Pop Break Live: Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Words and Photos: Cathy Poulton
YES featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman played Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center Oct 1st. It’s been quite a year for the band. The trio were inducted into the 2017 Rock + Roll Hall of Fame, along with members from the other touring version of YES (Steve Howe and Alan White)
It’s no secret that Philadelphia has always held a special place in Jon Anderson’s heart. The Philly/South Jersey area were early supporters of the progressive rock movement with bands such as Yes, Genesis and Emerson Lake and Palmer.
Former WMMR Radio DJ Ed Sciaky was the first to play the music of Yes on the airwaves and helped get the word out about the band. The rest of the country eventually caught on! Anderson has effectionateley called Philadelphia the bands U.S home. It was no surprise then when the band members were met with thunderous applause when they one by one appeared on stage. They played a truly captivating two hour set.
Having been a fan since 1974, I have seen every incarnation of the band over the years, from their “in the round” shows at Philly’s now defunct Spectrum to solo shows from various band members. I got to experience the magic of Steve Howe playing with Chris Squire a few years ago in Atlantic City.
But….personally, Jon Anderson will always be the heart and soul of Yes. That voice like no other. There is something magical about him. To see Jon,Trevor and Rick play with such joy after all these years was heart warming. It’s crazy to think that next year Yes will be celebrating 50 years! Really looking forward to the new music Anderson and his mates have promised for 2018.
Setlist:
Cinema (Yes cover)
Perpetual Change (Yes cover)
Hold On (Yes cover)
South Side of the Sky (Yes cover)
And You and I (Yes cover)
Changes (Yes cover)
Rhythm of Love (Yes cover)
I Am Waiting (Yes cover)
Heart of the Sunrise (Yes cover)
Awaken (Yes cover)
Owner of a Lonely Heart (Yes cover)
Play Video
Encore:
Roundabout (Yes cover)
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Never mind, it’s working now. Maybe it takes time to load or something.
Thanks for the heads up – we adjusted it a bit too. Hopefully, it works better now.