Yes frontman Jon Anderson says he is both “disappointed and very disrespected” that his band is going on tour with a replacement singer.
In a statement at his official website, Anderson has slammed the forthcoming Yes reunion (minus himself and Rick Wakeman).He says he is “Disappointed that, with the exception of one phone call from Alan, none of the guys have been in touch since my illness, just to find out how I am doing, and how we will foresee the future for YES. And disappointed that they were not willing to wait till 2009 when I’m fully recovered”.
Last week, Yes announced a 40th Anniversary tour of the USA, but have replaced Anderson with a singer they found in a Yes covers band on YouTube. ?
“And I feel very disrespected, having spent most of this year creating songs and constant ideas for the band, spending time with Roger Dean creating a stage design, also working with VH1 and Sirius and XM Radio to help promote the welfare of YES,” he says. ??
“Getting sick was not "on my radar”, and I thank my own angel Janeee and my family for helping me through this difficult time, and the many well wishers, friends and fans alike, for understanding that ''things happen''. ??
When the individual members of Yes perform solo, Anderson is happy to support them but in this instance, he says it just isn’t Yes. “Of course I wish the guys all the best in their 'solo' work, but I just wish this could have been done in a more gentlemanly fashion. After all YES is a precious musical band. This is not YES on tour”.
Chris Squire, Alan White and Steve Howe will tour as Yes with cover singer Benoit David and Rick Wakeman’s son Oliver in from November.
Rick Wakeman chose not to go on such an extensive tour with the band as he calls it a “health hazard”. He nominated his son to take his place.
