Alan White-Yes. R.I.P.


Another unfortunate passing. I preferred the earlier Bruford period, but listen up to Drama.

 

 

tablejockey

I have seen Yes with both drummers, and I have always felt that Alan White was a huge mismatch for the band. Bruford was very good for them, a great technician but I always felt he was a bit to restrained and minimalist, but that was his thing and he was still very good.

Enter Alan White. I have no idea if he was just a personal friend of someone in the band, or it was because he played with John Lennon, and that was a good calling card, but he was , in my opinion completely wrong for them style wise. 

Starting a few years back, myself and my concert-going buddy saw him with Yes twice at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, and it was truly sad. The poor man was obviously ill, and could only play a couple of songs before taking a break and being replaced by another drummer whose kit was also set up on the stage.

The really sad part was that it is a round revolving stage at this venue, and when he would take his breaks, he would be slumped over on a stool spinning around for everyone to see!  He seemed to be a very nice guy, but he just didn't have the chops to match his bandmates, even when he was well. I'm glad that he's not suffering anymore. 

"The poor man was obviously ill, and could only play a couple of songs before taking a break and being replaced by another drummer whose kit was also set up on the stage.

The really sad part was that it is a round revolving stage at this venue, and when he would take his breaks, he would be slumped over on a stool spinning around for everyone to see! He seemed to be a very nice guy, but he just didn’t have the chops to match his bandmates, even when he was well. I’m glad that he’s not suffering anymore. "

Oh dear....

That’s certainly not R&R, roxy54.

I’m convinced R&R stars should just be remembered for their greatness, not being  a nostalgia act on some cruise ship, 30+ years later.

R&R guys aren’t like Sinatra or Tony Bennett in their golden years.

Maybe Jagger and his mates, maybe a few others get a pass-otherwise, lets just celebrate their greatness by playing their albums on great hi fi setups.