Yes is still my favorite band. I love most of the iterations. I don’t care for the current Steve Howe mix. I think Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks are the go-to. My opinion. But I want to go back to the time when I was covering bands for the Aquarian and decided to cover Yes with Benoit David.  

David was originally approved by Chris Squire. I remember I was hesitant but still, why not cover the band I loved. I know why, what if I didn’t like the latest version? That was the risk for me.  

The “Fly from Here” album was terrific. I saw the Drama tour. I had second row on the floor seats and ate it up. I love this album to this day. It was a great follow-up and the songs resonated on this tour.  

Chris Squire was always amazing, but the entire lineup was solid. It was David, Alan White, Steve Howe, Squire, and Geoff Downes. I loved it. I went and saw them again, on my own dime at Great Adventure. This was when they teamed up with Asia.  

Storms and the threat of lightning almost washed out the entire Yes portion of the show. This was the setlist that was performed.  

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/yes/2009/six-flags-great-adventure-jackson-nj-7bd4ea5c.html 

David was amazing on Astral Traveller. That song was always a favorite of mine and I never saw Jon perform it. AI tells me the last time was 1971. Is that accurate? Who knows? But David made it his own and it was amazing. I was sold and then he had vocal issues. The massive tour schedule and that vocal range, which is hard on any singer, didn’t work out for him. I felt that it was unfair they moved on from him.  

David’s WiKi says he’s retired. He’s only 59. The band didn’t treat him well. But the man had talent, and I’ve always felt bad for him.  

I’m not suggesting he should be back with the band or anything like that. All I’m saying is that the two times I saw him, he was excellent.