

David,

See you in Nashville....You lucky guy!!!

[loulamb]

Can't wait 'til December! See you in Myrtle Beach, SC.

[ChiRho44]

As a Yes and Jon fan for 30+ years I am looking forward to the fresh energy that Mr. David will bring to the stage and he sure seems like a very humble and genuinly nice guy but then again as an American I can't think of a Canadian I've met that I didn't like.

[JackBlair2]

@ChiRho44 Canadians are usually very nice, but not that bright.

[verbod]

@JackBlair2

still lot brighter than any americans.

[customrez]

"Any" Americans, A@verbod? Youtube was produced and created by "Americans" yet you're commenting on it. There are similar ideas of thought ranging from NASA to Jazz music to bio medicine treatments to web software etc. etc. that happened to be created by Americans. Don't get me wrong. I happen to love Canada and the idea of what Canada is. My point is this: please do not stereotype Americans and keep an open mind. 

[hyperchipper]

@JackBlair2 And by the why what do you do as a job may I ask ?