------------------------------------------------------- JULY 12, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: Exeter Press & Echo (U.K.) http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/ Donated by InverYes YES PLEASE! Prog rock veterans Yes - who have sold millions of records over three decades - took their audience on a musical odyssey at Powderham Castle. Their stunning show on Saturday night spanned 70s concept album classics such as Roundabout and 80s pop chart-toppers like Owner of A Lonely Heart. It was almost a homecoming for one of the stars - keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman - who composed many of his solo 70s works from his former home in Woodbury Salterton near Exeter. The concert was part of the band's 35th anniversary tour, featuring Rick with the classic line-up of Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White. But this was not a legendary band just going through the motions for a big pay day to boost their pensions. The band still had all their own hair for starters - especially Rick Wakeman who still had flowing blond locks and was sporting a wizard-like white robe. They also put as much enthusiasm into it as they did decades ago, especially Jon Anderson whose ethereal voice was in fine form. The crowd loved the rock symphonies such as Close To The Edge, Awaken and I've Seen All Good People - which was recently included on the soundtrack for the hit movie Almost Famous, and performed among a stage set of mythical white creatures. Rick was still doing his spectacular 10- minute keyboard solos, Steve Howe was still striking a pose with his guitar and the band were still enjoying turning some numbers into 15-minute improvisations. There were surprisingly few hippies in the audience - except for a few people wandering about in purple cloaks and a bare-chested man who had to be led away by staff after being overcome by it all. Among the hundreds who enjoyed it were company director Guy West, from Heavitree, and Richard Ellis, a director at the West of England School for Children With Little Or No Sight. Richard said: "I'm a big fan of Steve Howe and I thought the acoustic guitar bits were great." Guy said: "It's the first time I've seen a band here and it's a very good venue." George Coxon, 40, from Cockwood, who was working at the site, said: "I can't pretend I'm a big fan of this sort of rock but it's got it's place in musical history and this gig is fun." Art teacher Paul de'Athe, 55, Lucy De'Athe, 17, and Rich Wortham, 18, all from Exmouth, were sharing a picnic. Rich, a guitarist in his own band called Loss of Ways, was enjoying the musicianship while Paul said: "The band have stayed quite faithful to their original spirit." Maz Cwikla, who was watching the band under the shelter of a giant oak tree, said: "It's the first time I've been to see a concert here and it's wonderful." Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com