05/05/2012

Yes To Return To The Road

Britain’s legendary prog band. Yes, are planning a summer adventure, this time with special guests Procol Harum onboard.


Longtime Yes fans are no doubt used to Yes' lineup changes by now! Formed in 1968 by singer Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire, the group had already recorded their third disc; The Yes Album, and changed their line up - guitarist Steve Howe replaced Peter Banks - by 1971!


Later on, keyboard extraordinaire, Rick Wakeman, replaced original member Tony Kaye just in time for Yes’ fourth album, Fragile in 1971. An then once again, another line-up change saw Alan White replacing original drummer, Bill Bruford in 1972. Phew!


Of course, there were more changed to follow, but the current line up of the band features original member Squire along with Howe, White and keyboardist Geoff Downes, plus yet another new lead singer, Jon Davison (Glass Hammer singer / former Sky Cries Mary bassist). It was earlier this year that the band announced Davison's entry into Yes after Squire confirmed singer Benoit Davis's illness had forced him to leave the band.


"There aren’t many bands that can say that they’ve had the kind of relationship like the one that we’ve had with our fans. They’ve continued to see us play and have always been an integral part of our journey. We’re excited to be starting a new chapter with an extraordinary talent – Jon Davison – a brilliant vocalist who takes over as our lead singer. We’re really happy to have him and we can’t wait for everyone to hear Yes this summer."


Yes' tour this summer means more time on the road for Howe and Downes. As original members of Asia, the guitarist and keyboardist will be on that band’s tour during June, September, October and December, while Yes is set to keep them busy during July and August.


For more information on their tour, visit YesWorld.com.