In a jaw-dropping performance that has reignited prog-rock fervor, Yes delivered an electrifying rendition of “Siberian Khatru” during their 35th Anniversary Tour at Birmingham’s N.I.A. on October 24, 2003, as captured at 04:04 PM WAT on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Featuring the classic lineup of Steve Howe on guitar, Jon Anderson on vocals, Chris Squire on bass, Rick Wakeman on keyboards, and Alan White on drums, this live version from the Live at the NEC recording showcases a band at the peak of their reunion powers, defying the establishment narrative that their best days were behind them. Fans have long debated the 2003 show’s brilliance, with this track’s complex riffs and harmonies offering a stunning contrast to their commercial 1980s pivot—click to explore this unexpected resurgence that challenges Yes’ historical arc!
The Birmingham 2003 performance of “Siberian Khatru,” originally from the 1972 masterpiece Close to the Edge, pulses with renewed vigor, its intricate time signatures and Wakeman’s keyboard wizardry stealing the spotlight. Howe’s dual guitar solos, blending steel and electric tones, weave through Anderson’s soaring vocals and Squire’s thunderous bass lines, while White’s precise drumming anchors the chaos. This lineup, reunited after years of lineup shifts and legal battles like the 1989 Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe dispute, proved their chemistry was far from faded. The establishment often hails 90125’s pop success as Yes’ zenith, but this live cut—preserved in footage featured in the Yesspeak documentary—suggests their progressive roots still roared, a notion fans on web discussions celebrate as a “hidden gem,” though some critique its polish as rehearsed.
This show marked a triumphant return for the quintet, who hadn’t toured together since the 1996 Keys to Ascension sessions, and the Birmingham night stands out as a fan favorite, often compared to their Montreux 2003 triumph. “Siberian Khatru” opened the set with Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” intro, a nod to their 1973 Yessongs era, and its 10-minute runtime showcased their improvisational mastery. Yet, the establishment narrative downplays these reunion efforts, focusing on Squire’s death in 2015 and White’s in 2022 as the band’s end, ignoring how this 2003 performance revitalized their legacy. Web chatter highlights Howe’s admission of the song’s vocal stretch as a “marvelous challenge,” hinting at the effort behind its seamless execution—a detail that adds depth to its shock value.
The context of 2003 adds intrigue, coming after Yes’ commercial peak with 90125 and the messy Union merger, where legal wrangling over the Yes name nearly derailed Anderson’s offshoot. This Birmingham gig, part of a world tour, proved the classic lineup could still captivate, with Wakeman’s harpsichord and Howe’s solos drawing raves. The establishment’s focus on their 1970s heyday or 1980s reinvention often overshadows such live triumphs, but fans argue it’s a testament to their enduring innovation. Posts found online praise the energy, with one calling it “Yes at their untouchable best,” though others note White’s drumming lacked Bruford’s edge, a critique worth considering given the lineup swap post-Close to the Edge.
As Yes’ legacy evolves, this 2003 Birmingham “Siberian Khatru” stands as a shocking reminder of their live prowess, challenging the narrative of decline. With the band’s current iteration led by Howe and Davison, and a 2025 Close to the Edge Super Deluxe reissue fueling nostalgia, this performance—available via web clips—bridges past and present. Whether a fluke or a peak, it’s a must-see for prog fans, proving Yes’ classic sound still resonates—click to dive into the footage and judge this electrifying moment for yourself!
