YES Marketing / Promotional Ideas

[Ormando]

Another poll on "Favorite Yes Period" generated some discussion on coming up with better ways to market / promote Yes to expand their market. What would you advise Yes and their management to do to get them on track for a number 1 album or hit single?

Imagine going to an IMAX Theater and seeing the Academy Award Winning Documentary on YES titled: "[you pick it]." Take your friends and family and show them how an eclectic bunch of guys got together and developed into the world's greatest rock band. That is my choice for a YES promotional that would expand their core audience beyond 55,000 (as identified in the book Close to the Edge).

// O

[Jackaranda]

The other alternatives were slightly far fetched. Get them back for a tour, then an album( with possibly some new, supertalentd people on board).

[Flo]

I would like Yes to score a major motion picture provided they have enough liberty to write and produce the material they wish. There could be both old and new Yes styles.

[RobAdams]

There should be a 2 CD Yes compilation, each CD 79 minutes. Condense as many songs as can be squeezed, even if songs that fade must be faded early to save time. These remastered best of CDs are very popular marketing gimmicks of late. Driven by slick tv ads, the public went nuts for The Beatles '1' and Pink Floyd's 'Echoes'. I think a simillar campaign for YES would put them in the charts.

Proposed track list:
* - these tracks will have slightly early fade outs
CD 1
01 Looking Around
02 Sweet Dreams *
03 I've Seen All Good People *
04 Starship Trooper *
05 Roundabout
06 Long Distance Runaround / The Fish *
07 Close To The Edge
08 Ritual (Nous Sommes Du Soliel) (edit)
09 Soon (single edit)
10 Wonderous Stories
11 Going For The One
12 Don't Kill The Whale
13 Into The Lens

CD 2
01 Tempus Fugit
02 Owner Of A Lonely Heart *
03 Leave It
04 Changes
05 Shoot High Aim Low *
06 Love Will Find A Way
07 Lift Me Up
08 The Calling
09 Be The One
10 New State Of Mind
11 Lightning Strikes
12 Yours Is No Disgrace (live from House Of Yes cd)

The RITUAL excerpt shall be about a two minute chunk of the first 'Nous Somes Du Soleil' part of the song. CTTE can be faded in at about 4 secs before the first loud note, and the ending can be trimmed at least 15 seconds early. Many tracks can be 'condensed' this way to make it all fit. Apart from SOON and RITUAL, none of the songs will be edited - only faded early if possible. The songs will not be segued into each other, but time between tracks will be only 2 or 3 seconds. Nothing on this CD will be previously unreleased, as it will be mainly geared toward the impulse tv viewer buyer who will likely purchase this as their first Yes collection. The cover art should use the most familiar Yes logo and an eye catching original Roger Dean landscape painting. The inner booklet shall contain a brief essay about Yes, and a discography/advertisement to pursuade the buyer in the direction of future Yes purchases. Discography shall list all song titles for each release, and provide clear color pictures of each album cover.

The television commercial will use footage from various Yes concerts and music videos, played in sync with excerpts from the songs on this compilation. Suggested running order for 2:00 commercial >
01 I've Seen All Good People - accapella intro >
02 Roundabout
03 Close To The Edge
04 Owner Of A Lonely Heart
05 Into The Lens
06 Going For The One
07 Long Distance Runaround
08 Leave It
09 Starship Trooper (Wurm excerpt)
10 Changes
11 Lightning Strikes
12 Yours Is No Disgrace
13 The Fish
14 Roundabout -key solo brings advert to a faded end

Yes, this will sound like one of those K-Tel / Ronco ads, but it's a proven formula. Since the compilation goes from the 1st album up to House Of Yes, here's another idea. The commercial may offer the MAGNIFICATION cd along with the compilation for a 'special price'. "Get their newest, and get their best" may be a possible angle to take.

Might this idea be successful? Sorry to edit RITUAL, Yessiree! I felt TALES needed at least some representation here. Tell me what you think. Maybe someone could write the voice over part of the commercial for fun. Maybe suggest titles? Here's a couple I have:
ESSENTIAL YES
WONDEROUS STORIES
THE WONDEROUS STORIES OF YES
YESOLOGY
30 YEARS OF YES
30 YEARS OF YES MUSIC
THIRTY TRUE SUMMERS - THE BEST OF YES

Not too good, ay?

[nightliner]

Yes and Cirque du Soliel. What a great combination.

[Ormando]

WOW i-and-i!!!!

Looks like you got your "stuff" together for sure. That's a fantastic idea. A very practical and almost necessary step to jump start the "awareness factor." I can hear em now when the commercial comes on the tv -- "Oh, yeah, Yes -- I remember those guys. They still around, hey? I didn't know they wrote that song. Where's my credit card."

You know, your idea is so damn good and obvious, I really wonder if Yes Management is doing their job or if there would be something else getting in the way of such an obvious and highly successful marketing technique. My gosh, I believe I just saw Pink Floyd on tv with what you're talking about here.

The key is to raise awareness big time to help the core audience expand. This is simply excellent.
Let's see now, with the K-Tel YES Yesterday's Revisited TV offer, the Academy Award "Oscar" Winning Documentary, and an Academy Award "Oscar" Winning YES Motion Picture Sound Track, yep, I think we'd be on our way, gang, to getting the lads back on top.

Someone ought to get on the phone and get ahold of Jon,Chris, Steve and Alan and yank their chains and point them over here in this direction -- that is, if they want to be on top of the charts. Maybe not. Maybe they are perfectly satisfied with their cottage industry core audience of 55,000. If so, then chances are good that you're probably seeing the final remaining years / days of the "live" YES experience.

Again, great contribution,i-and-i. You got it going on! Onward // O

[hypatiamarshall]

I still think Jon Anderson ought to contact Roger Dean and some experts and make an animated film. The music is already there.

Jan in Erie CO

[YesNY]

Vegas or Atlantic City to me is the last thing I 'd want to see the band doing. To me such a move signifies a band reaching a creative halt and just mining nostalgia for every cent.

Yes already did Letterman around the time of the Talk tour. There was no big marketing bounce, but it didn't hurt. On the whole, such an appearance is a very small plus.

I would like to see VH1 do a Behind the Music on Yes. Also, the next time PBS does a fundraising drive, a Yes concert would be very appropiate. I think those two things would do a good job of raising awareness of the band.

[RobAdams]

Then around the same time of the commercial for the "new" compilation...A cameo appearance of Yes on THE SIMPSONS? Maybe YES could be thawed out of suspended animation for an episode of Futurama? How about a free outdoor YES concert, like Paul Simon did at Central Park?

How about a special FREE Yes CD sent to all members of BMG and / or Columbia House Music Club? The CD could include 5 tracks:
1) DON'T GO
2) CAN YOU IMAGINE
3) HOMEWORLD (from The Ladder)
4) ROUNDABOUT (from Keys)
5) OWNER OF A LONELY HEART (from House Of Yes)

This brief free sampler would demonstrate to those who lost track of Yes that they are still at it...

Then there's the Yes Pez dispensers....

Originally posted by YesNY
Vegas or Atlantic City to me is the last thing I 'd want to see the band doing. To me such a move signifies a band reaching a creative halt and just mining nostalgia for every cent.

Yes already did Letterman around the time of the Talk tour. There was no big marketing bounce, but it didn't hurt. On the whole, such an appearance is a very small plus.

I would like to see VH1 do a Behind the Music on Yes. Also, the next time PBS does a fundraising drive, a Yes concert would be very appropiate. I think those two things would do a good job of raising awareness of the band.

I agree with you YesNY regarding the Las Vegas thing. Also, seeing Yes on the PBS fund drive did a lot for me in remembering how wonderful they are--after a many year absence. My only disagreement with you would be the Behind the Music. Instead they deserve a Legends showcase because that is what they are.

Originally posted by i-and-i
Then around the same time of the commercial for the "new" compilation...A cameo appearance of Yes on THE SIMPSONS? Maybe YES could be thawed out of suspended animation for an episode of Futurama? How about a free outdoor YES concert, like Paul Simon did at Central Park?

How about a special FREE Yes CD sent to all members of BMG and / or Columbia House Music Club? The CD could include 5 tracks:
1) DON'T GO
2) CAN YOU IMAGINE
3) HOMEWORLD (from The Ladder)
4) ROUNDABOUT (from Keys)
5) OWNER OF A LONELY HEART (from House Of Yes)

This brief free sampler would demonstrate to those who lost track of Yes that they are still at it...

Then there's the Yes Pez dispensers....

Hey i-and-i, I like all of those ideas. One more that comes to mind is South Park. Remember when they had Robert Smith save the world? That was so funny! They could have Yes enlightening everyone.

[hypatiamarshall]

A guest appearance on the Simpsons is a fantastic idea! And, it would reach a younger audience than most think.

Jan in Erie CO

[haroldthebarrel]

Get Rick Wakeman of Trevor Rabin to help compose, write and perform.
--- I think getting Wakeman to come back might bring in all the fans that haven't been coming for the past 20 years because all they know of Yes is the name Wakeman Howe and Anderson (in other words the casuals from the 70's). But Rabin's name isn't well known (and neither is Wakeman's for the most part in the USA) and I would bet they'd still have trouble selling out the State Theatre in Minneapolis.


Produce an Academy Award winning documentary that would play in IMAX Theaters, on Public Television, Prime Time TV or in regular movie theaters.
---They might as well tour if they are going to do that. Because the cost of a movie is probably similar to a tour, and since the only people who will go to the movies are people who would have bought Yes tickets, it would be a difference between $50 a head, or $7 - $10.

Get 60 Minutes, 20/20 or Dateline to produce a story on YES.

---I don't know. Arn't their target audiences the 50+ crowd (no offense elders!:D)

Get YES on Oprah, Jay or Dave's show.

---I think this would do them best. Especially if they got BOTH Jay Leno and Letterman.


Get Yes to score a major motion picture.

---I don't think many people pay attention to who scores movies. Not enough to get Yes famous, unless they got a hit movie and did it in an "oh brother, where art thou?" sort of way.


Build "Yes Theater" and team up with Cirque du Soliel and perform a sight and sound show called Magnifiation.

---I don't think this would be a good idea.

Get Yes to sponsor a driver at NASCAR.

----I don't think most NASCAR fans have the capacity to appreciate Yes....

Have Yes headline at a major Vegas or Atlantic City hotel

---Don't they already do that?

Have Yes do public service announcements.

---maybe

Get Yes guest appearances in movies or TV shows.

---The right movie at the right time could do work.

Don't do anymore than they are doing right now

---Now we know that ain't the right answer!!

[Ormando]

Nightliner:

Yeah, Yes and Cirque du Soliel. Imagine you're driving on I-15 looking over at the lights of the strip and there's this huge bill board with a fantastic billing for the brand new Cirque du Soliel show featuring the new show by YES called -- what else, "Magnification." // O

[nightliner]

Well, I won't be driving on I-15, but I will be on the strip in a little over 2 weeks. Do you think they can hurry up and get it done by then? I have tickets to see Blue Man Group, but I would give those up for a Yes/Cirque show.

A friend of mine and I were discussing the light/water show they do in front of Bellagio every 20 minutes. He said they used things like Frnk Sinatra and music from broadway shows. My response to him was why do a show every 20 mintes. Just do a 20 minute show...with songs like CTTE and Ritual. This, btw, is the same friend who was in Vegas and saw Yes when they were at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. We also both traveled there to see them when they played the Hard Rock during the OYE tour.

[Ormando]

I grew up in Vegas and am a '73 and '75 grad of UNLV but haven't lived there since then, only going back to visit family and friends and see Yes when they're in either Vegas or Reno. So, to those who have an aversion to the Vegasization of Yes, I do understand where you are coming from. Vegas and Atlantic City and Reno are seen by some as the armpit of the universe.

However, please consider the commercial impact having a highly successful gig in Vegas has on performers. Vegas is where people from all over the globe fly in to be entertained and drop millions. You want to raise awareness. Just get a successful Vegas gig going and you'll raise awareness big time.

I'd take a headliner Vegas venue any day over some of the venues that Yes presents to their fans around the world. Just go read the reviews from the tours from last year and you'll see that quite a few loyal Yes fans felt they could have had better accommodations.

Consider also that as Yes ages, it might be better to be in a place where the fans come to them instead of the other way around. This would allow them time to focus on their performance and remain strong and healthy.

Oh, there's a lot worse options out there than Vegas, for sure.

// O

[hypatiamarshall]

What about Rice-a-roni?

I am kidding! Did everyone know that "treat" isn't even made in San Francisco?

Jan in Erie CO

[YesNY]

Originally posted by yessiree


I agree with you YesNY regarding the Las Vegas thing. Also, seeing Yes on the PBS fund drive did a lot for me in remembering how wonderful they are--after a many year absence. My only disagreement with you would be the Behind the Music. Instead they deserve a Legends showcase because that is what they are.



Hey i-and-i, I like all of those ideas. One more that comes to mind is South Park. Remember when they had Robert Smith save the world? That was so funny! They could have Yes enlightening everyone.

Am I to understand a Yes program was on during a PBS fundraiser?

[YesNY]

Originally posted by yessiree


...Also, seeing Yes on the PBS fund drive did a lot for me in remembering how wonderful they are--after a many year absence. My only disagreement with you would be the Behind the Music. Instead they deserve a Legends showcase because that is what they are...

Am I to understand a Yes program was on during a PBS fundraiser? Also: Of course a more realistic goal is seeing Yes on a Behind the Music. I am really suprised VH1 hasn't done one yet on Yes. Has there ever been a concerted effort on part of this board's members to make this a reality?

Originally posted by YesNY
Am I to understand a Yes program was on during a PBS fundraiser? Also: Of course a more realistic goal is seeing Yes on a Behind the Music. I am really suprised VH1 hasn't done one yet on Yes. Has there ever been a concerted effort on part of this board's members to make this a reality?

Yes. On my PBS station they did HOB during the year of Masterworks. I think it aired just before the tour. During the pledge breaks while they were hawking the various levels of support they had a variety of pix and things Yes around the studio. They had this huge color pix of Jon that I would give my eye teeth for. A really good shot.

Why do you think that Behind the Music is a more realistic goal? If U2 can get a Legends spot, surely Yes are far more legendary than they are. Probably not more than U2 thinks anyway but in reality they certainly are.

And no, there has never been a concerted effort on part of this board's members to make this a reality. There certainly needs to be. And as a matter of fact I believe there is a thread for just that in current view of Yesmusic--who we should e-mail--as a group--to get Yes seen. I think that e-mailing Vh-1 would be a good place to start.

[Jackaranda]

I had no idea about the PBS thing. It certainly seemed to help the Moody Blues several years back.

[mrgone3]

Has any one mentioned the AWAKEN alarm clocks? Or the Yesformers.It consists of twelve different pieces which are interchangeable and any combination of them can create a whole band.JOE :keyboard::guitar::band::drummer::keyboard:

[RobAdams]

Have Yes perform CATS on Broadway?

You guys are drinking again I see....

[Ormando]

I've not tried to approach a radio station and request that they give the new Magnification CD a whirl and was wondering what the protocol might be to successfully get this done. Call and make an appointment? Should I bring my Magnification CD or a copy? Are radio stations receptive to this kind of behavior from fans? Is there a particular type of rock station? Other stations? Not sure how to get beyond this. Has anyone done this successfully? If so, then share plez. I'd like to try but don't quite know what to do - other than call up or show up on door step. Should I write a letter, email, fax? What? Recommendations for a radio encounter are welcome.

//O

[InverYes]

Bring out a range of designer clothing under the Yes logo.

All Afghan coats, ex army great coats, cheesecloth shirts, tie-dyes and stuff like that. Or was all that just Greens Playhouse 1972 and nowhere else?

Ormando I'm with you on your query. I've often wondered what would be best. Of course I have e-mailed my local station--but to no end so there has got to be a better way. I'm hoping that there is a radio person on line here that can give us some tips.

And InverYes, I'd wear all that stuff you mentioned. Bring it on!

[RobAdams]

Imagine your alarm goes off, and instead of a buzzing or a ringing you get a midi of Rick's piano intro of AWAKEN, over and over and over until you get up, put AWAKEN on your stereo, and still end up late for work!!

And Yessiree - I am NOT under the alfluence of incahol.

[RobAdams]

Here's a plan....YES record a CD that sounds like today's 'product' under a different name - including a very marketable commercial hit song. Top Secret conditions will insure that NO ONE will reveal that this new band are really YES in disguise. Since Jon's voice is the one thing that would be a dead giveaway as to the group's real identity, his voice should be quite heavily manipulated electronically - as to not sound at all like Jon. When they win album of the year, they'll show up to get their award, revealing who they really are, laughing. Perhaps fans of this "new" group will be willing to see what their music is all about.


Bad idea I guess, but in a movie script way it would be cool

[Gustavo]

That is what the Bee Gees did when the backlash against them was in full force. They actually slipped in several chart toppers during that time by composing/producing for other artists.

I think we have weathered the worst. The backlash against YES seems to be on the decline.

The script for the movie sounds interesting, though. Who would be in it?

I agree Gustavo that I think the backlash is waning. Let's hope the disinterest will wane as well. I'm thinking that Magnification may help with both. It's such a big and positive step forward demonstrating their continued vitality and viability as artists.

And i-and-i, sorry if you thought I said you were drinking incahol. I would never dream of such a thing! hahaha I was thinking more of the liquid concoction that Don Juan used to make for Carlos Castenada....

[Ormando]

Okay, here's another idea.

What actors and politicians out there dig Yes? Maybe they would come forward and give them a big endorsement by using their music in their films and campaigns and such.

A long time ago,I read somewhere that the guy that played George Jefferson in the sitcom called I believe, "Movin On Up" was an avid Yeshead. Sherman Helmsley (sp,sorry) was his name, I'm not sure.

Where are the heavy weight Yeshead endorsers? Anyone know?

// O

That's a good idea Ormando. You know Vincent Spano is a huge Yes fan. Just watch his movie Buffalo 66 and you will see. I can't think of anyone else off the top of my head.

[RobAdams]

I think it would be incredible if there were someone wealthy enough to start a music television network that is geared toward the rock fans like us who find MTV and VH1 virtually useless.

The network should specialize in live performance footage instead of slick produced music videos. Any artist that appears on MTV or VH1 at least once a day will NEVER appear on this "new network".

This could be a great way to get more people exposed to Yes, without Yes having to commercialize their music.

Yes indeed. It seems that idea is ripe for the picking.

[yesskater]

Originally posted by Ormando
Nightliner:

Yeah, Yes and Cirque du Soliel. Imagine you're driving on I-15 looking over at the lights of the strip and there's this huge bill board with a fantastic billing for the brand new Cirque du Soliel show featuring the new show by YES called -- what else, "Magnification." // O

I remember some of the more popular bands of the late 1970s (Kansas, ELO and Boston come to mind) used rather large billboards in densely populated areas to promote their latest albums. I wonder how effective this would be in 2002? I imagine a Roger Dean image on a billboard would be rather striking to the eye...

[Gustavo]

Having seen Cirque Du Soliel I would have to agree with Nightliner: the vibe is very similar.

YES music is very visual. This is why Dean's landscapes made so much sense as a complement to the music. This is also why a tie-in with Homeworld made so much sense, being such a visually pleasing game.

Just imagine Dreamtime within the context of a Cirque Du Soliel show. WOW!

[Ormando]

Originally posted by Gustavo
Having seen Cirque Du Soliel I would have to agree with Nightliner: the vibe is very similar.

YES music is very visual. This is why Dean's landscapes made so much sense as a complement to the music. This is also why a tie-in with Homeworld made so much sense, being such a visually pleasing game.

Just imagine Dreamtime within the context of a Cirque Du Soliel show. WOW!

Gustavo:

Thank you for keying in on an essential aspect of the Yes experience -- the visual. I agree with you wholeheartedly. The visual aspect of Yes through Roger Dean's imagery is what drives Yes to Cirque du Soliel. They were made for each other.

Please let me know your thoughts on how we can convince others of this magnificent correlation? Time for "Magnification" of our genius, hey? :cheers:

// O

[Ormando]

Originally posted by yesskater


I remember some of the more popular bands of the late 1970s (Kansas, ELO and Boston come to mind) used rather large billboards in densely populated areas to promote their latest albums. I wonder how effective this would be in 2002? I imagine a Roger Dean image on a billboard would be rather striking to the eye...


The Vegas strip is awesome at any time of the day, especially at night. My apologies to those who wouldn't like to see Yes in the new Cirque du Soliel show, Magnification, due to the "commercialization" of Yes. However, I believe the Yes experience has taken on dimensions that are bigger than Jon, Chris, Steve, Alan and the rest of the gallery.

Where else could imagescapes created by Roger Dean find such eye catching anticipation and excitement than with Cirque in Vegas. The ultimate visual celebration of the auditory experience, for sure.

Hey, we have a marketing slogan for the new Cirque du Soliel show featuring Yes, titled "Magnification." -- The ultimate visual celebration of the auditory experience.

// O

[Gustavo]

Ormando:

I don’t think that a collaboration between YES and Cirque Du Soleil could be considered commercial. At all!

YES could write the music and perform only on the grand opening of the show, and then have it go on tour without YES, but with hired musicians. (Maybe with Fragile or another tribute band) Alternatively, YES could hire Cirque Du Soleil to enhance their live show.

I think the only thing that would need to happen would be for Jon to see one of their shows. I’ve heard “O” is mesmerizing. Jon would get so excited with the idea that he would make it happen.

By the way, I’ve also fantasized what Ritual would be like live if STOMP came out during the percussion section.

Nothing like dreaming!

If people want to find out more about Cirque Du Soleil this is their website:
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com

[Ormando]

Originally posted by Gustavo
Ormando:

I don’t think that a collaboration between YES and Cirque Du Soleil could be considered commercial. At all!

YES could write the music and perform only on the grand opening of the show, and then have it go on tour without YES, but with hired musicians. (Maybe with Fragile or another tribute band) Alternatively, YES could hire Cirque Du Soleil to enhance their live show.

I think the only thing that would need to happen would be for Jon to see one of their shows. I’ve heard “O” is mesmerizing. Jon would get so excited with the idea that he would make it happen.

By the way, I’ve also fantasized what Ritual would be like live if STOMP came out during the percussion section.

Nothing like dreaming!

If people want to find out more about Cirque Du Soleil this is their website:
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com

Gustavo:

You are so right on that it is just pathetic!!!! I mean, this is really a no brainer. It's such a perfect fit that I am really amazed that Jon hasn't jumped at the opportunity and all the possibilities of forming these relationships. It would take their music to a new level. We are seeing it. How do we help others see it too? I like how you think, Gustavo. Good job!! :thumbs: // O

[Gustavo]

Ormando:

Thanks for the compliment. It was your idea to begin with!

After posting here I have been thinking a lot about how Dean’s landscapes provided a visual enhancement to the music. I remember clearly staring into those landscapes for hours while I was being taken on a musical journey. (A natural high, I may add). Those double and triple albums were so cool and rewarding when you opened them. These little CD booklets of today don’t give you the same aesthetic satisfaction.

Sometimes videos provide that same visual experience, enhancing the music. However, they seem to hit you over the head screaming for attention. I wished they would be more artistic and less promotional. Sometimes though, they can be incredible!

The idea of creating a Roger Dean animation to go along with the music sounds really interesting to me. I bet it would not be that hard to create 3D models of Dean’s landscapes and let the viewer walk/fly/swim across these incredible places while listening to fantastic YES music. Perhaps projected behind them during the concerts. The computer graphics they had during the Ladder tour were kind of cool.

[Ormando]

Originally posted by Gustavo
Ormando:

After posting here I have been thinking a lot about how Dean’s landscapes provided a visual enhancement to the music . . . I bet it would not be that hard to create 3D models of Dean’s landscapes and let the viewer walk/fly/swim across these incredible places while listening to fantastic YES music. . .

Gustavo:

You have so aptly demonstrated that all of the elements are already in place and just need to be fitted together. So, the major question before us is, "What needs to be done to bring the forces of YES, Roger Dean and Cirque du Soliel together?"

Shall we brainstorm some on this now? Here's one idea. How about we start a thread from this sight with just the focus of submitting open letters to Yes with an intention for them to respond to our question. Certainly someone in the Yes organization reads YesFans site. Probably would need to get out of the Polling section.

Let me know what you think. // O

[RobAdams]

I propose a line of cereals to promote YES:

A different cereal for each album, with each album's cover art as the basis for the cereal box design:

YES cereal-
A Cap'N Crunch-like cereal shaped like the 'cartoon speech balloon' YES logos.

TIME AND A WORD flakes -
Like the black & white square tiles under the naked woman on the album cover, the flakes will be black and white square cornflake 'tiles'

THE YES ALBUM granola crunch-
Standard bran flakes with little granola 'styrofoam heads'

FRAGILE-O's
Oat cereal that lets you fill your bowl with FRAGILE planets.

CLOSE TO THE EDGE
Any ideas for this one?

TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS
Oat cereal shaped like fish, pyramids and rocks

RELAYER
More Oat rocks, with marshmallow horse-soldiers and chocolate snakes

GOING FOR THE ONE
A blueberry cereal, shaped like TRIX. The round cereals will be very light blue and dark blue, with rectangular cereal that looks like little buildings.

TORMATO
A Cap'N Crunch with Crunchberries rip-off. The crunchberries will be the Tormatos

DRAMA
Ideas anyone?

90125
Oat cereal shaped like that "thing" on the album cover

Well, you get the idea....

Originally posted by i-and-i
CLOSE TO THE EDGE
Any ideas for this one?

Ok, how about this:

Close To The Edge cereal has antidepressant capabilities built right in. The next time you feel close to the edge, reach for Close To The Edge cereal and you will feel all better! (spoken in hush tones the announcer would then say, "A cd of the original Close To The Edge free after the purchase of 10 boxes.")

[Stan Lisowski]

I can see YES doing the Today show in NYC during this summer tour. This will get people's attention on these excellent musicians.
Maybe this could also open the door for them in the Rock'n'Roll
Hall of Fame. They can do around 3 songs. All Good People,
Roundabout and maybe something from Magnification. That would
wake people up about YES music. I would be there to cheer them
on in the crowd. Something they should have there management
consider.

[RobAdams]

Yessiree - But we're not marketing psychotropic drugs here, just a simple cereal!!!!

YES on the Today show would be great. ALL GOOD PEOPLE and ROUNDABOUT ? How about MAGNIFICATION, CAN YOU IMAGINE and ROUNDABOUT? Great idea. Wonder if there's an e-mail address for the Today Show....Actually this would be a short set to accommodate the restraints of time that would be allowed. Perhaps, off camera they could play AWAKEN for the lucky ones in the crowd. Be a good way to AWAKEN New York City.

It could be a full-service cereal, i-and-i... In much the same way that Yes music is a full-service music--it sounds good and it makes you feel good. So why should not the cereal have a two-fold benefit?

Yes, I have to agree that it would be very cool to see them on the Today show.

[hypatiamarshall]

Close to the Edge cereal? A shop with neat fashionwear could be called Clothes to the Edge.

I always thought of Sugar Smacks as little puff of nothing or great packing material.....

Jan in Erie CO

[InverYes]

Originally posted by InverYes
Bring out a range of designer clothing under the Yes logo.

All Afghan coats, ex army great coats, cheesecloth shirts, tie-dyes and stuff like that.


Originally posted by hypatiamarshall
A shop with neat fashionwear could be called Clothes to the Edge.

Jan in Erie CO

See now a whole concept is developing here. Clothes to the Edge shops on all the high streets/ in the malls. Piped Yes music playing constantly on top quality sound systems and the whole interior designed by Roger Dean.

Bring them in off the streets and treat them all to a whole new experience!

[nightliner]

I just created a new thread for this, but it seems like an appropriate place to repeat it.

JVC just started a new tape formt called D-VHS. There are two tapes out for it...one of which is Yes:The House of Blues. Its not much, but for those people interested in this new home theater format, they will be exposed to Yes.Btw, the tape is of better quality than the dvd.

[Ormando]

YESOLOGY :NEW: :NEW: :NEW: :NEW: :NEW: :NEW:

How about a course? Not just a course but an online course? Through a college?

The YES Online Learning Experience

A non-credit course available at the College of Southern Idaho's website: www.csi.edu/ip/ce/yesology/
-------------------------------------------------------------------
YESOLOGY is a fun and innovative internet-based learning experience designed to reveal the mastery behind the extraordinary music of the legendary rock band called YES. In an amazing career that is still going strong after 35 years, YES has earned a reputation as the most unique, most progressive and arguably the most talented rock band of all time.

The music of YES is unparalleled and is not easily categorized – it spans everything from number one hit singles to complex epics on number one platinum albums. The many classic songs of YES include Roundabout, I’ve Seen All Good People, Owner Of A Lonely Heart and Close To The Edge. YES music combines the adventurous excitement of rock with a virtuoso complexity befitting the great classics while communicating a vividly poetic, positive view of life.

YESOLOGY is aimed at promoting a better understanding of YES - the fascinating history of the band, the incredibly talented people associated with it, the stunning music and the fantastic concerts. There is an enormous amount of information backed up with study guides and multiple-choice tests. YESOLOGY is self-paced, self-guided and designed to appeal to all music fans everywhere in the world. There is really nothing else quite like it and it is available online via the website of the College Of Southern Idaho (Community Education Center) at www.csi.edu/ip/ce/yesology/

The creators of YESOLOGY are Gary Lauer of Twin Falls, Idaho, USA and Alan Farley of Sydney, Australia, two friends and long time YES enthusiasts. They hope to excite newcomers to the music of YES and to stimulate the interest of all existing YES fans around the world.

Further Information:
Gary Lauer (at the College Of Southern Idaho): glauer@csi.edu
Alan Farley: alfar@ozemail.com.au :NEW:

[Faceintheplace]

Drama breakfast cereal:

Bran flakes with tiny marshmellows shaped like mountains, birds, panthers and cats, and maybe some strawberry flavoured cactus shapes too.


I voted for Yes on a talk show. You didn't give the choice but what I'd like to see is Yes on Craig Kilbourne. King Crimson did Conan with Bill Bruford a few years back, why not Yes on the Late Late Show?

I also think when the 2 cd best of comes out here, Rick Wakeman should guest on the Daily Show.

[Ormando]

Drama breakfast cereal:

Bran flakes with tiny marshmellows shaped like mountains, birds, panthers and cats, and maybe some strawberry flavoured cactus shapes too.


I voted for Yes on a talk show. You didn't give the choice but what I'd like to see is Yes on Craig Kilbourne. King Crimson did Conan with Bill Bruford a few years back, why not Yes on the Late Late Show?

I also think when the 2 cd best of comes out here, Rick Wakeman should guest on the Daily Show.


Excellent ideas here! From soup to nuts to cereal to soaps. Yeah, get Yes a gig on a Soap Opera. A story for 60 Minutes! I think the documentary that is coming out, Yesspeaks, is going to take them way far up the mountain.

Ormando

[Suzy]

I think they need to do some appearances - Jools Holland would be great.

[stevepenn]

Did I miss the TV Spot thing? I don't think it was mentioned. As a guy who runs an advertising agency, I can tell you that what Sting did with Jaguar when Brand New Day came out sent him screaming back into the mainstream. And look at what Cadillac is doing with Zep. And there are others. Bowie, for example.

I mean we can all whine and cry "sell out" but what happened with Sting was phenomenal.

Can you imagine "I've Seen All Good People" being used as a fashion, hair care or car statement? I'm dead serious. Think about it. A sexy 30-ish something tossing her hair with a guy strolling by looking on lustfully as we hear "turn their heads each day, so satisfied I'm on my way."

Same with a car that goes cruising by in a saturated, slo/mo steely gray shot as the people it passes turn around to admire it.

Or the same with a sharp dressed guy or gal in the latest Prada fare.

And that's just one song. Sure the ACTUAL meanings don't sync up, but that's not the point. Yes music, I think, could ACTUALLY be pretty sexy.

Just a thought.

[R'tanys]

I voted for the film score, since ultimately my goal is to have Yes score a summer blockbuster based on the adventures of this gentleman to my left and his comrades in arms. With high adventure and them amazin' special effects, it's bound to increase our boys' profile. Did John Williams gain notoriety from working with Lucas and Spielberg? You betcha he did, even though Superman is his best work.

[Faceintheplace]

One of the mega book stores out there could use "Wonderous Stories".

[Ormando]

I mean we can all whine and cry "sell out" but what happened with Sting was phenomenal... Can you imagine "I've Seen All Good People" being used as a fashion, hair care or car statement? I'm dead serious. Think about it. A sexy 30-ish something tossing her hair with a guy strolling by looking on lustfully as we hear "turn their heads each day, so satisfied I'm on my way." . . . And that's just one song. Sure the ACTUAL meanings don't sync up, but that's not the point. Yes music, I think, could ACTUALLY be pretty sexy.

Just a thought.


I've thought of this too often and feel that Yes music would fit many product or service configurations. As you say, the music is very sexy and the interpretations have a wide range of possibilities. Of most importance, I do not believe that this approach is a sell out because it helps Yes find a much wider and deeper audience. Anyone who feels this is a sell out doesn't get the free market economy concept. Yes exists because people buy their music. Link up some products or services with this music and that's a powerful combination.

Glad we think alike here. I enjoyed your comment because you're right on.

Ormando

[altaeria]

I have somewhat of a strange idea ... but bear with me here.
This concept doesn't actually really help the band "short-term"... It's more of a possible "long-term marketing idea".

Anyway...

First -- I would just like to see the band record a live concert for a 2-DVD set that includes only the most "Yes-unique" material ... with no watered-down acoustic versions or pop hits, etc.

Second -- The stage set needs to be a vintage-looking Dean set. Lots of
light activity and no inflatables. The set should resemble the Topographic Oceans and Moraz era. (It may be heavy and cumbersome, but it'll only be needed for the one or two nights of filming.)

Third -- The band should dress in their "appropriate" outfits. Jon in flowing white, Wakeman in flamboyant cape, etc. (If someone was to make YES action figures, what would they be wearing)

Fourth (and very important) -- I want the camera work to stay at a "safe" distance except for maybe extreme close-ups of guitar picking or something. The goal here is to not let the viewer get a clear idea of the age of the band. I want the band members to appear ageless ... so when my 19-year-old wanna-be-a-rock'n'roller son sees me watching the DVD, he doesn't dismiss it as "some band of old guys" ... Instead, he'll be able to focus on the music and the spectacle ... and not be hung-up on the idea that it isn't cool because it's a bunch of "old" guys.

If there is some way of presenting the band as something fresh, then it should be done. Maybe it'll actually then be able to influence young musicians down the road. If the band can be a faceless (and ageless) entity, they may have a better chance of being appreciated (by the superficial younger generations) simply for their incredible timeless works ... and that could possibly lead to a future of YES-influenced music.

You never know :thinking:

[Original_Shifty]

...A cameo appearance of Yes on THE SIMPSONS? ....

I voted Other and was going to post this exact idea. Glad to be on the same wave length.

[bcking]

How about:

Put out some really great new music, then do a tour to promote it.

[swib]

Behind the Music with VH1 or do a Bands Reunited with all the YES members on VH1.

Get them to give permission to American Chopper to do a Tales Bike!!!!

[umgekehrt]

Now let's admit one thing here: Yes is a great band musically, but they have s*@%ty management. I'm sorry if any of you out there is a part of the management team, but I honestly think the band has been as well promoted as Ralph Nader.

Last year Yes came to Berlin for the Full Circle tour with Rick. I didn't have internet connection back then and didn't know about this wonderful forum, so I didn't hear about it until just a few weeks before the concert. Sure enough, the stadium was not full, and I don't think it's because people didn't want to see Yes because the concert in 2001 (YesSymphonic) was very successful, and I would imagine people were excited about Rick coming back. It was because they didn't know Yes was in town!

Sure enough, they didn't come to Berlin this year for the 35th Anniversary Tour because the management said there's not enough audience, meaning not enough money to be made. Well it's their own fault in the first place for not promoting the Full Circle tour!

Then, what is this thing with releasing so many compilations and Rhino re-releases? YesStory, YesYears, In A Word, Ultimate Yes. Basically they are one or two unreleased songs padded into full CD with released songs that we already have from the original studio recordings.

Then there's this Yes Acoustic DVD, which costs about €18 over here and I think it's about $12 over there (don't know about UK), and it only has 60-minute running time? Well duh, I love Yes but this is highway robbery! For the same amount of money I could get a very well packaged Criterion Collection DVD of a classic film with director's commentary and a bunch of extras.

And don't forget the bronze, gold and platinum packages that are nothing more than commercializing the sacred moment of meeting the band members.

So it seems that all the management want to do is just make as much money as possible from the traditional fans (which presumably are living quite well nowadays, having a steady job and stuff so they could afford these overpriced shenanigans).