So I met the members of Yes!

Went to the first show of Yes' new tour. It was a wild day in Poughkeepsie on 2-2-2010. I will never forget it.

Was working at my place of business the day of the concert, which I had previously purchased tickets for. Who suddenly asks me for computer help? None other than Chris Squire. I helped him for about 20 minutes with various equipment. He was extremely courteous and pleasant guy. I pretended I didn't know him the entire time, but having him as your Bass-Owning-Godlike-Idol makes it very difficult to hold back emotions. I had waited for this moment for so long, and had imagined it so many times. I did well. As he was leaving I said "I'll see you at the show tonight, Chris". He turned around and enthusiastically said, "Oh you'll be at the show?" He ended up having me write down my name on a piece of paper and told me they would call my name during roll call to meet the band after the show. It is now one of the greatest memories I have.

The show was amazing. The setlist was great. It was my first Yes concert, being 21. It was also a life changing one. They played a lot of their more known songs like And You and I, Siberian Khatru, Roundabout, and Starship Trooper. They also played fan favorites like Tempus Fugit, Machine Messiah, and Yours is No Disgrace. All of the members sounded so alive, and was an amazing experience for anyone whose heard the songs repeatedly. Musicianship was amazing. Sounded so much like the original albums, yet with even more energy behind it. I was about 18 rows back in center, so I had perfect sound. Every note of every instrument went through my entire being. The crowd was really into it and loved every song. During Roundabout the entire audience was jumping up and down and clapping at the energetic points. It was an amazing experience that felt like the audience was completely connected to the players. Something I've never felt so deeply at any concert.

After the show the group to meet the band was waiting. At first they weren't going to let me in because I didn't have a pass, but I told them that Chris invited me. He went in the back,talked to Chris and he came back out to let me through. They sat us in a small room with a few tables. There was about 25 people. Everyone is talking about how great the show is, the other prog bands they like, etc. About 20 minutes later the band comes out. Chris comes directly over to me and says "Glad you made it out!" And sits next to me. It was the most exhilarating experience of my life. As I spoke with him I thought of all the time I studied his bass playing, and his career. It was just meant to happen. Many of the other fans were talking about the various basses they had, or how long they've listened to yes, to which he was kind of "Yeah Yeahing" them. Same old story. But I felt like he appreciated that I wasn't talking about just myself with him. He is a wonderful man who I am forever indebted to for his kindness.

After talking with Chris for a few minutes, getting some pictures with him and having him sign my Close to the Edge inside picture, I said hi to Steve Howe and he signed my album too. I asked for a picture but he left and said "no more". Apparently, I was lucky to get the signature. I read somewhere he is overwhelmed around fans sometimes, which I don't blame him. Besides, he is so Godlike at communicating through his guitar, who needs words?  We also literally weren't allowed to shake his hand, for that would destroy his godlike fingers. Still, I felt like he was pleasant for the short time he was with us, but he definitely was overwhelmed by the fans.

I met Alan White next. Asked him a few questions and told him it was an excellent show and that I really enjoyed their energy. Benoit David was a really nice guy too, although it would have been amazing to see Jon. Jon's presence was missed, but it was a night to remember. Chris' generosity will be something I will never forget, and meeting the band still feels like a dream.

Well, Bill Bruford allowed me to shake HIS godlike hand!

Which reminds me of a story involving James Joyce. When one of his admirers asked: "May I shake the hand that wrote ULYSSES?", he replied: "Well, it did a lot of other things too!"

Bravo!

We definitely need more fan-experience retrospectives like these.

It did cross my mind to ask about Jon, but I felt like Chris was being extremely friendly and I didn't want to undermine him in any way. Things were going good and I didn't want to press any buttons. I wish I had an answer for you!

I do have a few pictures that I can upload. I'll do it in a little while but for now here is a full video of Roundabout from the show. It was uploaded by a fellow fan. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkuDGEaq-RA

Negoba wrote: If a fan came and asked me about that kind of thing after I'd done him a favor, he'd be escorted out. I was under the impression that Jon wasn't able to tour, wanting to do only albums, and the band decided to tour anyway. I'm not sure "kicked out" is the right phrase.   Anyway, thanks for the report. My experience with the current lineup was amazing as well. Look forward to the pix.

That sounds brilliant! Shame about Steve... Ah well. Im hoping to meet Rick Wakeman at his show Edinburgh soon! Hopefully he will be as nice as Chris 

Hi,

Edited by moshkito - February 04 2010 at 18:50

Chris Squire is someone I would really like to meet. I was fortunate enough to meet Bill Bruford the other week. Very nice chap too.

That's just an awesome story, I'm glad you got to meet your idol and that he was everything (and more!) you could have hoped. Chris sounds like a great guy. What a wonderful experience, I'm sure you'll never forget it!

JLocke wrote: Steve Howe chooses to act that way around fans because he's a bit egotistical, not because he's 'overwhelmed', or anything of that sort.

I hope you are kidding.  I met the band after an ABWH show, and all of the musicians were quite friendly, including Howe, alhough Levin was very reluctant to talk about those sticks he was wearing on his fingers.  My guess was he was trying to have them patented, and didn't want anyone getting there first.