Steve Howe's performance with Fragile in June 2005 at the Robin in Wolverhampton has become the stuff of legend. That hot summer's night saw the band touch the realms of fantasy as Steve joined them for what appeared to be a unique one-off show. However, the combination of a classic Yes set delivered by Fragile as a starter, followed by a delicious solo spot from Steve, and culminating in a main course featuring the maestro and the band in tandem was simply too good a musical feast to let slip into the ether. A parting exchange between Steve and the guys indicated a strong desire on all sides to repeat the experience again at some point in the future.

As autumn turned to winter Fragile kept their fingers crossed, and in the spring of 2006 the band hit pay dirt. With Yes on continuing hiatus, Steve was working through various ideas for the year and a week in late June presented a golden opportunity. A phone call between Steve and Steve Carney sketched out the plan.  Once again the show would comprise three distinct parts, but this time there would be not one gig, but four. A week of Steve Howe and Fragile was now on the cards, and the wonder of the 2005 show was quickly becoming something far more serious and testing. The gigs were announced under the banner of the 'Four Nights Of Siberian Yes' tour, and the itinerary was to take in Carnglaze Carverns, Liskeard, Cornwall on the 27th June, The Point in Cardiff on the 28th, The Robin in Wolverhampton on the 29th, and the Brook in Southampton on the 1st July.

That week in June soon arrived, and on Monday the 26th the band set off for Cornwall with a very special stop planned along the way, namely an appointment with Steve at chez Howe. It had been agreed to dust down the proposed joint set via an informal blow, but the day proved to be that and much more. Steve proved the perfect host welcoming the band with a cream tea, and then providing a guided tour of the house. However, this had nothing to do with a changing rooms makeover, but rather an insight into what is effectively an important slice of Yes history. The house is where the 'Yes Album' was written, and pictures from the period proudly on display around Steve's home show the band writing and rehearsing the breakthrough Yes recording. The tour also included Steve's guitar gallery, a sight that had Rob and Tom positively biting at the bit. By late afternoon everyone was suitably in Yes mode and the collective repaired to Steve's studio for the planned blow.

Over the next few hours 'Siberian Khatru', 'Starship Trooper', 'Roundabout', and 'South Side Of The Sky' were all nailed down. The opportunity to work so closely with Steve in such an intimate setting was an incredible experience for the band, and the session was taken to another level with the inclusion of 'Soon'.  The arrangement followed exactly the same format as that of the 'Relayer' original, with Steve playing steel guitar supported by Rob on acoustic. It provided an evocative counterpoint within the set and was an appropriate conclusion to a magical day. The band subsequently bid their farewells to Steve and moved on to Cornwall and the inevitable Travel Inn!

Pixies, Pasties And Pagans

The Rum Store at Carnglaze Caverns is a remarkable venue, set as it is within the upper chamber of man made slate mine that nestles in a lush Cornish valley between Liskeard and Lostwithel. Steve and the band had been attracted by the idea of making each date special its own right, and the idea of playing in a cavern was simply too good to pass up!

With the stage lit in soft blues and greens against the sparkling minerals embedded in the cavernous rock face, the setting evoked all that is familiar about Cornwall. Thoughts of myths and legends were strong in the air, and the band decided that the opening set should include two epics, namely 'Close To The Edge' and 'Awaken'. These and spirited renditions of 'Perpetual Change' and 'Yours Is No Disgrace' set the mood perfectly and were received enthusiastically by the audience. The opening one hour spot by the band gave way to a short intermission and the arrival of Steve for his solo spot.

Steve ran broadly the same set across the four dates with some variations here and there. Carnglaze established the template for the tour with 'Clap', 'Mood For A Day', 'Nine Voices', 'To Be Over' and 'Masquerade' prominent among the selections. Steve was in fine fettle and bantered with the crowd as he interspersed the music with anecdotes about Yes. One particularly funny moment occurred when Steve remarked about critics of Yes calling them a musical dinosaur, which resulted in a wonderful heckle from the crowd about his performing in a cave. Steve's laugh at that comment showed him to be at one with an audience that had come to pay tribute to music of Yes and a master of the guitar.

With his set concluded, Steve welcomed Fragile to the stage and the ensemble launched into 'Siberian Khatru'. The outro featured Steve in top form burning up the solo and inventing new takes on the Yes classic show opener. Without further adieu it was into 'South Side Of The Sky', a number that had been pieced together especially for the 2006 dates. It had been agreed to borrow the guitar and keys interplay from the outro section as performed by Yes in 2004, but with a conclusion to the piece from the Fragile arrangement. This worked perfectly as Steve traded with first Max and then Rob, whilst Jon, Mitch and Tom kept the hypnotic groove going. Supplemented by glorious harmonies the number had the crowd in raptures as the sound of Yes melted into a balmy late June night.

Next up was 'Soon', and Max & Steve's desire to include the coda from the 'Gates of Delirium' was vindicated at the sight of several Yes fans at the front standing and applauding with tears in their eyes. The sound of the steel guitar and the counterpoint of Steve Carney's angelic vocals echoed around Carnglaze and provided a truly spiritual moment for both the band and audience.

Emotions were held in top gear as the collective launched into 'Starship Trooper'. The delivery was joyous and recreated the magic of the 1971 original. As agreed at Steve's house, the guys in the band once again traded licks as the song entered the closing 'Wurm' section.  As the last chord faded the band and Steve waved farewell, but were inevitably called back for a rousing version of 'Roundabout'. By now the crowd were in full voice and Steve's grin spoke volumes about his pleasure at being able to play these legendary numbers live once more.

As the ensemble bid their farewells a crowd of well-wishers quickly gathered to meet Steve and express their thanks for a truly memorable night. In the words of many, Cornwall had not seen a show of this calibre in a long time and the faces of those departing said it all. The music of Yes had connected with the natural environment of this unique county and its people. The opening night had set high standards and equal expectations of the shows to follow.

As Carnglaze returned to something resembling normality, Steve and his assistant Rick said their goodbyes and set off for chez Howe. The band decamped to the Travel Inn for a glass of wine and a debrief. The whole day had been remarkable and had included a guided tour of the cavern complex and the opportunity for lunch in Polperro. With spirits firmly tuned in for the dates ahead, thoughts turned to show number two and Fragile's long awaited Welsh debut.

Road Signs, Speed Fines and High Times

Early morning saw Fragile set up HQ in the nearby Asda café for breakfast. Hot coffee and sausage rolls were the order of the day as plans were hatched for trip back up the south west peninsula and across the Severn to Cardiff and Wales.  With the previous night still fresh in the mind and a glorious summer's day in prospect, all was set fair for Fragile's first ever show in Wales.  Crossing from England into Wales may be nothing special for those jaded by the global village. However, the sight of road signs bearing the consonant fest that is the Welsh language was a vivid reminder that Fragile had arrived in a different country proud of its own special identity and heritage.

What was less clear was that the speed cameras on the Severn Toll were primed to pick up errant drummers travelling at 'musician exempt' speed. The post tour brown envelopes courtesy of the Gwent constabulary were a stark reminder that the curse of modern motoring had indeed breached Offa's Dyke! With Fragile again established at the omnipotent Travel Inn, the band then set off for that evening's venue and gig two.

The Point is a converted church situated near the quay area of Cardiff. Its theological origins leaning another slant to the collective's desire to perform at a diverse string of venues. As with Carnglaze Caverns, the spiritual nature of Yes music was perfectly suited to The Point and its history as a place of worship. The gig also represented Fragile's long awaited debut in Wales, and coupled with an appearance by a Yes legend, it was no surprise that a large crowd had arrived by show time.

Fragile had decided to rework the set for the second evening, and the night opened to the frenetic instrumental strains of 'Cinema' and a storming 'Astral Traveller' which brought back memories of the version performed during the 1970 BBC sessions. Unlike the night before in Cornwall, which was an all seated affair, the crowd in Cardiff was all standing and very close to the stage. This provided an instant and electric reaction that set the benchmark for the whole evening. A stunning 'Perpetual Change' featuring Dr Rob in ecstatic solo form on the outro upped the ante further, and the audience went into Yes heaven with 'Close To The Edge'. The 1972 epic featured a throbbing gothic solo section from Max the Fragile keys meister that nearly blew the ecclesiastical ceiling of the venue. An overdrive rendition of 'Yours Is No Disgrace' quickly followed and the band left the stage to tumultuous applause. It had been a long time coming, but Fragile had landed in the principality!

The roar that greeted Steve's arrival was no less enthusiastic, and the great man turned in a sparkling performance full of verve and good humour. Inevitably 'Clap' and 'Mood For A Day' had the crowd eating out of his hands, but it was 'Nine Voices' that somehow captured the spirit of the night with the unscripted choral contributions of those present. With the Welsh Yes devotees firmly on board, Steve welcomed back Fragile to the stage and a final 50 minutes of affirmative magic.

The set followed the same template as the night before with each number exceeding the previous evening's performance in intensity and delivery. The trading fest of 'South Side Of The Sky' had the crowd in rapture, and the counterpoint of 'Soon' was the standout moment as Steve and Steve Carney brought the evocative coda of 'Gates Of Delirium' to its resolution. Once again the 'Siberian' ensemble had brought the house down and several hundred happy punters left to the strains of 'Roundabout' in the ears.
The crowd at Cardiff had been fantastic and were clearly overjoyed at the sight of Steve and the sound of Yes at their local venue. The shaking of heads and the repeatedly overheard comments of "I can't believe it" said it all. Fragile had been one English invasion to be welcomed with open arms!

The Rocking Robin

Night three saw Steve and the band head north for a repeat of their 2005 performance at The Robin in Bilston, Wolverhampton. A late breakfast and a measured journey out of the principality saw the ensemble reach the west midlands by mid afternoon. Mike Hamblett of the Robin has been booking Fragile since 1999 and was one of the first promoters to give the act exposure at a major circuit venue. Consequently the Robin holds a particular place in Fragile history and a date there is always a special occasion. With Steve once again on board, tonight was to be no different.

With plenty of time to set up the gear and sound check, preparation for the show was the best yet. By now the set was running itself, and this gave Steve the opportunity to indulge himself in a full rehearsal of the evening's solo spot.  Steve and the band then repaired to the green room for a wonderful Robin lasagne and the relaxed atmosphere spoke volumes about the way the collective had gelled. Rob and Steve sat together talking guitars and composition, whist the rest of the band bantered about England's progress in the World Cup.

Steve likes some quiet time before each show to prepare and the band cut him the necessary slack to do that. However, at the Robin Steve held court for some considerable time regaling the band with stories about his musical journey and the notable moments along the way. It was a fascinating insight into the life of the Yesman and often funny to boot, and don't miss the opportunity speak to a member of Fragile about Steve's hilarious day with Freddie Mercury and Queen during the Innuendo sessions!

Showtime soon came around and a crammed Robin roared its approval as Fragile hit the stage to the strains of the Firebird suite. The band elected to run out the same set as the night before in Cardiff given the strong reaction to the format applied. This proved a winner as each number was greeted with a deafening roar of approval. The scene was once again set for Steve's solo spot and he didn't disappoint.

Steve was at his most relaxed and comfortable at the Robin and clearly enjoys the vibe of the venue and energy of the crowd. His anecdotes were sharper, his playing more inspired, and his sense of mischief even keener. The crowd shouted out for the Howe classics, but lapped up everything the great man performed. As Steve welcomed Fragile to the stage anticipation levels were high, and 'Siberian Khatru' didn't disappoint. Steve's playing during the extended solo outro section was simply off the planet and the audience lapped it up. The rush of wind, creaking door and chilling foot steps signalled 'South Side Of The Sky' and this turned out to be a version to die for. The trading of licks between Steve, Rob and Max entered new realms, whilst the rhythmic undercurrent had now been honed down to perfection. Once again the acapella harmonies signalled the number's conclusion cueing a cascade of applause. Here were Yes fans savouring every moment and charging the air with their love of this remarkable music.

Like Cornwall and Cardiff, 'Soon' was to be an emotional flip of the coin that left many in tears. There is something about the haunting almost lost quality of the piece, but also its sense of hope, that rips people to the core. The gentle rhythm, evocative slide guitar, and heavenly vocals, all carry the listener on an ethereal journey. The third night of the tour at the Robin was no different, and as the last chord faded you could here a pin drop.

However, within seconds the Robin roar was back and the band were kicking into 'Starship' and an absolute guitar and keys fest as the enhanced Fragile front line provided the assembled troopers with a long overdue dose of this Yes favourite.

At its conclusion Steve held his guitar above his ahead and saluted the crowd in almost Pete Townsend style. Was this really the studious professor of Yes?!

By now Steve was seriously enjoying himself and it took little encouragement to convince him that an encore was entirely fitting. The band delivered a monster 'Roundabout' that had parts of the crowd jumping up and down pogo style. Steve was reluctant to let the number end and very quickly the closing chords turned into riotous ensemble version of 'House Of Blues'. Finally, the number crashed to a halt and the guys lined up to celebrate a fantastic evening with the Robin faithful.

A large crowd stayed to meet Steve and he happily found time for each and every one of them. The Robin is hard core Yes territory and this evening had delighted everyone present. Once again, Fragile's spiritual home had not let them down, and after four days on the road Steve and the guys looked forward to a night off and a chance to replenish the energy tanks!

Three Down & One To Go, Another Town And One More Show!

With the triplet of June dates and a night off behind them, Fragile found themselves heading to the Brook at Southampton for the final show with Steve on Saturday 1st July.  This was set to be the most challenging of the four dates as unforeseen personnel problems, sickness, that ill-fated England versus Portugal World Cup match, and the weather sought to undermine the tour coda.

Regrettably Tom, the Fragile rhythm guitar king had to pull out due to family commitments thereby leaving the band a man down with a 'game' to go. The set was adjusted to accommodate Tom's absence with Dr Bob growing an extra arm or two!  Moreover, Steve Carney was suffering from a respiratory complaint as a consequence of the damp environment of the Carnglaze gig, and the old vocal pipes were running ever so slightly on empty!

Added to the list of gremlins was the fact that unlike the other three shows, the gear set up and sound check could not be completed until after the England match as the venue was showing it live. Inevitably, the game went to extra time and penalties thereby producing the absolute worse case scenario, i.e. a set up and completed preparation inside 60 minutes. Incredibly Steve and the guys pulled the almost impossible off, and after a slight delay that kept the large crowd queuing outside, it was show time.

It can't be denied that the band missed Tom, but Dr Bob pulled out the big one and papered over the cracks admirably. The now well oiled first set went like clockwork with 'Close To The Edge' particularly well received and 'Yours Is No Disgrace' reaching the yesosphere.

With temperatures in the venue nudging global warming proportions, Steve walked on to the stage to a rapturous reception. On this final night, and despite an ongoing nightmare tuning challenge, the maestro delivered. Once again the combination of longed for solo classics and new takes on Yes pieces all interspersed with a wicked dry humour did the trick. Steve was making the most of this last date and the applause said much about how he is loved and appreciated by Yes fans old, new, borrowed and blue!

And so to final set of the final gig. The ensemble ripped into a driving 'Siberian Khatru' and the last sighting of a unique show that played to almost two thousand people during its brief sojourn. Despite an Anderson like break down in memory during the middle section on Steve Carney's part, Fragile and Steve Howe landed with a bang. 'South Side Of The Sky' quickly followed and the juxtaposition of fiery riffing and glorious harmonies had the assembled throng going ape.
'Soon' followed and once again the audience reaction was emotionally charged with more than a few tears visible. Tonight's rendition was all the more plaintiff as Steve Carney played around with the vocalisation of the piece due to his attack of 'Stewartitus'.

In moments it was back into the groove as first 'Starship Trooper' and then 'Roundabout' carried the Brook faithful to Yes heaven. At the evening's conclusion, and as they had done on every one of the preceding three nights, the Fragile Howe ensemble gathered at the front of the stage to acknowledge the crowd and drink in the fantastic atmosphere generated.

That final night at the Brook saw more than a few farewells as Steve and the guys exchanged handshakes and wished each other well, England disappeared from the World Cup, and the band ended their long association with Chris and Wendy Jones who for many years handled the band's merchandising. As with Simon Arnold who was instrumental in the band's early development, Fragile thank the Jones's for their support and wish them well.

So, this remarkable week in Fragile's ever unfolding history came to a close, and just when it seemed it couldn't get any better, it did. Fragile thank Steve Howe for yet again fixing it for them!

The Thoughts Of Napoleon...

Yestribute.com had some questions about the tour and Steve Carney was happy to provide the answers. They provide an exclusive insight into the soft under belly of the 'Siberian' experience and working with Steve Howe.

How did the dates come together?

"Steve made it clear at the Robin gig in 2005 that he would like to do something again in the future, so in that sense the ground for the 'Siberian' tour was already laid.  People understandably assume that our work with Steve is the result of us pestering him for the opportunity, but the reverse is true. We made a conscious decision in 1998 never to seek endorsement by Yes, and our gigs with Peter Banks and Steve arose out of their unsolicited interest in us. We have Pam Bay (Steve Howe Appreciation Society) to thank for the Steve connection and for convincing him that we were worthy of consideration. Steve knows that he can contact us, if and when he wants to do something. It's a perfect arrangement!"

What's it actually like playing alongside Steve?

"All the things you would imagine; surreal, amazing and just a little scary.  When I am stood only feet from Steve, I have to square the Yes fan in me with the reality of the moment. Its remarkable hearing the guy playing those incredible licks at such close proximity and being part of the sound rather than listening to it! It's made me appreciate Steve's contribution to Yes much more clearly, and also understand why he is so unique as a guitarist and performer.  On the night though, it's about doing the job and in that sense you have to put the mystery to one side. I messed up on 'Siberian Khatru' at the Brook because I was to busy listening!"

People have said that Steve looks particularly animated when he gigs with Fragile, would you agree with that view?

"I do, but that is not to suggest he enjoys it more than performing with Yes!  I think the truth is that there is no pressure in gigging with Fragile, and he can simply play for the fun of it. He has the perfect backing band and he particularly likes our authentic approach to the arrangements and tonality of the sound. Steve likens Fragile to a very early, very earthy, and very 'English' Yes.  I would share the view that when he gigs with us, he looks very much like the Steve of the 70's in terms of his stage performance.  We define it as 'bunny hops' and 'chicken heads'.  True Yes devotees will make the connection!"

Who is the boss when it comes to the Fragile Howe set, you or the maestro?

"What do you think! Seriously, Steve knows what he wants musically and it's our job to make that happen. We have learnt a lot through playing with him and yes he is directive, but always with a logical and sensible purpose. But he is equally happy to work with our ideas, and I think the way we approached 'South Side Of The Sky' was a good example of this balance. His enthusiasm and passion for music is obvious, as is his sense of order and discipline. I think that Steve is probably crucial in making Yes happen in the way we know and love them."

What's Steve like off stage and how much contact did you have with him?

We only saw Steve at the shows, but with each date the working relationship grew. We would sound check first and get things generally in place, and then Steve and his assistant Rick would sort out the set up for the solo spot.  Lastly we would blow through a number or two together to make sure that the balance was right, and to correct any gremlins from the night before. Steve would normally disappear for some private time to eat and prepare for the show, and we would do likewise. However, at the Robin and Brook we spent a considerable time with Steve talking over all things Yes and that was great.

How did Fragile cope with the tour?

Admirably well, despite a few physical and mental breakdowns! People often forget that we all work for a living and that Fragile is a labour of love. We rehearse once a year in February, and then rely on the shows to keep the machine oiled. We can't gig frequently because of our professional obligations, and so we have to achieve in the blink of an eye all the preparation that Yes would apply in the run up to a tour. So it was nice to spend a week on the road and live the life of Yes, albeit in the bargain basement! We are really strong as a unit and therefore managed the turbulence of the tour pretty well. I personally learnt a lot about me in that situation, and there are things I would do different if given the chance again! The bottom line is that the shows were great and we made a lot of people very happy.

Is it difficult coming down from the experience and going back to 'normality'?

Last year's one off show with Steve at the Robin was a very difficult experience to recover from, but interestingly we played much better as a consequence. It was like Steve had raised our game in many areas and that we understood the music much more. This time around was different in that with four shows on a roll the whole process became demystified and more business like. There was also a certain relief when the pressure was off! The bit that is harder to square, with or without Steve, is sitting behind a desk on Monday morning after a great show.

Clearly the punters at the shows loved every moment, but you do see some negative comments on the web about the idea of Steve playing with a 'tribute', what's your take on that?

Our biggest critics are those people who have never seen us! The very thought of Steve gigging with us in some way devalues his legendary status in their eyes. These are the people who maintain that it (playing Yes music) s`1imply can't be done by anyone other than Yes. My view is that if a key member of Yes is comfortable with the idea, then that's all the assurance you need! Steve can make the distinction between playing with the guys in Yes and with us, so what's the difficulty for the critics? It's a kind of inverted musical snobbery that's invariably based on a poor understanding of what makes Yes, and Yes music, tick.

Where to next and has Fragile reached the end of the road?

Far from it, and working with Steve isn't a postscript, but rather another milestone on the journey. We are determined to make it to 2008 and our tenth anniversary. Moreover, the gigs with Steve have given us the impetus to finally complete the Aquaplanage project. We have posted some samples at Myspace and there's already a lot of interest in the material. We will be doing a showcase or two next year to premiere the songs and present another side of the band. As for the Yes content, we will be looking as ever to freshen up the set and seek new venues. Fragile is an organic growing thing and we expect a few more surprises along the way.

What's the inside gossip and when will Yes finally tour again?

I've signed a confidentiality clause and mum's the word! Seriously, Steve remains passionate about Yes and is looking forward to working with Jon, Chris, Rick and Alan again at some point in the not too distant future. He's a Yes fan as much as the rest of us! In the meantime he's busy with Asia, solo shows and other ventures, and one thing we've learnt is that Steve hates being idle and not having a musical purpose. Fragile respect Steve immensely and stand ready for action whenever he fancies a blow!

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