YES THEY CAN! LEGENDARY BAND BEGINS 24-DATE U.S. TOUR JUNE 26 IN INDIO, THROUGH AUGUST 2 IN BETHLEHEM, PA, WITH SPECIAL GUEST ASIA
North American Tour Will See YES’ Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Alan White joined by singer Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, with Howe doing double duty in both bands
LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2009—It’s a prog-rock fan’s dream come true, with two of the legendary British bands of all time on the same stage, playing hits like “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Roundabout” and “Heat of the Moment.”
Acclaimed British band YES launch their 24-city U.S. tour on June 26 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA, featuring the classic line-up of guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White with new vocalist Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, son of the group’s Rick Wakeman. The tour runs through August 2 at Bethlehem, PA and includes stops at San Francisco’s Warfield Theatre (July 2), L.A.’s Gibson Amphitheatre at City Walk (July 7) and Philadelphia’s Tower Theater (July 28). The new dates come after this year’s West Coast tour was postponed when Chris Squire was hospitalized for leg surgery.
For this tour, YES will be joined by Special Guest Asia, with Howe, a cornerstone member of both groups, performing as part of each band’s set, alongside original Asia members, including ex-YES and Buggles keyboardist Geoff Downes, ELP’s Carl Palmer on drums and former King Crimson and UK bassist/guitarist/vocalist John Wetton.
Said Howe: “This is a monumental event and even though it will be a challenge, I am up for it.”
Rolling Stone raved that YES’ performance at New York City’s Hammersmith Ballroom last year “sounded as majestic as ever,” adding that the band’s stand-in vocalist Benoit David was able to “expertly mimic the impossibly high-pitched vocals of original singer Jon Anderson.” This may not be exactly the traditional YES line-up… “But it’s close enough,” the magazine declared.
YES concerts have always been very special events, and this spring’s U.S. jaunt will be no different. The group will perform selections from hit albums like Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales from Topographic Oceans and 90125 along with audience favorites like “Roundabout,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “I’ve Seen All Good People” and “Yours Is No Disgrace,” just some of the enduring classics that have made YES one of the most influential and groundbreaking groups in rock & roll.
This time around, Howe, Squire and White are also pulling out some rarely performed chestnuts, like 1980’s “Machine Messiah” and “Siberian Khatru,” expertly sung by David, a Montreal, Quebec, native and vocalist in several YES tribute groups, discovered by the band on the Internet. His ability to channel Anderson’s distinctive singing voice has added an extra treat for true fans.
Asia’s performance will feature many songs from their historic first album, the world’s best-selling release of 1982. The supergroup’s debut effort was #1 at Billboard for nine weeks and included such smashes as “Heat of the Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell” and “Sole Survivor.” The original line-up of ASIA reformed after 23 years apart in 2006, and has since conducted four successful world tours. In addition, the band released the critically acclaimed Phoenix album on EMI Records. Collectively and individually, the four original members of ASIA have sold over 120 million records.
“People have been waiting for this for decades,” adds Asia’s John Wetton. “Since America was so important to the success of both bands, we feel it was the right time and place to launch it.”
Over the course of a remarkable 40-year career that has continually redefined the boundaries of rock, YES has become renowned for their live performances since being formed in 1968 by Chris Squire and Jon Anderson. With drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Peter Banks and keyboardist Tony Kaye, they metamorphosed into YES, earning a residency at the famed London venue The Marquee Club, where they played with Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, releasing their self-titled debut album in July 1969.
Guitarist Steve Howe, who continues to release acclaimed solo albums and tour, brought an experimental cutting edge to YES for 1970’s The Yes Album, their first to top the UK charts. Drummer Alan White, who had been hand-picked to play on John Lennon’s Imagine and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, came aboard in 1972. YES then went on to conquer America and played at some of the largest paid attendance concerts of all time, including JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in 1976 to a crowd of over 130,000 people.
As a dominant force for more than four decades, YES has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, stretching the boundaries of progressive art-rock with their dynamic instrumental contrasts and abstract lyrics. Their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical styles continues to make them one of the most successful and long-standing groups in rock history as they continue to add new, young fans to their following.
Added Squire: “This has turned out to be one of the best performing line-ups in YES’ storied history. It feels like we’re rediscovering these songs all over again.”
K2 Prog Supergroup (Allan Holdsworth) in new aud/vid deal with Umbrello Records
Distribution Agreement Covers Both Digital And Physical Content
October 10th, 2008, New York - Critically acclaimed progressive rock
act K2 has signed a major distribution deal with Umbrello Music
Entertainment. The agreement covers both digital downloads and
physical CD distribution worldwide. Included in the deal are the album
Book of the Dead, a DVD and their upcoming disc, (working title: Black
Garden). This deal is just the latest in a series for Umbrello (a
label that is quickly becoming both a progressive rock establishment
and a leader in digital and video technologies).
K2 was formed by Ken Jaquess in 2001. Beginning with guitar lessons at
age 11, and switching to bass at 13, Jaquess found a desire early on
to play unconventional music, far from the path of commercial, radio
pop. That desire led him to perform with Newcross (Rain of Thought),
Dresden and Atlantis before ultimately creating K2 (K Squared).
Book of the Dead was originally released in April of 2005 and received
worldwide acclaim, even being heralded as a top 10 release by many
critics. Jaquess was joined by drummer Doug Sanborn along with Spock’s
Beard keyboardist Ryo Okumoto, vocalist Shaun Guerin, violinist Yvette
Devereaux, guitarist John Miner and guitarist Allan Holdsworth.
Holdsworth, who was once named by Eddie Van Halen as the best
guitarist in the world, is well known for his work in the progressive
rock supergroup UK, but has also made a name for himself in fusion. He
is a true musicians’ musician.
In response to live gig requests, Jaquess assembled a new line-up to
hit the road. Sanborn, Okumoto and Jaquess teamed up with Atlantis
guitarist Karl Johnson and vocalist Josh Gleason of The Waiting Room.
In January 2006, K2 performed their first gig in Hollywood. The entire
Book of the Dead album was performed, along with a few surprises and
was filmed live in widescreen. The DVD includes a bonus live video
performance from their summer 2006 tour, as well as behind the scenes
footage of rehearsals and a photo gallery.
This long awaited item will finally see the light of day!
Jaquess is currently working on the new K2 album, which will also be
released through Umbrello in early 2009. This deal will allow
worldwide distribution of long anticipated material from this vital
progressive rock outfit.
About Umbrello Music Entertainment
UME is an independent producer and distributor of high-quality content
for diverse digital entertainment platforms worldwide. With production
studios in London, Philadelphia and New York, UME’s library of premium
short form programming content is extensive with unending content
development. UME offers their clients a competitive advantage with
unique, attention-grabbing content that gives their viewers more
choices. As a video partner, UME works with clients to assess their
content needs and develop effective quality programming for maximum
impact to their target markets.
and here’s the Official Press Release from September 10th:
STEVE HOWE, CHRIS SQUIRE AND ALAN WHITE OF GROUNDBREAKING ROCK GROUP YES
UNITE FOR “IN THE PRESENT” U.S. TOUR
Members will be joined by Oliver Wakeman on keyboards and vocalist Benoit David to perform the group’s classic repertoire in live spectacular
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 10, 2008—Albums like Fragile, Close to the Edge Tales from Topographic Oceans and 90125 and singles such as “Roundabout,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart” and “I’ve Seen All Good People” are just some of the enduring classics that have made YES one of the most influential and groundbreaking groups in rock & roll. Now, the classic YES line-up of guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White will launch the “In The Present” tour starting November 4th in Hamilton, Ontario, marking yet another chapter in the art-rockers’ amazing, 40-year career of legendary live performances. The three will be joined by keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, the son of YES’ Rick Wakeman, and vocalist Benoit David, a Montreal, Quebec, native and vocalist in several YES tribute groups, who was discovered by the band on the Internet.
With a remarkable 40-year career that has time and again redefined the boundaries of rock, YES was formed in 1968 by Chris Squire and Jon Anderson, who shared a mutual interest in vocal harmonies and classical music. With drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Peter Banks and keyboardist Tony Kaye, they became YES, earning a residency at the famed London venue The Marquee Club, where they played with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, releasing their self-titled debut album in July 1969.
Guitarist Steve Howe, who went on to play in the popular prog-rock groups Asia and GTR and continues releasing acclaimed solo albums and touring, brought an experimental cutting edge to YES for their 1970’s The Yes Album, their first number one album in the UK. Drummer Alan White, who had been hand-picked to play on John Lennon’s Imagine and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, came aboard in 1972. YES then went on to conquer America and played at some of the largest paid attendance concerts of all time including the JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in 1976 to a crowd of over 130,000 people.
YES postponed plans for a 40th anniversary Close to the Edge and Back tour in June, when vocalist Jon Anderson suffered a severe asthma attack and was diagnosed with acute respiratory failure. Commented Squire: “This isn’t an attempt to replace Jon Anderson, because as we all know, that would be impossible. With Benoit, we are bringing in a talented singer so that we can go out and honor the music of YES for the fans who have waited for the past four years to see us perform.”
A dominant force in rock music for more than four decades, YES has created some of rock’s most enduring and compelling hits, selling more than 30 million albums worldwide. The group has defined music history with their dynamic instrumental contrasts and abstract lyrics. Their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical styles continues to make them the most successful progressive rock band in history and their amazing career continues to defy many of their rock counterparts.
Here is the press release regarding the tour cancellation:
NEW YORK, NY, JUNE 4, 2008 - Legendary rock band Yes announced today
that the group will unfortunately be canceling their 2008 40th
Anniversary Tour. The 26-city tour was scheduled to kick off in
Quebec next month and run through the summer.
Said Jon Anderson, In the wake of my recent respiratory attack,
doctors have advised me to spend the coming months resting and
recovering. Unfortunately, this means I won’t be able to tour with
Yes this summer as originally planned. I’d like everyone know how
deeply disappointed I am by this turn of events. I was looking
forward to celebrating our music with the amazing family of Yes fans
once again; but as we all know, health must come before anything
else. Wishing you all the very best…
Said Chris Squire, We were all looking forward to performing for our
fans after a prolonged leave of absence from touring. I am especially
regretful of the fact that I know many of our fans and friends have
probably laid out non-refundable airfares and hotels, etc. in order
to enjoy the Yes shows this summer. Please join me in wishing Jon a
speedy return to health, which at this point in time is our main
concern.
Yes frontman and founding member Jon Anderson was admitted to the
hospital last month after suffering a severe asthma attack. He has
now been diagnosed with acute respiratory failure and was told by
doctors this weekend that he needs to rest and not work for a period
of at least six months or suffer further health complications. Upon
receiving this news the band has determined that their tour plans
need to be put on hold.
Ticket refunds will be available at the point of purchase.
“Throughout much of last year, e-mails and phone calls were held between Jon, Chris, Steve, Alan and myself as to where we all felt the future for YES lay, and of course, there were conflicting views in many areas! (Nothing new there, but very healthy of course). My major concern was that of over-touring, which I felt YES had done since 2002 with far too many shows, especially in America which for me diminished the “specialness” of the band. I also was concerned for the health of the band, both as a whole and as individuals. It’s a matter of public record for instance, that Jon in particular really suffered during the last weeks of the previous YES tour which was extremely worrying for us all.
Over the years, I have had my fair share of “narrow escapes” when it comes to health and I felt that I simply could not do months and months of touring each year anymore and I expressed this to the other guys from the outset. I’m absolutely fine at the moment, but want to stay that way, so I suggested to the new management that we perhaps limited the shows we would do and make each show something special, but this was rejected with the management feeling that lengthy touring was the answer for the band.
It was therefore with an extremely heavy heart that I had to say to the guys that I could not be part of a massive long term touring schedule as I did not feel it right for the band musically and also for the band member’s health. We are a democratic band and I accept that I was a sole voice in this thinking.
Chris and I met up a few times and spoke about who I felt would be able to do a good job in the keyboard department and I put forward just two names, my two eldest sons Adam and Oliver. Adam, to be truthful, was not really a “contender” because he is fully committed to Ozzy and is touring constantly. Oliver has worked with Steve of course on various recordings and so there was already a rapport there. I was therefore very happy when Oliver told me that Steve had called him.
I am sad of course not to be walking on stage with the guys on the upcoming tour, but like each member of YES, I have developed a deep inner spiritual feeling that takes over your whole life, and sadly witnessing too many friends around my age, (both musicians and people connected with the business), either departing this world or having serious illness, has played an enormous part in the very difficult decision I had to make.
I truly hope that this is not the end of the Classic Line-Up and that something very special may happen in the not too distant future. In the meantime, I wish the guys, good health, great music and much happiness.”
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