Yes Proves They Cannot Be Stopped With Brilliant Performance

Matt Matasci

Despite album-oriented rock lacking the kind of mainstream cache it once enjoyed, British prog-rockers Yes continue to march on. Formed in the late 60s, the group has survived both personnel changes and decades of shifting music tastes. Currently on tour after releasing their twenty-first album “Heaven & Earth” in 2014, the band performed at Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre. While “Heaven & Earth” was their first with new lead singer John Davison, the band did not perform any songs from that record, instead favoring a more classic set list.

The band opened with the evening with “Machine Messiah,” long considered a highlight of their discography and the opening number from 1980’s “Drama.” Stretching well over 10 minutes in length, the song provided fans with the kind of prog-rock experimentation that the group’s reputation is built upon. Things would get even better for fans of “Drama,” as the band proceeded to perform that album in its entirety, including “White Car,” “Does it Really Happen,” “Into the Lens,” “Run Through the Light” and “Tempus Fugit.”

The band then took a step back with “I’ve Seen All Good People” paying a visit to their first all original release, “The Yes Album.” One of their earliest hit singles, the track provided a memorable experience. Also making an appearance from that album was the fan favorite “Starship Trooper,” which closed out the band’s set.

Despite their ambition and refusal to bow to mainstream rock ‘n roll norms, Yes has scored quite a few commercial hits, including the previously mentioned “I’ve Seen All Good People.” Another of their most recognizable songs made an appearance during the show with “Roundabout.” The set was filled out with other classic songs by the band such as “Siberian Khatru,” “And You and I,” “The Revealing Science of God (Dance of the Dawn)” and “Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil).”

With decades of experience under their belts, the members of Yes know how to put on a precise set of rock ‘n roll music. The band treated the audience to a stellar mix of their commercial hits and deep album cuts, plus managed to jam an entire album in at the beginning of their set.

Yes performed at the Orpheum Theatre on Aug. 30.