UNION - LIVE

The Union DVD box comprises a DvD and also 2 audio CDs of a concert in CA, Shoreline Amphitheatre. I bought this because so many of my musical heroes play together on this concert and because I have good memories of the Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The DVD quality and sound quality are acceptable but not nearly as good as later DVD's. The DVD is also a lot shorter than later DVD's.

Numbers like Shock to the System (which imho is essential for the Union tour) and "and you and I" are only on the second (bootleg) DVD in lower quality. There are more Yes members on this tour than necessary due to the combination of Yes and AWBH. They do a good job however. I am a fan of the unique style of Steve Howe. Trevor Rabin is more a mainstream guitar player but he shows that he is an excellent musician too. And while SH is more of a loner on his guitar their styles blend well. I would have liked to see them play a song like "gates of delirium" thogether! The drummers are both excellent but for most numbers one would have been enough.Still it is fun to see these two heroes (with very different styles) on drums play together. Chris Squire is good, as always. Jon's voice is good, as always. Tony Kaye is a good keyboard player but Rick is magnificant and has the unique style that you recognise instantly.

It is a beautiful CD/DVD box with a lot of extras but it is more a collectors item for Yes fans than essential for prog rock fans. For me it is two stars less than the Tsongas DVD or the Symphonic Live DVD, so 3 instead of 5 stars. I had to buy this to enjoy all of my heroes on stage. And I am glad that I own it now!