The show on the night was Awesome. The croud were great right from the off, and you could see the band feeding off us. No "going through the motions" this time. The solo's were incredible, and Jon's voice was back to his immaculate best. The raging thirst I had afterwards was not down to sweat, but more likely the amount of tears I shed throughout their performance.

The groups' attitude or communication with the croud has changed dramatically. Chris, as always, was at his flamboyant best, and Jon was talking to and with, rather than at, the croud.

I am disabled and I had to cover a fair distance by public transport and then walk to the venue (against my wife and doctors orders), but every screeming joint and muscle was worth 100 times over what I witnessed that night. It will live with me always.

I hope the statements made about a "new" yes and their obvious enjoyment of touring really does see tham continue into the next millenium.

If,and when they next tour the UK, I will try to see as many if not all the shows, no matter what the cost.

Tonights show was absolutely magnificent. What a difference a few days make!!

The highlights:

Before Steves solo spot, someone shouts for 'From the Balcony'. Jon says that he was just going to get the words. Steve plays 'Mood' and 'Clap' but in between gives us 'Sketches of the sun/summer?' A new one to me, but lovely. Jon then reappears waving a sheet of paper, and asks for the person who shouted for FTB to stand up. We then get a very pretty rendition of FTB. This was the way the show went tonight, very friendly, very relaxed.

The main revelation of the evening though was Igor. I have to eat a good deal of humble pie re: my comments regarding Igor and Rick the other day. Igor was such a star tonight and so into the music. As many of you will have seen, he has this cowbell thing going when hes not playing keys. Well tonight at times he was soloing with his right hand whilst still giving it plenty of cowbell with his left. Terrific stuff! He was singing whenever he got the chance too, and during 'Wurm' he was even adding some Wooo At one point, Billy made a rare foray to centre stage and accidentaly bumped into Chris. Chris then bumped him back a few times until Billy decided that it was safer get back to stage left, out of harms way. Now we know why he doesnt venture out much!!

We were invited to do not only the Birmingham Boogie, but also the Midlands Mamba and the Wolverhampton erm.. Wanderer by Jon tonight.

My faith in all things Yes has been restored. Please don't leave it so long again guys.

Now, if only they'd played Mind Drive.....

PS We got the infamous 'Road Crew Song' too!!!