Whether it’s a covers group or a tribute band this new album will get a huge Yes vote

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As a seasoned gamer of live music experiences, I must say that my journey has been one filled with a mix of original and cover performances, each offering its unique charm. While I still maintain that the original is usually unrivaled, there have been instances where covers bands have managed to impress me beyond measure.

Listening to cover bands or tribute groups isn’t always a cozy concept due to the inconsistency in the quality and interpretation of the original songs. I still believe that it’s uncommon for a cover to surpass the original version, though there certainly are instances where this is true.

It can be a fun night out, though, and it’s not necessarily a bad idea. I went to see the Australian Pink Floyd a year or two back and it was a superb show. I was convinced to pay out for the slightly hefty priced tickets for what I labeled as a tribute band, by seeing that they had been asked by David Gilmour to play at his birthday party. 

As a devoted fan, I too acknowledged that the opportunity to witness Pink Floyd live on stage was no longer an option. Instead, I choose to savor whatever experiences come my way related to them. Initially, I balked at the idea of VIP tickets offering a meet and greet with a tribute band; it felt like stepping over the line. Moreover, owning their CDs held little appeal for me since the original Pink Floyd remains accessible in that aspect.

To be clear, setting aside Pink Floyd and focusing on another ’70s progressive rock artist, Jon Anderson, it can initially be puzzling to grasp his collaboration with the Band of Geeks. In essence, this band is a tribute or covers group, although they do count Richie Castellano from Blue Oyster Cult among their members. Interestingly, for quite some time, the Band of Geeks had been incorporating Yes songs into their performances. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that Jon Anderson reached out to them.

Covers band says Yes to tour with Jon Anderson

Instead of seeking a performance for a social gathering like Gilmour, he expressed interest in joining the band. What Anderson had in mind was beyond just a casual studio appearance; he aimed for a tour where they could perform classic Yes songs from the 1970s. This demonstrates a high regard for the Band of Geeks’ musicianship and sound.

Due to Covid-related delays, their joint tour didn’t start until 2023, but they were finally on the move together that year and again in 2024. In August 2024, Jon Anderson and his group, the Band of Geeks, launched their album titled “True” which has been receiving fantastic feedback from Yes fans and beyond.

Get ready, as we announce a new development! In March 2025, Yes is set to release their next album titled “Live – Perpetual Change“. This upcoming album will feature ten iconic tracks from their legendary seventies era. The song selection spans their early seventies period, including eight songs originally appearing on the live Yessongs album, along with “The Gates Of Delirium” and extending all the way to the 1977 epic “Awaken” from Going for the One.

Live – Perpetual Change – Tracklist:

  • “Yours Is No Disgrace”
  • “Perpetual Change”
  • “Close To The Edge”
  • “Heart Of The Sunrise”
  • “Starship Trooper”
  • “Awaken”
  • “And You And I”
  • “Your Move”/ “I’ve Seen All Good People”
  • “Gates Of Delirium”
  • “Roundabout”

Listening to the Band of Geeks, who meticulously replicate the authentic Yes sound, complemented by Jon Anderson’s distinctive voice, is truly exceptional. They aren’t a modern version of Yes or a band featuring Jon Anderson as a spin-off. They aren’t exactly a tribute band with Anderson in it, nor a covers band solely focused on Yes. To clarify, we won’t witness the iconic 1970s Yes lineup again like we did with Pink Floyd. However, their upcoming album promises to be enticing, and I have no doubt that many of us will give it a resounding ‘yes’ upon its release.

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2024-12-16 22:00