Yes, the legendary progressive rock group, has replaced lead singer Benoit David. David is reportedly dealing with unspecified medical issues which forced the group to cancel the final three shows of their European tour. With David still on the mend, Yes has decided to bring in Jon Davison to fill David’s shoes so that the group can continue their tour which will take them to New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and Hawaii.

The announcement was posted on the group’s official Facebook page on February 6th.

There are some reports that David is struggling with laryngitis, which is certainly one of the last ailments a vocalist wants to deal with. There does not seem to be any indication that David’s replacement is anything other than temporary. Davison, who is a member of progressive rock group Glass Hammer is planning to remain with the group according to the group’s official website.

Listening to some of Glass Hammer’s performances online, it’s easy to draw parallels between the group and their better-known progressive rock compatriots Yes. Furthermore, Davison’s voice is certainly not a bad choice for a group that appears to be doing the best they can to remain as close to the sound of their original lead vocalist, Jon Anderson, as possible.

Anderson, who seems to have recovered well from the respiratory problems that derailed his participation in what the group called the “Yes 40th Anniversary Tour” a couple of years ago has been out and about performing in more intimate venues and recording music with fellow ex-Yes member Rick Wakeman. Although I have not heard much from Anderson recently with regard to his relationship with Yes, Chris Squire, who seems to be at the helm of the latest incarnation of the group reports that he and Anderson are on good terms.

Speaking with Noise11.com, Squire reports what many fans have suspected for some time. “Yes, he has officially left Yes,” Squire says. He also says, “I have never closed the door on working with Jon again. He has left the band before and come back and left it again and come back. It is an unusual situation. We will work together in the future but right now we are promoting the Fly From Here album which is our first studio album in 10 years.”

At the moment, the notion of Anderson rejoining Yes may seem remote, but I suppose stranger and more unexpected things have happened. In the meanwhile, the fans that are willing to accept Yes as they currently exist will keep on listening, attending live shows and buying albums while those that feel that Yes no longer exists will have to be content to listen their collection of Yes music from years past.

On a more positive note, one good thing that has come out of this latest development with Yes is my discovery of Glass Hammer. I’ve just begun to sample some of their work and so far it sounds as if they may be worth paying attention to.