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.