Gone But Not Forgotten / Catherine Parr / Merlin The Magician

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning a wild track today for all you Zoo Freaks out there: "Gone But Not Forgotten / Catherine Parr / Merlin The Magician" by Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe from their live album An Evening Of Yes Music Plus [Live] [Disc 1]. This medley, a showcase of Rick Wakeman’s keyboard wizardry, was performed during a 1989 concert at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, captured as part of a pay-per-view special. The track weaves together three pieces: "Gone But Not Forgotten," a poignant Wakeman original from his 1987 album The Family Album, and two classics from his solo career, "Catherine Parr" from The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973) and "Merlin The Magician" from The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975). According to a review on ProgArchives, Wakeman’s performance here is “top-notch,” though some fans noted his modern keyboard tones occasionally verge on “cheesy,” adding a quirky charm to the live rendition.

Digging into the trivia, this medley was only played in 3 out of 65 shows during the 1989 ABWH tour, making it a rare gem in their setlist, with a performance probability of just 4.62%, as noted on Guestpectacular. The Shoreline show itself was a spectacle, with Jon Anderson entering through the crowd, Steve Howe and Wakeman each taking solo spots before Bill Bruford joined on tambourine for “Long Distance Runaround.” A fan on Amazon recalled the concert as “probably the best YES DVD ever,” praising the close-ups of Wakeman surrounded by nine keyboards and Bruford gleefully hammering his electronic drums. However, not all was perfect—critics like Hugh Fielder on Louder pointed out the sound quality, recorded for TV, didn’t fully do the band justice, and bassist Jeff Berlin, filling in for an ill Tony Levin, was mixed too low, which frustrated some listeners.

Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe formed in the late 1980s when four former Yes members—Jon Anderson (vocals), Bill Bruford (drums), Rick Wakeman (keyboards), and Steve Howe (guitars)—reunited after a turbulent period for their original band. Barred from using the Yes name due to legal issues with bassist Chris Squire, they adopted the clunky but iconic moniker ABWH. Their self-titled 1989 album, recorded in Paris and Montserrat with producer Chris Kimsey, was a global hit, blending the progressive rock grandeur of Yes with fresh compositions. The subsequent world tour, including the Shoreline performance, was a triumph, though the band’s existence was brief, dissolving after merging back into Yes for the 1991 Union album. Each member brought a storied history: Anderson’s ethereal voice defined Yes’s early sound, Howe’s virtuosic guitar work shone on albums like Close to the Edge, Wakeman’s classical training fueled his theatrical solo projects, and Bruford’s innovative drumming, honed with King Crimson, added a unique edge.

The roots of these musicians trace back to the 1960s London music scene. Jon Anderson, born in 1944 in Accrington, England, started with The Warriors before joining Yes in 1968, co-founding the band with Chris Squire. Steve Howe, born in 1947 in London, cut his teeth with bands like The Syndicats and Tomorrow before joining Yes in 1970. Rick Wakeman, born in 1949 in Perivale, England, trained at the Royal College of Music and played with The Strawbs before becoming Yes’s keyboard maestro in 1971. Bill Bruford, born in 1949 in Sevenoaks, England, was Yes’s original drummer from 1968, later gaining fame with King Crimson. Their collective chemistry, forged through years of pushing progressive rock’s boundaries, made ABWH a powerhouse, even if only for a fleeting moment.

For more on Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, check out their official hub at YesWorld, which covers their legacy within the broader Yes story. Connect with fans on social media via Yes’s official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where updates and nostalgia flow freely. Fan communities thrive online—join the Yes Fans Facebook group for lively discussions or visit Yes Music Podcast for deep dives into the band’s history. Another great spot is ProgArchives, where enthusiasts dissect ABWH’s discography and share reviews. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO and let this epic medley transport you to prog rock paradise!