Yes To Celebrate 5 Decades On Stage With Massive 50th Anniversary Tour

Yes Plot 50th Anniversary Trek Across North America

2018 is the year of Yes!

After devoting the last 50 years to a musical career that’s given us classics like “Roundabout,” “Heart Of the Sunrise” and “Owner Of A Lonely Heart,” progressive rock legends and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Yes are hitting the road this summer for a massive 50th anniversary tour in celebration of 5 decades on the stage and in the studio, and we’re incredibly excited!

Titled #YES50: Celebrating 50 Years of YES, the tour was announced yesterday – a 30-plus date romp across North America that will find Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison (vocals since 2011, and Billy Sherwood diving headlong into their vast catalog of best-loved work. They’re even plotting the return of some classic pieces, to the delight of fans itching to hear songs that have been lost to time.

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Steve Howe, guitar

“Much has changed since I joined Yes in 1970, but the core elements of the band have remained consistent. We want to mark this anniversary with a tour that encompasses some of our best-loved work and revisit a few classic pieces that have been lost for a while.

We look forward to sharing the 50th anniversary with the fanbase, playing classic songs that celebrate the broad musical style of Yes.”

Geoff Downes, keyboard

“Being a member of the band during its 50th anniversary is a privilege and honor. It is awe-inspiring to reflect on the caliber and invention of the musicians who have forged the legacy of Yes since 1968, always pushing the boundaries. 

Playing on stage with founder member Tony Kaye to launch the 50th anniversary [on this year’s Cruise to the Edge] was a wonderful experience for the band and our fans, to whom we dedicate this special tour.”

Alan White, drums

“I have been blessed to be a member of this amazing band’s rhythm section for the past 46 years, mostly in the company of my great friend Chris Squire, and latterly alongside Chris’ chosen successor, Billy Sherwood, who is receiving recognition for stepping into Chris’ pre-eminent bass and vocals.

Each night we are pausing to reflect on Chris’ importance to Yes, his desire that we should continue to share Yes music on stages worldwide, and the specific dedication of ‘Onward’ to his huge memory. I’m so grateful to continue to be performing on stages for our dedicated fans and look forward to celebrating our 50th Anniversary in America.  It has been a great ride!”

The fun doesn’t stop there, though. Yes announced the return of their “Evening with YES” shows – a special classic hits concert to help mark this landmark occasion and to help celebrate the life, legacy, and contributions of late bassist Chris Squire, who died in 2015.

The tour kicks off June 5th in St. Charles, Illinois and wraps July 28th in Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets go onsale Friday, March 30 or Saturday, March 31, but keep your eyes peeled –  select shows are going on sale in early April. Don’t see your date on the list below? Never fear: a handful of additional dates will be announced soon.

See you on the road!

#YES50 Anniversary Tour Dates