In an apparent attempt to quell some of the unrest among some Yes fans and probably try to help patch things up with Yes lead singer, Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire has spoken out publicly about the group’s decision to continue with their plans to go on tour with a replacement singer who will be standing in for Anderson, and has been referred to as an “understudy.”

As readers may recall, Jon Anderson seemed quite upset with the group’s decision to go on tour without him, and wrote about his feelings openly on his personal website. Anderson stated that he felt very disrespected, and was also disappointed that no other members of the group has been in touch with him since he fell ill, with the exception of drummer Alan White.

Anderson does not consider this upcoming tour a true Yes tour, something that fans will have to decide for themselves if the show comes to a venue in their area.

Squire’s most recent comments appear to extend an olive branch in Anderson’s direction, by stating publicly that: “Unfortunately Jon has had these health problems for the last few years. We’ve had to be very respectful of the fact he’s not been well and he’s been in and out of the hospital having quite a few major procedures. If Jon is well again next year, he’ll be back.”

As a Yes fan myself, I do hope that Anderson can patch things up with the rest of the group, and join back up with them in the near future. It’s kind if hard to imagine Yes without Jon out front, but I suppose as classic rockers start getting into the 50’s and 60’s, health problems are more likely to keep them from the grueling ordeal that life on the road can sometimes be.