Yes, drummer Alan White has withdrawn from the band’s ‘Close To The Edge’ 50th anniversary UK and Ireland tour.
Due to illness, the 72-year-old sticksman – who played the drums on John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ – has been forced to miss the seminal progressive rock band’s upcoming run, which will appear to play songs from their 1972 album.
For the run, which begins on June 15 in Glasgow, Scotland, and ends on June 29 in Cork, Ireland, he will be replaced by his buddy Jay Schellen, who has previously stood in for Alan.
In a statement to the press, the band’s management said: “Alan was excited to play live again as he prepared to celebrate 50 years with Yes, having joined the band in July 1972 for the Close To The Edge Tour, which would bring him full circle in 2022. In Alan’s absence, Alan’s close buddy Jay Schellen will play the drums.”
When Alan was recovering from back surgery, Jay joined Yes on their 2016 North American tour.
Alan used to play alongside Jay when he was in better shape.
He also filled in for Alan on ‘Cruise To The Edge’ after he contracted a bacterial infection.
Jay is featured on Yes’s upcoming ‘Yes 50 Live’ LP, as well as ‘The Royal Affair Tour: Live from Las Vegas’ and their 2021 studio album ‘The Quest.’
Yes’ ‘Close To The Edge’ 2022 tour dates are:
Jun 15: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Jun 17: Manchester Bridgewater Hall
Jun 18: Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Jun 20: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Jun 21: London Royal Albert Hall
Jun 22: York Barbican
Jun 24: Birmingham Symphony Hall
Jun 26: Newcastle City Hall
Jun 28: Dublin Vicar Street, Ireland
Jun 29: Cork Opera House, Ireland