Union Live
Union Live is a live album and concert video by the English progressive rock band Yes, released in January 2011 on Voiceprint Records. It documents performances from the band's 1991 Union Tour, which supported their thirteenth studio album Union and featured the rare lineup of all eight members—Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Trevor Rabin, Tony Kaye, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, and Alan White—representing a temporary reunion of the band's two contemporaneous factions from the late 1980s and early 1990s.[1][2][3] The release comprises a two-disc CD set and a DVD, drawing primarily from shows at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California (audio), and the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado (video), with additional footage from the Pensacola Civic Center in Florida.[1][4] The track listing spans 13 songs across approximately two hours, blending progressive rock epics like "Awaken" and "Close to the Edge" with more accessible tracks from Union such as "I Would Have Waited Forever," alongside classics including "Roundabout" and "Owner of a Lonely Heart."[4] Bonus features include 5.1 surround sound mixes and rare audience recordings, highlighting the tour's elaborate stage production and the musicians' interplay during this brief period of unity.[1] Union Live holds significance as one of the few official recordings of Yes's most expansive lineup, capturing the creative tensions and synergies that defined the Union era before several members departed and the band continued with a five-member lineup for their next album, Talk (1994).[3] Reissued in various formats, including a 2021 30th-anniversary super deluxe edition with additional media, it remains a valued archival piece for fans, offering insight into a pivotal, if short-lived, chapter in Yes's six-decade history.[5]Background
The Union Album
The Union album originated from efforts to reconcile two parallel incarnations of Yes following internal divisions in the late 1980s. After the troubled production of Big Generator (1987), during which vocalist Jon Anderson clashed with producer Trevor Horn over creative control and session delays, Anderson departed the band in 1988 to form Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (ABWH) with drummer Bill Bruford, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and guitarist Steve Howe, backed by bassist Tony Levin.[6][7] Meanwhile, the remaining Yes lineup—bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Trevor Rabin, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Alan White—continued developing material. Under pressure from Arista Records to reunite the factions, Anderson and Squire proposed merging the projects, creating a supergroup configuration that included Anderson, Squire, Rabin, Kaye, Howe, Bruford, Wakeman, and Levin, evoking the classic Yes sound of the 1970s while incorporating the more streamlined style of the 1980s lineup.[8][6] Recording sessions for Union were split geographically and stylistically, exacerbating lineup tensions. In Europe, the ABWH members collaborated with producer Jonathan Elias on tracks emphasizing progressive elements, while in Los Angeles, Squire, Rabin, Kaye, and White worked with producer and engineer Eddy Offord on more rock-oriented songs. Anderson bridged the divide by overdubbing vocals on both sets of recordings, but limited interaction between the groups led to disputes over arrangements and credits; for instance, Elias recruited session musicians for some ABWH tracks without full band approval, resulting in an "octet" feel but also resentment. These conflicts manifested in dual versions of certain songs, such as "I Would Have Waited Forever," where the ABWH recording appeared on the album and a Rabin-led alternate surfaced later, highlighting the fractured collaboration.[8][6] Union was released on April 30, 1991, by Arista Records, marking Yes's thirteenth studio album and their first since 1987 to feature the expanded lineup. Produced primarily by Elias and Offord, with additional contributions from Anderson and others, it debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved gold certification in the United States for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. The album's release served as a promotional foundation for Yes's subsequent 1991 tour, though persistent tensions prompted Bruford, Howe, and Wakeman to leave the band afterward.[8][10][11]The 1991 Tour
The 1991 Union Tour represented Yes's attempt to merge the two parallel lineups that had emerged in the late 1980s—the classic configuration of Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman, and Bill Bruford from the band's progressive rock era, and the more arena-rock oriented group featuring Anderson, Tony Kaye, Alan White, and Trevor Rabin from the 90125 period—into a single eight-member ensemble to support the Union album. This unification aimed to recapture the band's legacy while highlighting new material, with all members sharing the stage for the first time in a configuration that emphasized collaborative performance. The tour's structure allowed for dynamic interplay among the musicians, though underlying frictions from the album's rushed production process carried over, creating a complex dynamic from the outset.[12] Launching on April 9, 1991, in Pensacola, Florida, the tour unfolded over 11 months in three legs, encompassing 84 dates across North America, Europe, and Asia, and wrapping up on March 5, 1992, in Tokyo, Japan. Billed as "Around the World in 80 Dates," it drew strong attendance in arenas and amphitheaters, reflecting Yes's enduring popularity despite the lineup's novelty. Production elements included a revolving stage designed to facilitate seamless transitions between songs and solo spots, adding visual flair to the elaborate shows that typically lasted over two hours. However, logistical hiccups arose, such as stage malfunctions that occasionally required audience members to assist in manually turning it, turning potential disruptions into memorable, lighthearted interactions.[13] The setlists exemplified the tour's unifying intent by blending timeless Yes staples with selections from Union and prior albums, creating a narrative arc that bridged the band's history. Openers often featured extended renditions of classics like "Yours Is No Disgrace" from The Yes Album (1971) and "Heart of the Sunrise" from Fragile (1971), showcasing the full octet's layered instrumentation, while mid-section highlights included Union tracks such as "Lift Me Up" and "I Would Have Waited Forever," alongside hits like "Owner of a Lonely Heart" from 90125 (1983) and "Rhythm of Love" from Big Generator (1987). Rarer deep cuts, including "Awaken" from Going for the One (1977), were performed with the expanded lineup, allowing vocal harmonies from Anderson and Rabin, dual keyboards from Wakeman and Kaye, and alternating guitar leads from Howe and Rabin to shine; Anderson later called the rendition of "Awaken" by eight musicians "pure magic." This eclectic programming highlighted stylistic contrasts—progressive epics versus concise rock anthems—while fostering onstage chemistry in spots like the dual drumming of Bruford and White on "Heart of the Sunrise."[13][14] Despite musical successes, the tour was overshadowed by significant interpersonal challenges, exacerbated by the Union album's studio tensions, where executive-driven overdubs and artificial layering had already alienated members like Bruford, who described the project as "too many people... too artificial" and a misguided "Hollywood idea." Infighting persisted onstage and off, with cliques forming between the two factions, limiting communication and collaboration in some areas; Bruford, for instance, shared drumming duties unevenly with White, often relegated to electronic percussion or solo segments, feeling overpaid for minimal involvement. Howe echoed this sentiment years later, labeling the tour a "fiasco" that was "very, very difficult and out of control" due to the unwieldy group size and unresolved conflicts. Rabin noted that while the road experience ultimately inspired the follow-up Talk album (1994), the overall atmosphere strained relationships. The tour concluded with all eight members intact, but shortly thereafter, Bruford, Howe, and Wakeman departed Yes, citing exhaustion from the discord and a desire to pursue other projects, effectively dissolving the supergroup experiment.[15][16][13][12]Recording and Production
Concert Venues and Dates
The primary recordings for Union Live were captured during Yes's 1991 Union Tour at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, on August 8, 1991, which served as the source for the main DVD and double CD release.[1] This outdoor venue, with a capacity of 22,500—including 6,500 reserved seats and space for 16,000 on the lawn—was a prominent West Coast site for progressive rock performances, having opened in 1986 and hosting major acts in an open-air setting that enhanced the atmospheric quality of live shows.[17] The August 8 concert drew a near-capacity crowd under clear, warm summer conditions typical for the Bay Area, with highs around 80°F (27°C) and no precipitation, contributing to an energetic outdoor experience. Alternate audio mixes for Union Live originated from the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado, on May 9, 1991, featured in subsequent expanded editions like Union 30 Live.[18] This indoor arena, completed in 1975 with a concert capacity of approximately 17,000, was a key Midwestern stop for rock tours, known for its enclosed acoustics that suited the band's complex arrangements during the early tour leg.[19] The show attracted an estimated 10,000 attendees on a mild spring evening with temperatures reaching 83°F (28°C) during the day and cooling to 55°F (13°C) by night, without significant weather disruptions.[20][21] Additional audio sources, including soundcheck material incorporated into deluxe editions, came from the NEC Arena (now bp pulse LIVE) in Birmingham, England, on June 26, 1991, during the European tour segment.[5] Opened in 1991 as part of the National Exhibition Centre complex, the arena held about 15,685 seats and quickly became a staple for international rock acts, offering a vibrant indoor atmosphere amid the UK's progressive music scene. The late June performance occurred during an unusually cool and wet month for the region, with daytime highs peaking at around 65°F (18°C) on nearby dates, though the indoor setting minimized any outdoor weather effects on the recording.[22]| Venue | Date | Location | Capacity | Role in Union Live | Attendance/Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoreline Amphitheatre | August 8, 1991 | Mountain View, CA, USA | 22,500 | Main DVD and CD source | Near capacity; warm, clear weather |
| McNichols Sports Arena | May 9, 1991 | Denver, CO, USA | ~17,000 | Alternate audio mixes | ~10,000; mild spring day |
| NEC Arena | June 26, 1991 | Birmingham, UK | 15,685 | Additional soundcheck audio | Not specified; cool, indoor conditions |
Audio and Video Capture
The live performances captured for Union Live were recorded during Yes's 1991 tour, which featured an expanded octet lineup blending members from the band's classic era and the Trevor Rabin-led configuration. Audio was recorded using multi-track techniques at select venues to accommodate the ensemble's intricate arrangements, including dual keyboards and percussion setups, while video documentation employed professional multi-camera shoots to capture the stage action and tour-specific staging elements like elevated platforms and lighting effects.[1][23] The core content derives from the tour's final U.S. date at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, on August 8, 1991, where both audio and video were professionally captured; additional material came from shows at McNichols Sports Arena in Denver and other locations, including some audience-sourced footage. These recordings utilized contemporary 1991 technology, such as digital multitrack systems for audio to handle the high-fidelity demands of progressive rock performances amid the transition from analog to digital workflows. Video synchronization with audio posed logistical hurdles due to separate capture methods and varying venue conditions, requiring precise timecode alignment in post-production.[24][25][1] Post-production was delayed significantly after the tour's conclusion, as band fractures—stemming from creative and contractual disputes—led to the departure of Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Bill Bruford, and Rick Wakeman, rendering 1991 mixes unusable at the time. The material languished until 2010, when it was revisited for release by Voiceprint Records; the DVD soundtrack was newly mixed by guitarist Trevor Rabin to integrate the multi-source elements into a unified presentation, with bonus 5.1 surround mixes enhancing the audio depth for modern formats.[24][6]Release Details
Initial Release Formats
Union Live was initially released in early 2011 as a 2-CD/1-DVD set by Voiceprint Records in association with Gonzo Multimedia, capturing the band's performance at the Shoreline Amphitheatre on August 8, 1991.[26][1] The set was targeted at collectors, and distributed primarily through specialist retailers and online platforms in the UK and US.[26][27] The core physical format included two audio CDs featuring the complete Shoreline Amphitheatre concert across 13 tracks, spanning over two hours of progressive rock material from the Union tour, including staples like "Roundabout" and extended renditions of "Awaken."[4] The accompanying DVD presented an edited video version of the same Shoreline show, focusing on key tracks with multi-camera footage, synchronized to the live audio, and running approximately 118 minutes.[26][28] A standard audio-only edition was also available as a 2-CD set, omitting the video component for those seeking just the concert recording.[29] Digital download options were offered concurrently through platforms like iTunes and Amazon MP3, providing the full Shoreline audio tracks in high-quality formats for streaming and purchase, broadening accessibility beyond physical media.[1] Initial retail distribution emphasized independent music stores and online vendors, with the deluxe set priced at approximately £24.99 in the UK and $29.99 in the US, reflecting its collector-oriented packaging that integrated the discs into a unified digipak design.[27]Packaging and Editions
The Union Live release was available in multiple formats, including a standard double CD edition housed in a jewel case and a standalone DVD of the Shoreline Amphitheatre performance.[4] The cover artwork featured a live photograph of the band from their 1991 Union tour, emphasizing the eight-member lineup's stage presence.[1] Accompanying the CDs was a 12-page booklet containing photographs from the tour and liner notes that provided context on the performances and production.[29] A limited deluxe edition bundled the double CD with two DVDs, including a bonus disc featuring the complete concert from McNichols Sports Arena in Denver on May 9, 1991, along with audience-sourced footage from the Pensacola Civic Center show on April 9, 1991, and additional 5.1 surround sound mixes.[1] This edition utilized standard jewel case packaging for the CDs and a keep case for the DVDs.[29] In Japan, a limited edition employed a gatefold cardboard sleeve for the double CD, accompanied by an extra 12-page color booklet detailing original tour dates, band member interviews, and liner notes in Japanese.[30] The 2021 30th anniversary super deluxe edition expanded on these with a flight case packaging that housed 26 CDs and 4 DVDs (total 30 discs) across ten fatpack-style jewel cases, incorporating memorabilia such as a reproduction tour program, backstage laminate, cloth passes, ten band photographs, and two posters as inserts in the first pressings.[31] This edition also drew from additional tour recordings.[32]Musical Content
Track Listing
The Union Live release features a two-disc CD set and a DVD capturing selections from the 1991 Union tour, primarily from the Shoreline Amphitheatre show in Mountain View, California, on August 8, 1991 (audio and main video). The content focuses on progressive rock classics and select instrumentals, with one track from the Union album, highlighting the band's interplay during the tour.[29] The deluxe edition includes bonus footage on a second DVD from other tour dates.[29]CD Track Listing
Disc 1
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Duration | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intro / Firebird Suite | Igor Stravinsky (arr. Jean-Luc Ponty) | 3:15 | Classical arrangement (tour opener) |
| 2 | Yours Is No Disgrace | Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Tony Kaye | 15:13 | The Yes Album (1971) |
| 3 | Rhythm of Love | Jon Anderson, Tony Kaye, Trevor Rabin, Chris Squire | 5:12 | Big Generator (1987) |
| 4 | Heart of the Sunrise | Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford | 11:00 | Fragile (1971) |
| 5 | Clap / Mood for a Day | Steve Howe | 9:30 | The Yes Album / Fragile (1971) |
| 6 | Make It Easy / Owner of a Lonely Heart | Trevor Rabin (Make It Easy); Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Chris Squire, Alan White (Owner) | 6:34 | 90125 (1983) |
| 7 | I've Seen All Good People | Jon Anderson, Chris Squire | 7:22 | The Yes Album (1971) |
Disc 2
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Duration | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Solly's Beard | Trevor Rabin | 6:32 | Union (1991) |
| 2 | Saving My Heart | Trevor Rabin | 5:09 | Talk (1994; performed live in 1991) |
| 3 | Whitefish / Amazing Grace | Chris Squire (Whitefish); traditional (Amazing Grace, arr. Squire/White) | 9:58 | Original / traditional |
| 4 | Rick Wakeman Solo | Rick Wakeman | 4:28 | Keyboard solo |
| 5 | Awaken | Jon Anderson, Steve Howe | 19:26 | Going for the One (1977) |
| 6 | Roundabout | Jon Anderson, Steve Howe | 9:41 | Fragile (1971) |
DVD Track Listing
The main DVD presents video of the same 13 tracks as the CDs from the Shoreline Amphitheatre show on August 8, 1991, with durations matching the audio. The deluxe edition's bonus DVD includes 24 tracks of audience footage from the Pensacola Civic Center, Florida, on April 9, 1991, and 18 tracks from the McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado, on May 9, 1991, featuring additional tour highlights such as "Shock to the System" and "Close to the Edge."[29]| No. | Title | Duration | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intro / Firebird Suite | 3:15 | Classical arrangement (tour opener) |
| 2 | Yours Is No Disgrace | 15:13 | The Yes Album (1971) |
| 3 | Rhythm of Love | 5:12 | Big Generator (1987) |
| 4 | Heart of the Sunrise | 11:00 | Fragile (1971) |
| 5 | Clap / Mood for a Day | 9:30 | The Yes Album / Fragile (1971) |
| 6 | Make It Easy / Owner of a Lonely Heart | 6:34 | 90125 (1983) |
| 7 | I've Seen All Good People | 7:22 | The Yes Album (1971) |
| 8 | Solly's Beard | 6:32 | Union (1991) |
| 9 | Saving My Heart | 5:09 | Talk (1994; live 1991) |
| 10 | Whitefish / Amazing Grace | 9:58 | Original / traditional |
| 11 | Rick Wakeman Solo | 4:28 | Keyboard solo |
| 12 | Awaken | 19:26 | Going for the One (1977) |
| 13 | Roundabout | 9:41 | Fragile (1971) |