Union Live
Union Live is a 2-CD and 1-DVD live release by YES on Voiceprint Records. It documents their “Union” tour of 1991, supporting the Union (1991) album.

In addition to the California Shoreline Amphitheatre show that was available in Japan as The Union Tour Live, the limited edition package includes a DVD containing the Denver McNichols Sports Arena show that has been available in trading circles for years, audience shot footage from the Florida Pensacola Civic Center show, bonus audio 5.1 mixes, and bonus audio tracks.

Personnel

Jon Anderson
Vocals

Bill Bruford
Percussion

Steve Howe
Guitars, Vocals

Tony Kaye
Keyboards

Trevor Rabin
Guitars, Vocals

Chris Squire
Bass, Vocals

Rick Wakeman
Keyboards

Alan White
Percussion

Recommended Versions

Union Live
Union Live is available as:
CD at Amazon
MP3 Downloads at iTunes, Google Play, Microsoft Store
Streaming at Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Rdio, Tidal

Listen

Spotify

Union Live Band Member Bios

Jon Anderson

Poet. Visionary. Leader. Jon Anderson brings an enthusiasm and vision to his music and to his career that cannot be suppressed. The eternal optimist, there seems to be nothing Jon Anderson cannot do. When Jon speaks of YES and of making music, he speaks of dreams. But for Jon Anderson, today’s dream can become tomorrow’s reality. “This Union is something that I’ve felt very strongly about for some time. I had the pleasure to work with both groups, in the eighties – ABWH, and the 90125 band, as I’ll call them. To me, they were both ‘YES‘ anyway. The dream to put everybody together to do a tour is well timed. It’s going to be a very important year for many facets of our understanding of life. I think that it’s very important to be able to get up there and perform good music. It’s very important that we all fly under the same flag. It will be good for YES to get under one banner, and wave the YES flag in the nineties.“
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YES is so much a part of Jon Anderson. And while the singer enjoys stretching out and collaborating with friends like Vangelis and Jonathan Elias (where the two celebrated a shared passion for Native American culture), there always remains that unbreakable bond with the band that he co-founded with Chris Squire in 1968.

“I always feel that I’ll be playing YES music” he says.

Jon’s creative energy extends beyond music as well. A talented visual artist, Jon Anderson enjoys painting in his spare time. He has donated several watercolours to charity auctions to help raise money for the fight against AIDS. And of course, there is his wife Jenny, and their family, Deborah, Damion and Jade.

With a voice of almost unimaginable clarity and strength, his gift continues to astound concert audiences year after year. For Jon Anderson, this tour is a celebration. “This Union is a breakthrough for everyone. It’s a breakthrough for the band and for the fans who stuck loyally with a group through all the ins and outs of it all.”

Bill Bruford

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Bill Bruford grew up with jazz. As an amateur drummer in the 1960s and after a handful of lessons from Lou Pocock of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, he began his professional career in 1968. He was a guiding light in the so-called British “Art Rock” movement, touring internationally with YES and King Crimson from 1968-1974. There then followed several years observing and participating in the music processes of, among others, Gong, National Health, Genesis and UK until Bill felt ready to write and perform his own music with his own band, Bruford, recording four albums from 1978-1980.
It was, however, the reconstituted King Crimson of 1980-1984 that provided the vehicle for his revolutionary use of the electronics in developing the melodic side of percussion. Following an interim two year, two album stint improvising on acoustic piano and drums with Patrick Moraz. Bruford formed his current electro-acoustic jazz group, Earthworks, in 1986, with Django Bates and Iain Ballamy, specifically to continue his work from the drum set, but now in a jazz context.

The group’s third album “All Heaven Broke Loose” will be released on EG Records in September 1991. Bill has also made time to recently record and/or tour with Kazumi Watanabe, David Torn, The New Percussion Group of Amsterdam, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Akira Inque and Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, amongst others.

Bill Bruford lives in Surrey hills with his wife Carolyn, three children and a tortoise.

Credits: Bill Bruford plays Simmons electronic drums, Tama acoustic drums and Paiste metals. With thanks to Celestion and Shure microphones.

Steve Howe

The respect which Steve Howe commands as a musician is awesome. His achievements as a player are all the more impressive when combined with the performance of his own songs and material. Indeed as a writer and especially with Jon Anderson, Steve has often been the creative force behind the music. Steve prefers to list himself under the heading of “guitarist,” although his work with YES, Asia, GTR, and ABWH bears witness to the fact that it’s impossible to cram him into any one musical pigeonhole.

While his music first took roots amidst the late 50’s/60’s influences that sparked off just about everybody in British rock, it subsequently developed in a number of different directions. Steve’s total fascination with the guitar and its seemingly endless possibilities is underscored by the fluid, unique approach to rock that he’s made his own.

Whether working with the group or developing his own solo projects, what Steve plays is modern guitar – drawing on influences, concepts and techniques often removed from the flows of mainstream rock and expanding on them with taste and style.

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Steve Howe has often appeared as a guest guitarist and just completed his forthcoming solo album – Turbulence.

Besides his involvement in the creation of new musical styles and arrangements with the other members of YES, he has played an important part in the visual side of the project with his friend, Roger Dean. His spirit of adventure is paramount.

Tony Kaye

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Original YES keyboard play Tony Kaye has been called one of the great gentlemen of rock. As YES‘ first keyboard payer, Tony helped YES rise to the top. Tony played on Yes, the band’s self titled debut, Time And A Word, and The Yes Album, before leaving the band for other musical pursuits.

Music began at an early age for Tony. He began taking piano lessons at age three, and developed a love of classical music. By the age of seventeen or eighteen, he decided that maybe classical music wasn’t “it” after all. He went to art school, and acquired a taste for rock and roll. Eventually, he wound up in a band called the Federals, who backed Roy Orbison on a European tour. Shortly thereafter, as psychedelia was just hitting big, Tony bounced from band to band for a time, unable to really get comfortable with groups with names like Yellow Passion Loaf. Eventually, he found himself hanging out around the London club scene, at places like The Marquee and La Chasse. There, he hooked up with Jon Anderson and Chris Squire. His organ sound became one of YES‘ earliest trademarks.

After a successful american tour for The Yes Album, Tony left YES to pursue other musical directions. He rejoined the ‘new’ YES twelve years later for 90125, the band’s multi-platinum comeback album. Tony has been behind the ivory ever since. So much a part of the new YES sound, Tony co-wrote songs such as “Hearts,” “Rhythm of Love,” “Big Generator,” “Shoot High Aim Low,” “Almost Like Love,” “Final Eyes” and “I’m Running.”

His keyboard playing is sleek and modern, blending beautifully with today’s YES sound.

Trevor Rabin

Trevor Rabin redefined the YES sound upon joining the group in 1983 for the band’s multi-platinum comeback release 90125. Rabin penned number one hit, “Owner of a Lonely Heart” (the band’s only single to reach #1). The Trevor Rabin infused YES captured the hearts of old fans and brought in legions of new ones.

Trevor Rabin flies on the fretboard of his guitar with energy and precision. When this is combined with his technical expertise, the resulting energy can reach pyrotechnic proportions.

Trevor was born in South Africa, and grew up listening to the local “Township” sounds hat have grown increasingly popular amongst contemporary popular artists like Paul Simon. Recently, Trevor has tapped into the heritage himself, on his recent solo album, Can’t Look Away. “These styles just kind of happened onto the record. Once they did, I made sure they were incorporated. I always felt that it was part of who I am. It’s in my blood.” Trevor finds working within YES a very stimulating experience. “Within the YES context, I have a lot of freedom. I write a lot of material, and am quite encouraged by Chris and the guys in the band.“

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Trevor’s dynamic playing style has lead to comparisons to guitar legends such as Les Paul and Jimi Hendrix. His ability to write catchy ‘hooks’ has critics likening him to Paul McCartney. How does Trevor see himself? “Well, first and foremost I think of myself as a guitarist/songwriter. I enjoy singing my songs very much. I am fundamentally a guitarist and songwriter. As far as comparison, gosh, I don’t know! It’s a great compliment to hear my name in the same sentence as Jimi Hendrix or Les Paul“, he says modestly.

Trevor continues to balance many projects. He has been working with ex-Supertramp leader Roger Hodgson, is writing material for his own solo album, and continues to develop his already considerable production skills. Trevor Rabin barely has enough time to sleep, much less time for leisure, as he works tirelessly at pushing the boundaries of modern rock guitar. “Time is the enemy. Sleep is such a waste of time!,” he laughs. “But a wonderful waste of time.”

Chris Squire

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Co-founder Chris Squire created a trademarked bass sound which is one of YES‘ most distinguishing features. His innovative style transformed the bass from a percussive instrument at the back of the mix to a dominant force – a voice that expresses all the emotions contained within the expansive range of YES music. In redesigning the role the bassist to that of a “lead” player, Squire has influenced scores of young musicians.

Chris Squire forms more that just the musical foundation of the YES legacy as well. The “keeper of the flame”, Chris Squire has played on every YES album since the band was born, in 1968. Squire has ridden out each of the changes that YES has gone through over the years. It is his relentless quest for perfection that has kept YES music alive, and constantly in the process of reinventing itself.

After the Drama tour, it was Chris Squire who maintained the most visible contact with the YES spirit. He and Alan White released a single, Run With The Fox, which served as a reminder to YES‘ legions of fans, that the YES spirit was alive and well, even while the band was on hiatus. And it was Chris Squire who brought YES together in the early eighties for what would become the band’s mega-smash comeback album, 90125. “When we got back together in 1982, I had the feeling that Tony, Alan and I could work closely with Trevor Rabin and evolve YES into something very special. As soon as I heard Trevor’s song “Owner of a Lonely Heart” I knew this was the kind of music that YES should be making,” Squire says. Now, in the nineties, Chris Squire has again helped to assemble the troops for what promises to be the YES tour of all time.

Rick Wakeman

Keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman joined YES in August, 1971 for the recording of Fragile, completing the lineup often referred to as the “classic YES” band of Anderson, Squire, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe. A young man in his early twenties, Rick Wakeman was already one of the most sought after musicians of the day when he joined YES. Rick’s majestic and richly orchestrated sound helped to define progressive rock in the seventies. Having left the group after Tales From Topographic Oceans, Rick Wakeman rejoined YES for the recording of Going for the One. On Going for the One, Rick turned in one of the greatest performances of his career on the monumental epic, “Awaken“. He stayed on for the stellar “In The Round” tours, and for the release of Tormato.

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The Rick Wakeman you may meet on the street does not seem like the same person we’ve grown accustomed to seeing up there on stage. That Rick Wakeman trains his glance to a piercing stare, as his eyes strain to focus on his blurring fingers as they fly across the keys below. The Rick you’ll meet on the street will greet you with eyes that are dancing with laughter and mischief. As adept with the one-liner as he is on the keyboards, Rick Wakeman possesses a sense of humour and warmth as far reaching as his musical talent.

Recently, Rick released a new collection of piano solos, entitled Night Airs – the third in a trilogy which includes Country Airs and Sea Airs, and a very personal album called In The Beginning. He is joined on In The Beginning by his wife, actress Nina Carter.

Alan White

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Alan White earned a reputation as one of rock’s greatest premier drummers early in his career. On of the most sought after session musicians of the time, White played with the likes of John Lennon, Ginger Baker’s Airforce, and George Harrison before joining YES in 1972, just three days before the start of their American Tour. Chris Squire and Jon Anderson approached Alan immediately after he finished a tour with Joe Cocker. Chris and Jon made him an offer he could not refuse. “We met in (long time YES producer) Eddie Offord’s apartment. They said ‘Listen. YOU’RE JOINING THE BAND OR WE’LL THROW YOU OUT OF THIS THIRD STORY WINDOW!’ ”

Few drummers could have stepped into the role as sure-footedly as Alan White did. Much of the tour is documented on the three record set, Yessongs, which features Alan on nearly every track, and in the film of the same name. For nearly twenty years, Alan White has been at the very centre of YES music. “YES is a fulcrum. People have joined, and departed, since I’ve been with the band. It’s an on-going situation. Now, you might say that people have come back to the nest, as it were. I feel that this Union is a combination of that, along with a view of future that could be ahead for YES for a lot of different members of the band.”

Alan’s broad spectrum of styles, from subtle, intricate percussion, to explosive, limitless raw energy, have played an integral part in creating the YES sound. His drive and dedication of the idea of YES have played a major role in keeping the music alive, and forward reaching. He sees the coming together of the two camps as a very positive move.

“There is a lot of give and take, but there’s a great deal of unity also – as the album title says, a Union. I think that when we get to the stage, it will really kick in. You’re going to hear a lot of great music from everyone involved. I always believe in the band. It’s an on-going thing. I see it as a group with a future. I don’t see things dissipating at all. I think the band still has a VISION, and a need to see beyond the horizon to create new music“.[/fusion_builder_column]

Tracklisting

CD 1

  1. Intro/Firebird Suite
    Igor Stravinsky
  2. Yours Is No Disgrace
    Jon Anderson/Chris Squire/Steve Howe/Tony Kaye/Bill Bruford
  3. Rhythm of Love
    Tony Kaye/Trevor Rabin/Jon Anderson/Chris Squire
  4. Heart of The Sunrise
    Jon Anderson/Chris Squire/Bill Bruford
  5. Clap/Mood for a Day
    Steve Howe
  6. Make it Easy/Owner of A Lonely Heart
    Trevor Rabin/Trevor Horn/Chris Squire/Jon Anderson
  7. I’ve Seen All Good People
    Jon Anderson/Chris Squire

CD 2

  1. Solly’s Beard
    Trevor Rabin
  2. Saving My Heart
    Trevor Rabin
  3. Whitefish/Amazing Grace
    Chris Squire/Alan White/Trad.
  4. Rick Wakeman Solo
    Rick Wakeman
  5. Awaken
    Jon Anderson/Steve Howe
  6. Roundabout
    Jon Anderson/Steve Howe

DVD

  1. Intro/Firebird Suite
    Igor Stravinsky
  2. Yours Is No Disgrace
    Jon Anderson/Chris Squire/Steve Howe/Tony Kaye/Bill Bruford
  3. Rhythm of Love
    Tony Kaye/Trevor Rabin/Jon Anderson/Chris Squire
  4. Heart of The Sunrise
    Jon Anderson/Chris Squire/Bill Bruford
  5. Clap/Mood for a Day
    Steve Howe
  6. Make it Easy/Owner of A Lonely Heart
    Trevor Rabin/Trevor Horn/Chris Squire/Jon Anderson
  7. I’ve Seen All Good People
    Jon Anderson/Chris Squire
  8. Solly’s Beard
    Trevor Rabin
  9. Saving My Heart
    Trevor Rabin
  10. Whitefish/Amazing Grace
    Chris Squire/Alan White/Trad.
  11. Rick Wakeman Solo
    Rick Wakeman
  12. Awaken
    Jon Anderson/Steve Howe
  13. Roundabout
    Jon Anderson/Steve Howe