Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees Yes have announced details of their 50th anniversary tour. Coming half a century after their formation in 1968, the ten date UK trek will take place in March 2018.
The year 2018 marks half a century since the formation of Yes, who are one of the biggest bands in prog-rock history, and true pioneers of the genre.
For this landmark tour, Yes, who feature Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood, will feature not only many of the band’s classic hits, but performances of sides one and four and an excerpt from Side three of their celebrated 1973 album 'Tales from Topographic Oceans', which was the first Yes album to top the UK album charts. Although only British dates and two European shows (which can be viewed below) have been announced thus far, further continent dates are set to be announced shortly.
Marking the occasion in an appropriate manner, the final weekend of the UK tour at the London Palladium on 24th and 25th March will include a 50th Anniversary fan convention. More details of the anniversary celebrations will be announced soon, however Roger Dean, who whose fantastical landscapes and iconic logo design have become synonymous with the band’s albums, will unveil new 'Close To The Edge' paintings during the Palladium run.
The band meanwhile, are set to release a new live album. 'Topographic Drama – Live Across America', is planned for later in the year, and was recorded during their US 2016/17 tours.
Talking about their 50th Anniversary, guitarist Steve Howe said; “We want to mark this anniversary with a tour that encompasses some of our best loved work - we want to play things we enjoy, maybe songs we haven’t done in a while.”
Keyboardist Geoff Downes adds; “I feel enormously privileged be a part of the legacy of the incredible and unique line of musicians in Yes. The band has always remained fresh and inventive throughout its 50-year history, and created an amazing catalogue of music that has inspired millions from all generations."
Drummer Alan White says "Reflecting on the past forty-six years that I've devoted my life to playing Yes music, it's been an interesting journey and a true labour of love. I've always believed in the power of music and the band's recent induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and our Grammy awarded in 1985 are testament to the longevity of influence our music has had through the years. I'm extremely grateful to continue to be performing on stages for our dedicated fans and look forward to our 50th Anniversary performing together in 2018. It's been a great ride!!"
Tickets for all UK dates go on sale on Friday 8th September, from 10.00am, from Bookings Direct, 24hr Ticket Hotline 0844 249 2222 (subject to fees), and from venue box offices and select authorised ticket agencies. For front row, Meet & Greet & VIP packages visit Yes World.com
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Yes 50th Anniversary Tour 2018 Dates:
13 Mar - Bristol, Colston Hall
14 Mar - Sheffield, City Hall
16 Mar - Glasgow, SEC Armadillo
17 Mar - Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
18 Mar - Gateshead, Sage
20 Mar - Birmingham, Symphony Hall
21 Mar - Brighton, Centre
23 Mar - Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall
24 Mar - London, Palladium
25 Mar - London, Palladium
27 Mar - Tilburg, 013
28 Mar - Antwerp, De Roma
30 Mar - Paris, Olympia