Yes Newcastle City Hall 17th April 1975
Support: Gryphon
Yes returned to the City Hall to play three sold out shows in Spring 1975. Patrick Moraz had replaced Rick Wakeman, after the keyboard wizard had departed our prog heroes because of his dissatisfaction with the “Topographic Oceans” epic. I’d seen Patrick Moraz play in Refugee, taking the Keith Emerson role in the band which Lee Jackson and Brian Davison formed after the Nice split. So I knew how good a keyboard player he was. The line-up of Yes was now Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Alan White and Moraz. Yes had just released their seventh album “Relayer”. Steve Howe described Relayer as “very modern, European style of music, and Patrick brought in a South American flavour as well. It was a very international record”.
Support for the tour was Gryphon, a prog-rock band who fused Renaissance music with electric folk, playing medieval and modern instruments. I went to the final concert of the three-night run.
After the marathon performance of “Topographic Oceans” on their previous tour, I was pleased, and somewhat relieved, that this time Yes chose to play a set which consisted of songs from throughout their career. “Close to the Edge” and “And You and I” were becoming concert favourites, and both songs showcased epic performances by Jon Anderson. “Mood for a Day” had replaced “Clap” as a vehicle for Steve Howe’s virtuosity, and “Long Distance Runaround” and “Roundabout” were ( and still are) classic Yes songs. I remember being particularly pleased that “Sweet Dreams” was played as the final encore, although a little disappointed that “Yours is no Disgrace” did not feature. A classic Yes gig, with the band back on form. I saw Yes on two further occasions in 1975, at Stoke football ground and at the Reading festival. I’ll write about the Stoke concert tomorrow.
Setlist:The Firebird Suite (intro music); Sound Chaser; Close to the Edge; To Be Over; The Gates of Delirium; I’ve Seen All Good People; Mood for a Day; Long Distance Runaround; Clap; And You and I; Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil)
Encore: Roundabout; Sweet Dreams
4 Mar
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by jeffollerton on March 4, 2015 at 8:08 am
Interesting that Ritual from Topographic Oceans was retained as that’s by far the strongest piece on the album. I do envy you seeing Yes in their prime!
Posted by vintagerock on March 4, 2015 at 8:26 am
Thanks Jeff I was a big fan of Yes at the time and thought they were great Cheers Peter
Posted by Ian on October 24, 2016 at 6:02 pm
I was at all 3 of these. Astonishing gigs which changed my life. Really! I remember the first night ran really late due to an accident on the A1 which delayed the get-in.
Posted by Christophe on June 16, 2020 at 5:27 pm
I was 14, it was my first concert. The first in a series that is still not finished!
I’m French, it was during a school exchange, I forgot the family who welcomed me (it’s a shame), but not this concert.
Posted by vintagerock on June 16, 2020 at 7:15 pm
Hi Christophe
You never forget your 1st concert; particularly if it was Yes (the same as me!)