If memory serves me correctly, I went solo to this Yes concert at the iconic Beacon Theatre and the band was featuring the Russian keyboardist during this 1999 tour. What is truly memorable about this December Tuesday evening, though, was that after the concert was finished, I managed to slide in front of the first row as the band took their bows and made their farewells. I looked up and staring down at me was one of my musical heroes, Mr. Jon Anderson, himself. I reached up, shook his hand and was immediately surprised that the lead singer of Yes had a massive mitt of a hand. As we shook hands, I realized that I had a pretty good grip going on and the look in Jon’s eyes told me that the handshake had lasted a bit too long. It now reminds me that before the most recent Bob Dylan show I attended at the Beacon, I saw Steve Earle and his band in the audience; I went over to say hello and tell Steve that I was a fan. I might have squeezed that handshake a little too hard as I saw Steve looking at his hand and shaking it as I returned to my seat. We briefly discussed my having seen him at City Winery where he was a regular and his getting Bruce Springsteen to perform at Earle’s benefit concert at Town Hall, a big “get” indeed.

It Will Be a Good Day (The River)

Rock on!

GQ