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Yes Announces 50th Anniversary Tour
Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood are celebrating Yes’ 50th anniversary with a European tour next year.
The setlist for the outing will feature sides one and four from 1973’s Tales From Topographic Oceans, as well as an excerpt from side three. Of course, fans can also expect to hear many of the prog-rock pioneer’s classic hits such as “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Close To The Edge” and “Roundabout.”
Look out for the release of the live album Topographic Drama – Live Across America later this year. The collection will feature performances recorded during the band’s 2016-2017 tours.
The #YES50 tour begins March 13 in Bristol, England, at Colston Hall. Cities on the routing include Glasgow, Scotland; Manchester, England; Tilburg, Netherlands; and Paris.
The band has also booked two nights in its native London at the Palladium March 24-25. An announcement from Yes promises a 50th Anniversary Fan Convention during the London weekend, with more details to come.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Sept. 8.
David Robert – Steve Howe and Geoff Downes of Yes
Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Reno, Nev.
Yes was founded in 1968 by Jon Anderson and the late Chris Squire. The current lineup features Howe on guitars/backing vocals, White on drums/percussion, Downes on keyboards, Sherwood on guitar/backing vocals, and Davison on lead vocals/acoustic guitar.
“We want to mark this anniversary with a tour that encompasses some of our best loved work – we want to play things we enjoy, maybe songs we haven’t done in a while,” Howe, who joined the lineup in 1970, said.
Downes, who was with the band from 1980-1981 and then rejoined in 2011, added, “I feel enormously privileged be a part of the legacy of the incredible and unique line of musicians in Yes. The band has always remained fresh and inventive throughout its 50-year history, and created an amazing catalogue of music that has inspired millions from all generations.”
Finally, White has also sent in a quote. The drummer has been a part of Yes since 1972. “Reflecting on the past 46 years that I’ve devoted my life to playing Yes music, it’s been an interesting journey and a true labour of love. I’ve always believed in the power of music and the band’s recent induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and our Grammy (awarded in 1985) are testament to the longevity of influence our music has had through the years. I’m extremely grateful to continue to be performing on stages for our dedicated fans and look forward to our 50th Anniversary performing together in 2018. It’s been a great ride!!”
Yes was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April.
Visit Yes’ artist page to check out the routing, which includes U.S. dates in September and the band’s “Cruise To The Edge” adventure at sea.