Rock & Roll Hall of Famers YES are bringing their classic prog rock to the Taft Theatre on the stateside leg of “The Album Series Tour 2022.”
The show takes place on Nov. 6. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The tour name is apt as the band plans to play its 1972 album Close to the Edge in its entirety for its 50th anniversary. YES says the album was “widely considered one of the most defining albums, not only for YES but for the whole progressive movement,” per a release from the band. And the show salutes it with a full experience.
“The Close to the Edge show will comprise full production and a high-definition video wall directed by Andy Clark and featuring the artwork of Roger Dean,” reads the release.
But in addition to the celebration, this tour is also a commemoration: “The Album Series Tour 2022” is dedicated the band’s drummer, Alan White, who died in May of 2021.
“Alan White joined YES in June 1972, just days before their Close To The Edge Tour began,” reads the release. “Over the following 50 years, Alan would appear on every YES album including 2021’s The Quest. Following the global pandemic, he had been looking forward to this tour and re-joining his bandmates on stage, something he lived for, in the run up to his 50th anniversary of joining YES. Sadly, that was not to be, but Alan’s towering presence will be omnipresent on the tour.”
Jay Schellen will be stepping in as drummer with Steve Howe on guitars, Geoff Downes on keyboards, Jon Davison on vocals and Billy Sherwood on bass.
This will be YES’ first American tour since 2019.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 2 at ticketmaster.com and a the Taft Theatre box office.
The Taft Theatre is located at 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown. More info: tafttheatre.org.
Watch YES perform the song “Close to the Edge” live in 1975:
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This article appears in Aug 24 – Sep 6, 2022.