September
11
Yes Taps 'Understudy' For Fall Tour
For the second time in the last 20-odd years Yes is not Yes, using the names of the musicians in the band for a North American tour that begins Nov. 4 in Hamilton, Ontario. Dates are still being booked so no tour route yet.
Billed as Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White of Yes - try putting that on a marquee - the band will head out on its "In The Present" tour with the son of Rick Wakeman on keyboards and a singer from a Yes tribute band handling lead vocals.
Singer Benoit David, a native of Montreal, is understudying for Jon Anderson whose health issues are keeping him home through the end of the year. To not suggest that Anderson is out of the band, the man who founded the act with the singer, bassist Squire, they are not using the name Yes.
The last time "Yes" or Yes (Not Yes) toured on another name was in the late '80s when Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe recorded and toured playing tunes from their one album as well as the classic Yes repertoire from the 1970s and "Owner of a Lonely Heart." Squire and White were still in Yes, but with Trevor Rabin and Tony Kaye.
Anyone thinking the tribute band is the way to go wind up with the real deal (Judas Priest, Journey), there's a guy in Long Beach looking for a Howe and a Squire.
Here's Anderson's "understudy" David performing with Closer to the Edge
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Neither close to Jon Anderson spirit though Cuold be acceptable playing new songs.
Posted by: YesFan | September 14, 2008 at 09:29 PM
He's REALLY good! Sounds stunningly close to Anderson's voice in the late 60s, early 70s. I'd pay to see this guy. Come to the UK guys, you'll get a ticket sale out of me.
Posted by: Kevin Scot | September 15, 2008 at 05:49 AM
Not bad, but needs to stop the pretty-boy vibrato and the ends of his phrases, and I miss Jon's hard "R"s like on the word "undeRstand"
Posted by: Kurt | September 16, 2008 at 06:27 AM
Maybe this name configuaration will be a compromise since Jon Anderson was unhappy that they would try to be Yes without him again. Either way, I'm still holding out for them to come to my area.
Posted by: John Sposato | September 20, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Does anyone know if Jon had a choice in the matter? according to his web site I think not? By the other members of YES doing it this way in stead of just waiting till 09 to tour with Jon seems kinda cold. nothing against Benoit David but using him could break up the band! I'm sure he's a nice guy & talented, but I'mStill unsure if I'll go. My loyalties to each are conflicted?
Posted by: Mike McGowan | September 29, 2008 at 10:19 AM
people ...jeez this sucks soooo bad! ya got to be kiddin.
Posted by: b.cos | October 06, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Time can't wait. The music will last. Fifty years from now they all will be "new" members of YES. You can still hear Mozart and Chopin and they are not around. Let's enjoy now what we will face in the future, the cycle that never waits.
Posted by: Marcelo | October 08, 2008 at 04:54 AM
Just listened to the video, he has a wonderful voice, but no-one can copy jon's style, but well done and he sounds great :)
x
Posted by: Natalie Graham | October 21, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Last time Yes toured with no Anderson was in 1980 to promote the excellent 'Drama' album. It was fine in the US, but new vocalist Trevor Horn was given so much barracking by UK audiences that he left the band, which was left in one of its chaotic hiatus periods for three years. Of course, they then bounced back with a vengeance with 90125, with Anderson on board and Horn producing, ironically. but if they replace Anderson again, I fear there's no going back. Part of me hopes the tour is a failure, and I have to say Squire's rationale - that the fans need their 'fix' - is disingenuous. What the fans need - and are in no imminent danger of getting - is a new album.
Posted by: Ian Pring | October 24, 2008 at 04:28 AM
They just should tour as a trio Chris could sing good.
Do solo work as well. Lots of intrumentals, who knows might inspire for new work
Posted by: regis venti | November 04, 2008 at 02:45 PM
just saw show in hampton beach casino; vocals were fabulous;more than fit with rest of band.
Posted by: jeff milroy | November 07, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Going to see them at the Times Union Center - Albany NY tonight in a couple hours - should be interesting - will see how it goes...
Posted by: Chris F | November 23, 2008 at 01:06 PM