The music photography magazine gallery of
Yes concert pictures
`Yes` are Progressive Rock band from England. Here they are photographed and captured in Analog from the stage and pit area during a concert in America in 1980. For more information and to follow the band on social media use the following external links.
Yes concert pictures ~ Bill O’Leary
A word from the photographer
ON THIS NIGHT: Yes
At the peak of progressive rock’s popularity in the 70’s, Yes were one of the big three including Genesis and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. On this night in 1980, Yes were supporting their newest album “Drama”. My personal favorite album in the 70’s was “Going For The One” with original vocalist Jon Anderson, this was a new version of Yes with vocalist/producer Trevor Horn and keyboardist Geoff Downes. This show was another show at the famous Madison Square Garden in New York City.
In the Round
I remember more than a few fans at the time, were not happy with the “Drama” album. I personally liked it very much, it was “heavier” than past Yes albums. I also thought Trevor Horn’s vocals fit perfectly with the back catalog of songs he was tasked to sing. This show also was a first for me in that it was a production called “In the Round”, the stage was in the middle of the arena floor and it rotated through out the evening. This from a photographer’s point of view was unique for sure.
Watch the Bass
I later learned that this show, was the band’s sixteenth consecutive sold out show at Madison Square Garden since 1974. The show got started with the opening track on the “Drama” album, “Machine Messiah”. It was hard not to focus on bassist Chris Squire, an amazing bass player that I had always admired. He played a “lead” bass style of playing that Geddy Lee of Rush had also adopted.
The joys of a rotating stage
I also tried to capture lead guitarist Steve Howe as much as I could, as he and bassist Chris Squire were the two longest serving members of Yes at that time. Drummer Alan White had been a member of Yes for quite a long time as well. I got some great shots of Alan White due to the rotating stage, different angles of a drummer than the usual straight on angle.
Madison Square Garden
A great night of music and a new experience of shooting a concert production with a rotating stage, a first for me. This was my tenth visit to Madison Square Garden for a show and was becoming a home away from home.
Location and date of these concert captures
Madison Square Garden / New York / America / 1980
Photographer`s favourite shot
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Photographer
After enjoying the Yes concert pictures by Bill O’Leary then make sure to visit his GALLERY. You will find more of his work, social media links & websites.
