Toto and Yes
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Story by Jeffrey Winick
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When you get a text at 6:15 in the morning for free tickets to Toto and Yes in less than 12 hours, how do you say no? If you had a major “Yes” phase from 13-15 years old, the obvious answer is Yes. Our party of four turned into a party of three within those 12 hours. The pre-bar conversation was “Where did Toto get their name from” we must find a super-fan to ask, and “Have you ever heard the Toto song ‘Georgy Porgy'”? I don’t know Georgy Porgy,
The band revolves around Steve “Luke” Lukather, lead guitar player and while it doesn’t show up in their chart topping hits, Luke has got some amazing chops. One of his solos in the first half of their set had all the rock-god coliseum pyrotechnics you could possibly wish for, switching styles between Eddie Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix and throwing in 12 amazing bars from “Little Wing.” The other
Fourth song in, they play “Georgy Porgy,” and our friend Heather seems to be one of the few in the room that knows it well. 6 songs in they play “Rosanna” and now everyone gets to their feet, iPhone in hand to record the moment, embrace the digital glow of the room signifying a popular song. Other songs in their set may or may not have included: “99,” “I’ll Be Over You,” “I Won’t Hold You Back” and “Pamela.” To close out their set, “Hold The Line” which I swore was called “Love Isn’t Always on Time” and “Africa” meet the rousing enthusiasm of the sit-down crowd who are slightly more intoxicated and ready to dance, we’ll at least that’s true for me. I really enjoyed “Africa” as they opened with a poly-rhythmic beat that reminded me of “River of Dreams” from Billy Joel. Of course they played the extended version of Africa stretching 4 minutes into a solid 10 minutes, replete with call-and-response from the crowd that put a smile on everyone’s face.
Next up is YES and all the fans know founding member Chris Squire has passed away less than 45 days earlier. The big screen illuminates and we’re treated to a 5-minute video montage of Chris Squire with the song called “Onward” from Yes’ “Tormato” album as the soundtrack. Chris Squire was the master of the Rickenbacker bass, and played with the band from 1969 through 2014 as their
Onstage tonight, we only have 2 “original” members Steve Howe on guitar and Alan White on drums, the quotations on original is that Howe joined in 1970 and White joined in 1972, while the band formed in 1968 with Jon Anderson (vocals) and Chris Squire (bass) Peter Banks (guitarist), Bill Bruford (drums) Tony Kaye (keys). First up is “Don’t Kill the Whale”, followed by “Tempus Fugit” with synth vocal refrains of “Yes, yes” which I still warms my heart and one of the meanest bass lines in all of rock n’ roll you will hear. This segues into a cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “America” like you’ve never heard before, with a southern dirty blues solo in the middle by Steve Howe, which seems appropriate for the name of the song. Next highlight, which I had forgotten about for at least 20 years, is “Clap” which is a solo acoustic guitar instrumental by Steve Howe, which is a sound and sight to behold.
From the video channel of Kevin Coughlin
Additional highlights include “All Good People,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” closing with “Roundabout” and encoring with “Starship Trooper” off their self-titled album in 1971. This evening was a mellow affair and smaller room like Radio City Music Hall would have done both bands and the fans more justice. I always remember Yes being more crisp and LOUD, while the music tonight was a little muddled and soft.
Yes Set List Tuesday, August 11, 2015 Video Tribute to Chris Squire: “Onward” Intro Music: “Firebird Suite” Don’t Kill the Whale Tempus Fugit America by Simon and Garfunkel Going for the One Time and a Word Clap Nine Voice I’ve Seen All Good People Siberian Khatru Owner of a Lonely Heart Roundabout Encore: Starship Trooper