YESSONGS (DVD)

This rough 16mm film was shot in December 1972 at London's Rainbow Theatre. I think that it's really interesting to actually see a visual documentation of these fellows playing, along with the audience, scenery and visualizations of the time. The skillful bassist has dressed up as a butterfly, Rick Wakeman wearing some kind of angel cloak, Jon is kissing his microphone in ecstasy and SteveHowe's facial expressions are unbelievable corny, this all being very fun and human way. The music they achieved to create is also great, though some of the constructed movements work a bit better on studio versions; A phenomena which I have found to sometimes appear in symphonic prog live performances, unlike with more ompen improvisational groups. The ultimate highlight for me here is "Close to The Edge" with some ancient visual effects done with close-ups of microscopic life and Roger Dean pictures, a really brilliant though rough version of this classic. As an anecdote, the ex-Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye's Badger opened this show, and that performance is documented on their "One Live Badger" album. I fear that their performance wasn't recorded on expensive color film, which is sad as their set was also great, check out that album if you yet haven't yet.