On this date in history I traveled alone to Market Square Arena in downtown Indianapolis to see Yes in concert. The year was 1984, and the version of Yes that I witnessed was the new, digital era lineup of the band that featured Trevor Rabin on guitar. They were touring in support of 90125, which contained their biggest hit, “Owner Of A Lonely Heart”, and was the most successful album of the band’s career. At some point in time, I recall hearing someone mention that a big name band was supposed to have supported Yes at this particular show, but I can’t remember who it was.

For whatever reason, there was no opening band, so they ended up showing 2 Bugs Bunny cartoons on a big screen prior to Yes taking the stage! From a psychological viewpoint, this was a genius move…the crowd was in such a great mood after watching these old Looney Tunes classics…perfect mood setter!

Yes opened their set with the instrumental “Cinema” and then moved directly into a stunning a cappella (vocals only) version of the beginning of “Leave It”, moving seamlessly into the full song.

Chris Squire’s bass sound was thunderous and majestic all night, and Jon Anderson’s vocals were ethereal and clear as chiming bells in a cathedral. I would have preferred Steve Howe on guitar, but Rabin was on point both vocally and on all the vintage stuff in addition to his more technological style of playing. I felt that Yes did a pretty solid job of providing both new and old fans of their music a nice cross section of their material. They were one of the premiere bands of the progressive rock genre and they owned the stage that night in 1984.

Yes – I’ve Seen all Good People

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJM7TdshUbw

Written By Braddon S. Williams AKA The Concert Critic