Remembering Alan White (R.I.P.) with Yes' Turn of the Century and CTTE (Yessongs) | Episode 405

[@rodneygriffin7666]

I cannot express how much this band and their music has enriched my life for over 50 years.

[@progfrog5623]

I’m right there with you! I was going to leave pretty much the same comment, truly the soundtrack to my life.

[@Heatherofscots]

I could go on and on about Yes. They are BY FAR and away my favorite band (have been from a very tender age). Masters of their craft and not just great musicians noodling on but wrote some of the best compositions I've ever heard. It is not hyperbole for me to say that their best works are a religious experience for me. RIP Alan, Chris and Peter 🕊

[@danruetenik3583]

So agree...Made my life full

[@richardjosephus6802]

Yes, ELP

[@rodneygriffin7666]

I am extremely grateful to have experienced the late sixties and early seventies in my youth in America. Fantastic British bands like: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Clash, ELP, The Sex Pistols, Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Deep Purple etc.. Along with Motown, Stax , Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and so many, many more. Music, I believe is the greatest accomplishment mankind has given this beautiful blue dot of a planet that we ALL call Home. ✌️❤️

[@IAmGRX]

Alan White was amazing. One of my best friends, who actually taught me to play bass in the 90s, is Jon Davison. The current singer for YES. Decades before Jon(I call him Juano) joined YES he was the bass player in a band with a bunch of my friends called Sky Cries Mary from here in Seattle. Alan and Juano knew each other and after the SCM sound track I got to have lunch with my wife, Juano and Alan before the SCM gig. He was just the nicest English bloke you'd ever want to meet. Just a regular guy that happened to be the drummer in an iconic band. Juano's the same way really. Just a dude that sings in an amazing band. R.I.P. Alan! You rocked my friend. You were awesome and Seattle will miss you living around here.

[@davidyoung7418]

Alan White played a larger part in composition than most people realise. The perfect all round musician and a hero of mine. RIP Alan ~ borne away on the silent wings of freedom.

[@alexbolt4406]

Amazing that two very different drummers found themselves in Yes, and not a beat was missed.

[@vccgmarkpearce4984]

He was a good enough pianist to have auditioned for the keyboard vacancy whenever it came up.

[@billcaradonna608]

@@vccgmarkpearce4984 He played all the keyboards on Magnification

[@artysanmobile]

Very nice tribute, David.

[@bélalugrisi]

"He was My best man at my wedding to Janee in Maui 1997…We love you Alan and will miss you…You were just the best of the best for Yes, and an amazing drummer...We wrote 'Turn of the Century' together all those years ago, just one of so many wonderful times together…he was a gentle soul." - Jon Anderson, Anderson's message concludes, "And now you're in heaven…resting after the long journey Home to meet your dear Mom who you loved so much...Blessings brother."

[@heart9426]

I got think about Jon writing those lines and that broke my heart. RIP ALAN 😞

[@johnkru1295]

Very good!

[@algreaves4515]

Alan live(d) about four minutes away from me on the East Side of Seattle in Newcastle. I couldn't believe it when I heard it ... I would see him out in his yard quite often. It would never occur to me to invade upon anyone's private life while at their home, or out eating dinner, etc... He always wore a black hat ... Not like Bonham's bowler hat... Just a cool black hat. I would listen to Big Generator or Imagine and think... "I just drove by that guy who's playing on these albums..." RIP Alan. I shan't see you in your garden forever more. Going For The One was one of my favorite albums as I was growing up. Alan White, Top bloke.

[@bélalugrisi]

@@algreaves4515 Thanks for sharing that memory! He was a truly talented drummer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, and a wonderful guy. Best to you! RIP Captain!

[@bélalugrisi]

@@johnkru1295 Alan was the only member of YES that called Jon when he almost died from respiratory arrest. Yeah, an amazing career, I will miss Alan and cherish his work. Best, John!

[@haljalykakik2384]

Turn of the Century is one of the most underrated Yes songs IMHO. This song slays me every time I hear it. Amazing balance of everything. And the ending... spectacular.

[@lizschneider3195]

Turn of the Century is one of the most beautiful and powerful songs in the Yes arsenal. Thank you Alan

[@SeriouslyLarry]

This is my favorite song by my favorite band. No piece of music has ever moved me like Turn of the Century.

[@rofavilla]

Steve Howe just crushed his guitar on this out of the world masterpiece! The tones and development of the song is one of the best examples of the band 's composition and performance skills . Kudos!

[@nancymjohnson]

Seeing Yes in the mid-70’s literally changed my life, to this day. Never missed a tour.

[@williamsporing1500]

Yes has been a huge part of my life.

[@jaskarissanen5899]

That's awesome. I saw them once here in Finland. 2001. Highlight of my life.

[@JeffreyBrock58]

Me too. 22 times.

[@brucereidelberger2154]

Saw them for the first time in 1973. Changed my life forever!

[@James-dt7ky]

@@brucereidelberger2154

[@jaquestraw1]

From Jon - Dear Alan. My best man at my wedding to Janee in Maui 1997 We love you and will miss you You were just the best of the best for Yes and wonderful soul... We wrote Turn of the Century together all those years ago, just one of so many wonderful times together… And now you’re in heaven ….resting after the long journey Home to meet your dear Mom...and Chris of course Blessings brother 💕💕💕💕 We love you so Alan. Jon&Janee🙏🙏🙏💕💕

[@briano.1503]

Thank you for this brother! ✌💀👍🧠🌌♾

[@stevennovakovich2525]

Life is short. Don't let it just pass you by.

[@LordGreystoke]

Turn of the Century is one of prog rocks (and rock in general) most beautiful ballad ever composed!

[@binnad7091]

The genius of Close to the Edge is how the composition and arrangement feels like it's just one stray thread away from completely unraveling... close, so close to the edge -- but it never quite goes over.

[@DavidJones-lz4io]

Jon put out a beautiful tweet earlier saying that Alan would be seeing his dear mother and Chris Squire in heaven very soon. Whether you believe or not, this certainly brought a tear to my jaundiced eye ❤️❤️

[@Magnetron33]

I remember Jon saying that when Jon was hospitalized with repiratory collapse, Alan was the only one that contacted him.

[@rcpsammy7186]

@@Magnetron33 that's true... I met Alan many times and he was incredibly nice.

[@jimilove7773]

You better believe it. 777

[@matto9734]

So good that we have recordings, videos and memories, right?

[@DavidJones-lz4io]

@@matto9734 So very true my friend 👍

[@MichaelVLang]

I was gifted front row tix for their 2015 tour at the Fox. Alan and Chris shared a brain, I experienced so much effortless music from both of them, I was lifted from my seat. Seeing Chris's wry smile when he went somewhere and Alan joined him, magical. Alan heard things that no one else did. A bit of Ringo, a bit of Ginger, a bit of Giles, and a huge dose of confidence and intelligence. When he hit a note, it was obvious it was him, his snare was so unique and full of personality and fire. I hate losing heroes.

[@bigua1428]

Time passes very quickly, it seems like yesterday when I was 12 years old and I heard that almost heavenly voice for the first time, and from then on Yes was part of my musical life, today at 61 years old I still get excited like when I was just a teenager discovering the most wonderful progressive rock musicians.

[@yestopographic73]

R.I.P Alan. I also raised my glass to my < All Time Favourite > drummer. Many thanks Doug for this beautiful tribute. Especially playing . This Song is Paradise On Earth. It is not beautiful, it is CELESTIAL.

[@JeffreyBrock58]

I have seen yes 22 times over 45 years until Jon left the band. I have met Alan several times. He was kind hearted and warm. I will miss him. Seeing Yes was a spiritual experience. The music effected you on more levels than just with your ears and eyes. It was combination excitement, awe and spiritual calm. Alan was awesome each and every time I saw them. He was a beautiful person.

[@bethrappeport9381]

Turn of the Century is an amazing piece, and the lyrics are truly poetry.

[@luvyesmusici4886]

The magic that is YES-music. The magic that was Alan White. Many/most drummers don't get the recognition that they deserve. Alan was a giant of a drummer/percussionist.Alan White was a true legend.

[@lylesmith3506]

Alan’s best playing I feel was the Going For The One album and Drama. He has a great feel and touch and excellent timing. I love the chime work he does on Awaken. Turn of the Century is a perfect choice and my favorite song Yes ever did. Harmonies and playing are superb. RIP Alan and Chris

[@andycarter9845]

This is GFTO's 'And You And I'

[@danielecardinali7349]

In Relayer he was from another planet

[@christopherwright8811]

If ever there was a more beautiful song than this, I have never heard it. RIP Alan White.

[@MichaelVLang]

Tormato gets a lot of stick, but Alan was amazing on every track.

[@paultrouskie1825]

Agree with Turn of the Century. So beautiful. Perfect song.

[@davijoski]

When Bruford quit and Alan joined as his replacement, he had only THREE days to learn the set material from The Yes Album, Fragile, and CTTE before the first night of the CTTE tour - the same tour that you're watching.

[@mrmusic248]

Dave: No pressure !!

[@tommy2x4]

On 19 July 1972, after Yes had finished recording Close to the Edge, Bruford left to join King Crimson.[7] With their supporting tour less than a week away, the band were desperate for a replacement. White then got a call from Tony Dimitriades, who handled Offord's affairs and later became Yes's manager, informing White that the band wanted him to join.[16] Anderson and Squire then met White at Offord's flat, and he joined. He spent the following three days learning the band's repertoire before the Close to the Edge Tour began in Dallas, Texas on 30 July 1972.[17] In the same week, White was offered to join Jethro Tull and America.[18] White's performance was documented on their first live album Yessongs, in 1973;[19] this was followed by his first studio album with them later that year, Tales from Topographic Oceans.[20]

[@tracerocks]

Good thing it was only Yes music and not something difficult 😂

[@NewBritainStation]

He had sat in on Siberian Khatru (at least) while it was being recorded. They also didn’t perform Close to the Edge for the first time itself until mid-tour. But yes he picked it up very quickly.

[@1planetmusic294]

@@NewBritainStation Yeah, and according to an article in Prog magazine on the making of the CTTE album Alan was there for the mixing of the album (to listen in as a drummer and friend of Offord) as Bruford had gone to King Crimson after the CTTE tracks were recorded but before mixing and mastering.

[@michaelsoto5542]

Turn Of The Century is one of their absolute best! Alan White also turned down an offer by Jethro Tull to join Yes. In 2019 I got to meet Alan & his wife Gigi at a Rock&Roll Fantasy Camp while in the recording studio with Eddie Kramer & Laurence Juber. We also saw Alan back in the lobby of the Universal Sheraton where he was alone & lost! He remembered my group from earlier in the day, chatted with us, took selfies, & was very grateful for our escort back to the elevator to go back to his room. God speed Mr. White. You were superlative & will be dearly missed.

[@Galahad-hk4bb]

Watching people re-‘Awaken’ to the incredible body of work that the YES alumni have created is pure joy !! Sadly, Yes’ heartbeat 💓 has left us. Chris & Alan, Thank God we will carry you ‘Onward’ in our ‘Hearts’. I know, eventually, we will meet again. RIP CHRIS & ALAN🥲🥲🥲

[@RonTavalinProgBassist]

"Turn of the Century" is one of Yes' most beautiful songs. RIP Alan.

[@hughcdavies]

Alan wasn't just drummer, he was a multi instrumentalist and composer. And like Stewart Copeland and Neil Peart, Alan taught me the value of learning to play as many instruments as possible. Because, music is ever changing, just like skiing or sailing. You never stop learning.

[@martinmay8919]

Thank you Doug for such a fitting tribute to the late Alan White. He was more than just a drummer, he was the heartbeat of this truly unique and brilliant band of musicians. This shows us how good they were, being able to reproduce such intricate music live, in the 70's, when the sound equipment wasn't what it is today. I saw them perform Turn of the Century, in the early 70's. Steve absolutely nailed the guitar parts on it. As he played the solo, a ballet dancer appeared on top of the amps at the back of the stage. She danced across the amps, then suddenly jumped in the air and turned in a ball of fire that whizzed around behind them. It was a brilliant piece of back projection that fooled us in the audience, making her look real. The looks on the fan's faces was priceless! Once again, thank you Doug, RIP Alan, and thank you for your music and the enjoyment you brought us, on record, and on stage.

[@robertakerman3570]

So true. On a different note, can U picture Doug @ a Karaoke bar? I think it would B a hoot.

[@roynewell8155]

Doug amazing tribute, loved it, YES my band, I first watched YES live in Bristol UK 1968 and watched them many times since, they have been an inspiration for me all my life, my favourite track, like you Close to the Edge, I have the T shirt I wear it with pride. Thanks for these precise and in depth reviews, Cheers Me Dear..

[@peterdixon7734]

Some of the greatest moments of my life have occurred with the sound of Alan White's drumming in the background. RIP indeed.

[@5argetech56]

I fell in love with a girl because of this piece of music! Goosebumps even now at 63 years of age! Alan White was a genius! I LOVE THIS! ❤❤❤

[@Kang2112]

The live version of Close to the Edge is so full of energy and just so intense so good. Only Yes would do this only Yes.

[@Sam_Utah]

Tip a glass to a musical giant, indeed! Turn of the Century is a YES master piece, everyone at the top of their game. Alan is barely heard, a couple of toms and cymbals. But an inspired melody and perfectly realized. Whenever I get tired of my limited skill set, I go to Turn of the Century, Awaken or Close to the Edge and get re-inspired.

[@positivelygodberg1903]

I'd like to see all the surviving members and ex-members who are still musically active do a one time reunion show in honour of the legacy of Alan and Chris and the history of the band... They don't need to change the current lineup of the band... Just all get together and put the awkwardness aside and do a true "An Evening of Yes Music"... Just one time. Just for the legacy... Record it for the fans worldwide to see... I would love to hear the two Jons singing lead vocals together... A guy can dream, I guess. Thanks for this awesome tribute, Doug!

[@sagitt1856]

After the shock of Chris's death in 2015, Alan in turn has just left us. YES, how not to be sad! R.I.P Alan. Thank you, Master Helvering.

[@mjc01]

Turn of the Century. Such a beautiful story and song. Love, loss, grief. And transcendence.

[@maval4537]

I was twelve when 90125 came out and I thought Yes was a new band...I bought the album and couldn't stop listening... When I heard the odd-timed intro to Changes (which is credited to Alan White) for the first time, I thought that was the coolest rhythm I'd ever heard. And at that point I didn't even know how many brilliant albums there were to discover from the band!

[@danburnes722]

Relayer was a standout for Alan. Great intros and strong elements of fusion in that album.

[@hpatss4966]

Every track Alan played on was a standout

[@stanwray4070]

Soundchaser is Alan’s Magnum Opus ( In my humble opinion )

[@ChollieD]

Right? The intro for Sound Chaser showed off his amazing gift for rolls, which he could articulate more cleanly than anyone I've ever heard.

[@jamiegolden7093]

Sound Chaser, Doug. You need to do Sound Chaser

[@philgrimm1508]

Alan wasn't on that album. Buford recorded on that one. But I'm sure if he had been, it would have been as perfectly good with him as it was without him.

[@davidpalermo4695]

"Turn Of The Century" is one of the best YES songs.

[@abettermoon]

Turn of the Century is the only song that gives me chills every time I listen to it. Love it. RIP Alan White, we'll miss you.

[@MrDaveBurl]

Simply Gorgeous.... (Turn of the Century) Thank you Alan White & YES

[@arpeggioblues5924]

I was blessed to be able to talk directly with Jon Anderson this week.. It was very touching; I told him of my experience meeting Alan White.. There have been so many wonderful musical artists that are leaving us.. as Jon Anderson said : "Alan is up there in heaven with Chris Squire" Jon just made it a tad easier to cope with this mourning... We'll love you and the gifts you have given us over the last 50 years, and I can honestly admit, I was introduced to them in 1971, and have been an avid fan; I've had the oppty to see him perform 17 different concerts over the last 50 years.. (* I definitely will hang out with all the best when it's my turn for heaven).

[@douggottlieb]

One of the most beautiful songs ever. RIP Alan. You touched so many, and left us so much, but are gone too soon.

[@misterghee1]

Going for.....the 1 Goodevening sir, 🎶👍

[@yessharp472]

Y3S, my friends. The heart of the band now in heaven, Chris and Alan. Alas, I've never seen the band play live, but Yes, they have been the heartbeat of my life

[@fabiofreitas1438]

Yes music is a very important part of my life, and Alan's drumming is key in my favourites, including masterworks Ritual, Awaken, Gates of Delirium, Release Release, Endless Dream and Mind Drive among many others. One of the Finnest Drummers I ever seen! Thank you for all these beautiful songs and RIP Mr Alan White.

[@williamsporing1500]

R.I.P. Alan…thank you for everything. Doug, it’s entertaining watching you realize what us Yes fans have known for decades….

[@neilanderson7669]

For me, this is Yes’ most beautiful song. I am giving thanks to Alan for all the years of enhancing my life. ❤️❤️❤️

[@refmannc]

162 live YES shows. Still the best ever. Doug - see SYMPHONIC YES blu-ray!

[@iantyler4045]

Listening to this was an emotional experience for me. Alan white had some big shoes to fill but he more than stepped up to the challenge and in only 3 days yet! What a legend.

[@Magnetron33]

Thanks Doug! Saw Alan roughly 40 times with YES. Incredible drummer, compser and Human Being. We have been hugely blessed by this man RIP

[@mosestalbot]

Turn Of The Century can bring me to tears when someone HASN'T just died.

[@Omm3693]

I was lucky to see yes live many times. I am a Yogi and now live in Cambodia. Last night may 27th I was watching the colorful videos of Heart of the sunrise and perpetual change live ,Posted by Jon. I was meditating in a higher mind. After listening i got my phone from charging,I looked at it and the article from the BBC that Alan died was opened on my phone without me opening it. Hard to believe but that's what happened.

[@Oliasn8]

Iconic Yes music and a great choice to honor Alan’s vast legacy with this wonderful assemblage of virtuosos. Thanks, Doug.🙏🏻

[@NotOfThisGod1]

Very happy (and sad) that you are paying tribute to Mr. Alan White. I am one of the lucky one to meet with Alan in a drum seminar where he took the time to tutor and give advise to many drummers all at once. He was brilliant....played roundabout live for us not once but twice...left handed and right handed. It was a wondurful experience to see how versatile he really was. Rest Peacefully my friend and mentor, SIR WHITE.

[@gerrybvr]

The true test of any band is their ability to reproduce their albums live. This is a perfect example of virtuosos at work.

[@lorcazola]

"On Silent Wings of Freedom" is one of my all-time favorite songs. Squire & White nail it !

[@Jets0wn23]

I’ve seen them at least over 30 times since 1976! The best live band! RIP Alan! You will be forever missed! You are now with Chris! ❤️🥁

[@Chadner]

Turn of the Century might be my favorite by them. It was the first song we played in the delivery room when my daughter was born. Now every time I hear it it takes me back. Such a pure feeling of beauty and possibility. Such amazing optimism in this track.

[@kevinbrown3082]

I went to the cinema to see this concert film. Fantastic in the big screen. This live album got me into YES in a big way. Chris Squires stage presence had a massive impact on me. Still one of my all time favourite bass players. I think I’m right in saying this was the first recording that Allan White appeared on. His first album in the studio was Relayer. An absolute masterpiece in my opinion. Totally mind blowing.

[@brandoncrow3741]

I think Topographic Oceans was his first studio album with Yes.

[@kevinbrown3082]

@@brandoncrow3741 Yes. I think you’re right. Then Wakeman left and Moraz joined for Relayers. My bad. They really made him earn his keep in those early days with them. 😂

[@brandoncrow3741]

@@kevinbrown3082 to be honest, I wasn't sure. My initial Yes journey started with Fragile and 90125! 🤣 A child of the 80's. What can I say? A huge loss for us with Alan passing. 🙏

[@SeriouslyLarry]

As a Yes fanatic I've always preferred Alan White's playing with them to Brufords. Not a knock on Bill but I agree with you that Alan was more of a rock player & brought a power & propulsiveness that they didn't have with Bruford.

[@jonathansmith3742]

In 2013 I did a meet and greet at Foxwoods. When I asked Alan about working on All Things Must Pass with George Harrison he just lit up. He smiled, chuckled and said it was a wonderful experience and George wouldn't hurt a fly. I left feeling that I had made his day. Thanks Alan

[@duanesmith1523]

Close to the Edge is a masterpiece. Loved Alan’s playing on Yessongs

[@joelliebler5690]

That got me going!

[@briano.1503]

The first Yes I ever head was the Starship Trooper from Yessongs when I was a preteen in the early 70's. His drumming on that song especially blew me away as a young drummer myself. Godspeed Alan! 🧠🌌♾❤

[@rocinantae]

This is one of the bands/artist that kept me in touch with my spiritual side even though I tried so hard to run away from it. Always "Close to the Edge", but never fell over.

[@ionakiya2448]

Thanks Doug for this magical tribute. Been riding the spiritual wave with Jon and YES for over 50 years now and seen them play live in every continent of this beautiful planet. Such Chakra spinning sounds. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all today. It has been such a pleasure watching you find Yes music and watching the impact it is having on you. Just let it in. I was a mere 14 year old in Scotland when I first heard CTTE and it just blew my mind and it still does.. I found YES the day after the passing of my father when I was 14……it was perfect timing and heaven sent. It’s a big toast to you Doug……Cheers

[@normbourassa2211]

RIP Alan White. Your work has been my pleasure since 1976. Very nice tribute to his work, Turn of the Century and CTTE were wonderful choices. Doug, in the future I hope you finally get to their fabulous live video of "Ritual: Nous Sommes du Soleil", but the Symphonic Live version. A full orchestra, Yes and excellent live performance footage, sans any "under water scenes"! Alan is so awesome in that, they all are of course...

[@tracerocks]

I totally broke down hearing this. Never fails to move me after all these years.

[@walter2990]

Thank you for taking your time & being gracious enough to dedicate a show to Alan White! Even though we all know that we're only on this Earth for a short time, it's still hard to say "So long, and see you later!", to the people who helped us to enjoy this phase of our lives! I've personally lost 12 friends over the last 2 years, in fact I have another Funeral for a Friend tomorrow. Stay in touch with those people who you love, and let them know how you feel!

[@musicbeatlesband]

What a beautiful discussion and tribute to Alan White. RIP Alan. And thank you for all you do, Doug.

[@michaelanzelino5068]

Your last comment about how we are all close to the edge and returning to the same river and why can't we just share. Very good observation. It's greed, plain and simple. We humans are capable of many emotions and greed seems to grip some people more then others. And we are therefore territorial creatures. From the begining of time, we seek for our selves. Hunting for food, water and selter. And we're not going to share with those others that are not part of our group. Human nature.

[@S-Ltd1000]

Turn of the century is one of those hidden gems. The guitar work is amazing and it perfectly captures the atmosphere of Victorian England as per the title.

[@joelliebler5690]

A sensational tune highlighted by Howe’s genius and Jon’s incredible vocals.

[@JasonSmith-jr7jh]

Need to hear Annie Haslam (Renaissance) and Steve Howe do their beautiful rendition of this song.

[@jdennyan4722]

So Sad, Seen Yes at least 3 times in my hey days in Pittsburgh, All of the members are top notch artists Yessongs Live is my best, Always jammin loud in the 70's!! along with Sabbath,Nugent,Skynard,Manfred Man,Uriah Heep and my Favorite Pink Floyd seen them 4 times including Animals Tour in Cleveland 77' Seen Roger 4 times plus gonna check him out again July 6th them years was real Rock, R.I.P Alan and Chris.. And another great reaction Doug Thanks ✌ out

[@djehuti3]

thanks Doug, that was great. Yes have been my favourite band since 1982 because of songs like these. I get the love for CTTE, although I put Awaken, Gates of Delirium and Ritual slightly over it. And Turn of the Century is staggerigly beautiful.

[@_JimS]

The Symphonic Live [2001 Blue Ray/DVD] with the Eurpoean Festival Orchestra was a phenomenal concert and is available on DVD. I have it and break it out every Christmas season for a watch. CTTE is in it and will bring a tear to your eye. Highly recommended. I first saw YES in Cleveland in '74 as a junior in HS at Richfield Coliseum, Ohio....then two more time after. My all-time favorite band.

[@3ggshe11s]

I think Alan did his best work on "Relayer" and "Drama." A great guy who'll be dearly missed.

[@EARTHDAYGLOBAL]

Doug, you understand the YES story, most have no idea how to interpret this amazing music (Story), understand the story of YES🌷, you will never have to question the music or the lyrics.......THE STORY.....Thank you Doug

[@thomasrudy6132]

Turn Of The Century, MASTERPIECE, Close To The Edge, MASTERPIECE, Alan White, MASTER DRUMMER, PERCUSSIONIST, RIP

[@MrWheeler715]

Turn of the Century has been and always will be my absolute favorite song of all time. I probably heard it first in the early 80's when I was 14 or 15 and was just getting into Yes. Every time I hear it is a special occasion.

[@bobfitzpatrick8952]

This wasn't the easiest of days, but your tribute made it better - thanks for this.

[@gerardcooney1810]

Rest in Peace Alan White. Saw Him perform many times with Yes. We all grow old with our musical Heros,when they leave us we are sad but they never really leave us.

[@tentruesummers9043]

Nice tribute Doug, thank you. Alan gave me a drumstick after a concert on the Drama tour. I couldn't believe how splintered it was from striking the rims. A life well lived.

[@walter2990]

That's a great memory for you I'm sure, thanks for sharing it with us!

[@talibe801]

Close to the edge was in 73 my introduction to Yes, i was only ten but listen to this intire album in a friends house ,was an eye opener,still one of my favorite albuns of all time. in 1990 i qwent to Madrid to see the first Yes Concert for me.

[@jacquesjanoyer]

When we listen to this song, we are not quite the same after.

[@yyzwdm]

Although I had listened to Yes extensively, when I first discovered this album it cemented this band as one of my absolute favorites. It's still my favorite album by the band out of so many greats.

[@johnwolf3294]

Thank you for doing this. I loved Alan's playing. Turn of the century is one of my all time favs. And You and I, Awaken and Chris's masterpiece Onward.

[@spsmith45]

Alan got Yes rocking harder than before. I was lucky enough to see them on this tour in Southampton. Chris and Alan were really tight. My first Yes gig of many.

[@robsmith1a]

Sad to hear of Alan's passing. Andy Fletcher of Depeche mode too. Going for the one is my favourite yes album, beautiful throughout, a fitting tribute

[@gimmesometruth2003]

My first Rock concert was the July,8 1975 YES show in Nashville Tn. What a memory, what a band. After the show I was stopped in traffic behind the colosseum and they came out of the venue in their limousine just in front of us. Very happy memories!

[@snacklofter]

Thank you Doug - I really think Alan deserves a ton of credit for his loyal contribution to Yes.👍👍👍

[@philthedogg]

Thank you Doug for tribute to Alan. He was the unsung hero of the band and filled Bill Brufords shoes with ease. It’s a shame If asked who he was most people would never have heard of him. Thanks again Doug RIP Alan.

[@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095]

Oh, I am so glad you did _Turn of the Century._ One of my favourite ever songs. {:-:-:}

[@Domino-bo4kh]

Absolutely awesome spine-tingler...

[@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095]

@@Domino-bo4kh _"Laughing as they danced, highest colours touching others..."_ _"We walk hands in the Sun, memories, when we're young love lingers so..."_ {:-:-:}

[@tracerocks]

One of my favorite songs!

[@eehuffman54]

RIP Alan White. Thanks for this post. There is percussion all over Turn of the Century -- temple bells, muted cymbals, etc. It's mixed in the background, but shows true ensemble playing. Also, compare Bill Bruford's and Alan's drumming on Close to the Edge. Bruford is very sparse -- excellent jazz drumming. Alan brought a rock drummer's approach to Yes. It brought the group to a new place.

[@Jesusspop]

Beautiful tribute Doug ! Glad you chose Turn of the Century, as it shows a different side of Alan, as a composer, and what a track it is !

[@miguelamartinez7147]

Hello Doug! From México City! Yes music is another feelings level!!! Is not for everyone! They were 50 years ahead!!! Of any other bands! Impress and complex music! My favourite band ever! Emerson, Lake & Palmer! The second greatest complex music band!!!

[@freak49]

This is a hard one. Other than Chris Squire, Alan White was a mainstay with Yes. What a bummer. If i remember, I think "Turn of the Century" was the first song I played in the year 2000

[@getexis8685]

What a beautiful whiskey... tasty. Alan White ... the work remains and perpetuates its name for us to appreciate and reflect on. What a beautiful music and... I don't even know what to say... just listening. Music has to be another state of matter that has not yet been cataloged. It's just fascinating what humans can do.

[@kristersandberg7971]

One of your best reaction! Thank you!

[@brettpalfrey4665]

I listen and enjoys a lot of different forms of music , from punk thru to classical....but I always come back to Yes, especially these 2 songs...pure magic.

[@Bryman1970]

TOTC is a beautiful song. I've been a huge fan of Yes fan for years, and I've never thought that Alan joining the band took away the band's potential as some may say. If anything, him being a rock drummer brought Yes to a wider audience. Also, learning the Yessongs repertoire in 3 days as he did is quite a feat. Although some may say he sounded like "a bull in a China shop" on that album, again, he was more of a rock drummer and put his own stamp on it. He seemed like a great guy to all who've met him, and during his time in Yes, especially in the earlier years, he was the mediator between the other band members during their many heated arguments, and probably has a lot to do with the band staying together as long as they have. RIP Alan. Thanks for the many years of music.

[@DavidLazarus]

I too think that Alan was the best drummer for Yes. Bill was (past tense only because he no longer plays) a phenomenal drummer, but Alan was what Yes needed.

[@frankmcdowell7728]

RIP Alan, a perfect drummer for a perfect prog band. So sad to hear to hear this news. Been a follower since '75. I am not a musician, but IMHO the YesSongs version of CTTE is very different to the studio version *mainly* due to Alan's dynamism on the kit driving the music forward in contrast to Bruford's classic metronomic precision holding the band really tight in the studio version. The resulting energy in the live version released by Alan's playing is unreal. That version never ceases to amaze me.

[@Magnetron33]

Certainly one of the most beautiful ever. A true Materpiece! When they did that tour they had a holographic ballerina dancing behind them. They were the masters of PROG!

[@patrickgrant109]

These Guys were so young, how could anyone that age not only compose such a masterpiece, but make it even better live! All are masterpieces themselves!

[@dasbigguy]

RiP Alan White - a great tribute to an accomplished musician. Well done Doug....

[@smithpm81]

i love how you appreciate Yes music, i have loved them since i was 12 years old in 1977, now at 58 years old I am so glad to have been alive while Yes where active

[@jeffreytaylor6257]

TOTC- One of the few Yes songs where Jon's words have real world meaning. It's just a beautiful effort from all of the musicians.

[@harrisonandrew]

When I listen to Yes I am in my happy place. I’m so lucky to have seen the band, with that line up, a couple of times. I also saw Alan with Steve’s version of Yes a few years ago. At that time Alan was recovering from an illness or surgery or something. He was quite shaky on his pins and only played a couple of songs - they had a stand-in drummer for that reason. He got such a blast of love from the audience - it was at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall. I was gutted when he passed away and it still feels raw (as it does with Chris). A saw Rick doing Journey to the Centre of the Earth last year with Mollie Marriott on vocals (she was amazing). It again was at the Liverpool Philharmonic. My wife and I were lucky enough to meet and chat with Rick before the show. What a truly nice man. So relaxed chatting away, mainly about football (soccer). When you first reacted to Close to the Edge I was delighted at how much you loved it. Clearly you are a convert. Their music is a joy. Thank you Doug.