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By Geoff Dunn:
This was an absolutely stunning Yes gig! Having traveled from
New Zealand with friend, Paul (and joined by many other “Kiwi”
Yesfans), the Sydney Yesshow was everything we could have wished
for - it even exceeded our high (vibration) expectations.
Advertising for the Australian shows seemed virtually non-existent,
with no posters around the cities, or even the venues. There
were a couple of articles in local music papers and I did see
the TV ad once, featuring two songs that would not be performed!
(“Owner…” and “Wonderous Stories”).
The faithful had mainly heard about these historic events by
word of mouth or via the net.
It was fun attending the ‘Yesfanz’ convention and the
meeting of kindred spirits created a special “vibe”
in the room. Yes DVDs were shown on large screens, there was
memorabilia to check out and Roger Dean graciously spoke to all
and signed items. Everyone was presented with a YesTour bag of
goodies, which included the ‘Ultimate Yes’ double CD
compilation. Paul and I even managed to evade security to venture
into the venue and gaze in wonder at Steve’s guitars, Jon’s
harp and other instruments that were being set up by the road
crew. By now we were getting really fired up for the concert
– onward through the night…
THE SHOW: Right from the word “go” the band were locked
in together, playing with pure intensity and confidence, feeding
off the excitement and appreciation that the super-enthusiastic
audience was exuding. From the jaw-dropping performance of “Siberian
Khatru” through to the levitatingly blissful “Awaken”
and sing-a-long, raging, rocking “ISAGP” and “Roundabout”,
it was clear that this was a VERY special Yes concert.
 I had witnessed 3 Yesshows prior to Sydney ‘03
and this was the best! (Whilst L.A. ’91 was an unbeatable,
epic production, this felt like Yes concentrated to the finest
elements, plus having many friends along for the ride made a
truly positive difference. It was notable how the show differed
so much from the previous night in Melbourne – from the
least to the most fantastic in the space of 24 hours).
While there weren’t any surprises in the set list (no trace
of material from my favourite album, 'TFTO'), the commanding
and heartfelt renditions of every piece were an emotional experience
for all. With many postings already detailing the songs played,
I will just add a few personal thoughts…
“Magnification”/“DKTW” rocked big time -
a heavy metal dude I spotted, wearing a W.A.S.P. shirt was obviously
totally Yes converted, and surely would have changed into a Yes
T-shirt - if there were any left at the merchandise counter!
“ITPO” was exceptionally moving and the extended “SSOTS”
was a wonder to behold, with Rick and Steve’s impressive
“dueling” crescendo leaving everyone in the Entertainment
Centre awestruck (even the robotic security guards).
All the solo spots were delivered with precision, Steve particularly
shining on “TBO” (I don’t recall “Australia”
being played, although an excerpt was definitely included on
the previous night in Melbourne)
One particularly poignant moment was when Jon dedicated “Show
Me” to his wife, Jane who was directly in front of me, four
rows ahead. The song itself is spine-tingling enough, but right
then the purple lights were magnified and prisms sparkled through
her diamond earrings, creating an unforgettable image in my mind.
Later, Janeee would join Jon on stage, to dance along to the
much-demanded, usual encores (our calls for “Starship Trooper”
going unheeded).
Those present on September 20th 2003 will no doubt have fond
memories of this concert – a show of mythic proportions.
As if that wasn’t enough, the icing on the cake was getting
to meet the guys a few times as well, backstage and elsewhere!
A signing session had been arranged on the following day at a
local store – the place was packed, with the queue going
out the door and beyond. After handing Steve a gift and getting
my 'Tales' HDCD and the booklet of 'Yessongs' signed by all,
we headed off to Glebe by cab to check out Roger Dean’s
exhibition.
To see Mr. Dean's work in the flesh was amazing – he is
undoubtedly a GREAT artist. I resisted the temptation to buy
an original (around a third of a million dollars) but purchased
a calendar and got in the cue for Roger to sign it (along with
my 'Views' book). Just as I got to the front, Rick Wakeman magically
appeared and an impromptu piano performance ensued – which
included "AYAI", "WS", "The Meeting"
plus pieces from 'Six Wives' and 'King Arthur'!!! Then Steve
and his brother, Philip (who had arrived the previous day from
New Zealand) strolled about, chatting with Roger. The whole thing
was being filmed for a Dean project, which hopefully won't take
too long to see the light of day. Later Alan, then Chris also
turned up and got mobbed for autographs as they made their way
around the gallery. It was almost dreamlike, seeing them all
climb into a van and drift off into the sunset – well, a
record company dinner apparently.
Huge thanks to Yes and all the wonderful people that we met along
our merry way. All in all, this was a holiday where every day
was YES day – adventures that will never be forgotten!
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