Sort of.According to numerous news articles and the Yesworld Web site, Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White will join with Rick Wakeman's son Oliver to haul out the old prog rock warhorse one more time on what is called the "Close to the Edge and Back" tour.
In an interview with Jon Anderson at NFTE.org, Jon talks about doing some podcasting from the tour. Behind the scenes stuff, etc. That could be cool. There is also going to be some partnering with VH1 Classic, which would be a nice way to get the word out. Yes is probably one of the worst-promoted bands in the world!
But in talking about the songs they are thinking about playing, it's all the same stuff I have heard a million times. He even says his original idea for the tour was called "Close to the End," which I think is a bit telling. I'd love to hear some new material out of these guys.
I won't drive to Seattle for this, but it looks like there are a lot of open dates in the schedule. So if they make it to Portland, I will check 'em out for sure.
I also like the fact that they are hitting the West Coast once they have warmed up a bit. I saw them twice on tours where my show was the second or third on the tour and they tend to need more rehearsal before getting started!
On one of them, Chris Squire was trying to give the band cues at the end of The Fish and man was it a train wreck. Kinda interesting to see, but for sure not what I paid good money for.
Oh, and why is Rick Wakeman bowing out this time? Mainly health reasons and the fact that he thinks long tours are not in the best interest of the band. You can find a typically verbose answer from the man himself here.
1 comment:
Sadly I missed the 35th anniversary tour when they were in the uK in 2004 with Rick.
I saw the Magnification tour with the orchestra - brilliant I thought, plus a mix of old and new material.
I might just go this time as it might be the last chance - I just hope it isn't a disappointment.
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