Jon Anderson & Todmobile- Awaken LIVE 2013 (REACTION//DISCUSSION) 

Well, I gotta say, I didn't expect to just transcend into the stratosphere and out of this plane of existence while watching a JustJP video, but here I am. That performance blew the roof off my house.

This is a special performance, perfection. I like the way the guitar is a little bit nastier than the way Steve Howe plays it. Brilliant, captivating... Doesn't get any better. The lucky people who saw this live.

This’s just a simple amazing performance, love Jon to me one of the best prog singers ever.

High Vibrations Go On Strong as Geldingadalir Eruption ! ! !

I think Jon saw this and had the freedom to create this brilliance. This was Jon and his highest part of his spirit

I absolutely LOVE this version. I watch it all the time. I was lucky enough to see YES perform this in Sydney in 2004 (the same lineup that recorded it), and it is to this day the best thing I have EVER seen live. Later on I saw the later version of Yes (with Jon Davison/Geoff Downes etc) completely murder it stone cold dead. @Justin, I have listed to Awaken hundreds of times, and it still has the same effect on me every time. It never gets old.

Jon Anderson is from Accrington. But when I heard yer Icelandic man say his name, it strikes me "Jon Anderson" is a deeply nordic/Icelandic name

"Awaken" is more than a song. I would liken it more a religious experience. If Heaven had a song that greeted souls as they entered the pearly gates, it would be "Awaken". This is Yes' greatest achievement.

No singer sings with more love in his heart than Jon Anderson.

I have tears in my eyes 😭 When God hears this kind of performance he says to himself, "This what I expected of you"🤠

Can you imagine how the performers felt having done a performance like that with such a great singer, I bet they were flying for days.

A perfect example of why it is not a good idea for other singers to try to to imitate Jon Anderson. Some vocalists cannot be imitated! These live videos are a nice touch. Thanks!

Even Jon was overwhelmed by the performance. Watch him at the conclusion of the song. He’s completely blown away.

I've loved this song since 1977. Trust me, the feeling never goes away.

This is PHENOMENAL!!!

Hi jp....as a huge yes fan I've heard hundreds of live recording of the band.....when this came out I was stunned at just how they nailed it totally... toadmobile just killed it. Check out steve hackett also..they did a show with him too

Justin... truly wonderful. Have you seen Todmobile's concert on you RU-vid with Steve Hackett which includes fabulous version of Supper's Ready ?

Thank you Justin. Jon is living his dream of Yes becoming bigger than the original band or any individual member. The Spirit of the music living through newer younger musicians is what he aspires to. I felt it.

Perfection. I must have watched this performance more than fifty times. It never gets old. How is Jon still able to hit those high notes?

Whether this is THE best version is I suppose always debatable but it's unarguably one of the best. Amazed how well Jon's voice has remained so perfect.

Having seen Chris Squire and Yes the greatest show on earth 36 times,I remember seeing Awaken during the Awaken tour it put everybody into the soup. This is a good rendition but nothing can replace Chris and the triple neck.

I´ve seen this clip many times already. I´m happy you´ve brought it up. Yeah...it works. The chills, even some tears. It´s a monumental piece of music. Awaken is one of the very best Yes songs ever.

The song itself and this particular performance can never be equalled. It’s a once in a lifetime thing that I reckon stunned Jon Anderson and Todmobile just as much as it’s floored everyone else who appreciates great music.

Oh yes! w00t! So glad you did the studio version first. But this is my favorite live version of Awaken.

I've never seen this before. It's wonderful, thank you so much. Stairway to Heaven is classic, but I believe "Awaken" transcends it in that it is a journey from the material world to a spiritual existence.

Yes were the Gods of Prog Rock. It was great to see Jon Anderson back on top form here, and this is by far the best version of Awaken I've ever seen. Younger people will never understand how awesome this music is.

I feel it too! This is a wonderful version of this song. He was well on the road to recovery at that stage and by the time I saw him during the ARW tour, miraculously his voice seemed fully restored. Jon and Chris are my musical heroes. It must have 1986/87 that I was swept off my feet and they have been my constant companions ever since. I honestly thing you'll love Jon's latest solo album, "1000 Hands". Well, It's coming up for half nine in the evening here in blighty and I have a bottle of brandy and I feel a full on evening with Jon Anderson coming on...enjoy yours.

I've never heard of Todmobile..that was amazing. Any Jon Anderson fans should also check out his interview with Rick Beato, which is very entertaining, he's very amusing. Great vid JP.

Hey Justin, just watched your "Awaken" with Jon Anderson and Todmobile. What a fantastic version of one of the best songs ever! I didn't know it existed. Thank you so much and I'm right there with you on the many spiritual journeys with Yes.

I’m getting chills watching you get chills. 🥶 Thanks for letting us watch with you! Such a great song and performance!

Thanks, JP, that was wonderful. I'm convinced that this song is a masterpiece and I agree that this performance takes it to a new level. You're right - you have to feel it.

A song so good that even the reaction video is uplifting. Magnificent on all fronts.

Hey JP I just found Jon Anderson with Paul Green School of Rock and playing yes songs, You and I, Heart of the Sunrise, Long Distance Runaround. Astounding, really good, check it out.

Great reaction Justin, I’ve been watching your channel since the start and I kept asking for you to watch Awaken as it’s my fave Yes song, after you finally did it I suggested that you should watch the Todmobile Live version, and you replied that you already had! The song never ceases to give me chills. I think the most impressive thing in that video is John’s voice, he was about to turn 70 and his voice was almost as good as when he was in his twenties. Most rock singers’ voices have deteriorated by the time they get to that age. Cheers JP! 😁

A truly worthy rendition. But...I saw Yes perform "Awaken" live, in the round, during the album tour in the seventies. I give the guitar and bass bonus points for effort but nothing and no one can replace Howe/Squire. Jon Anderson's voice in this? Phenomenal still even 44 years after the start of Yes. Very nice.

JP you are awesome! Thank you so much for continuing your Yes reactions. I can’t get enough of your very intelligent reactions!

This the best live version I’ve ever heard. Another good one is ARW’s live version. That one has a Trevor Rabin soundtrack feel. Best Yes live version is on Keys to Ascension.

Got me again, Justin. Anderson's voice is as pure and clean as it was when I first heard it 50 (!) years ago, and his stage presence is like a wave breaking on a beach. Starts out subtle and by the time it crests, you're carried away to a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing this video. Peace.

What can we say about such a presentation, simply wonderful, without words.

Your reactions were a joy to watch, Justin. Watching this again along with you, I was exactly the same 😮🙂

As Yes songs go, this is the pinnacle. This is a fantastic version but I feel so blessed to have witnessed this performed with Mr. Steve Howe, Mr. Chris Squire, and Mr. Rick Wakeman (sorry… no one can hold a candle to Wakemans masterful keyboards on this song) supporting the stellar and unique voice of Mr. Jon Anderson. Quite sure I left my body. Whenever I need to reconnect with Spirit, this song does it without fail. I see it does something similar for you too Justin. The choir….. the choir…. We Have Heaven! Thank you for bringing this to your channel and for being with me in how you feel about MY favorite song in the world.

I’ve seen this so many times and it’s amazing to share your reaction to this beautiful rendition of this classic masterpiece!

I got to see Awaken performed when the band members all got together for around the world in 80 dates…just imagine Bruford/White, Kaye/Wakeman, Howe/Rabin, Squire and Anderson performing this in the round and being front row. It’s a memory I will cherish my entire life.

Music's great isn't it? I would pay too, great stuff JP.

Now do Todmobile + Steve Hackett (Supper's Ready or Firth of Fifth).

I've been addicted to Yes since 1972, and TRUST ME, the "feeling" does not go away. I think that is some kind of miracle of life, for those of us that feel it this strongly. I tend to default to "Close to the Edge" as my favorite Yes song - until I listen to "Awaken" again! It really is a CLOSE tie! This is a a stunning performance, without a doubt, and might be one of, if not THE best vocal performances by Jon - ever. Despite having some criticisms for this performance, I give it 5 out of 5 stars, just for the nearly perfect musicianship! As for your reaction? TEN stars! You brought me to tears - AGAIN!!!! I was so INTO your enthusiastic and emotional reactions and your facial expressions and body language, and all your comments! Blessings!

It is 44 years I bought "Going For The One". I saw Yes perform it on that tour (with Donovan opening for them btw). I don't know how often I heard this song through the years. But it almost never fails to catch me. And it still sends shivers. Because All is left for me, all is left for me , all is left for me since then. I am sure I am not the only one. So I think there is a good chance that this masterpiece will never bore you, too. no matter how often you hear it.

Without starting your review: this is the best Awaken-live version I know :-)

I live about 3 miles from where Jon was born and lived as a young man ... I can still hear his local, Lancashire accent.

Another spiritual/religious experience with you Justin. Wow. Speechless. Jon's voice after 44 years (at the point the vid was done) is flawless and chill inducing. Fantastic band and orchestra. Thank you, thank you.

This is great...beautiful...but..it needed Chris Squires' majestic bass playing!

Oh! Another thing to keep in mind. Anderson was 70 years old in this 2014 performance. The man is closing in on 80 now, and while he's occasionally a bit wavery on vocals in live performance, he still is The Voice of Yes to this day, in my humble opinion.

The best live version of Awaken there is. Not only do they play it with passion, their dynamics are spot on and they don't ritard the climax like Yes does in concert. The reason that climax works so well on the studio version is because it's played in time. In concert Yes always tries to build it up by slowing down right before it, but that only lessens its impact. So, bravo to Todmibile for not slowing down the tempo of the climax. Awesome.

Awesome, but now you have to watch the real Awaken from Glasgow, Scotland 1977. Take this version x infinity = 1977.

If you want to be blown away by a performance, see Todmobile and guest Steve Hackett perform Supper’s Ready with an orchestra!

Another great combination with Jon Anderson you would probably like Jon Anderson and Contemporary Youth Orchestra And you and I part of a larger concert you can find on youtube.

This is what Yes’ Rock and Roll HOF performance should have been. I understand the reason for playing the hits (Roundabout and Owner), but Awaken with a choir and orchestra would have brought the house down. Yes could have borrowed the charts from Todmobile, paid the musicians for a day of rehearsals / performance, and shocked the audience with what rock and roll could be. Thanks JP.

Jon in the morning,cut & bale hay in afternoon. arrive home,turn on computer,and AWAKEN! Nice way to bookend the day! Thanks Justin seeing your enjoyment of a Masterpiece, makes my night! Peace.

Thanks for that Justin.....awesome. You should search out Symphonic Yes, Jon, Chris,Steve and Alan with an orchestra, Ritual is particularly good

If this song does not move you 1- your quality of consciousness needs some work and/or 2- your heart is covered with moss

I see you since your first reaction with Yes. It´s really amazing the way your spirit ( as the same as the all of us) is get shocked by their music. Let me tell you something, for the rest of your life you´ll be accompanied and you´ll never be alone with that feeling. Remember what I say to you, many years from now you´ll find yourself still hearing at this music. Thank you very much for you reaction

Hey, universe! See what humans can do!

I have loved this song for over 40 years, since I first heard it as a child. Saw them perform this once, but not with an orchestra. This is the best version of it I've heard

Awaken....about as good as it gets. Thanks.

Over the years, a lot of artists lose dynamic or range in their voice, not Jon. Sounds as good now as he did years ago. Simply spectacular, and a fan blessing

I always have tears in my eyes by the time this thing's done...

Wonderful performance in Iceland indeed. Timeless. I've been treating myself to this version som many times. Not possible to grow tired from it! Great choice!

If you haven't already, I recommend a watch of the live ABWH concert An Evening of Yes Music Plus. I do suggest watching as a whole, but I would request you pause it, and film your listen to their performance of Close To The Edge. Yes, Squire is missed, but otherwise it is my favorite live rendition of that piece.

This is the best version of that song, end of story

Awaken is my favorite song from my favorite band and I didn't know that this existed. This was wonderful.

Awaken is one of my absolute FAVORITE songs in the world! I loved how shining your face is while listening

The emotion this performance rips outta me is intense.

This is one of the greatest live performances ever… would have loved to have been there. A powerful performance of one the greatest songs of all time.. Yes’ best song in my opinion. Every musician and singer on the stage just nailed it. Jon’s vocals were just ridiculous, it almost sounded like the studio version. Thank you for reacting to this.

What a feeling Todmobile probably felt having Jon singing with them...and what a feeling he must have felt with that kind of backing music. Wow. As far as live concert videos of songs only this video and Peter Gabriel "In Your Eyes" from Secret World live make me smile every single time I watch them.

i totally love this version of the song, so glad to finally see people reacting to it!

Listening over again! :)

This is a lovely memory of a very special night. Greetings, Eidur (Todmobile's bass player)

100 years from now people will look back at this and simply marvel over the music of Yes! The same way that Classical music (Bach and Beethoven etc) lives on for all eternity! How fortunate we are to be able to enjoy it now!!

did you get a new camera? the video looks so much clearer than normal

I went to Iceland in 2019 before Covid-19...what a magical place to play such a magical piece,,,,,,,,,,,, my favorite song about reality, existence and the beauty of the Universe!! Well done JP!

Mind-blowing !

Always better watching with JP. Jon’s voice is exceptional here! Love Todmobile ❤️☮️💜

Jon Anderson will turn 80 this coming October 2024. 💙💙💙

Yes!!!!! TRY THIS song in LIVE with Rick WAKEMAN inpiano and synthesisers

What a band!

A great performance... I loved, i love and i’ll love this perfomance all of the time. Thank you Justin ! Thank you Todmobil ! Thank you Jon Anderson and Yes

WOW!!

Montreaux Jazz Festival 2003 Awaken Yes Live Brilliant, brilliant. Check it out or do a third reaction video. You wont be disappointed x

BEST PERFORMANCE EVER of this song!!! I saw Yes perform this song twice, and this is my favorite performance....

It’s A Yes song, Jon Anderson can sing literally any note on the piano. These guys are seriously good. Imagine what it was like for me Justin, I was 15 in 1977 when this came out, and 9 when I first heard them. Glad you love them.

I loved your reaction at 16.21...you get it...a sublime, magnificent creative piece of art performed live - just magical !

Check them out with Steve Hackett playing 'Supper's Ready'

I’m not sure a more beautiful, perfect piece of music exists within the ‘rock’ category, although Close to the Edge is a close second. This performance by all involved is flawless.

I first saw this rendition a few years back. ‘Jaw dropping’ doesn’t do it justice! I was so impressed I sought out an Icelandic online retailer and bought the combined DVD & CD. It’s a prized possession, the whole concert is simply wonderful.

I'm so glad you found this version JP. It's fantastic.

It is quite simply; one of the greatest songs written and performed by human beings, EVER...

You can have Steve Hackett and Todmobile playing "Super`s Ready"

Jon was 69yrs old during this performance! 69!!

The first time I heard Yes live, they played this.(1978) I've seen them 18 times. The best memory was 2001 with the Anderson, Squire,Howe,Wakeman,White line up. The climax of this piece had incredible white hot spotlights panning upward in rolling waves during that incredible climax!🤗🤗🤗

Now proceed directly to the Steve Hackett/Todmobile live symphonic version of Supper's Ready.