------------------------------------------------------- JUNE 21, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: Manchester Online http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/entertainment/music/livereviews/s/121/121728_yes__men_arena.html YES @ M.E.N. Arena By John Stacey (Contributed to YitP by Donna Hayes) They've been written off as rock dinosaurs, had their quasi-mystical lyrics frequently rubbished and have lost and regained members with an alarming regularity over the years, but the rock behemoth that is Yes rolls on ... and on. The group whose powerful and often bewildering mix of progressive rock, angelic harmonies and technical expertise sold millions of albums worldwide is still following its individual musical path. And Yes's commitment to its unique brand of rock is as strong as ever – as thousands of fans witnessed at the Manchester leg of the group's 35-year anniversary reunion tour. Singer Jon Anderson, guitarist Steve Howe, bass-player Chris Squire, drummer Alan White and Manchester City shirt-wearing keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman – the classic Yes line-up for many – delivered the greatest hits from their back catalogue. Razor-sharp versions of crowd favourites Yours Is No Disgrace, And You And I, South Side Of The Sky, I've Seen All Good People, Owner Of A Lonely Heart, Nous Sommes Du Soleil took the audience close to the edge of rock heaven. A rollicking acoustic Chicago blues-style reworking of their most famous song, Roundabout had the crowd on its feet and caused an outbreak of idiot dancing, a phenomenon I've not witnessed since I first saw the group at the Free Trade Hall in 1970. Who said Yes ain't got no rhythm? Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com