Ailing Jon Anderson Slams Yes' 40th Anniversary Tour
- Posted on Sep 22nd 2008 12:00PM by John D. Luerssen
- Comments (8)
Yes frontman Jon Anderson says his bandmates royally dissed him by announcing they will tour with a replacement singer. Anderson, who is on doctor-ordered bedrest for the rest of the year after suffering acute respiratory failure in June, states he is "disappointed and very disrespected."Anderson explains via his official website that he is "disappointed that, with the exception of one phone call from Alan [White], 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."
Recently, Yes announced a 40th anniversary tour and supplanted Anderson with Benoit David, a singer they found in a Yes cover band on YouTube. If that methodology sounds familiar, Journey also used the site to find its latest singer, Arnel Pineda. In a similar move, Boston 's new singer, Tommy DeCarlo, was plucked from MySpace.
"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," Anderson continues. "Getting sick was not 'on my radar.'"
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Reader Comments(1 of 1)
dannikrashat 9-22-2008
Yes, shame on all of you! Yes is not Yes without Jon singing, total B.S.!!! Shame on his band mates.
-Danni Krash
dannikrashat 9-22-2008
Total B.S.!!! Shame on the remaining members.
-Danni Krash
lifskrat 11-05-2008
Yeah this was B.S. Jon is the TRUE voice of YES. Chris Squire is a money hungry SOB. All he does is rehash old concerts in a different bag.
~L~
Kenat 5-08-2009
I agree. I saw clips of the show and they were, well... Let's just say I'm glad I didn't waste my money on tickets for this one.
Stuat 8-02-2009
Yes was one of my favorite bands during the 70s. I loved their music, bought their albums. I'm very disappointed that the band members didn't wait until Jon Anderson recovered from his illness so he could join them for another tour. I hope Jon will be healthy again soon and the others will realize the mistake they made.
Linda Llewat 8-28-2009
HOW can the Band possibly consider doing a tour without the main guy who made them famous? What back-stabbing, inconsiderate S.O.B.'s ! ! !
Robertat 11-05-2009
Hey Jon did you ever think the rest of the band didn't want to get the H1N1 flu? Get over it! (and get well, quick they need you) I wish I could get a doctor to give me a note to take the YEAR off! Wouldn't that be super?...
Brian Gourleyat 11-26-2009
I happened to see Yes last night in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast and they were superb. It was the best concert that I have ever been to. There new lead singer is very good, was sad to hear about Jon Anderson. I myself have Asthma since 2006 but it does not prevent me from walking, working and enjoying sport.
My favourite songs are from the 70's including Close to the edge, Yours is no disgrace and long distance runaround.
They were brilliant last night and hopefully I will see them if God spares me in the future.
Well done and it was a good night out!
Brian
N.Ireland