Originally published by L.S. Media. August 4th 2009.
After a much publicised health scare, in which he nearly lost his life, Jon Anderson has taken the first tentative steps back to touring and recording. The Lancashire born entertainer shows a lot more of his spiritual side these days as he looked less tense and more happy with himself and his long admired vocal ability.
Coming on stage to some of the loudest applause the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool has seen for a one man show, Jon seemed surprised to see so many people there to hear him play. The audience knew that there might be a few awkward moments for Jon as he readily admits to not having been able to sing whilst recuperating but from the off everybody was on his side.
During the evening Jon diverted slightly from the music to recount a few tales from his life and among those were of two of the people who he has worked with over the years, the first being with Greek music supremo Vangelis who Jon had nothing but warmth for and the surprise of having a young 16 year old Joe Cocker get up on stage to sing with him whilst gigging in Sheffield. It is only through hearing these stories that you realise how important Jon Anderson has been, not just to his fans but to those he has collaborated with.
Jon was able to play many songs from his own personal back catalogue and that of Yes which included Yours is no Disgrace and the ever green Time and a Word. Jon even pulled an ace out of the pack by playing the difficult radio friendly Owner of a Lonely Heart, which in the surroundings of the Philharmonic Hall sounded as beautiful as ever.
The second half of the show consisted of more hits and personal favourites which included Sound out the Galleon and the superb State of Independence from his second album collaboration with Vangelis The Friends of Mr Cairo.
Returning to the stage to do a couple of encores, Jon was once more hit by a wall of energetic applause that only faded as he played the Yes classic Roundabout and a beautiful version of Soon.
Ian D. Hall