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Review of Fragile featuring Steve Howe at the Robin 2 - by David Ogden
The Governor inspects his troops and likes what he finds! I have seen Fragile three times before: Sarfend's Riga and St. Albans in 2001 and Robins last year. I really appreciate the way they keep the greatest rock music ever created alive. The lads have a sacred charge: to carry the genetic blueprint of Yes into the next generation (actually to a generation or two beyond that). Their musical reproduction is perfect and wonderful. And now 'The Governor' was in town to inspect his troops. This was going to be a night of nights and the room buzzed. The music is a brilliant reproduction of the Yes sound... but they're not mere clone. During the first set, featuring Fragile alone, Robert Illes put some exciting new slants on the originals that were much appreciated. Let's see... 'Yours is No Disgrace' was sublime and 'Time and a Word' dreamy. I adore the 'Gates of Delirium' and the way the synth riff cut into the 'Fish' sequence in the Yes Medley had me screaming in delight. A very satisfying and uplifting set. All very gorgeous... but we were anxious to make the acquaintance of one Mr Howe. The last time I saw Steve Howe in the flesh was on the 'Going for the One' tour more than a quarter of a century ago and that was at the other end of the Wembley arena. Being physically so close to him was a dream come true and his warmth and humanity radiated. He knew each band member by name! He made a point of thanking them for making the night possible! He said it was one of the strangest nights of his life! And we were there!!!! A five minute acoustic version of 'Close to the Edge'? Surreal doesn't come close! Yet it was weirdly satisfying and suited his voice perfectly. 'The Clap' in its entirety to round off his set was so generous. Truly a gentleman of rock! His acoustic set was perfect... but he was only warming up for the main event... ...all of a sudden, the easy chair was out of the way, Fragile are back on stage, the monster Gibson semi-acoustic is out of its case, the serious amp and effects pedals were cranked up and the boogie begins! Was it only three numbers? I forget... but when the last two are 'Starship Trooper' and 'Roundabout', who cares? Stevie H went gonzo guitar hero crazy during the final bit of 'Trooper' and it was fantastic. All the grungy bits he manages to sneak past the other members of Yes but ALL AT ONCE! .........................We were so privileged to see it. Thank you Robins. Thank you Fragile. It must have been terrifying for the band but you kept your end up magnificently and gave us an exceptional night. Ironically,
but inevitably, Steve Howe brought spontaneity and energy to the band.
He was 'allowed' to improvise and chop things about in a way Fragile could
possibly feel uneasy about. It was a pity that Robert and Steve couldn't
have shared the guitar solos at the end of 'Trooper' but I suspect rehearsal
time was at a premium. No matter, and I feel churlish even mentioning it,
but I got the sense that the band were a bit on edge and I felt guilty
for enjoying the evening so much when they were obviously having to work
so hard! I sincerely hope the band did enjoy the experience because they
deserved to.
Thanks
boys. There's only one Fragile and you're my heroes.
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