As Yes prepares to launch a tour of U.K. and Ireland next month celebrating the 50th anniversary of their classic album Close to the Edge, the prog-rock legends’ have announced that longtime drummer Alan White wn’t be taking part in the trek because of “current health issues.”
A message on Yes’ social media pages explains, “Alan was really looking forward to playing live again preparing to celebrate 50 years with Yes, having joined the band for the July 1972 Close to the Edge Tour, coming full circle in 2022. Alan’s close friend Jay Schellen will be taking on drumming duties in Alan’s place.”
Schellen has regularly joined Yes on the road since 2016, either playing alongside White or filling in for him.
The upcoming leg of Yes’ Album Series Tour 2022 kicks off June 15 in Glasgow, Scotland, and is scheduled through a June 29 show in Cork, Ireland. The shows will feature the band performing Close to the Edge in its entirety, followed by a set of other memorable songs from Yes’ back catalog.
The concerts will include a high-definition video wall with a presentation directed by longtime Yes artist Roger Dean. Dean also will accompany the band on tour, and an exhibition of his work will be on display at each show.
Released in September 1972, Close to the Edge became Yes’ highest-charting album ever on the Billboard 200, peaking at #3. The record as made up of three long musical pieces — the title track, “And You and I” and “Siberian Khatru.”
Yes also will be bringing the Close to the Edge anniversary trek to Japan for four shows in September.
The band recently postponed a planned 2022 tour of mainland Europe until spring 2023. Yes will showcase its 1974 album Relayer on that trek.
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