----------------------------------------------------- OCTOBER 15, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- Source: The Daily Item (Sunbury, Pennsylvania) Ohhhhh Yes! After 33 years, band keeps on rockin' By Marcia Moore Three decades of creating and performing progressive rock music hasn't dulled the anticipation of playing live for the members of Yes. "We're all still searching for that ultimate musical event. We're not resting on what we did years ago," said lead singer Jon Anderson during a recent telephone interview. The five band members, Anderson; Chris Squire, bass, vocals; Steve Howe, guitar, vocals; Rick Wakeman, key-boards; and Alan White, drums; have been together in some form for 33 years. The group is scheduled to perform live Oct. 31 at Bryce Jordan Center, State College. Yes has plenty of material to choose from since they've been writing and recording music since the release of their first album in 1969. Their 26th album, "Magnification" was released in 2001. "We're one of the lucky bands that survived because of our music, not because of hits. We've only had a few hit records," Anderson said in a soft-spoken English accent. Popular songs include "Roundabout," "Owner of a Lonely Heart" and "I've Seen All Good People," but diehard Yes fans have stuck with them as most of their musical creations failed to make it to the airwaves. Anderson describes Yes fans as "pretty demanding," a driving force that keeps the five members coming back together even though each has a solo career. "It's the music and the money" he said. "It's bizarre. None of us thought that 33 years down the road we'd still be making music. But, with Yes music, we're still experimenting". And, after a six-year absence, Wakeman is once again in the lineup as they tour North America. "He's still the same Rick", Anderson said. "He brings a lot of humor to the band and reminds us of who we were in the 1970s". A Yes live show isn't all about nostalgia, though. Those who attend the Halloween night show at Bryce Center will be treated to classic tunes as well as some of the band's most recent material, including unreleased songs. On this tour, the band is playing several longer pieces, including an 18-minute version of the epic "Awaken" and 20 minutes of "The Revealing Science of God". "It's not an easy gig," the 58-year-old Anderson said. "We can't just go out and play. we have to perform". But neither he nor his band-mates are letting age get in the way of a good time. "We're all a bit more mature, but we're still up for a wild musical evening!" Anderson said. After touring North America this year, Yes will be off to Asia and then Europe next summer. By late 2003 or early 2004, they might even return to the studio to put together new material. "We're thinking of recording next winter. There's one more album in the band, hopefully." Anderson said. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com