Category Archives: progressive rock
Review: Yes, Live At Massey Hall, April 11th, 2013
“Biff Bam Pop, right. You were in the front row tonight. Are you going to review the show?”
So asked Geoff Downes, keyboardist for legendary progressive rock band Yes when I reintroduced myself at the band’s meet and greet following their sold out performance at Massey Hall Thursday, April 11th. Last summer, Geoff and I had met at the band’s summer tour opener after he and I had conducted an email interview about the band. I told him I would indeed be writing about this stop on Yes’ three album tour, where the group was performing their classic albums The Yes Album, Close To The Edge and Going For The One in their entirety. This was the first time the band was attempting something like this since the early 70′s, when they toured their double album Tales From Topographic Oceans. It’s an ambitious undertaking, but one that is paying off nicely for the group. Shows have been selling out and reviews have been positive.
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Andy Burns Remembers Yes Guitarist Peter Banks
Regular readers of Biff Bam Pop will know that your Editor-In-Chief is a massive fan of progressive rock, with my all time fave prog band being Yes. This morning I read the sad news that original guitarist Peter Banks had passed away a few days ago. Yes has had an astounding eighteen members pass through their ranks over their 45 year history, and with virtuoso Steve Howe guiding them through the 70′s and new millenium, and wunderkind Trevor Rabin reigniting the band for the 80′s, it’s easy for Peter Banks to be forgotten.
Truth be told, Yes’ debut is a personal favourite. The band is cookin’ and much more rock oriented than their masterworks would have you believe. With Banks and original keyboardist Tony Kaye, the band simply played in a way they never would again. As legend has it, The Who’s Pete Townshend was hugely impressed with Banks when he saw him perform live.
So tonight raise a glass to an unsung guitar hero. Rest In Peace, Peter Banks, and thanks for helping Yes begin their trailblazing journey
World Exclusive: Singer Benoit David on Mystery, Yes and More!
Last week, progressive rock fans had a chance to read our exclusive talk with writer Jon Kirkman about his upcoming book on Yes, Time And A Word: The Yes Interviews. Well, the prog doesn’t stop at Biff Bam Pop, as I was very lucky to conduct an email interview with former Yes lead singer and current Mystery frontman (and fellow Canadian) Benoit David.
As many classic rock fans know, in 2008 Benoit David stepped in as an understudy for ailing Yes singer Jon Anderson. Discovered by the band after seeing a video of David fronting a Yes cover band, David managed to ably cover Anderson’s parts, while adding some much needed energy into the band. With the new vocalist firmly entrenched, in 2011, Yes released Fly From Here, their first studio album in 10 years and (in my opinion), their best since 90125. However, the constant touring proved difficult on David, who became ill last November, forcing the band to cancel concert dates. Unsure of when he’d be able to return, David vacated his role in Yes earlier this year.
However, Benoit David’s musical career is far from over. As a member of progressive rockers Mystery, alongside Michel St-Pere, is still making great music. The band’s latest studio album The World Is A Game was recently released and is a fantastically melodic album, mixing shorter songs with some gorgeous epic length tracks. For fans of Yes and prog rock generally, there’s much to love about the new album.
Take a taste of The World Is A Game and then dive into our interview with Benoit David after the jump!
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Exclusive Interview – Jon Kirkman Talks Time And A Word: The Yes Interviews
I’ve made my love for prog rock legends Yes unabashed here at Biff Bam Pop. We’ve had interviews with band members up and more to come, and reviews of live performances. As a fan, the next piece of Yes memorabilia I’m excited about comes from UK rock journalist and broadcaster Jon Kirkman. A longtime fan, friend and expert on the band (check out our previous interview with Jon about the Union multidisc set here), Jon’s next endeavour is a mammoth coffee table book on the band titled Time And A Word: The Yes Interviews, due out next month. Jon was kind enough to take some time out of completing the book to let Yes fans around the world know what to expect from this exciting project. Check out the trailer for Time And A Word: The Yes Interviews below and then start reading our exclusive interview after the jump!
Exclusive Interview: Saga’s Michael Sadler Talks 20/20, Returning To The Band, And More!
One of Canada’s highly regarded progressive rock bands has always been Saga. Songs like Wind Him Up, The Flyer and On The Loose are ingrained in our rock and roll psyche and are probably being played on a classic rock radio station at this very moment. While the band has always possessed a unique sound, their brand new studio album 20/20 is a timeless addition to Saga’s catalogue. It marks the return of lead singer Michael Sadler to the fold after a multi-year absence, one that, as he explains below in our exclusive email interview, wasn’t due to any sort of band turmoil. Get the scoop of Sadler’s return to the fold, 20/20 and Saga playing live after the jump.
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Exclusive Interview: Pete Trewavas and Eric Blackwood of Edison’s Children
Edison’s Children – In The Last Waking Moments…
Edison’s Children is the culmination of efforts between Marillion/Transatalantic bassist Pete Trawavas and Eric Blackwood. Their first album In The Last Waking Moments…was released to critical acclaim in November 2011. The album is a first in that it features all 5 members of Marillion on different songs. Darrin Cappe caught up with Eric, Pete and Wendy Pastore at The Opera House on Wed June 20 2012 just prior to the Marillion show. Read on after the jump!
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Review: Yes, Live At Casino Rama, July 10th, 2012
Can a band that’s been around more than 40 years really hit the heights of yesteryear?
In the case of Yes, the answer is…well, you know.
Last night in Rama, Ontario, the band (one of my favourites) kicked off their summer tour, which also serves as a North American introduction to their new lead singer, Jon Davison, who has some pretty big shoes to fill. Did he do it? Find out after the jump?
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Exclusive Interview: Geoff Downes Of Prog Rock Legends Yes & Asia Talks To Andy Burns
For over 20 years I’ve been a diehard Yes fan. If you’re a regular reader of Biff Bam Pop, you probably know this, since we’ve featured the band on many occasions. But today marks a first for the site – an interview with Geoff Downes, the bands current keyboardist, who first played on Yes’ fan favourite album Drama back in 1980 and who rejoined the group in 2011 for their most recent studio release, Fly From Here. With a pedigree that includes being a founding member of both The Buggles and Asia, Downes is one of rocks greatest keyboard players. From a completely biased fan standpoint, he also happens to be my second favourite Yes keyboardist of all time, only topped by original member Tony Kaye (I’m sure Downes would agree he’s in great company). This being the case, I’m thrilled that Geoff was able to answer some questions via email for Biff Bam Pop in this exclusive interview. Yes kicks off their summer tour tomorrow with a show at Casino Rama in Rama, Ontario, their first Ontario show in nearly four years, their first since Downes rejoined the band, as well as their first in the area with new singer Jon Davison. I’ll let you know how the show is on Wednesday; in the meantime, enjoy my chat with Geoff Downes about Yes, touring, Asia and more!
