------------------------------------------------------- JULY 19, 1976 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: Los Angeles Times Yes, Frampton in Rock Concert at Anaheim Stadium By Richard Cromelin The reasons for the great popularity of the giant stadium rock shows (Saturday's Yes-Peter Frampton bill at Anaheim Stadium sold out 10 days in advance) must involve the two-headliner-for-the-price-of-one package and the picnic atmosphere, rather than purely musical concerns. On that level bigger is not necessarily better, and the vastness of the venue Saturday reduced Yes to maybe. Or perhaps the group itself was simply low on inspiration this time around. A year ago at the Hollywood Bowl Yes countered the somewhat forbidding nature of its symphonic progressivism with a passionate eloquent performance which put across its imposing structures with the naturalism and economy of a Chuck Berry show. This time it seemed a bit strained and sluggish, perfect ammunition for the anti-art-rock argument. Yes' music retains a certain sensuality and the group still delivers with authority, but as its material becomes increasingly more dense, abstruse and insular, its seems more and more remote. The music is without an underlying sense of urgency, and while it's not necessarily heartless, neither can it be considered warm and engaging. Yes doesn't really mean anything, not the way the Wailers or the Who mean something, and its private visions, however pleasurable at moments, seem more fitting for a museum than for the rock 'n roll stage. Peter Frampton, whose momentum refuses to wane, followed sets by Gentle Giant and Gary Wright at the early-starting concert with his basic "live album" show (plus, of all things, "Lady Madonna"). Audience response was typically enthusiastic, from the kids in the top row to the president's son, Steve, in the wings. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com