Yes Induction Acceptance Speeches Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2017

Members of the band Yes including Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman and Alan White give their acceptance speeches at the 2017 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in New York City.
Looking for more Induction Ceremony memories from Yes? Visit their official Hall of Fame online bio: rockhall.com/in...
Dive into the full 2017 Induction Ceremony video collection at rockhall.com/inductees/classes/2017 and watch all videos, read from the official Hall of Fame program bios and view image galleries from the big night and archival materials.

[@Ed9870]

Clearly a man who wore a cape most of his career would have a sharp sense of humor.

[@SirManfly]

Ricks acceptance speech has to be the most classic one ever made at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame dinner!! 🤣

[@thomassicard3733]

@@SirManfly I agree!!!!

[@thomassicard3733]

hahahahaha!!! I was thinking the same thing!!!!

[@SonOfWat]

Yes! Superman!

[@paulhargreaves1497]

He overran, Scotland Squire missed out. Class act.

[@scottlalexander510]

Rick Wakeman had to join a rock band in 1971 and wait 46 years to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in order to finally live his dream of being a stand-up comedian! Now that’s perseverance and determination!

[@romanryuninvalek487]

You made my day!

[@indierockyhockey]

Saw this live. Hilarious!

[@cuebj]

He'd been doing comedy for a long time before this

[@jensscholz]

Exactly my thoughts. He's the best!

[@Enjoywatchingyoutube8227]

Rick was so advance. One of the first to double stack. classicaly trained but doing it his own way. And yes a real comedian ( listen to some of his podcast). Cheers to the band and sorry Chris was not alive to be part of this as I am sure he would also have had a spin on his speech. Peace saw them at least 25-30 times and they never disappointed. True artist

[@stevenhunter3345]

I love seeing Geddy and Alex cracking up during Wakeman's speech.

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

Of all people, Alex should appreciate it.

[@chais1111]

Canadians get English humour, Americans not so much.

[@owallace71]

chais jo I LOVE British humor! Especially when they mock Americans !

[@JF-kv1gm]

Jon overdid the "you guys are beautiful" thing... what a relief when Rick took over!! 😂😂

[@scottkerr11]

Geddy Lee plays keyboards too . . . with his feet!

[@davekirby6580]

I interviewed Wakeman about six months after this, and brought this up. He said he asked Rabin before they went on whether he should do these jokes, and Rabin urged him to do it. TrainInVain guy got it exactly right - Wakeman said that no one cares about hearing about the inductees' grandmother or whatever. Everyone takes their speeches too seriously. He said he just wanted to have a bit of fun and wanted everyone to lighten up a bit. This was, remember, when Howe was extremely distressed about Anderson going out on tour playing Yes music and felt that he and Wakeman were promoting a competing (and lessor) version of the band, presumably to Howe's detriment. Wakeman's attitude was, basically, c'mon guys, we're all in our sixties and seventies. We've all done well and have a lot to be thankful for. We're too old for petty nonsense. Rick is a funny guy....and one hell of a pianist.

[@sex6cult9revolution]

Which is so ironic because ARW (Anderson Rabin Wakeman) is a far superior band to the current Yes. Steve Howe is but a pale shadow of his former self. And I'll give you one guess who's the better vocalist between Jon Anderson and Trevor Horn.

[@COINSINPOCKET]

@@sex6cult9revolution Jon Anderson hands down

[@sex6cult9revolution]

@@COINSINPOCKET No doubt. Trevor Horn is a producer, not a singer. Doesn't do much good onstage.

[@brentziemski1852]

,

[@ZippyThePinhead]

@@sex6cult9revolution After they decided to move on without Anderson, they came & did a show here with David Benoit, but I didn't bother. It ain't Yes without any of the early members for me. I went to the ARW show, it was fantastic! All the backing musicians they had were great, and the bass player, granted it was Chris God rest his soul, but he did a fine job covering the part.

[@JoeGarchar1960]

Rick Wakeman is one of the infamous secret Monty Python society members. Thank God for his musical abilities and sense of humor. I have been a Yes fan for 47 years and it's long overdue for Yes and all of its members and don't forget keyboardist Tony Kaye.

[@REVKOEHLER]

Yup. I had the priviledge to meet Yes' lead singer and Chris Squire. (Backstage pass). What a thrill back in the 80's.

[@pokerface1967]

REMINDS ME OF ELTON JOHN SAME HUMOR SAME SKILLS LOL

[@johnbeer7477]

And the late great Peter Banks

[@mikereiss4216]

@@anthonydimattei6997 Although I'm not sure I would go quite that far I will admit Rick went too far with his speech and owes Chris's widow an apology.

[@brianwalsh1053]

Bill Burford was the best

[@carterelliottmusic]

Jon: Hello, everybody! Trevor: Hi, there! Alan: Hi, everyone! Thank you! Rick: Thank you! Steve: *OK I'M STEVE HOWE*

[@lonestar6709]

When you can play guitar like Steve Howe, you can say what you please.

[@fenner4117]

@@lonestar6709 False. No one earns the right to be an a$$hole.

[@silasollll]

@@fenner4117 oh, its ok

[@veryfriendlyok]

Bc. Alan didn’t introduce him (analys the whole scene before growing the rock)

[@daleberger6984]

AKA: THE CRYPT KEEPER

[@scottnewman2082]

Jon seems like a little hippie elf. Peace and love

[@TheWoodenZozimos]

"Look at you! You're all so beautiful!" has become quite the inside joke between a friend and I - you've gotta love Jon!

[@ramlathers8182]

He IS a little hippie elf.

[@Lengsel7]

@@ramlathers8182 No! He's a HOBBIT!

[@johnflanagan9153]

Best description of Jon Anderson came from none other than Rick Wakeman himself: " Jon Anderson is the only man fighting to save this planet...while living on a completely different one. "

[@magnuszetterqvist5936]

scott newman didn’t Rick say about Jon: the only one I know trying to save the planet while living on another?😂😉😂

[@JP-pm5hj]

Jon’s speech: serious/funny Trevor’s speech: funny/happy Alan’s speech: happy/serious Steve’s speech: serious/serious Rick’s speech: funny/funny

[@FlyingVMartin]

10/10

[@chriswakefield9538]

@@FlyingVMartin 8/10 if you include Steve.

[@indierockyhockey]

Steve was a bore. Sorry 💚💚💚

[@jeffrey69max1]

Rip.🙏🙏 Mr. Alan White,great drummer.

[@JP-pm5hj]

@@indierockyhockey he kinda was hahaha but he’s awesome

[@Qolus]

For anyone wondering, Jon was probably NOT high. That's just him. 😀 I like Steve's speech. Obviously Rick was the best, glad they saved him for last.

[@BluesLicks101]

Rick totally stepped over time at the expense of Chris's wife Scotty - why? To tell bawdy jokes. NOT funny.

[@andreguitarronerone5297]

let's just say rick brought the house down on the hall of fame im on the floor laughing my a😅😅off he's too funny love it.

[@justjeph6927]

I enjoyed Steve's speech very much..could be lyrics to a Yessong

[@loraa3873]

On something.

[@zackzallie8735]

@@Massachamp08 Can he get much higher? lol

[@theuserjoan]

“Ok, I’m Steve Howe.” *Intense applause*

[@flyer5347]

Stone

[@jobstludwig6197]

Howe ist nur noch unsympathisch

[@underscorechaz]

😂😂😂

[@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316]

He probably meant it like, “yeah whatever, I’m Steve Howe, who cares about that?

[@marez71]

He cut the bs from the other guys

[@forbes4]

I have been using Wakeman's rectal exam joke for weeks now...never fails to get a huge laugh.

[@GretaVanZeppelin1996]

I seriously almost fell out of my chair when I heard that for the first time, it was fucking hilarious.

[@anthonydimattei6997]

Rick is a digusting pig

[@gardensofthegods]

@@anthonydimattei6997 you missed the whole point of why he was telling these jokes . Everyone knew they should have been inducted in the Hall of Fame long ago . They waited till two members died while inducting people who had not even been in the industry for long .Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone magazine choose a lot of these people according to whom they like . Rick Wakeman told jokes dirty jokes rather than making a beautiful acceptance speech because that was his way of giving the middle finger to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame... BRILLIANT he did it that way . He let the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame know they are a joke which a lot of people say about them

[@svenfigueroa312]

gardensofthegods dimattei or whatever his last name is knows cock about music or the music industry

[@davidnissim9203]

Anthony Dimattei He was telling those jokes out of spite for the Hall. He’s never been a fan of them, and since they waited a year after Chris Squire died to induct Yes, of course he’s going to try to get back at them somehow.

[@skybluemarshall]

For the record, Anderson and Rabin put Wakeman up to it. They told him to go for it and do his comedy thing, backstage, before they came out. Wakeman finds most acceptable speeches to be repetitive and boring. Everyone knows the band's history and all of the thank yous puts the audience to sleep. It wasn't hard to convince Wakeman to improvise some jokes, but he had to think about it and come up with a solution in a very short amount of time, because most of his comedy is based on old stories and anecdotes with lengthy set ups. He had to quickly figure out how to piece together a string of one liners and work them into something that vaguely resembled a thank you speech. I think he did an excellent job for a freestyle bit.

[@danmccarthy4700]

Who would've thought a dude who wears a cape while playing music would be hilarious behind a mic?

[@janaembree4917]

My husband-a muscian- loved YES. He introduced me to them. He passed in 2008 and they were not inducted until years later...They were inducted on his birthday, unreal. He was a huge fan of Chris Squire and we played Chris's cover of Amazing Grace at his funeral...plus a couple of YES songs. So sorry he missed this induction

[@WooBino.]

He watched it with Chris.

[@DariusSarrafi]

RIP.

[@MichaelSRQ]

Who knew Rick Wakeman was a comedian in addition to a keyboardist extraordinaire?

[@AH-be6bu]

Everyone who has ever seen him play live.

[@exessex3522]

He's always been a popular chat show guest and used to appear regularly on panel shows. There are YT videos of him on Never Mind the Buzzcocks which are particularly entertaining.

[@ClueSign]

@@MichaelGiordano777 Yes it's like he's doing British Borscht Belt.

[@MichaelGiordano777]

He's like a British Henny Youngman. I mean Rick could have easily had a career as a Comedian. I love the guy.

[@DariusSarrafi]

Composer extraordinaire!

[@GraemeWilliams21]

When Jon says, "life has passed me by so fast...." and there's a shot of Close to the Edge in the background. That's poetic.

[@sratus]

Fair play Rick, the roll and roll hall of hame can be such pompous, overblown bullshit. Tell a few jokes, take the piss, good man.

[@martianshoes]

You can tell that hosting his own show in GB really built his on camera presence and confidence. I think Wakeman is a wonder both as a host and as a musician. Many fantastic moments on his show...check out his duel with John Sykes when both are backing the late great Phil Lynott...

[@UKArtlover]

Met him afterwards at a piano gig , natural brilliant and very down to earth!

[@folkme3042]

Too many people take this crap far too seriously.Trust Rick to put some perspective on things.He's got such a wicked sense of humour and hopefully offended a few pretentious arseholes that night.

[@chais1111]

@@folkme3042 Amen to that

[@JF-kv1gm]

@@folkme3042 yeah, looked like a lot of the attendees had botoxed brains as well as faces. Silly me, it's not cool to laugh, and your face might crack. How very sad.

[@TheSateef]

wow, after Rick Wakeman's speech i'm starting to think Alex has met his match

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

Me too. Finally he can live it down.

[@prickyX]

Geddy threw in a bit of blah blah blah

[@MusicissuperiorEVHROX316]

@@prickyX A bit awkwardly, but yeah…

[@luisdiaz3887]

Shame on the guys who decide who gets inducted and who has to wait. This induction must have happened long long ago. You guys deprived our great bassist Chris of a very special moment. YES has a placed in the 5 best bands around the world. We love you guys; keep going strong. I’m following you since 1974. Cheers

[@kainajones9393]

Yep. Genius is sometimes hard to recognize by those who are mediocre.

[@jamesmicucci7028]

Rick was very adamant about this when Chris passed away, and I totally agreed with him. As far back as 1998, a bunch of us Yes fans started lobbying the HoF with an online campaign to get them in. It's a travesty the Hall waited so long that one of the two founding members passed away first.

[@uv77mc85]

They should never have gone to this stupid event.

[@carrrexx7190]

Bill Bruford, "He's behind me". He always was Jon. 😃

[@fabioriato]

Well, always is a bit of a stretch. Alan was there for quite some time, too. ;)

[@markhunter8554]

As a drummer, Bill was behind everyone. Once when he was asked about playing live, he said that as a drummer all he ever saw was the other members' butts.

[@christopherjoseph651]

This is complete BS that their induction didn't happen sooner while Chris was still here.

[@jimmyjam4ever]

@Christopher Joseph - I agree!

[@Greg_call]

Wasn't Christopher Cross inducted into the HoF in 2002?

[@limowmotoole2189]

The Funk, would also be Grand.. Someday?

[@DSpeir-pi6tm]

Sometimes life just happens that way :/

[@GullerudGallery]

Chris' death took everyone by surprise, but they could have at least kept Scotty Squire's piece in this video.

[@pilsnrimgaard2507]

00:56. If you look closely Rick Wakeman is complimenting Geddy on his bass playing and how happy he was for him to sit in for Chris. Class act Mr Wakeman is. Him and Alex Lifeson are probably the funniest guys in Prog rock hands down!

[@siammonzoor2891]

how the hell on earth do you even know they were talking about his bass playing??? loll

[@goodpainlive1]

two icons

[@starcloister4651]

Everyone else: meaningful heartfelt speeches. Rick: Hold my beer, watch this.

[@mickeygoh25]

It is a shame that Yes was inducted in 2017...... It should have been 1997...

[@genericusername1365]

Absolutely

[@jimbabbbson7653]

More like 1994

[@louisb5563]

Tell me about it...🤘😏

[@CHRISRepAZ]

Definitely

[@hpatss4966]

More like 1998 then 30th

[@barryispuzzled]

Rick Wakeman is a great stand-up comic! He could entertain us for a whole evening just doing that! :)

[@stevedrums1675]

Apparently he did some stand-up for a while.

[@jamesmicucci7028]

From what I've heard or read, some people in the U.K. know of him more (or even, only) as a comedian from his tv show over there, rather than as a musician! That's how good he was/is at it. And he brought some laughs & a lighthearted approach to what could be a very serious band at times (okay, maybe not so funny to them the time he ate a take-out of chicken vindaloo ONSTAGE during a Yes performance of Topographic Oceans in 1974...my guess is it was during "The Ancient"...hehe).

[@HuntChicagoHomes]

"OK I'M STEVE HOWE!"

[@vanfer22]

Maestro

[@kansasisaband]

" ...and i'm an egotistical asshole in person. Please enjoy MY music, but don't attempt to tell me about it, because I'll snub my nose at you like a true douche bag."

[@johnflanagan9153]

@@kansasisaband Having met him on two occasions Anthony, I can tell you he can be icy-cold and very temperamental and egotistical; I didn't even want him to sign anything, nor shake his hand(no hands policy), as I just wanted to greet him and welcome him to our city and tell him how much my then-ten year old nephew was looking forward to the show.

[@ethelip5239]

John Flanagan - I’m sorry for your bad experience with Howe. I met him in the parking lot of a Yestival in ‘98. He pet my friend’s dog, was friendly & gracious, & while I was well aware of his no hand-shaking policy, HE put out his hand to me!

[@HuntChicagoHomes]

damn. never would have thought. i met alan white a few months ago at a convention. he seemed like a really reserved guy as his wife was doing most of the talking. he did sign a poster to me for free. cool guy

[@alanmacvean2053]

They couldn't induct the band when Chris Squire was alive ?.....DAMN SHAME on them !

[@RedArrow73]

You think that's bad, The DC5 looked like they'd been on Monty's front line a bit long.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

Jann Wenner had to let a bunch of his favorite rappers and shit in first.

[@justinscott9151]

Had to make the sacrifice first....

[@davidnissim589]

That’s why Wakeman gave such a hilariously vulgar speech, he was doing it out of spite for the Hall.

[@alhudson]

Nice that Jon gave Pete Banks a mention

[@WELLBRAN]

Alan Hudson but they did not pay Peter royalties ..howe did not like him at all

[@donutcookiepie]

Sucks that NONE of them mentioned Kaye tho even tho he was actually inducted!

[@donutcookiepie]

It's true that Peter had to sue for some of his royalties. But that was the fault of former mgt. not the members of the band. Also, Howe does seem to like covering Banks era.

[@drewper73]

donutcookiepie Yeah, what’s up with that? He played on 7 albums at least.

[@mikereiss4216]

@@WELLBRAN He liked him enough to "borrow" certain aspects of his style. Anyway, if he didn't like him that's news to me. I've heard him say he admired his playing.

[@prog1962]

Rick Wakeman is the dude

[@nellgwenn]

Sometimes there's a man, I won't say hero, 'cause what's a hero? But sometimes there's a man, and I'm talking about The Dude here...sometimes there's a man, well he's the man for his time and place. He fits right in there. And that's The Dude. The Big Rick Wakeman. ...Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds... AAAAhhh.... Where's the money Wakeman? I want that money Wakeman. Bunny says you're good for it. Where's the money Wakeman? Where's the money Wakeman? Where's the fucking money shithead? It's down there somewhere let me take another look. Don't fuck with us. Your wife owes money to Jackie treehorn, that means you owe money to Jackie treehorn. No, don't do that. Not on the rug man. See what happens Wakeman? You see what happens? Nobody calls me Wakeman. You got the wrong guy, I'm The Dude man. Your name is Wakeman, Wakeman. Your wife is bunny. My mmy wife? Bunny? Do you see a wedding ring on my finger? Does this place look like I'm fucking married? The toilet seat's up man. What the fuck is this? Obviously you're not a golfer. Wu? isn't this guy supposed to be a millionaire? Fuck. Yeah what do you think? He looks like a fucking loser. Hey at least I'm housebroken...

[@chrchr3118]

@@nellgwenn legend !

[@hpatss4966]

I had the honor to meet Alan white and even have a drum lesson with him and he was so kind to all of his previous band mates and mentioned them like friends not enemies

[@RaxOldies]

So did I and I agree...he was a down to earth/no frills guy. RIP. I talked to him about Toronto '69 w/Lennon and a whole bunch of things for 1/2 hr or so. I catered their whole day of a show in RI...Sept 1978...all the original guys (of that time) Anderson, Wakeman,Squire,Howe and White...from their arrival in the AM til after the concert...and even got to go to the show!! Good times !!

[@jamesmicucci7028]

I've said it before: you couldn't meet a nicer guy than Alan White. He always made time to talk to the fans after shows. Besides his drumming & rhythmic skills, he also composed parts of songs/albums that he doesn't get enough credit for, from TFTO through Drama, at least. And later years, too. That's Alan playing piano on the introduction he wrote to the lovely "In The Presence Of" from 2001's Magnification. He is greatly missed by anyone who knew him or met him.

[@johnmiller5679]

Wakeman was doing a stand-up and it was great. Exactly what those pompous asses in the Hall need. Kind of funny how a band not known as being funny or exciting can give us one of the funniest acceptance speeches ever.

[@robgreen1818]

John Miller yes have been exciting to me for years! Listening to Chris’s bass playing is like being at a cup final for me :)

[@mzmadmike]

It was funny, but no one can ever top Alex LIfeson's speech. Check it out.

[@vanstry]

There are some hysterical Rick Wakeman stories out there. He played quite a few jokes on the band over the years.

[@HearturMind]

Seeing Wakeman live was such a great experience not only his incredible playing, but also his wit and great stories.

[@nycinstyle]

It is very gutsy doing a stand up routine at an awards acceptance speech. Particularly, one where inducting the band should not have to take so long. The whole rock and roll hall of fame is a big turn off for me, already. Wakeman you did good real good. Exactly what is appropriate. Lol Get together once a year and have rock and roll legends jam together. Let them keep their rightful shsre of profits. Announce lineups of bands and televise. It would make peple watching much happier than this crap. Academy awards, Tony's, etc. It is a pompous occurence, nobody feels comfortable about it, getting these awards, in truth. I think they are ridiculous. Listen to their music, buy their music, go to their concerts, etc. Awards to some, not others, in a formal manner is bs.

[@Silvertip1958]

A friend played And You and I for me in 1973 and I was instantly awestruck at this music and I have been ever since. What has really baffled me over the years is the people who just don’t get it. Yes’ music borders on magical, they are so talented!

[@bekindtoanimals2189]

Wonderful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fl7VlX9ogNCpsLs

[@jamesmicucci7028]

As a Yes fan for over 50 years, I realized long ago that their music isn't for everybody, and wasn't even during their 1970s prog heyday. Kind of made it feel special...later, their 1980s to mid 1990s (Trevor Rabin era) material divided their fan base somewhat, resulting in the same idea: it's not for everyone (including band members and fans) sometimes.

[@Agslions]

Rick Wakeman... EPIC!

[@jmgg9846]

Rock en ingles metal 2018

[@magnuszetterqvist5936]

Agslions still laughing!!👍😂

[@silversurfer8212]

Long running (good humoured) argument in the 70's. Who's the best Wakeman or Emerson. It was a tough question.

[@silversurfer8212]

@Professor Liberal Avenger Yes and on it goes and goes. L. O. L.

[@silversurfer8212]

@Professor Liberal Avenger I'll concede then, though they are/were both iconic. Happy new year.

[@TheCream14]

One of the most talented groups to ever bless this planet.

[@tmage23]

How to make the funniest band of all time Bass: Les Claypool Guitar: Alex Lifeson Drums: Dave Grohl Keyboard: Rick Wakeman

[@beck_tybg]

That would be a pretty entertaining band

[@robinjohnson6301]

Ohhh man that is one supergroup I would go and see!

[@bestmetalandrocklists9120]

tmage23 frontman: ozzy

[@canadianroot]

Weird Al on kazoo.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

tmage23 Add Greg Koch on guitar to back up Alex.

[@plexibreath]

I remember seeing Rick Wakeman live on his own tour in 1976. He told a joke that took about five minutes to weave about Merlin wanting to have sex with Guinevere, but he could never get it up, eventually he died, the punch line was, "and then rigor mortis set in".

[@MasterWilczu]

I'm not sure what's better - Wakeman's speech or Bruford dying from laughter in the background all the way through it.

[@rb5stevenumber903]

I think it's about time Emerson lake and palmer were introduced into the hall of fame

[@MrMaxlines]

Steve fone sadly we lost two of them. Hope they will be inducted before Carl pass away :(

[@ENB1968]

I believe they were on the short list of those who were supposed to give the induction speech. Sadly, Emerson and Lake passed before it could come to its fruition.

[@lukeyj8331]

Fuck yeah

[@luvwings]

Jon Anderson is Carl's girlfriend,,,for real..

[@luvwings]

Carl isn't going anywhere..

[@chrisellis1089]

this version has Rick's speech in full and uncut . . barmy bugger . .love it . .

[@bubbaries]

I met Alan White around Christmas of 2017, at a gig he did here in Washington. A very humble, gracious man, and it was beyond thrilled to congratulate him on finally being inducted into the hall of fame with Yes.

[@petermuller7029]

It's unbelievable how timeless the music is, J. Anderson hasn't aged, not even his singing. The performance is unbelievable from these grandpas anyway. Yes, Genesis and Zappa gave the 70's the artistic ground.

[@theresa42213]

l wish Bill spoke! l love that guy! INCREDIBLE musician with amazing musical back round! Heaps of class in my opinion, and l've seen him play live _many_ times! Great, great drummer!!

[@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy]

He's undoubtedly still waiting for King Crimson's eventual induction.

[@theresa42213]

@Randy Rinker ~ REALLY?? l LOVE Bill! l have a Bromance going with him! lf HE convinced Rick to go for the comedy, that makes me happy! You know a lot about Prog trivia. l love to learn as much as l can about these guys. Why? Well it helps put every piece of the puzzle to make a complete picture of their world, and mine. l only care about the fusion/prog dudes though. Never the 'bash n strut' guys. The music has to be the primary mover. Having said all that, Bill, and Rick are my two favourites. Always drums, and keyboards. Thanks again Randy!

[@RedArrow73]

Bruford contributed on another BBC special on Prog and his cameos included simply wonderful stories and insights. (Wakeman was also on this special and relished taking the piss out of Deep Purple)

[@theresa42213]

@@RedArrow73 ~ l LOVE those 2! l always call them ''Wakey, and Bruf''. Just fabulous musicians/composers! l also really dig Trevor! The guy is a _savant_ on the guitar imo. He can do AN Y THING!!!

[@hughmungus1767]

@Randy Rinker According to Rick's interview on a NY radio station a few months later, it was Trevor Rabin, not Bill Bruford, that talked him into giving the irreverent speech he did.

[@ALOISC1]

They don't make people like this anymore.

[@itkojecockot]

and especially musicians......

[@Isleofskye]

I liked Steve's speech but as someone who saw Yes headline an all-day event in Shepherds Bush, West London in 1975 I CAN NOW see why he and Rick often did not see eye-to-eye at all. Rick never takes himself too seriously and is great fun but Steve , clearly, does take himself seriously and was the only one not laughing at any of Rick's impromptu speech which he only decided to do at the last second for a laugh. I can't see many laughs when Steve is around...

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

I saw ABWH in Spokane, Wa in the late '80's (terrific show!), I was among a modest group of fans at the Opera House stage door afterwards, the first one out was Howe who made a fast beeline for his limo and was gone, Jon and Rick stuck around to sign autographs and shake hands (I shook hands with both ❤❤❤ but only got Jon's autograph on my ticket stub which I still have!)...

[@Isleofskye]

@Andrew McGuire I assume that is Rick not Steve:)

[@Isleofskye]

@Andrew McGuire Thanks Andrew...

[@SingleTax]

The last speech was hilarious.

[@smurfette1509]

The sex stuff kind of turned me off but he seems like a good guy and so appreciate the album I fell in love with: 90125

[@carlosalomar7877]

@Sideways Rain Cinema & hold on stand above the rest...(90125)

[@lionheartroar3104]

Wakeman is a character

[@ivellbullock7503]

I just thought omg what the hell you have to tell them that for? And my second reaction goes like " ok, that's even worse ".

[@ltr1745]

@@smurfette1509 Get a grip princess...he's not there to turn you on.

[@johnmackens2857]

Wakeman is a funny guy. I like his input. Its nice to see a great musician who also has a great sense of humour, and doesnt take himself too seriously.

[@flavioreis_6647]

I LOVE PROGRESSIVE ROCK!

[@namesurname4501]

progressive rock? YOU FUCKING LITTLE CHILD.

[@herbsandspicesdons5247]

yes is prog rock

[@mikereiss4216]

@@herbsandspicesdons5247 Yeah, prog rock is the same as progressive rock. Prog is the nickname.

[@theresa42213]

RGomes ~ Don't listen to ''name surname'' . Prog IS short for Progressive rock. lt has NO political connotations what so ever. Why he called you a 'little child'' and swore at you is anybody's guess, but who cares? I LOVE PROGRESSIVE ROCK too!

[@jimdavis9164]

I prefer regressive rock like Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@billdux3271]

Amazing that it took years for, YES to get in the Rock & Roll Hall of fame. One of the best bands of all time, and they did it live. Amazing musicians all.

[@cheward5737]

God bless you, Wakeman. I needed to laugh. Thanks for all the medicine both musical and comedic. You're a true mensch.

[@slide4180]

No one in Yes was laughing. Maybe they've heard too much of his material.

[@slide4180]

Not too concerned about the kid listening behind him!

[@MasterWilczu]

@@slide4180 Bruford and Rabin were.

[@delvoniaquasbex5902]

@@anthonydimattei6997 Get a grip fool.

[@stephenjones101]

Steve and Rick gave the best speeches. Rick totally cracks me up. He's funny as hell and has a very warm and loving personality. "Fragile", "Close to the Edge", and "Tales From Topographic Oceans" remain three of my favorite albums of all time.

[@jmorich]

Never realized now tall Wakeman is.

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

Big man. He might have been another Butterbean.

[@sex6cult9revolution]

Squire was about as tall and Rabin is even taller (6'7"). I think Trevor slouches a bit because he doesn't want to look like a freak.

[@dougreed2257]

@@sex6cult9revolution i really dont think rabin is 6'7"

[@mojooftheg5961]

Rick is 6'3". So was Chris. Trevor also. Some people also wear boots.

[@exessex3522]

A relative giant compared to Jon Anderson at 5'5" (or Napoleon as they used to call him).

[@cardo1111]

Rick Wakeman is not only a gifted keyboardist, he has a real knack for comedy and for entertaining a large audience. A great band, I had the pleasure of recently seeing Jon Anderson perform some Yes classics along with the complete Yes Close To The Edge album in Sugar Loaf NY at a small venue with the very talented young Paul Green Rock Academy. A shame that Chris Squire didn't live to see this long overdue induction.

[@Archer335]

I can’t believe that it took them this long to induct these guys.

[@hermanhelmich]

What a great sense of humour Rick Wakeman has Sooo funny "A gopher going on holiday inside you" left me in tears

[@jeffmixon4988]

I saw them live, when Close to the Edge was their new album. The opening act was Eagles.

[@Larry821]

I was at that show in Louisville, Ky. Outstanding show from both groups.

[@mattmarkus4868]

i love to imagine how pissed off Don Henley was listening to Yes music, that smug fuck.

[@danielhresko4900]

@ Jeff Mixon: THANK YOU for correctly calling them Eagles, instead of The Eagles. Also, thank you Matt Markus for pointing out that Don Henley is a "smug fuck."

[@brianborders8003]

Same here, in Indianapolis. Gentle Giant on first, then the Eagles

[@DaveLhere]

I would like to hear a few more minutes of Rick Wakeman stand up!

[@klipkultur2951]

Rick is also a professional stand-up comic. I didn't know.

[@chassy]

Me neither, I didn,t knew. But he is one of the funniest though.

[@jameswcollett]

If you get a chance to catch Rick Wakeman performing one of his "An Audience With Rick Wakeman" shows, take it. The man is a quality story teller.

[@danielfisch389]

Just like his books and interviews - very entertaining

[@nellgwenn]

Greatest Rock and Roll Hall of fame speech ever.

[@Derisoireetsardonique]

Rick’s speech, I’ve been laughing for half an hour long no stop

[@tylergann5]

If only this happened sooner, when Chris was still with us...

[@gwills1010]

When Jon says "life has passed me by so fast" I can't help but think of "seasons will pass you by" from Close to the Edge.

[@greensombrero3641]

Yes - made some really remarkable music. Just fantastic albums.

[@chasgorman1086]

I didn’t think anyone could top Alex Lifeson’s speech, but Rick crushed it!

[@SergioProgAlt]

Yes is my favorite band for nearly half a century, the greatest prog rock band, whose music remains as an everlasting collection of classic albums. I only knew Rick Wakeman is a great keyboards player, I had no idea he's such a hilarious comic too! I enjoyed all their induction speeches - but Rick stole the show!

[@DigitalMusicXpress]

Bless ol' Rick Wakeman, what a soul, theres many times in my life where I wish I could meet him and wish that I was born earlier to have been one of the musicians who could have grown up next to him, to witness his musical growth. Bless you many times over sir... Then old Trevor Rabin, a old South African great! Making us proud each time in music!

[@swpsychicaz]

IMO, Yes not being inducted into the R&R HOF in the 60's and 70's is one of the biggest travesties in R&R history. They were arguably the greatest assembly of virtuoso rock musicians ever. Their ability to combine Classical, Jazz, Blues and Progressive with Rock and Roll into such original, unique, dynamic music was unparalled. Their LIVE shows were as memorable as any I have ever seen. And I have seen many. Yes was in my Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since the Yes Album and when I saw them with Tony Kaye in the early 70's. God bless you all. Your music will live on forever.

[@jefftincher6997]

I never ever knew RIck had such a sense of humor. He seems so serious when he plays. Yes is one of my 3 favorite bands. It's about time they got into the hall of fame. RIP Chris. Looking forward to the new Yes-ARW music !!!!!

[@montag4516]

Just about any footage you see/hear him speaking he's generally like that, making fun of everything, having a laugh, and getting those around him laughing.

[@paulstroud2647]

I used to live in the same town as him in Surrey, and he would occasionally do a one man show in the local arts centre. It was 50/50 funny stories and wonderful keyboard playing, he is a class act.

[@astrosjer822]

Nice the ex-Yes men were mentioned, only forgot to mention Igor Koroshev, Patrick Moraz and Tony Kaye. Downes, Banks, Sherwood all mentioned!

[@ankihansen2489]

I didn't hear Trevor Horn!

[@davidnissim589]

Kaye was inducted, but he didn’t show up to the ceremony.

[@ShaNaNa242]

​@davidnissim589 I wonder why

[@teresakoslosky3053]

Your beautiful Jon Anderson!! Yes means everything to me!!

[@williamtaylor5193]

It was predictable that Rick would indulge us with his great sense of humor. Congrats to Yes---they were a wonderful band and had a big influence on my childhood.

[@paulself8698]

Me too!

[@davidsanderson5918]

Lovely to see and HEAR Lifeson laughing hard. Both he and Rick, funny men who love to break the ice with humour.

[@SilverTounge85]

Funny to see all the models and "hangarounds" that don't know who is inducted. They are just there because they are the "elite", and don't care about these great bands.

[@andzwe]

Like often with these kind of occasions the most important thing is to see and be seen and that doesn't only apply to the audience. I once worked at an arthouse and the chairman of the administration didn't have a clue about art, but was always the centre of attention during openings of exhibitions.

[@labarone8910]

SilverTounge85 So true! Which table were you at?

[@marcinbreczko4777]

@Thomas Evans It's so true, sir. Love your comment.

[@dylpik4374]

Jon looks like hes on another planet in the background during Wakeman speech

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

Jon and Carlos Santana are probably the two weirdest men in rock.

[@marxer19]

Randy Rinker Classic! I read an article years ago that Rick brought a huge pastrami sandwich to a rehearsal and set it on the piano. Jon, being vegan, saw the sandwich and flipped out. Rick, grabbed the plate and casually devoured it in front of Jon, Hahaha.

[@ripplesguy1036]

There's a quote from Rick Wakeman which says something like "Jon Anderson is the only person I know trying to save this planet whilst living on another one" 😄😄

[@prickyX]

@Randy Rinker and wherever Jon is, it's beautiful out there...

[@edf13]

James Rick is vegetarian now

[@erictripton]

Great to see Jon!!! Yes, truly one of the best bands in our generation

[@hpatss4966]

I’ve met Steve Howe in the past and the first time I met him I was a kid and he was really kind and then the second time he was talking to some friends and I didn’t want to bother him so I showed him my yes poster and asked if he would sign it and he did it with a smile. If that’s all I could ask Steve Howe then that’s fine

[@kroakie4]

This band is incredible!! I just got their Tales From Topographic Oceans album, and while there aren’t any huge hits on it it’s still great. It doesn’t matter what Yes does, it’s always infectious.

[@stargate1555]

Rick's greatness happens once in a lifetime. Pay attention.

[@windmasterfluke]

Such a wonderful band and I am proud to be a lifelong fan. Wish Squire would have been here to see it all.

[@ripplesguy1036]

I first experienced Rick Wakeman's killer wit on one of his solo tours back in around 2003 - the guy should do stand up - brilliant 😄😄

[@alexp6016]

Rick is hilarious 😂 best HoF speech I’ve seen!

[@johnmackens2857]

Wakeman is great. Its rare to find someone of such a high musical caliber, who also is a respectable stand up comic!

[@rockersedvitae8413]

To my friend Paul B in heaven. Thank you for sharing your Yes cassettes with me in high school. When we saw Yes at Madison Square Garden, NYC the performance was truly magical, and I haven't stopped listening since. See you on the other side when the time comes.

[@jwblue575]

Rick Wakeman - "It wasn't very good ... never is when you are your own" , "The sex was still the same but, the washing was piling up". .... lol. He should have been a stand-up.

[@robst247]

For those of us who were huge Yes fans back in the glorious early '70s when the band was at its creative peak, it's painful when Jon says "I'm so glad we're in Yes. Yes means a lot ... to me," knowing that he hasn't been allowed/invited back into the band since his serious respiratory illness in 2008 that nearly cost him his life. It must have caused him a huge amount of pain, too.

[@Innerspace100]

Hahaha... Rick Wakeman is one funny bloke!

[@BluesLicks101]

Rick totally stepped over time at the expense of Chris's wife Scotty - why? To tell bawdy jokes. NOT funny.

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Rick is hilarious, the man has it all apparently, oh, except he can’t get it up, story of his life.

[@satchfan2010]

BluesLicks101 Was that her on stage with the young girl?

[@maxcohen13]

I was so annoyed that Bruford didn't speak. I would've loved to hear his contempt.

[@0rganfarmer]

It’s actually kind of perfect. Always a person to let the music do the talking for him.

[@micko1404]

The cape wearing keyboard player is what's needed in music, a true comedian

[@srfdad]

The greatest acceptance speech ever!

[@TheLastOilMan]

Yes should have been there 20 years ago !

[@polygoncreatures4045]

Love to have a beer with Wakeman and a joint with Anderson. But I love the whole band. Amazing musicians.

[@emmanuel0099]

A total shame that the HOF people couldn't give Scotty Squire some time to speak on behalf of Chris. You can listen to Rick Wakeman introduce her at the end while the mic is being taken down.

[@WooBino.]

Emmanuel Guzmán I was there and love Rick but if he joked less maybe she would have had time to speak.... if she wanted.....🎤

[@Roland1984]

Rick's speech took less than 4 minutes. Blame on the event organizers, not on him.

[@Sasfoot]

My parents saw Yes as well as Anderson & Wakeman many times and mom told me that Rick Wakeman is always like this.

[@josecandal9412]

Rick Wakeman is so fucking funny.....brilliant sense of humor.....and of course great talent as a musician.

[@BjoernLewin]

Steve Howe: "I was the only one to prepare a speech as was asked"... "I played the bass exactly liek Chris did." ... Steve, lighten up man!!!

[@brianparks2039]

How many people in that audience actually appreciate Yes for what they are?

[@jeffturner6698]

Exactly...or even knew who they are??? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@MichaelGiordano777]

Yes I for one do Sir! Cheers Mate! Carry On!

[@jeffrey322]

Rick is HILARIOUS! I saw Jon sing with the Paul Green Rock Academy a few years back in Woodstock and it was great! I've been a Yes fan since the early 70s and they were a major influence on me as a young musician!

[@marcillioficino4663]

Still can't figure out why Jethro Tull hasn't been inducted.

[@makelikeatree1696]

Wtf? Tull is not in the HOF? That is a f'ing crime.

[@ianseymour2697]

Honestly

[@jackt5617]

I agree, I saw Tull way back in 71 on their Aqualung tour. Still one of the most amazing concerts I ever saw.

[@senorlovato1388]

Or GRAND FUNK!!!!

[@pierceelyhibionada342]

Reo Speedwagon too....

[@alencar5420]

Rick Wakeman is definitely the King of Rock and Roll.✌️

[@jsnyper4357]

One of my favorite bands.

[@cigarmerchant5836]

I saw Bill Bruford play with YES one day so satisfied I saw him play.

[@281cobracar7]

Who knew Rick Wakeman was a stand up comedian. Huge YES fan who I've seen 4 times in concert. I even seen Rick Wakeman's Six Wifes of Henry the VIII tour. I've seen this video before but forgot how funny Rick was. RIP Chris Squire and Alan White.

[@michaelwarwick9930]

From the ridiculous to the sublime… WTF was Jon Anderson on? (Other than Cloud 9 for at last having had his creation recognised.*) Steve Howe: Yes, someone had to say it. The colours, the textures, etc, were, after all, what Yes were all about. So, well said, Steve! And Rick Wakeman: For me, as an Englishman, it says everything about his ironic and self-deprecating sense of humour that most of the audience were nonplussed by it. Well done, son! Mick Warwick, lifelong Yes fan. * I’m no fan of self-appointed style gods like the Oscars or the Emmys or the RARHOF, but the latter have proven themselves to have been unconsionably blinkered twats in not having recognised that Yes’s contribution to music (unlike that of most of its inductees) was not just to ‘rock and roll’ but to music per se. They should have been honoured to have counted Yes in their unimaginative fold.

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

No question Michael. Well said.

[@tonirox6033]

Leave Jon alone..nothing wrong with happy and loving fans and friends