Last July, we told you that longtime Yes drummer Alan White was on the shelf and would miss the band’s 2016 U.S. summer tour as the progressive rock giants performed their Drama album and Sides 1 and 4 of 1973’s double album Tales From Topographic Oceans, and a selection of their greatest hits.
White had recently underwent a successful surgery to repair an injured disc in his lower back. In a letter penned to fans on the band’s website at the time, White indicated that with rest and physical therapy, he would be rejoining the band as soon as physically possible. “I’m eager to be on the road with the band, but also need to ensure my recovery is complete before doing so.” White’s friend Jay Schellen subbed for him.
Now comes word that White will officially rejoin Steve Howe (guitar), Jon Davison (vocals), Billy Sherwood (bass) and Geoff Downes (keyboard) on their Japanese tour this November. Schellen will also sit in until White is fully healed.
In an announcement, White says: “I’m greatly looking forward to getting back on stage with my band mates to play Yes music once again for our devoted audiences.”
Related: Yes are among the 2017 nominees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The brief tour, beginning November 21 in Tokyo, will feature Yes performing the 1973 album Yessongs, the band’s first live album, as well as those same two sides from Topographic Oceans.
Yes 2016 Tokyo Dates
Nov 21, 22, 28, 29 Tokyo Orchard Hall
Nov 24 Osaka Orix Theater
Nov 25 Zepp Nagoya
Watch side one of Tales from this summer’s tour…
From February 7-11, 2017, Yes will again host and headline the 4th annual Cruise to the Edge. The prog rock experience at sea will set sail out of Tampa, FL aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of The Seas visiting Cozumel, Mexico and featuring over 20 artist performances including Yes (with White on drums), Kansas, Steve Hackett, Mike Portnoy, John Wetton, Patrick Moraz, and more. A limited number of cabins remain.
As Best Classic Bands also told you this summer, an expanded version of Tales From Topographic Oceans featuring Steven Wilson remixes was released October 7 as 1-Blu-ray / 3-CD or 2-DVD / 2-CD sets. The fifth in a series of expended Yes editions includes 5.1 surround mixes, new stereo mixes and high-resolution stereo mixes of the original music as well as extra material. Both editions feature restored artwork overseen and approved by Roger Dean, with an expanded booklet containing new sleeve-notes, photos and archive material.
Related: Interview with Roger Dean about working with Yes
