Yes Announces U.K. Tour Plans With No Mention of Jon Anderson
Yes has announced that they are planning a U.K. tour in November. The tour is reported to consist of six dates with venues that include Birmingham Symphony Hall, London Hammersmith Apollo, Edinburgh Usher Hall, Newcastle City Hall, Manchester Apollo and Bristol Colston Hall.
Such an announcement is bound to start fans wondering about the status of Jon Anderson. It’s well known that Anderson and the rest of the group have had their problems, and although the door seemed to be open for Anderson to rejoin them, this brief U.K. tour will continue with the current lineup, which includes lead singer Benoit David who has been filling in for Anderson since health issued sidelined him before the 40th anniversary tour.
Anderson did a bit of touring himself during the summer, which could be viewed as indication that he’s well enough to perform, but perhaps other issues stand in the way of his reunion with Yes. Perhaps there are even some contractual issues that need to be satisfied where Benoit David is concerned before Anderson can reclaim his position.
Whether or not personal issues standing in the way of Anderson’s return to Yes, or other complications, there is no word from either side regarding the issue. A check of Jon Anderson’s website and Facebook page do not offer any clues about his desires or intentions where the group is concerned.
One Facebook entry from June included the following quote from Anderson: “…realize YES music needs a voice….I’m ready…”
One might read between the lines a bit and come to the conclusion that Anderson was suggesting that Yes was lacking a voice, or in other words, the group that was out touring as Yes was not actually Yes. Pure speculation on my part, of course, but on returning to Anderson’s Facebook page, I am unable to locate that entry again. Perhaps there’s a hint there as well, but maybe it’s best to just wait and see what develops.
Being an avid Yes follower, Benoit staying with the vocals is something that has been expected for the remainder of this tour. All signs indicate that an album is in the planning stages and will likely be worked on next year. (Steve has a break in his work from Asia in the spring I think… that’s what speculation shows as a possible recording timetable)
Beyond that, it’s not really clear where the lines stand. Steve, Chris, and Alan seem very happy with Benoit and don’t want to kick him to the curb, but at the same time seem to be open to Jon’s return at some point. The reasons that have been given “between the lines” is that Anderson, while touring this past summer, was not doing anywhere near as many dates as Yes, so how his voice would hold up was a concern.
There is a rumor, again rumor, that the next album could feature both Benoit and Jon… but again, this is all speculative.
Thanks for that update, Andy.
That is indeed and interesting rumor. Guess we’ll see what happens.