Yes are sticking with Benoit David

Oct 9 2009 by Andrew Coleman, Birmingham Mail

THE musicians in Yes said ‘no’ to original vocalist Jon Anderson joining them on their UK tour.

The Prog Rock maestros play Birmingham Symphony Hall on November 16 and have Canadian Benoit David singing Yes classics like Owner Of A Lonely Heart and Going For The One.

Joining Benoit on stage will be bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Alan White and keyboard player Oliver Wakeman.

Benoit, who was spotted performing with a Yes tribute band, originally joined for the group’s 40th anniversary US tour last year when Jon Anderson was too ill to take part.

But Jon is now fully recovered and actually undertook a small British tour in August.

He had advised the band that he was well and available for the UK tour but they decided to keep Benoit in the line-up.

“We felt it was unfair to Benoit after his performance on the American tour,” explains Alan White.

“We waited for Jon for three years to get well, but in the end Steve, Chris and myself were all ready to go out and play again.”

However, it may not be the end of Jon’s involvement in the band, Alan says. “I don’t see us not playing together. It may happen next year.”

Having Oliver Wakeman on board means that three different Wakemans have now played with Yes. Rick Wakeman has had several stints with the group, with sons Adam, and now Oliver, taking their place behind the keys.

“Oliver’s great,” Alan says. “He’s just like his father. It’s very strange, he even sounds like him.”

And Yes could even be bringing out a new album at some point. “We may do something next year,” Alan says. “We’ve got a stockpile of songs built up.”

* Ticket Info

Monday, Nov 16: Symphony Hall
Tickets: £33.50 from 0121 780 3333.