I know that this tour has been covered already - complete with Venn Diagrams - but this was my first time to see Yes live, and since buying the tickets – Waterfront Hall, Belfast, Row 3 – my expectations had initially been raised by the general upswing in all things Prog, and then dampened by the thought that they had become effectively their own tribute band.

‘Siberian Khatru’ was the opening song and initially I feared the worst. I had expected lasers, swirling capes and dry ice – but of these there were none. What soon became apparent however was the ability of these players. Guitar, bass, keyboards and voice all used as lead instruments in the context of some staggering ensemble pieces. Aside from Steve Howe’s Persian rug, no stage props were required.

Visually the band had clearly run amok in the dressing up box. Benoit had come dressed for a Hobbit wedding; Oliver Wakeman in one of Joan Collins' old jackets complete with gold brocade and padded shoulders; and Chris Squire in an green blouse made of parachute silk, and a pair of black ski pants. The ski pants were more than a little disconcerting as, sitting directly in front of him, we were able to tell that the man dresses to the left and indeed may possibly have been baptised after the Jewish manner.

And if someone doesn’t sign Steve Howe up as the wizardly music master in the next Harry Potter movie they’re missing a trick. Indeed witchcraft is the only possible explanation for his guitar technique, particularly as demonstrated during his acoustic solo spot.

Strangely, the flattest song of the night was their biggest hit, ‘Owner of A Lonely Heart’. Although you can never go too far wrong with a cowbell, there was a sense that it had to be played, although everyone on the stage and in the room would have preferred a saunter through ‘The Revealing Science of God’.

So, Prog at its best, free of any distracting props and sideshows, and simply presented as a dazzling display of musicianship. For two hours, it was like punk never happened. The only thing I would change … ? Well, it would have been nice if Chris Squire had worn a cup.