By Wayne Baggs
The Deep Purple and Yes concert at Budweiser Stage on August 25, 2024, spectacularly displayed classic rock mastery. Both bands, legends in their own right, delivered performances that thrilled fans and reminded everyone why they remain icons in the genre.
The night celebrated two of the most enduring bands in rock history, with both Deep Purple and Yes proving that their music is as relevant and powerful today as it was decades ago. Yes, brought their unique brand of progressive rock to the stage, with their intricate compositions and virtuosic performances, delivering a set that was both intricate and expansive.
Steve Howe’s guitar work was particularly mesmerizing, weaving through the complex compositions with ease, while Jon Davison’s vocals were a perfect fit for the band’s legendary catalog. Tracks like “Roundabout” and “Yours Is No Disgrace” were met with rapturous applause, showcasing the band’s enduring appeal. The band’s current lineup proved that they are still a force to be reckoned with. .
Deep Purple followed with a high-energy performance that grabbed the crowd from the start with Highway Star to the last note of Black Night. Ian Gillan’s vocals were powerful, and the band’s chemistry was undeniable. Simon McBride, kicked ass proving his worth with fiery guitar solos that paid homage to the band’s classic sound while adding his own flair. With Glover and Paice in the grove all night it was fabulous. The setlist was a hit parade, with “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” and “Space Truckin’” igniting sing-alongs and air guitar moments across the venue.
The night was a celebration of rock’s golden era, with both bands demonstrating why they continue to be revered as giants of the genre.
Yes Set List:
1-Machine Messiah
2-I’ve Seen All Good People
3-Yours Is No Disgrace
4-Clap
5-Going for the One
6-Siberian Khatru
Encore:
7-Roundabout
8-Starship Trooper
Deep Purple’s Set List:
Mars, the Bringer of War
(Gustav Holst song)
1-Highway Star
2-A Bit on the Side
3-Hard Lovin’ Man
4-Into the Fire
5-Guitar Solo
6-Uncommon Man
7-Lazy Sod
8-Lazy
(Extended keyboard solo intro)
9-Show Me
10-Portable Door
11-Anya
12-Keyboard Solo
(Bonus played National anthem of Canada, A Man Needs a Maid, and Rondo Alla Turka on the keys)
13-Bleeding Obvious
14-Space Truckin’
15-Smoke on the Water
Encore:
16-Hush
(Joe South cover)
17-Black Night
BKonthescene 