Yes Celebrate Their 50th Anniversary In Manchester
To celebrate Yes’ 50th anniversary, the band went on a 10 date UK tour.
The rock n roll hall of famers kicked off on the 13th of March in Bristol. We caught the band at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, to photograph their half a century milestone and to celebrate their enormous back catalogue.
Original ’70s members Steve Howe and drummer Alan White were joined on stage by Geoff Downes, Billy Sherwood and vocalist Jon Davidson. They stormed through some of their best-loved hits including sides 1, 4 and 3 of their much-adored album Tales From Topographic Oceans.
Steve Howe said of the tour, ”We want to mark this anniversary with a tour that encompasses some of our best-loved work – we want to play things we enjoy, maybe songs we havent done in a while. Geoff Downes adds I feel enormously privileged to be a part of the legacy of the incredible and unique line of musicians in YES. The band has always remained fresh and inventive throughout its 50-year history, and created an amazing catalogue of music that has inspired millions from all generations.”
The tour will end at the London Palladium which will include a 50th Anniversary fan convention and artist Roger Dean will reveal new Closer To The Edge paintings. Full details of the rest of the tour are on Yes’s official website.
Alan White says “Reflecting on the past 46 years that I’ve devoted my life to playing Yes music, it’s been an interesting journey and a true labour of love. I’ve always believed in the power of music and the band’s recent induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and our Grammy awarded in 1985 are testament to the longevity of influence our music has had through the years. I’m extremely grateful to continue to be performing on stages for our dedicated fans and look forward to our 50th Anniversary performing together in 2018. It’s been a great ride!!”
All Photography By Paul Martin
