As reported here, prog-rock legends Yes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last week.
The event boasted performances by past and present members of the band, including co-founding vocalist Jon Anderson (who joined the band on stage for the first time in 13 years), former Yes guitarist Trevor Rabin and former Yes keyboard player Rick Wakeman—all of whom shared the stage with current Yes members Steve Howe and Alan White (not to mention Rush's Geddy Lee).
And now there's this:
Anderson, Rabin and Wakeman have announced that, effective immediately, they will be known as Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman. They've also announced a North American tour that'll kick off in August (check out all the dates below).
When the trio toured last year, they used their last names as their official band name. Not anymore.
“It's very simple," Anderson says. “The fans want it, we want it and it's our right to use the name. Yes music is in our DNA.”
According to a press release, the trio also will record new material throughout the summer for a projected 2018 release. Plans also are in the works for a new DVD that was shot at the final UK show of Anderson, Rabin and Wakeman's recent European tour.
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
"While Jon Anderson has rights to use the name as one of the co-owners of the trademark, Yes’ position is that every effort should be made by promoters, ticket agencies and all involved to respect Yes’ magnificent and loyal fanbase and minimize confusion regarding the use of Yes Featuring Anderson, Rabin, Wakeman.”
They'll also be touring this year, also starting in August.
Yes was co-founded in 1968 by Anderson and bassist Chris Squire, who died in 2015. While Wakeman is mostly associated with the Seventies "prog era" of the band, and Rabin is associated with the band's Eighties "pop era," Anderson is the bridge between the two. Other touring band members include Lee Pomeroy on bass and Louis Molino III on drums.
Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.
