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Yes and Styx

#21
electracoyote said:
Well, considering both Yes and Styx each have, what, two original members remaining, it's pure nostalgia. For those of us who have seen those bands in their full original line-up and glory, it could be a bit of a bummer.
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I believe the current YES has only one original member.

Squire-yes
Kaye-no
Anderson-no
Bruford-no
Banks-no
 
#26
Can't speak for Styx, but I don't think there's any such thing as "the" classic (or original or whatever) lineup for Yes. The band was never built around a particular roster, it's been a constant revolving door from the third album on. A lot of people would put Bill Bruford on the "classic" lineup, but he played with them for five years, while Alan White has been with them for almost thirty -- so which one is the "real" Yes drummer? Rick Wakeman comes in, plays an album or two, then quits for an album or two, then comes back if he feels like it -- so is he an indispensable member of the band or just one (valuable) player who comes in and out the revolving door?
 
#27
hrodbert696 said:
Can't speak for Styx, but I don't think there's any such thing as "the" classic (or original or whatever) lineup for Yes. The band was never built around a particular roster, it's been a constant revolving door from the third album on. A lot of people would put Bill Bruford on the "classic" lineup, but he played with them for five years, while Alan White has been with them for almost thirty -- so which one is the "real" Yes drummer? Rick Wakeman comes in, plays an album or two, then quits for an album or two, then comes back if he feels like it -- so is he an indispensable member of the band or just one (valuable) player who comes in and out the revolving door?
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This is purely subjective, but the Fragile album is my classic Yes line-up.

I'll even throw Tony Kaye in there, as he had been rehearsing the material with them for a time.

And I can go with White or Bruford. So yeah, you have to give a little flex to Yes.
 
#28
I saw Styx with the classic lineup a few times and they put on a great show. I have only seen Jon Anderson solo on a few songs at a NAMM show and he did a really good job. The person who surprised me the most was Steve Howe in a solo show. He was amazing. Talked to the audience in such a friendly and casual way we felt like he was playing just for us. Luckily it was mostly a guitar night with some guest vocals because Steve can't really sing. It was still an awesome show.
 
#29
i havent seen the current tour, but i have to wonder who has said yes is boring this time around. from a visual point of view styx could be seen as a bit more of a rock show, more movement onstage and whatnot, whereas yes isnt so much to look at. so i could see a casual yes fan who likes some of the music think they are boring on stage. as far as the comments of original members, who cares, current styx is one hell of a rockin band and yes is still full of amazing talent.
 
#32
I read somewhere that Styx initially conceived themselves as part of the American prog rock scene (along the lines of Kansas and such), but then quickly segued into "stadium rock," whatever the hell that means. Anyway, that might explain the tenuous connection in the pairing.
 
#33
For me, as long as Squire & Howe are in the line-up, im good with Yes. The current singer is very good. Monster bass playing in Yes, for sure.

Styx has good rock songs and tho i miss the original keyboardist/singer, Lawrence Gowan is a stellar replacement & showman. I never tire listening to Criminal Mind.
 
#34
electrocoyote-re your comment about being disappointed seeing the current line up-i went to see Yes 2 years ago with benoit and oliver,and it was one of the best shows i have seen them do.i have been going to yes shows since 1972,and it was no disappointment for me-i am just a fan of their music,and basically try to give them a chance. from the last show i saw,it is apparent that Chris,Steve,and Alan still love to play,and I found Benoit to be more than capable,outgoing,and engaging. Oliver was technically fine,but not very showmanlike,of course compared to his hammy dad. i really look forward to seeing the current line-up,as i personally think Geoff Downes is a terrific keyboard player.
 
#37
Richland123 said:
Tommy Shaw is not an original member of Styx. He joined in 1976. James "J.Y." Young is the only original member left but Chuck Panozzo makes recurring live appearances on bass.
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Yes. Once again, I meant "classic" line-up, which, in my mind, includes Tommy.

Ringo Starr was not an original member of The Beatles. But if all members were still alive, and a Beatles reunion were to occur, he would probably be the drummer most people would think of.
 
#38
Just saw Yes and Styx last night:

both bands were in ridiculous top form. But Yes really stole the show. They jammed another good 4 minutes into Yours is No Disgrace with Howe's solo, they played And You And I, which was so musically rich that it was almost a surreal experience, they were completely tight on Tempus Fugit, they played the new song to a standing O, and Starship Trooper was an extravaganza, featuring Mr. Geoff Downes on Keytar rocking out with Howe, Squire, and David with an acoustic slung over his shoulder. Then of course, Roundabout came at the end, wrapping it all up with one of the best basslines of all time. I couldn't believe my eyes, though, at how much energy they all played with. Squire attacked the bass like it was a box of a dozen donuts, Howe was a freak of nature on guitar, and David had the smooth delivery of Horn with the soaring high notes of anderson, plus a Canadian accent that made his voice unique all going for him. I couldn't believe how tight their vocal harmonies were, too (same goes for Styx, but especially with Yes, whose harmonies are a bit more complex). And, the mix was excellent, I heard the guitar, drums, keys, sweet ric bass, and Benoit's vocals all in perfect balance.

Styx was all energy on that stage as well, with Shaw, Gowen, and JY all pulling out all the stops. These guys were still rocking just like on the albums. Probably the most accurate-to-recording band I've ever heard, honestly. Personal highlights were "Crystal Ball", "Man In the Wilderness", and "Come Sail Away". And we even got a surprise visit from Chuck Panazzo. Oh, and lets not forget what monster guitarists JY and Tommy both are. My only complaints were a lack of jamming on their part, and a bass tone that really blended into the mix, moreso than I've known them to use. But otherwise Styx was almost as excellent as Yes.
 
#40
For some reason, I sat thru a Styx 'performance' at the city festival in Charlotte, NC a few years ago. I've seen a lot of concerts in my time, and this was hands down The Worst of them all. 60 year old dudes running around the stage in tight leather pants, pandering to the crowd. The keyboard player stood, playing his keys on a spinning pedestal so he could stick his ass out to the crowd. It was sad.
 

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