Jon Anderson & the Band of Geeks bring their joy to Troy Music Hall on 5.5.26

May 6, 2026

3–4 minutes

By: Rudy Lu

For those of us who grew up with prog rock in the early 70s, Jon Anderson needs no introduction. His clear ennunciated vocal cords crowned the instrumental virtuosity of other band members in the many iterations of Yes.

He is no stranger to touring this area. Other than appearances with Yes through the years, he toured with Paul Green’s Rock Academy ( the inspiration for Jack Black’s School or Rock) in 2021 and 2022.

The Band Of Geeks was founded by Richard Castellano, a member of Blue Oyster Cult. In 2023, he has teamed up with former Yes lead singer Jon Anderson. Jon is now 81 years old still the crystal clear voice that made him famous in the early 70s.

The Band of Geeks was originally a podcast known as “Band Geek with Richard Castellano”. It evolved into the Band Geeks and began touring with Jon Anderson in 2023.

They have released 2 albums to date, one with original material, the other with Yes covers. This performance was a mix of classic Yes and the new music.

The band wasted no time warming up by opening with Yes’ opus “Close To The Edge”. Rich Castellano and Andy Graziano showing no mercy tearing into the lead lines. The twin keyboards filled in providing a stage full of sound. Ascolese was solid behind the drumkit providing enough tension to hold the piece together. The piece was written after Anderson read Hesse’s Sidhartha a classic describing self discovery and knowledge through life.

The even more ancient Perpetual Change followed, a song about the nature of the world, perpetually changing. The constant tension between rocking out and balladlike interludes illustrating what the lyrics are trying to say,

The newer “Counties and Countries ” was almost folklike in its introduction. Optimistic lyrics regarding of our future of political entities uniting.

The love song “You and I” followed ,

True Messenger closed out the set.

2nd set

The relatively new Yes composition “Awaken” opened the 1st set. Complete with Anderson on harp explores individual quest for spirituality and love.

Your Move/All Good People was turned into an audience participation. Rich Castellano encouraging the clapping with the singalong originating from the audience itself. An odd song with its odd metaphors typical of prog rock to sing along to.

Two originals “Thank God” and “Make It Right” followed . “Make It Right” was the most intriguing due to the flamenco like into by Andy Graziano.

“Starship Trooper”also evolved into and audience participation piece with the audience singing the chorus.

The inevitable end was “Roundabout”. Yes’ only hit single. Like the Doors’ “Light My Fire”, could not be fully appreciated without hearing an elongated version not edited for AM radio play.

The concert was not just an exercise of 70’s rock nostalgia but it was pointing toward the genre’s future.

Thanks to Jon Elbaum and the entire Troy Music Hall team for making this event possible and such an enjoyable experience. Special thanks to Ryan Murray for going the extra mile to assure press access.