English progressive rock icons Yes will celebrate their 50th anniversary with over 30 concerts in the United States this summer. Billed as #YES50: Celebrating 50 Years of Yes, the outing will kick off with a two-night stand at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL on June 5th and 6th.
Yes’ lineup has undergone numerous changes since the band formed in 1968, though founding bassist Chris Squire was the only constant until his death in 2015. While none of the group’s original members are still part of the project, the current incarnation of Yes is led by guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Alan White, who have been integral members of the band since 1970 and 1972, respectively. This summer’s shows will find the five-piece—Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes (keys, first joined in 1980), Jon Davison (vocals since 2011) and Billy Sherwood (guitar/keys in the 1990s and the late Chris Squire’s choice to take over bass/vocals in 2015)—performing some of their most memorable hits to mark the group’s five-decade milestone.
“Much has changed since I joined Yes in 1970, but the core elements of the band have remained consistent,” says Howe. “We want to mark this anniversary with a tour that encompasses some of our best-loved work and revisit a few classic pieces that have been lost for a while. We look forward to sharing the 50th anniversary with the fanbase, playing classic songs that celebrate the broad musical style of Yes.” Â
“I have been blessed to be a member of this amazing band’s rhythm section for the past 46 years, mostly in the company of my great friend Chris Squire, and latterly alongside Chris’ chosen successor, Billy Sherwood, who is receiving recognition for stepping into Chris’ pre-eminent bass and vocals,” says White. “Each night we are pausing to reflect on Chris’ importance to Yes, his desire that we should continue to share Yes music on stages worldwide, and the specific dedication of ‘Onward’ to his huge memory. I’m so grateful to continue to be performing on stages for our dedicated fans and look forward to celebrating our 50th Anniversary in America. It has been a great ride!”
In 2016, original Yes vocalist Jon Anderson founded a new group with Yes veterans Trevor Rabin (guitar) and Rick Wakemen (keys). Dubbed Anderson, Rabin and Wakeman, that band performed the music of Yes with a lineup that included Lee Pomeroy (bass), and Lou Molino III (drums) during tours in 2016 and 2017
Tickets for Yes’ upcoming American tour dates will go on sale between Friday, March 30th and Friday, April 27th. Ticketing details can be found via the band’s website.