Yes Drama (and '79 Paris Sessions) Documentary

[@robjordan2506]

My 17-year old self saw them on this tour, front row. I camped in front of the ticket office at Notre Dame U. for 3 days to get those seats. I had no idea that Anderson was not on the tour and was disappointed when I saw TH singing, wearing a short brown jacket that had HOLLYWOOD written across the back in sequins. It didn't seem very ''Yes-like.'' However, the concert was musically brilliant even without him. I had the good fortune to meet Steve and Chris after the show and was given a ride home in their limo after I jumped a barricade to get Steve the posters (Studebaker Museum) that he had left behind after signing autographs for fans. They asked me what other music I listened to and we talked about Rush and King Crimson. I could barely breathe in their presence and couldn't believe my good fortune. What a thrill.

[@BrunoniTube]

Indeed!

[@sternzbt]

What a great experience for you. I had a very similar thing happen to me when I met Peter Gabriel

[@ednewton4455]

What an incredible experience/memory 👏

[@papadopp3870]

Cool memory, Rob!!! Was that in Indiana in America? During the 90s “Union” tour, I met Rick and Jon when I was thirty-five. I had the same reaction! Fortunately, Rick fixed me a nice drink. Way nice. He became me best mate right away. We mocked John about his pronunciation of the word “idea”, then realized I did, too. I felt bad the next day… not for the mockery of my favourite vocalist, but because of Rick’s nice drinks! That, and we had to drive 425 miles for a gig that day. It was well worth it!!! Haven’t heard from me mate since, tho!

[@missingremote4388]

Amazing stories I went to and saw Yes 90125 in 1983 . Probably when I became a fan. But I was more into the Who's style R&B or ledzeppelin ☆ shout-out to Gary Newman in the white corvette

[@paulweiss3818]

Honestly, Drama is one of my favorite Yes albums. I never understood why so many fans wouldn't accept it as a true Yes album.

[@kuttycrew]

Agreed, my favorite to play drums to.

[@russell_szabados]

Drama *is* my favorite Yes album. I don't accept Yes fans that don't accept Drama. Same with Genesis fans that don't accept A Trick Of the Tail and Wind and Wuthering. They cease to exist in my worldview.

[@paulnolan4971]

@@russell_szabados I feel the same about them and Floyd very especially

[@kuttycrew]

@@russell_szabados yes, but do you accept calling all stations?

[@warptek]

Paradoxically they don't accept because of the absence of Jon Anderson yet, if Jon had been let in on these sessions it would have been a completely different record entirely.

[@timmee6937]

Drama has always been my favorite Yes album. Its futuristic, almost extraterrestrial soundscape, is deeply hypnotic. Trevor's production is absolutely flawless and packs a smooth sonic punch. Forty two years have gone by yet it's still as fresh as ever.

[@roboneil408]

I have to agree with you. I'm 57 years old and have listened to an extreme amount of music throughout my life. However, YES has always been my mainstay and my favorite overall. And mind you, I like many different genres of music.

[@josephbenesch4220]

Today agree !!! Fav by far

[@jamesbyers6720]

22 years

[@jamesbyers6720]

I couldn't agree more. 42 years, 22 years, 12 years, yesterday. The songs are ageless, yet they define an age of the band.

[@Acujeremy]

Something is wrong with people that think Drama is the best Yes album. Sorry, but that is just absurd!

[@progrockdocs]

How I make these videos: After researching / writing the script, I then set about hours and hours of sourcing and individually cleaning up / colourising photos, all of which have to be re-made to fit the aspect ratio of this screen. It's a slow, manual and tedious task. After recording my voice I then weave the sounds in and out of it, this is the fun part where magic happens and the story starts to tell itself. Finally, I glue it all together, which, on my computer, is a real slog. The software glitches constantly under the sheer strain and it takes an age with software that I am basically learning as I use. The reward is seeing the comments roll in and knowing that the video will bring so much pleasure to people. I suspect one day this channel will be wiped by the copyright bots but until then I'll continue to make them, perhaps on different (and even - shock - NON PROG!!!) bands. Enjoy Droogs....

[@kevhead1525]

I will, little Alex. 😄

[@TheProgCorner]

Thanks for all you are doing for the Prog community!!! 👍❤️🤘

[@Originalspruce]

Thank you so much for dedicated and creative efforts. They are truly appreciated

[@gordonlandreth9550]

Rock history from the late 60's to about the early 80's is definitely fascinating , because that was when most of the greatest music was produced . Enjoy all of your documentaries !

[@mattmarkus4868]

why is jon anderson singing annoying vocals like that of a leprechaun in my ears during the studio scenes where they are speaking?

[@LoneLee2022]

Drama is one of my favorite YES albums. The music is incredible.

[@jonesy2111]

I don't care what anyone says (including Yes purists and fans) Drama is the bands masterpiece and I have bought it on several formats over the years and unlike some of their albums Drama still sounds so fresh and powerful.

[@mihali9655]

I agree totally. All killer no filler.

[@charlesnolan7602]

Excellent album, after 44 years, I still play it regularly

[@loyalroyal]

Yes. It is fantastic.

[@dbaytug]

The reprise in Does it Really Happen? Is one of the stand out moments of the album and Squire's work. It is stunning.

[@loftlegacy]

The 79 sessions sound really tired. It was accidental genius that Buggles were stitched into Yes. The resulting album is 100% a Yes album and stood the test of time. The production of the album is the sharpest and crispest the band has done. The hangover from the album laid the foundations for the mega-success of 90125. Another amazing documentary (with welcoming narration local to me!)

[@raymondhartmeijer9300]

I agree and also with the documentary. The Paris sessions do sound as if they're tired and running out of good ideas.. It sounds like they were making a Jon Anderson solo record. They lacked an edge and a drama in the music. Messiah, Does it really happen, Tempus F all had that rocking quality that the band needed, even if that ment they had to go ahead without Anderson

[@220773]

The Paris sessions were typically Yes, this album is so un-Yes, we've finally got to take this and accept it. 'Drama' will remain an unfinished project and their best album. As you can clearly see, I'm not a Yes lover at all, so take me for what I am, I'm not trying to be in tune with you fans so I know I'll probably upset some of yous.

[@hpatss4966]

@@220773 bro you might as well just say “I want attention”

[@johng2880]

It's usually trouble if you can understand Jon's lyrics clearly.

[@220773]

@@hpatss4966 That's what you like to think. I simply speak my heart out, for me myself first and for those who might connect with it. All the rest doesn't bother me at all, I know many people might disagree, not a problem. So there you go, lad.

[@caramanico1]

While I loved The Yes Album through Going For The One, I wasn't stuck on holding them to that sound/feel. When Drama came out it instantly became one of my top couple of fave Yes albums. One of the most underrated albums ever.

[@BKastrosky]

Right, Close to the Edge sucks! And that singer with high pitched voice - how great that he didn't sing on that brilliant album!

[@guitarpedaldemos9121]

I liked Drama

[@jtoms3]

@@BKastrosky Okay, I'll admit it: I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or sincere.

[@louise_rose]

Yeah, it's not a bad album at all - just different! (must have seemed very confusing to fans at the time though, because Anderson and Wakeman had come to be seen as essential elements of the band). It will have helped that Trevor Horn was not just a superb producer, but also a big and long-term fan of Yes - something that wasn't true of most young bands during those years! Horn is on record saying that seeing Yes (with Patrick Moraz on keys) during the Relayer tour in 1975 (probably the London Queen 's Park gig, which was filmed by the BBC and has been released on dvd since) was one of the most powerful and moving shows he went to during the entire 1970s, and I understand him - I too LOVE Relayer and its particular sound, that album was far ahead of its time and a musical triumph. :)

[@3243_]

Downes' metallic/glassy B3 chords and Squire's flanged bass on "Tempus Fugit" are among the band's greatest moments.

[@gordonlandreth9550]

Totally agree , right - the bass put through a flanger . A cool organ sound , and one of the hottest arrangements ever by Yes .

[@ArtB414]

Squire owned a bass guitar which had a flanger system unit build in. He used that in couple Yes songs. It was very distinctive. You couldn't miss it.

[@johnsharp71]

It was a Hammond J122, so far as I am aware; he didn't have a B3 until he bought my old one, previously owned by Ken Hensley, prior to the second Asia album. It can be viewed in all its tubular steel legged glory on the Asia in Asia video although, frankly, it sounds awful!

[@3243_]

Well, it sounded great on "Tempus Fugit". :)

[@3243_]

And thank you for the correction/elucidation.

[@winstontk]

This documentary is absolutely ASTONISHING!! So incredibly well done. I totally agree with so much of the commentary as well. What a fascinating era for this incredible band. Congratulations, sir, on producing such a fine piece of work for us all to enjoy.

[@progrockdocs]

Cheers mate, I really appreciate comments like this.

[@andreklawa-tecladodescompl5975]

I agree!! Abraços do Brasil!!!! Hugs from Brazil!!!!

[@Frip36]

"This documentary is absolutely ASTONISHING!!" Wrote Winstonk after snorting a 6 inch line of coke.

[@MurfTunes]

Thank you for this doc. I was able to interview Steve Howe several years ago on my radio show. I told him Drama was my favorite Yes album. He said he had great affection for the project.

[@aeropilot4419]

The last of Howe’s peak creative period is on Drama, imho

[@darkcharles7472]

@@aeropilot4419 Thats 100%. He never played with that intensity and power again. Shame.

[@monicadonnelly4991]

@@aeropilot4419 What happened to him after that

[@autk]

After Drama and Asia, Howe went lounge with his sound and style, killed my heart

[@autk]

​@@darkcharles7472 Facts

[@allenbrooksoffical]

I received this album as a Christmas gift when it was released... I was just a kid but knew of Yes from roundabout. This record had a huge impact on me. It's very unique! Love this record.....

[@davethomas6337]

1980, a 16 year old wanted to give trial to a band he never heard of, but where to begin? I tried the latest album. From first note to end note I was frozen in amazement with each instrument BUSY and so well orchestrated!!! This quickly became my daily practise album with guitar & bass, along with Rush & Pink Floyd. Howe’s playing style appeared to be a prelude to Asia music. To this day I crank up Drama, so as to send me to bed full of incredible music in my mind- note for note with each instrument. Thank you Drama Crew- Howe, Squire, White, Downes & Horn

[@giovannigalvagno6968]

I share the same story, with the difference that I was 12 and not 16 and I asked my aunt the LP Drama as a present for Christmas. From then on Yes were always in my life and built a sort of Soundtrack to it!

[@GraachAhim]

Some albums from exactely the same era were also ill-received at the time, but as the years-decades passed most people came to understand them and recognize them as the true mastepieces they were. I'm talking about Genesis' Duke and Zeppelin's In Through The Outdoor.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

Drama was one of the best YES records, for me. I've been a fan since 1971. The band grew and they've always changed to fit the times. I'm a huge Jon Anderson fan, but Trevor Horn brought a new voice, and a good one, and Geoff Downes was a perfect fit. Great video.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

@Randy A I like Benoit very much. I wish they'd kept him instead of Davison - his voice, while more like Horn's, sometimes has a bite or edge like Anderson's.

[@rhoadnaroahs]

I didn't discover this album until 1986. Being a huge Yes, Asia and Buggles fan, I somehow found out that Geoff and Trevor were on Drama and bought it immediately. Loved it since then!

[@dreamscuba]

Drama is one of my favourite Yes albums. I love the energy and riffs... it's classic. Thanks for the documentary.

[@jprph1]

This was an absolute delight to watch. I consider myself a pretty big Yes fan, but many of the historical points that were covered in this documentary I had never known about. I appreciate all the time and effort put forth to produce this and I subscribed to the channel and I’m looking forward to reviewing the rest of the content by this creator. Congratulations on a job well done!🎉❤

[@major9991]

There are many great albums by Yes, Fragile , Close to the edge are on top for me. Then Drama is next, its fresh and dynamic throughout the album. I saw Yes touring the "Drama" album. Such a great concert!

[@gabesvidz]

Love Drama. It brought a 3rd dimension to Yes and gave them a much needed punch that really kicked ass & modernized them at a changing time in rock. Excellent rockumentary.

[@ElCrusherDeCraneos]

I have to tell you as a Rush fan early on when my good friend turned me on to Yes (he wasn't into Rush) I loved their music but Drama quickly became my all time favorite recording from the band. It is still in my regular rotation of music to play in my car and phone. It's as timeless as ever! Also, I'm a huge Buggles fan and I thank you for making this informative documentary as I've often wondered how the album came to be! Kudos to you!!!

[@randolphmcinvale3609]

ddddddddd

[@randolphmcinvale3609]

trrrr 13:07 13:08 😮😮😅😅😅😮

[@BrentAdams]

Drama became, probably, my favorite Yes Album. It had the "life" and vitality reminiscent in many groups first albums. It also seemed like more of a complete work, rather than a varied collection, like a few of their other albums.

[@mpRamosgroove]

Great job on this documentary. It really struck me when you compared Drama to The Yes Album because they are my favorite two albums by YES.

[@aschule5684]

Such a brilliant masterpiece ! Steve Chris and Alan played with a genuine enthusiasm for this project with unexpected newbies that created a YES not heard before or since. A captured moment in time that will forever stand alone in it's unique flare and excitement. Sometimes out of chaos comes magic!

[@autk]

Definitely

[@davidbutler8096]

Thank you for another fantastically researched and delivered video. YES is the band I've seen the most times live, and it's a shame that Jon and Steve can't bury the hatchet and give us longtime fans one last tour. Drama was a turning point for a lot of the old school fans, but I, like the majority here, liked it...a lot. Trevor Horn hit it out of the park with his involvement with FGTH and Welcome to the Pleasuredome, which I think is the best track...with a cameo from Steve.

[@mathames4679]

Fantastic, well done. All of your hard work on the audio and visuals is worthwhile.

[@antfactor]

First rock concert I ever saw - at 14 years old. It blew me away! And the Fairlight never lost my imagination. Kudos to Horn and Downes for breathing new sonic vistas into the Yes vocabulary... 🙏

[@brianostube]

Extremely well done! I hadn't seen many of these photos before - great research & production to pull this all together!

[@tommonk7651]

Drama came out when I was in college, and I had the album. I always liked it quite a bit.

[@stevelanemusic4463]

I'm only a 1/4th of the way in, and I can already say this is brilliant, yet again. Fantastic content brother, as always...

[@mattbrowne7862]

As an avid Yes fan for 40+ years, I really love the fade in of Does It Really Happen! Such a great jam and I'm so drawn to the off beat going on with Howe and Downes. Always fresh to listen to. Yay Yes

[@TomHolliday9]

Great take on this period of Yes' history! Thanks for posting this. Really enjoyed it. Drama has always ranked pretty high in their catalog for me..

[@minsterhill]

Rael!!!! You rock! Nothing else could be or should be said. Thank you!!!

[@2LegsAPaulMcCartneyPodcast]

Knocked it out of the park again! Thank you! Please keep doing more Yes albums!

[@TheSteveSteele]

Excellent commentary! I’ve always liked Drama. In fact, after the early albums with Bruford, and Relayer, Drama sits solidly after those. I now remember the Page and Squire attempt. I’d forgotten about that.

[@Justin_Kipper]

Saw the band on the Drama tour in Tulsa. Wasn't sure what to make of it or the album itself at the time. But over the years, I've come to appreciate how good the album is, and it's probably what Yes needed to do at that point. It's an essential and important part of the long and somewhat mysterious musical road that Yes traveled, some of which we'll never know the full story behind...but we have the most important part of the story: the music itself. Great video, your work in making these is much appreciated!

[@lylesmith3506]

This is a great album. I play it all the time. Finally Steve, Chris and Alan could open up.

[@skeezix64]

Fantastic “documentary?” In 1980 I was 16 and a fanatical Yes fan. Seeing this tour in the round in LA in the 5th row, was such a thrill. Of course I was somewhat devastated not to have Rick and Jon up there on the stage, but Steve Chris and Alan were three of my heroes. Seems so long ago and yet remains so vivid. And I still love Drama. Always will.

[@tragus44]

same here same age also was a yes fanatic

[@gabesvidz]

I also was at the sports arena for that tour but was 18.

[@SteveBello]

When I was getting into Yes in the early 80s, people told me not to buy DRAMA but glad I didn't listen to them. I think it's a fantastic album, definitely in my top 5 Yes albums! It's almost 'metal' for Yes!

[@BKastrosky]

I am a camera, camera is metal indeed! LOL!

[@markwdixon]

Thank you! Really enjoyed this video. I'm a long time Yes fan who was very surprised to find that I loved Drama when it came out. Still sounds great today. Cheers!

[@tomfenn7149]

Still my favourite YES recording. And when I sold all my records, 'Drama' was the one YES album I kept, and still have. Agree completely that it still sounds modern and fresh today. It does! My 17 year old daughter loves it too. Great video!

[@marinhrabric6162]

great album, just as good as the previous albums. one of my favourites. and i have to say this channel is doing wonders with these documentaries.

[@2112Relayer]

Great work...Drama has always been one of my favorite Yes albums. I seem to remember an interview with Howe from the time in which he explains that he and Jon simply weren't seeing eye to eye on what an 80's version of the band should sound like. Howe even said that all of Jon's material from the time equated to "airy fairy bits of music", while Howe wanted something grittier. On past albums, they were able to work things out as most of their best material combines sections of Howe's rockier playing and Jon's softer approach. I guess they just got fed up with compromising with each other. I think those things combined with the fact that the classic lineup had to be burnt out at the time led to artistic change becoming a necessity.

[@grantpenton1850]

The AWBH story I read asserts that Jon and Steve did not communicate for almost a decade after the split, and that the reunion happened only because Jon talked to Rick about a joint project and Ricked talked to Bill who was working with Steve at the time, who initially had no interest in ever working with Jon again... like the state of the band today!

[@2112Relayer]

@@grantpenton1850 I certainly don't envy the creative process that these guys must have gone through back then. Write, record, tour...maybe get a couple weeks off here and there. Pressure from the record company to continue this cycle every year. It has to become a real grind after a while and topped off with the fact that it's the same bunch of guys their stuck with. I imagine it would be very easy, friendships aside, to get really annoyed at the others from time to time. I think Jon assumed when he left Yes, that would be the end of the band. I don't believe he considered that they may want to try it without him. It happened back in the Drama days and happened again later on when Jon was going through his health issues and was replaced by Benoit. Working with the same people all the time, each of whom have their own agenda, has to be a serious drag. You get to the point where you know how the others will respond to a question before asking it, so topics stay buried instead of being brought out into the open. There aren't a whole lot of bands that have been able to survive that without taking years off to recharge every now and then. Unfortunately, I think Jon and Steve have passed the point of no return years ago.

[@barrykimber]

Agree totally that this is one Yes album that doesn't seem to sound dated. I can recall the hostility from many fans to the idea of 'plastic pop' in the form of Buggles teaming up with the remants of Yes, but it actually worked....i loved this album & saw them on the UK leg of the Drama tour and they were excellent, a real shame they didn't go on to do more together

[@nelmquist]

Agreed. Never would expect Yes+Buggles to mix, but the key factor is talent. Trevor Horn is a brilliant music mind.

[@jefflofgren5304]

All 5 of the same musicians regrouped for the Yes album "Fly From Here-Return Trip" something like 30 years later!

[@kevhead1525]

The new wave Yes album. Looking forward to this.

[@louise_rose]

I remember hearing Anderson saying in some interview: "We had a lot of fine dinners in Paris, with quite a bit of good wine, while we were also trying to work out an album. One day when Rick and I were the only ones to show up at the studio after one of these dinners, we stood there looking at each other across a large table with tape reels, paper sheets and bottles, considering the situation. That's when we both felt that the sessions had more or less stalled, and decided to pull out of the band". This is probably a bit stylized and oversimplified, but it may catch some of what it felt like in the band at the time... :)

[@cjo2012]

Bless Ya Loise Rose. And Merry Christmas.

[@louise_rose]

@@cjo2012 Yes, it's a rather funny picture he painted, isn't it? ;) Merry Christmas and Many Happy Returns!

[@yes_head]

I gather Anderson was working with Vangelis on the Short Stories album in early '79, before the Yes tour that year. But I also get the sense that experience shifted his whole working style and the kind of music he wanted to make. Rick seemed sympathetic, but there must also have been big personality conflicts going on. In the Dan Hedges book he refers to Steve Howe ripping into Jon at one point. I have a feeling much of their current dysfunction dates all the way back to that period.

[@skeezix64]

Thats really sad. Those guys are all such heroes to me. I got to meet all five of the classic line up in 1996 at a private performance at Tower Records in Hollywood. I guess it makes me sad that they didn’t honor themselves and their deeply devoted fans enough to handle adversity better than they did back then, and again when Jon was sick a few years ago and they just moved on without him. Man those shows in SLO in ‘96 and then the tours in the early aughts with Wakeman. Priceless how we all got to recapture it together for a while, while Chris was still alive.

[@yes_head]

@@skeezix64 What's *really* tragic is that it seems a lot of the rift was because of Jon and Chris' wives not getting along. Which is really stupid considering both marriages were over by the end of the 80's.

[@mjc1970]

I'm baffled... and when I say baffled, I truly can't fathom why any Yes album would be disregarded... their collective artistry surpasses mere music; it's akin to finding brilliance in every nail clipping from their little finger compared to anything else that currently goes around. Just rejoice we have all these albums... yes?

[@barryclay9084]

My friends and I were always amazed at the crisp, clear production of Drama. This album sounded sooo fresh, especially when compared to Tormato. We would crank it up in my car (which was white, incidentally) and always listened to it in one sitting, so to speak. It has remained the most played of all my Yes albums. Tempus Fugit!

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

SO. Once again I had avant garde taste that was ahead of the times... Has been years, but here I am yet again revisiting an ol' favorite friend.

[@progrockdocs]

Welcome back my frien.....

[@lordybomb]

It's absolutely worth it- all you've been doing... I learn so much and hear so many things that are new... just saying thank you.

[@joshcreasey]

You did more than an incredible job with this doc. I love the Drama album. Great job with this!

[@kennybrown1315]

Superb documentary of a time in the band that should never be forgotten for all the best reasons. Great musicianship, production, engineering, songwriting, its only a pity a decent live recording and video doesnt exist. Horn and Downes gave them a reboot and its arguable 90125 wouldnt have happened without this line up. It allowed Yes to move on from Anderson and when they brought him back it was on the band’s terms. It was good that some Drama songs were given an airing when Benoit David was in the band and for me Fly From Here is a stunning album. Also Topographic Drama tour put the album back on the map. Great work mate

[@joebill3400]

So rich with precious information, so well written, wonderfully documented, so interesting...Outstanding. Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing.

[@progrockdocs]

Cheers mate!

[@joebill3400]

@@progrockdocs thank YOU !

[@burke9497]

Hey brother. Can’t wait to watch this one. I bought this album the day it was released, which happened to be the day I left home for college. Also saw yes on this tour in Pittsburgh. It’s a special recording for me. Thank you for your great videos!

[@eyesoftheworld362]

Loved Drama and both tours. Go Through This and Fly From Here were wonderful surprises on their first tour. Squire and Howe stepped up with more harmonies with Squire assisting Horn on lead. Loved Horn on all the classics, especially And You And I.

[@julienthomas8321]

Thanks a lot, this is a brilliant insight and it does much justice to this criminally underrated album. Your documentaries are awesome, please keep up the good stuff, many thanks in advance ! Best wishes from France.

[@rickshearer]

Drama IS and ALWAYS will be a proper YES album!

[@BKastrosky]

Really?

[@rickshearer]

Does it really happen? Yes! @@BKastrosky

[@lesimprosdulezardvert1342]

I always thought that "Drama" was the nervous point between Chris Squire and Jon Anderson. Yes made their music revolution, and they needed it too, without Jon Anderson. He came back when all the work was done for "90125", but the acrymony still lives when Anderson tried to get back the direction of the band. And we know the story, Big Generator, ABWH, Union, Talk, and after, get back to the original Yes with Keys to Ascension. It can explain why Chris Squire got rid of Jon Anderson in 2008 (?) But as a fan, I deplore the loss of Jon Anderson's voice. The current Yes is just a shame

[@charleshemphill6923]

Im just happy to have seen Steve play

[@Jeff-o-Lee]

I agree. The current YES is a shame. After the 2004 tour, Jon wanted a break. Then he got sick. So, in 2008, the guys told Wakeman that they are moving on. Wakeman wanted no part of YES. Supposedly Jon & Chris reached out to each other of a possible future but, Chris passed. Jon said on Rick Beato's channel that Steve was dodging him during the '17 R&R Hall of Fame. Geddy Lee said there was a schism between ARW & Yes during the rehearsals. So, it's best Rick & Wakeman moved on. Without Chris & even Alan, it's not Yes

[@nickmonks9563]

@@Jeff-o-Lee "Without Chris & even Alan, it's not Yes." I think it can be, though...these just aren't the musicians to capture the spirit of what Yes is. Yes isn't a sound...it's more like a philosophy of music making. There is a "something" underneath everything that defines them - an "X" factor if you will beyond just big, tight, high harmonies, rhythmic creativity, dream-like lyrics and expansive melodies and solos...there's an energy that underlies the band's best work, and I believe the right musicians could find it. Unfortunately, I feel like the current band is more of facsimile of Yes' components than the keeper of the flame that truly defines the band.

[@garyevans3051]

As a life long Yes fan i say go to hell Steve Howe. Yes is not Yes without Jon Anderson.

[@220773]

Not being a Yes fan but a Genesis one indeed I do think this will hurt you quite a lot but, man, I still think Yes' main problem has always been Steve Howe. Not Chris, not Jon. Steve Howe, to me one of the most overrated guitar players ever. Multiple licks everywhere, constantly playing and fitting in any bit of any song, getting sometimes lost in what he's doing and even (ever noticed?) missing some notes and mistaking them. He fared much better on classic and acoustic guitars. He did all that in Yes and while on 'The Yes Album' someone must have told him to play WITH the band and not as a soloist, what he was left free to do in the subsequent albums is such a shame. I can't get why Rick Wakeman could stand all this, he was constantly overshadowed by Howe. Jon Anderson seemed to like it, after all he also tends to build music non-stop losing himself into it... what Yes lacked was (as Rael here says) 'precision and control'. They never knew when it was time to stop it and turn pages... strangely enough, they succeded in doing that only on 'Tales', in my opinion, there are many more silent and sweet moments in those tunes, unlike what usually happened in Yes. When you hear this band you can lose your breath, not because it's breathtaking but simply because you just can't breathe all through this mess!!! 'Tormato' is their worst example ever. How can you really like that album? Apart from its opener, a fine song that reminds me of my dear bagpipes (I'm Scottish), the rest is unlistenable. It was good they broke up after that, it shows justice exists and this band couldn't go on playing senselessly for more and more years. Genesis were quite the opposite: measure, sense of melody, control, craftwork. And Genesis were much more direct and even forward looking than Yes. Anyway, if ever someone got rid of Jon Anderson don't point your fingers on Chris alone, he's the best Yes music writer, he could punch you straight in the eye with his aggressive tunes... try and check out what Steve Howe had in his mind... now Chris has gone, so why is Steve not considering letting Jon in again? There must be something wrong............ 'Drama' will remain a lone gem, unrepeated , probably not repeatable. Their best album by far. But I'm a Genesis man, not a Yes one, proudly.

[@Kev3542]

These Yes documentaries are excellent. I was a massive fan as a teenager - indeed, I saw Yes during the Drama tour of 1980 - and now over 40 years later I'm getting g back into them.

[@arthurbristol1611]

I appreciate the hours, days and weeks it took to create this documentary. Yes was always a deep dive for a young listener, and Drama was just as demanding and rewarding as it's predecessors. You've illuminated the process and psychology of Drama's creation and the band's internal reaction in a historical context. A beautiful accomplishment, and worthy of accolades. To a community who love Yes as individuals, and Yes as an evolving collective, this KZbin post delivers a 33 minute goldmine.

[@gregggoss2210]

When my friends and myself purchased tickets for this show, there was absolutely no mention of the personnel change by anyone involved. Not the promoter, not the radio stations, no one. We felt betrayed and cheated. Strangely enough, when Asia formed and toured, we forgot it and moved on. Looking back now, the show was good but it didn't feel like it at the time. By the way, great job on this. You are awesome.

Thanks for this one. 'Drama' was my first Yes record and it still ranks among their best albums in my book. I knew there was a lot of music written before and after the 'Drama' sessions, but I was unfamiliar with the original demos, except for some of the stuff they recorded with JP.

[@johnreed9435]

Was 16 when this came out and remember it well. I even bought on the old Columbia Records 10 for $1 deal. I simply love the album and now this documentary too. Thank you!

[@MuzixMaker]

Tempus Fugit is one f my favorite Yes tracks. Amazing energy.

[@fallingmanuk]

My older brother took to Hammersmith Odeon for the first time December 1980 to see Yes with the Buggles chaps - wow what a first London gig! I was 13 years old but already mad about prog rock especially Genesis and Yes, and already a wannabe synth player so Geoff Downes' keyboard rig was highly drollworthy! Really enjoyed this documentary as I do all your other ones so thank you so much and keep up the fantastic work.

[@WolfhandsYouTube]

Chris was using his Ranney 8 string bass heavily in these sessions - it sounds so good, especially cranked through a Marshall.

[@ednewton4455]

To make this documentary for KZbin is so applaudable. Hats off to you, I have really enjoyed it. And for what it's worth, one of my top 5 Yes albums 🙌

[@ednewton4455]

Although (as I type on Dec 23rd) sad to dismiss Run With the Fox ☹️

[@marksaxon]

Great video! One of my favorite Yes albums. I don't care if Jon isn't on it. It had a fresh sound and memorable songs I still listen to today. Can't remember the last time I listened to Tormato. Lol.

[@GTP_Mars]

Brilliant documentary, heartfelt commentary and stunning depth of information - and, above all, a great testimony to a unique incarnation of a unique band, great work!

[@daveycretin664]

Engaging, exciting, excellent, and exquisite. Another extraordinary entry into your unique and unequivocal palatial prog programming pantheon. Three cheers to you! Greetings from Noo Yawk, ova heyah!! Prog On!!! 🎸 🎹 🥁 🎤

[@progrockdocs]

I am in awe, Sir, at your affecting and articulate alliteration 🤓

[@daveycretin664]

@@progrockdocs ~ ¡Muchas Gracias, Señor! Murray Christmas 🎄, Happy Chanukah, Groovy Kwanza & a Fun-Filled Festivus to you and yours! 🤘😇🤘

[@dr91262]

i was also at that show at Notre Dame for the Drama Tour. I was in Heaven! All were seated and i walked up the aisle to take awesome shots of Chris and the group! Big moment in my life! They were great! i had no problem with Trevor singing lead, it matched the 80s Drama scene for me.

[@JohnHancotte]

Terrific use of the non-album demos and other historic bits. Your attention to detail makes for an ideal recounting of the this historical album. I remember being turned off by the lack of Jon and Rick. My buds had the album and I was converted by their enthusiasm for this mainly uptempo and rocking album. Too bad they didn't make a true follow up, but then the lineup was always in a state of flux.

[@zephead64]

Really enjoyed this mini doc! Having been a Yes fan for a few years prior to Drama, I was initially skeptical about the new line up but quickly ended up loving the Drama album. I still play it quite often and consider it a masterpiece.

[@leddygee1896]

Drama is my favorite album by far, Not to say any of their other albums Are bad, they just seemed to hit the Sweet spot in their creativity. thanks for showing some background details of this record. It was fantastic!!

[@LoneLee2022]

It's a brilliant album.

[@williamlangan5902]

Watching this documentary has given me more of an appreciation for Drama. I always loved Tempus Fugit and liked Does It Really Happen and Machine Messiah. My least favorite was Into The Lens. Of course I missed Jon Anderson. How can you not? The 1979 songs are interesting but could've used some more production work, as great a producer as Roy Thomas Baker is. Run With The Fox wasn't that bad. It was interesting but I found a parody of it A New Pair Of Socks more entertaining. Once again, a great documentary. Thanks for making it!

[@sogggyyy]

Two of my all-time favorites are Tormato and The Paris Sessions. However, Drama was so distinctive and the complexity of the songs necessitated multiple listenings. Without Drama launching Yes into the 1980s, we wouldn't have 90125 and Big Generator.

[@paulwilliams6593]

Your documentaries are awesome. I have been a huge Yes fan for nearly 50 years (as well as Genesis) and a huge lover of all music and I have learned many things from these very well researched and professionally assembled pieces. Many congratulations and very well done !!

[@natema5927]

Great video! It took a few listens for Drama to grow on me, but nowadays it’s one of my favorites

[@LoneLee2022]

Oh for sure..................

[@skinner5334]

Top notch record. Absolutely some of the best drum sounds I’ve ever heard. Run with the fox is a classic Christmas/ holiday track- warms my heart every year like clockwork and it arguably gets Yes the most “mainstream” listens in the catalog. It sneaks into unsuspecting ears- you can’t beat that!

[@marcjdt5796]

The first album of Yes i heard in 1983... I discovered how the bass could be creative !

[@LoneLee2022]

Because Squire was the best bass player that ever lived.

[@rranswerman]

Really nice, thanks. I loved this tour. Alan White's drum riser rising up and spinning the opposite direction as the rest of the band during Machine Messiah was way cool. The King Biscuit Flower hour played songs from the live shows before they came to LA, including (I think) And You and I so I knew going in that the earlier songs were going to be played well.

[@Kenneth_Fishing]

Part of why the album is so good is because Chris and Howe were given the reigns and were able to do whatever they wanted. They are full of ideas and energy

[@autk]

Indeed!!

[@bizzynomo6624]

Drama is one of my favorite YES LP's. I was amazed how seamlessly the Buggles integrated into the YES sound. I get why some fans rejected this line up and dismissed the LP but I think it holds up very well in the context of their body of work.

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

I love the Drama album. It sounds like Steve Howe finally learned how to get a decent, gritty rock tone from his guitar, like he started using an overdrive pedal, and it sounds great.

[@richardmorgan1588]

Thank you for digging up and so marvelously presenting us this wonderful window into the band that was the introduction of the very concept of “progressive rock” to myself and … dare I say… most others! I’d love to get my hands on that album “Golden Age”. Most of that was new to me and I’ve been a Yes fan since I bought Fragile the year it came out which was one of the first rock albums I ever bought! These kinds of videos really enrich me! Please know you are appreciated and we would love to see more!

[@craigfazekas3923]

Out of all of Steve Howe's lead/solo guitar work in Yes ? The outro to Run to The Light is among my very favorites. It has a almost etherial sound to it- the sound that a beautiful sunset would make, if it could..... 🚬😎

[@progrockdocs]

Whilst making this doc it was Howe’s playing on ‘I am a camera’ that I was most impressed by.

[@craigfazekas3923]

@@progrockdocs I was fortunate enough to see Steve solo twice. Both were super memories. The 1st time was Halloween night at the TLA in Philly, 2000. While walking up & down South St. prior to the gig ? I hear live KISS music, and growing louder as I walked along. Yup, unmistakenly, are blasting the sounds of the song 'Got to Choose'. There was a KISS tribute band playing a free show outdoors on Halloween night. They focused on all the early material- Deuce, Strutter, Parasite, Cold Gin, ect. What a trip.... And the second Steve Howe gig I saw was at a Yacht Club in Belmar, NJ- with an extremely noisy & rude crowd. Steve was clearly miffed as well- he politely asked the crowd why they came if they weren't going to listen. Yeah. Prior to that show ? I'd just bought the King Crimson CD of the entire Asbury Park show in '74. Asbury Park was near Belmar, so I went to the original Casino where KC played, and listened with my eyes closed with headphones on at full volume- just soaking it in & knowing I was going to see Mr. Howe immediately after. It was great. I was wasted on painkillers too- being that I was an addict at the time. Fun ? You bet.... I also saw Joe Walsh at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park too- 10 years prior. And stayed at The Empress that night, knowing that Crimson stayed there when they played there in '74. Btw- what is Fred Flintstone's fave rock band ? Of course; King Crimstone..... Sorry. 🚬😎

[@monicadonnelly4991]

@@craigfazekas3923❤❤❤

[@Terminus1962]

What an incredible and poignant testament to an incredible and very progressive album. It truly is a Yes album in every way. It also gives us Yes fans a glimpse of some of the music that could have been and helps restore dignity to the band after so much "drama". Thank you for the hard work you put into this documentary. I will view it many times!!

[@chazblitz]

This album has always been my favorite with Relayer a close second.

[@progrockdocs]

Several people here have said this. With myself included. They go hand in hand.

[@nelmquist]

IMHO: 1. Fragile 2. Relayer 3. The Yes Album 4. Close to the Edge 5. Drama 6. 90125 7. Tormato 8... everything else drops off from here for me with a few bright spots (Wonderous Stories, Shoot High Aim Low...

[@fabiohaeser8742]

'Drama' has always been a very important sound discovery to me. Still nowadays every time I listen to the albuns it's like a new throughout to arrive. So I please and give many thanks for this documentary. Salute from Brazil!

[@craigwillms61]

To this day Drama is my favorite Yes album.

[@afargreencountry6324]

Big 70’s Yes fan. Yes at Wembley gigs were amazing. I was at school and my friends had a good laugh at Buggles joining Yes. From day one I loved the Drama album and still do. Glad none of the post-Tormato demo stuff made it to the following Yes album. Tormato was great although it is a bit thin sounding. That’s my 2 pennies worth. 🙂

[@tonysienzant6717]

I've always felt that the "TORMATO" album was a much better album than "DRAMA." I loved ALL the tracks on it, especially the ones dismissed by the narrator of this video. To me, "TORMATO" was a re-invigorated YES, with catchy & clever songs, often pared down in time-length. It is finely recorded & beautifully sounding in stark contrast to the Punk movement at the time. It is highly enjoyable from start to finish & remains one of my all-time favorites of theirs, alongside "CLOSE TO THE EDGE" & "FRAGILE" & some of their earlier albums which first put them on the map, pre-Rick Wakeman.

[@redstrat1234]

As usual, an excellent presentation and assessment of the album. Good work sir, I look forward to your next post.

[@artmccartan4911]

It was at this point in time I gave up on Yes,. not because of the music, because some "expert" claimed the Buggles duo ruined Yes. Shame on him and shame on me.

[@chrisjanisch330]

Long time Yes fan here as many are, with my first show being Relayer with Pat Moraz. Fortunately I had purchased the record and gotten quite used to it before the show. Like many I was skeptical going into it, but as usual, Yes delivered. Horn did a great job with Anderson’s vocal parts, but didn’t try to sound like Jon which was really refreshing. The band was tight, and the new material was solid and delivered perfectly. Overall a great record with solid songs and what I really like is that it’s its own record. They didn’t try to recreate classic Yes, instead they wrote and performed songs that fit the lineup and the times in which it was released. This record is a solid 10+

[@robtymec2045]

If I had any real complaint about Drama, it would be that I wish it had a few more tracks on it. It was an interesting transitional album that did some really great experimentation. I really like it. Each track is quite enjoyable. Even if it is weird not to hear Jon's voice on it.

[@rockingtr1]

I will never forget a very long power outage at a Chicago show that was met by much booing, mostly directed at Geoff's computer screen, eerily still glowing. Great to see that program art again. I concur this is "very metal" for Yes as I have claimed for years. Now ya'all go watch the Tempus Fugit video and check out the old overhead lights from Awaken disassembled as triangles.

[@colinburroughs9871]

Drama is just a weird thing that happened that bridges so many loose ends in Yes lore together it's very unique and underrated. Has anyone else noticed that Does it Really Happen and It Can Happen have all kinds of overlapping elements including subtle bits of synth texture in the background?

[@progrockdocs]

Certainly, I am curious as to what other parts of Yes songs he had a direct influence on?

[@gr8dane626]

Drama pretty much marked the end of Yes. That said... I fucking LOVE Drama.

[@gr8dane626]

@@eyesoftheworld362 yeah... not for me. Again, I LOVED Drama. But it is not a "YES" album for me.

[@colinburroughs9871]

@@gr8dane626 It's funny right? And I'm certain my perspective is different because I didn't live through this (my first gig was the Talk tour as a kid). I see Talk as the end of the band being a legitimate risk taking endeavor making up for the attempted suicide that was Union. Subsequent Talk they sort of went into legacy mode, even though a few of those newer-ish tracks are pretty good.

[@gr8dane626]

@@eyesoftheworld362 Of course it can be answered. I just answered it. I didn't think I had to add that it was just my opinion. So, IMHO Yes stops at Tormato. They have no great songs or albums after that. And FWIW I can't stand Davison. He does not do it for me. No one but Anderson does. David came close. Again... just my opinion!

[@trioofone8911]

Long time Yes fan. I always loved the Drama album