Yes - Like It Is (3) Live at...

Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White; 2011.

I haven't posted in a period but I'm back now with something now that's there something to write about after getting writers block here and TV Quick USA while NY Retail Roundup seldom runs out of ideas.  This is why some people just have one blog!  This is supposed to be the flagship too.

The loss of Chris Squire this past year left Yes without any original members still in the band (Peter Banks passed a couple years before, and their surviving former colleagues Jon Anderson, Tony Kaye and Bill Bruford have all left the band more than once already).  Billy Sherwood was selected by Squire himself to come back and take over on bass.  Many have slated Yes for carrying on in this manner and the fandom are torn as they have been for almost a decade since Anderson last left again.

There have been two volumes of the live release Like It Is from their current label Frontiers who fill the void of not having even existed yet in the old days to have signed the bands by releasing live albums from Yes, Asia (Geoff Downes does double duty while Steve Howe will focus on Yes and solo from here on out), Def Leppard and others.  Yes' 1971-72 and 1977 albums were revisited and the next tour will do the same for 1973 and 1980.  Half of Tales of Topographic Oceans and all of  Drama plus encores are being planned for this year and I would hope there would be an official album and DVD dedicated to Squires memory (the last one was already prepared by the time he had gone).  It'd be too easy to just get a bootleg and with more security at shows one would be lucky to sneak in a quick video on a mobile phone and I wouldn't dare do such a thing; also, I'm no Wayne Isham or Bob Clearmountain so I can't do a proper job anyway).  If they decide to have a go, then I hope they will come to the new amphitheatre across town to tape and film as the Grandstand where several past lineups have played across the street sadly went the way of the Rainbow and Marquee.  Now Roger Dean has to paint a new cover as only he can.  More on this in due time.

Pink Floyd - Live in Adelaide 11/2/88

The track listing is as follows: Side 1: Shine On You Crazy Diamond Pt 1-5, Signs of Life, Learning to Fly, Side 2: Yet Another Movie, A New Machine Pt 1, Terminal Frost, A New Machine Pt. 2, Sorrow, Side 3: Dogs of War, On the Turning Away, One of These Days, Side 4: Time, On the Run, Wish You Were Here, Welcome to the Machine, Side 5: Us & Them, Money, Another Brick in the Wall Pt 2, Side 6: Comfortably Numb, One Slip, Run Like Helll

CD 1
CD 2

Music in the 'Cuse: Sunday, August 29: REO Speedwagon at Chevy Court tonight

Music in the 'Cuse: Monday, August 29: REO Speedwagon at Chevy Court tonight

Heavy Rock - the playlist!: Yes: "Fly From Here" Tracklisting And Cover Artwor...

Heavy Rock - the playlist!: Yes: "Fly From Here" Tracklisting And Cover Artwor...: "Grammy Award winners Yes, one of the most influential and ground-breaking progressive rock ‘n’ roll bands ever, are back with their first..."

2011 CNY Outdoor Concert Series

Asia featuring John Payne, one of the Holy Grails for me.

Because of two ill-fated concert series in Syracuse last year, there doesn't seem to be one this year apart from the funfair and a few small time events.  Even if a shows free, its not always easy to get people to come.  Some promoters just can't cut it.  These shows used to be at Inner Harbour, the Federal Building, and the CNY Regional Market.  Now, I'd have to go to Rochester and Albany for such a thing as they seem to have better resources.
If I could start my own, here are who would come, one per week:

Asia featuring John Payne
Marillion
Pallas
Rush (up in the air with the boys)
Yes
The Moody Blues (have since come to town)
Culture Club (coming 2 Sept 2016)
INXS
Duran Duran
Childhoods End (now split)

There are numerous local businesses who would sponsor the shows.  The cost of security would be high, whether its private or the local police.  Then who would be willing to host the shows?  It may be too late to start getting something this year but perhaps next year it could happen.
Who would you like to see?  Remember, this articles not about an actual live series in CNY, I'm afraid.

1964 the Tribute - Not Beatlemaniamania but an Incredible Simulation (Review)

After a lifelong devotion to the Beatles and most of their solo careers, I finally managed to see a tribute band. Even though I saw tributes to other successful EMI acts, I had some reservations about this kind because of how big they were. Since 1964 the Tribute from Oklahoma were playing the state fair for a free show (with admission), I thought I'd try it once; also since no one else I liked were there this year.
The music critic from the paper didn't bother to come, as he isn't too big on tribute acts after slating one, so I'll have a go at it. He let me do a review of a Queen tribute and put it on his blog, but more on that later.
There were a lot of fairgoers of every living generation there. It was also over-60s day at the funfair, so many of those that were boomers came, as well as the Tom Brokaw generation, in addition to those who weren't even born when Messrs Lennon and/or Harrison were alive. Of course real fans came. I couldn't convince some to go with me, reasons ranging to schedules to being taken aback by someone else pretending to be John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The show ranged from every vintage from late 1962 through 1966. Nothing after would work, even though competitors will do that and even some solo to boot like Rain. At first, I just looked briefly at the screen so not to kill the mystique, as the band members are ageing and have been at it as a group much longer than the real thing, which is always the case. Sometimes, the impersonations weren't perfect, but at least were still Northern. You have to forget that those were Yanks doing a Scouse take of what Shakespearean thespians or maybe Renaissance fair reenactors do so it's not like Madonna to put it that way! The gear and instruments were replicas of those used in those crazy days of screaming girls, press conferences, and hotel confinements. One can hear what's playing here. I wonder what the genuine article thought of this kind of thing. The missuses even. Apple's solicitors stopped Beatlemania! at first, but backed off later.
From "Please Please Me" to "Taxman", many favourites were revisited, along with some banter which did break the time warp so to speak, as "John" told everyone to get out their "pocket phones" for "In My Life". I tried filming that, but I'm no Dickie Lester! It wasn't the kind of show I would bootleg, so I'll order the album on emusic instead.
So Beatle people, do try it once to see if it does the boys justice. I feel this is living vicariously for both the players and fans. Still, it will never truly be the same.

A Tale of Two Asias

It was the best of shows. It was the worst of shows. Original Asia were supposed to perform in Syracuse on 12 August at the CNY Market Block Party, but that along with Poison vocalist turned TV star Bret Michaels exploded in a row over money with promoter Mike Banks. There are two sides to every story, yet he is being slated big time for letting people down. I can't remember the last time so much vitriol was surrounding a promoter. Even Harvey Goldsmith must have had the onus on him with Yes's 1980 Drama tour, which had now-Asia members Steve Howe and Geoff Downes, making it a bonafide precursor to Asia if you like. The tour suffered with Trevor Horn singing to the point he could have gotten lymph nodes going from out of key, as fans bought tickets months before the record was out assuming it was business as usual with Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. Mainly at home, people were cross, but I don't remember fingers being pointed at Goldsmith directly however.
Three decades on, there is no time for Asia to have another go at it here, so I have to go to the Armoury in Rochester, a free show like Albany in '07, but not the cost of travelling! They were last in Monroe County in '06, so everyone there will be glad to see them again.
If Banks can get everything organised for another show, he could compensate by getting Asia featuring John Payne in OA's stead. I won't bring up old news of the "feud" between the pair of them. I think they get on now. Just had to deal with the solicitors on the name. I mentioned AFJP to Banks. He hasn't said anything yet, as he still has his hands full in getting everyone's money back.
Another live open air series in town was cancelled, but due to low attendence. Check earlier posts on my lament in not getting enough acts here.

The Moody Blues at Stanley Centre for the Arts - Review

Since no one else is gonna do it, it's up to me. Haven't done this in a while.
Last night, I finally got to see the Moody Blues at the Stanley in Utica, NY. Had to get a ride there. Well worth the trip. No meet and greet though. Maybe if I waited outside the tour bus (small town), but I had to get home to bed.
Before show time, fans of three to four generations flooded into the theatre. Not 100% sold out (economy I suppose), but still a sizable crowd nonetheless. The PA played tracks not in the setlist such as those from 1983's The Present. The show started with "The Voice" (though the keyboards couldn't be heard as clearly as on the album Long Distance Voyager. The last number was, as always, "Ride My See-Saw". Messrs Hayward, Lodge, and Edge were in top form, as if they weren't ageing at all. On that note, Graeme Edge did some stand-up comedy about being over-60s in Florida taking Viagara. He's been in the band since day one.
As always with these shows, I memorise the numbers by original release:

Tuesday Afternoon
Peak Hour
Late Lament
Nights in White Satin
Ride My See-Saw
Voices in the Sky (I think)
Lovely to See You
Never Comes the Day
Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Higher and Higher
Gypsy (Of a Strange and Distant Time)
Question
The Story in Your Eyes
I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock 'n Roll Band)
Isn't Life Strange?
Steppin' in a Slide Zone
Driftwood
The Day We Meet Again
The Voice
Your Wildest Dreams
The Other Side of Life
I Know You're Out There Somewhere
Lean on Me (Tonight)

Almost every vintage of the band is covered here. I couldn't find one thing wrong. I guess after doing this for over two generations, you know all the ropes! Just wish I could have met the band. Now I just await YouTube videos, mp3s and a DVD. As it wasn't a big area, I'm sure someone managed to manoeuvre recording the show. I could do audio, but I was too high up to do a decent video. I couldn't get away with such a thing.
I regret missing last year's show across Oneida County at the Turning Stone, and maybe NYC exurb Montclair, NJ (the closest place before Utica was announced), but better late than never!

Yes - Quasi-Mystical Vision - 17/6/76

Don't forget Patrick Moraz! The cover is not Roger Dean, but an incredible simulation!

Recorded from FM radio on the Solos Tour. Courtesy David Couch and Joker Productions.

My Yes-timony here.

1. Siberian Khatru
2. Sound Chaser
3. I've Seen All Good People
4. The Gates of Delirium
5. Long Distance Runaround/Moraz Solo
6. Clap
7. Olias of Sunhillow
8. Heart of the Sunrise

Download

Paul McCartney - Magical Toronto Night - Exhibition Stadium - Toronto, ONT, Canada 6/6/93

This is a special bootleg to me. I went to this show. I went with a few others. We stayed at the Delta Chelsea and stopped at Sam the Record Man
Full details here.
I just wish someone videotaped it as well. My memory's not as good as it used to be. I hope next week's show is also filmed and taped.

CD 1
CD 2

Asia featuring John Payne - Summer 2009 Tour Dates

L-R: John Payne, Erik Norlander, Jay Schellen, and Mitch Perry.

Los Angeles, CA - "Classic AOR band Asia featuring John Payne are scheduled to appear at festivals and venues around the USA this summer beginning July 5th at the American Music Festival in Riverfront Park, Harrisburg, PA. Asia featuring John Payne will perform many of Asia's hit songs plus new material from their upcoming release Military Man".
> Asia featuring John Payne's tourdates are as follows with additional dates TBA:
> July 5, 2009 American Music Festival, Riverfront Park in downtown Harrisburg, PA 6:30PM
> July 11, 2009 Riverfest, East Hartford, CT
> July 12, 2009 Tupelo Music Hall, 2 Young Road, Londonderry, NH 03053 7PM
> July 14, 2009 Mohegan Sun Casino, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT 8PM
> July 16, 2009 The Boogie Festival, Springville, IN 11PM
> July 18, 2009 Rock 'N' Resort Music Festival, Clays Park Resort, North Lawrence, OH 44666 7:30PM
> August 7, 2009 Crestwood Fest, Caesar Park, Crestwood, IL 9:45PM (Chicago metro)
> August 9, 2009 Valley Cultural Arts, Warner Park Centre, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 6PM
> August 12, 2009 Trocaderos Event Centre, 107 Third Ave., Minneapolis, MN 8PM !!!CANCELLED!!!
> August 13, 2009 Waterfest, Riverside Park, Oshkosh, WI (with Night Ranger) 8PM
> August 15, 2009 Wisconsin State Fair, Cousins Subs Amphitheatre, West Allis, WI 8P
> September 12, 2009 Sky City Casino, Interstate 40 Exit 102, Acoma, NM 87034 8PM

> "John Payne became the frontman of the supergroup ASIA in 1992 at the
> invitation of keyboardist Geoff Downes, replacing vocalist/bassist John
> Wetton. ASIA extensively toured the world for the next 14 years performing new
> classics and old favorites. With John Payne fronting the band, ASIA released 8
> stunning studio albums and several live recordings. In 2006, Geoff Downes
> left the band to reform the 1982 line up for their 25th anniversary. On the
> 9th of May 2006, John Payne, Geoff Downes, John Wetton, Carl Palmer and Steve
> Howe contractually agreed that John Payne would continue his 14 year legacy
> with ASIA as ”ASIA Featuring John Payne”. ASIA Featuring John Payne have
> commenced touring in North America and a new studio album is planned for
> release in late 2009.
>
> ASIA Featuring John Payne Member Bios
>
> Guitarist Mitch Perry joins ASIA Featuring John Payne for the 2009 summer
> tour. Gold records, sold out concert tours, MTV video and network TV
> appearances, numerous magazine features and recognition in the form of several
> guitar awards, over the last 25 years Mitch Perry has accomplished all of the
> above in a career working alongside some of the most renowned and popular
> musicians in the world. Mitch's discography and touring experience reads like a
> who's who of rock ranging from Aerosmith to Michael Schenker Group to Cher
> and Edgar Winter. His performances both live and in the studio show him to be
> a truly world class guitarist.
>
> Drummer Jay Schellen joined as ASIA’s première drummer in 2005, toured in
> Europe with the band and recording the album ASIA Featuring John Payne
> EXTENDED VERSIONS for Sony in 2006 when he remained with ASIA Featuring John
> Payne. Before joining ASIA, Jay played drums for Hurricane, Unruly Child,
> Badfinger and Conspiracy with Chris Squire from Yes.
>
> Keyboardist Erik Norlander joined ASIA Featuring John Payne in November of
> 2007. Erik's evocative synthesiser technique is reminiscent of the legendary
> Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson and Jon Lord while still very unique made him
> an obvious choice for the band. His works include over 25 releases with Lana
> Lane, Rocket Scientists and solo titles.
>
> Vocalist/bassist John Payne fronted ASIA for 14 years replacing John Wetton
> in 1992. 8 studio albums and 6 live albums followed including extensive
> world touring with the band. In 2006, John formed Asia featuring John Payne
> and is performing shows with his current lineup. Previous to ASIA, John sang
> with Roger Daltrey, CCCP, ELO Part 2 and more recently GPS plus being chosen
> as the Parson in Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds stadium tour."

This was sent to the JP Google Group from Serge Entertainment, his management. I think it's alright for me to put it here, with some revisions. If not, I'll take it off. Also see this new wiki.

Paul McCartney - Citi Field - Queens, NYC 17 or 21/7

Paul McCartney's mini-tour is one of the summer's hottest tickets. He will play Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (instead of Toronto); Flushing, Queens, New York City (instead of Madison Square); Washington, D.C., and Boston, MA. I shall be going on 17 or 21 July at the Mets' new stadium off the #7 tube. I won't do the 18th 'cos it's a Saturday (unless there's no other choice), and weekend travel isn't quite as easy (though I did it within Upstate for Yes last November). Tuesday would be best 'cos it's cheaper to travel during the week, whether it's a bus, plane, or your own car. Also, NYC is remotely closer and more familiar to me and easier to navigate (though I know how to read maps). I've been 5-6 times so far.
Whilst I write this, I am frustrated trying to get just one ticket in my price range. I don't have anyone to go with this year. I did the last two times, but one's not up to it anymore, and the others are in another state now. I know one who might, but he may have other fish to fry (sorry, Paul!). Many tout sites (including eBay) make you buy $200 pairs. I'm on my own, so I would have to sell the other ticket to whoever sits next to me since the scalpers assume only couples go to shows. Single people like Paul too!
If anyone has a spare ticket just in case, please leave a comment and "We Can Work It Out" for a "Ticket to Ride"! I'm a "Day Tripper" (I'd like to be on a Greyhound in broad daylight)! Wish me luck!
UPDATE: I got the ticket now, but I don't wanna erase how I felt at the time.

Please play Central New York!

Might be at the casino on 24 October 2013!

Here's a list of people I want in my area that are on the road this year:

Asia featuring John Payne
Fleetwood Mac
The Australian Pink Floyd Show
Boy George (update on the way)
Def Leppard (it's a go!)
Duran Duran
Roger Hodgson
Elton John
Kajagoogoo
The Machine (Pink Floyd tribute)
Paul McCartney (tour not yet announced, yet I'm willing to travel to Toronto or New York again if I can afford it again)
George Michael
Alanis Morissette
The Musical Box (Genesis tribute)
Naked Eyes
oasis
Ozzy Osbourne/Ozzfest
Queen + Paul Rodgers
Rush (again)
John Wetton & Geoffrey Downes: iCon (Asia spinioff, saw Asia in April)
Yes (see next blog)
Marillion