Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Michel Arsenault, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier.
I wasn’t able to record with Mark this week but I did manage to speak to Clive Bayley of Mabel Greer’s Toyshop which morphed into Yes in 1968. The new album, The Secret, features the late, great Peter Banks on the title song and Clive explains how that came about. Mark also gives his recommendations for those interested in investigating what Peter Banks did next…
How does Peter Banks appear on this new album?
What influenced are present in this record?
Is Mabel Greer’s Toyshop part of the Yes legacy?
Listen to the episode then let us know what you think!
Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Michel Arsenault, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier.
Mark and I have been enjoying watching Yes covers on YouTube this week and we share some of our favourites. Also, the big news of the week is the #YES50 Fan Convention in London next year. We have a good chat about that!
What makes a good Yes cover?
Are there different types?
Which roles are more difficult to fulfil?
Listen to the episode then let us know what you think!
YES Announce Official 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Including UK Fan Convention Day, 25th March 2018
#YES50
Fifty years since the formation of Prog giants, YES, is something worth celebrating and YES intend to celebrate with their fans. They have announced a weekend of events to coincide with their two London shows on 24th & 25th March, the final dates of their 2018 UK tour.
On Sunday, 25th March, the London Palladium will host the YES FAN CONVENTION, an afternoon devoted to all things YES, attended by both current members of the band and YES alumni. This unique event is sponsored by Prog Magazine and will feature:-
¥ The official launch and world-wide exclusive availability of the Drama line-up version of Fly From Here, new lead vocals throughout by Trevor Horn, and remix by Trevor, including an unreleased track. (limited numbers available for purchase)
¥ Roger Dean artwork on display and for sale. Trading Boundaries (Prog Rock venue) will host Roger’s stand at which a new piece of artwork for Close to the Edge will be revealed for the first time
Q & A with various guests & Roger Dean
¥ Exclusive free YES FAN DAY souvenir programme (limited numbers available)
¥ Raffle of YES collectables (monies will go to the chosen charities)
¥ Prog editor, Jerry Ewing. will discuss Prog Magazine and future book release
¥ YES Memorabilia display in the foyer (Curated by David Watkinson)
¥ YES tribute bands: SeYeS and Fragile (with Clair Hamill) will perform classic YES songs
More announcements will follow. Tickets for the Fan Convention are £30 (plus booking fee). Free entry for those who have bought Meet & Greet packages for Saturday or Sunday shows.
All profits from the YES Fan Convention will be donated to 2 charities: The Christie Hospital in Manchester, who looked after the much-loved YES fan Malcolm Birkett, prior to his passing in 2015 (www.christie.nhs.uk/the-christie-charity) and Kangaroos, whose aims are to enhance the lives of special needs and disabled children (www.kangaroos.org.uk)
Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Michel Arsenault, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier.
We announce the winner of the vinyl Topographic Drama competition and review the new Virgil and Steve Howe album, Nexus. It’s a lovely collection. There’s also time for a 2 pence about ARW headlining a festival in June 2018!
The pieces on the album were piano demos – how have they been finished off?
Does the album work as a whole?
Is it limited by being an instrumental record?
Listen to the episode then let us know what you think!
Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Michel Arsenault, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier.
As we wait for YES50, we took the opportunity to think about what 80s music could be played by Yes, as suggested by both Steve Howe and Geoff Downes. We also announce a COMPETITION to win a vinyl copy of Topgraphic Drama – Live Across America! Finally, there’s a thought-provoking 2 pence…
From the 4 Yes albums released in the 80s what music might feature in YES50?
What might be the determining factors?
What songs from these albums have been performed since the 80s?
Listen to the episode then let us know what you think!
Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Michel Arsenault, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier.
I didn’t get to see Rick Wakeman this week, due to a family emergency but we still managed to think about Survival and how it’s been performed over the years. We watch the videos embedded below and then we consider who might also join Yes on stage for #YES50 next year in our 2 pence segment.
How was Survival performed back in 1969?
How frequently has it appeared in set-lists since then?
Is it a good song?
Listen to the episode then let us know what you think!