Another day, another awesome concert.
Saturday, August 28, 2004. Jones Beach Ampitheatre, Wantagh, NY.
Yes, with special guest Dream Theater.
I’d heard good things about Jones Beach. I knew that it was an outdoor venue, but that was about it. I was worried that the sound would be as muffled and muddy as it is at some of the other ampitheatre-style venues (like The Meadows in Hartford, CT). I was pleasantly wrong.
There was a bit of the highs getting muffled intermittently. I suspect the wind was moving speakers just enough to cause the problem. It didn’t do too much damage to the music, though.
I’d never seen Dream Theater before. I’d heard their music before, and I would have classified them as “Art-metal”. Kind of like a harder version of Yes. Lots of intricate music, but with crushing drums and very crunchy riffs. Judging by the shirt-count of those walking in, I’d say they have quite a dedicated following. And after seeing them play, I understand why.
Anyhow, to get to the real reason we drive all this way for a show - Yes. Same set as the first leg, with the addition of a pair of “Peace” banners on the side of the stage. Hey, can’t hurt, right? The inflatable bird was having quite a bit of fun in the breeze. Jones Beach is right on the water, and you sit facing the water, so the way the wind blows, it comes down behind you and then blasts across the stage.
Marc went to the Hartford show last weekend (which is also part of the second leg of the 35th anniversary tour), and they changed the set-list quite a bit from then. The acoustic set was the same. But it sounded bigger, somehow. In fact, I think the openness of the stage (basically, there is the roof over the stage itself, and then nothing. Completely open.) made everything sound bigger. Close to the Edge sounded bigger than I have ever heard it in my lifetime.
Chris Squire may be the only man on Earth happy that the RNC is in New York this week. He said he’s never made it across town faster, now that everyone’s left!
Everyone was absolutely brilliant, and I’ll leave it there. I’ll also be going back to Jones Beach for more shows.