RHINO SAYS THE WORD IS LIVE, THE BAND IS YES

Three-Disc Collection Unlocks a Treasure Trove of Unreleased Live Performances From Rock Stalwarts August 23

July 08 2005
LOS ANGELES --

One of the most successful rock bands in history unleashes almost four hours of unreleased live performances that span nearly two decades as Rhino Records releases Yes' THE WORD IS LIVE. The three-disc set will be available August 23
. 

This 26-track collection follows Yes' evolving sound from early performances of "Then" and "For Everyone," recorded in 1970 on John Peel's Sunday BBC Program (the only previously issued tracks included in this compilation), to several songs recorded in 1988 at the Summit in Houston including a superb medley that features "Make It Easy" and "Owner Of A Lonely Heart." 

THE WORD IS LIVE also spotlights the different incarnations of Yes from 1970-1988, with performances from the original lineup of singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, drummer Bill Bruford, keyboardist Tony Kaye and guitarist Peter Banks, as well as songs that feature guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, drummer Alan White, keyboardist Patrick Moraz, vocalist Trevor Horn, keyboardist Geoff Downes and guitarist Trevor Rabin.

THE WORD IS LIVE captures rock's preeminent live band in full stride as they gallop through concert staples "Yours Is No Disgrace" and "I've Seen All Good People," performed at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London in 1971; a euphoric 18-minute version of "Awaken" at Chicago's International Amphitheater in 1979, as well as "The Big Medley," recorded in 1978 at The Forum in Los Angeles, which gives each virtuoso member a turn in the spotlight.

Also included is an elaborate booklet featuring rare photos, an essay by bassist Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, recollections from friends and fans about their favorite Yes concerts (including Mike Tiano, who manages Yes' Web site, and author and Yes expert Bill Martin), as well as heartfelt tributes by Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante, Rush's Geddy Lee, Matthew Sweet, Duncan Sheik, The Posies' Joe Skyward and the Foo Fighters' Taylor Hawkins.

Founded by Anderson, Squire and Bruford in 1968, Yes has been a dominant force in rock music for more than three decades, and has created some of rock's most enduring and compelling hits. To date, the band has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and was recently honored with Rhino/Elektra's career-spanning five-CD boxed set, In A Word: Yes (1969 - ).

These three live discs are sure to be welcomed by Yes' huge international following, as well as providing newcomers the perfect introduction to one of rock's most electrifying live bands.

YES: THE WORD IS LIVE Track Listing

DISC ONE


1. THEN -- BBC, 1970
2. FOR EVERYONE -- BBC, 1970 
3. ASTRAL TRAVELLER -- GOTHENBURG, 1971 *
4. EVERYDAYS -- GOTHENBURG, 1971 *
5. YOURS IS NO DISGRACE -- LONDON, 1971 *
6. I'VE SEEN ALL GOOD PEOPLE -- LONDON, 1971 *
7. AMERICA -- LONDON, 1971 *
8. IT'S LOVE -- LONDON, 1971 *

DISC TWO


1. APOCALYPSE -- DETROIT, 1976 *
2. SIBERIAN KHATRU -- DETROIT, 1976 *
3. SOUND CHASER -- DETROIT, 1976 *
4. SWEET DREAMS -- LONDON, 1975 *
5. FUTURE TIMES/REJOICE -- OAKLAND, 1978 *
6. CIRCUS OF HEAVEN -- OAKLAND, 1978 *
7. THE BIG MEDLEY -- INGLEWOOD, 1978 *
    a) TIME AND A WORD
    b) LONG DISTANCE RUNAROUND
    c) SURVIVAL
    d) THE FISH (SCHINDLERIA PRAEMATURUS)
    e) PERPETUAL CHANGE
    f) SOON
8. HELLO CHICAGO -- CHICAGO, 1979 *
9. ROUNDABOUT -- CHICAGO, 1979 *

DISC THREE


1. HEART OF THE SUNRISE -- OAKLAND, 1978 *
2. AWAKEN -- CHICAGO, 1979 *
3. GO THROUGH THIS -- NEW YORK, 1980 *
4. WE CAN FLY FROM HERE -- NEW YORK, 1980 *
5. TEMPUS FUGIT -- NEW YORK, 1980 *
6. RHYTHM OF LOVE -- HOUSTON, 1988 *
7. HOLD ON -- HOUSTON, 1988 *
8. SHOOT HIGH, AIM LOW -- HOUSTON, 1988 *
9. MAKE IT EASY/OWNER OF A LONELY HEART -- HOUSTON, 1988 *

* Previously Unreleased Live Performance