Grammy-winning prog rockers Yes celebrate 50th anniversary at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe on July 6
From a press release:
Yes, one of the biggest bands in prog rock history and true pioneers of the genre, revealed the dates and details today for this summer’s 50th Anniversary North American tour, titled “#YES50: Celebrating 50 Years of Yes.”
This 30+ date outing, which kicks off June 5 and 6 with a two-night engagement at the Arcada Theatre in Illinois, comes to Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe on Friday, July 6 at 8 p.m.
Tickets, which are $50 for regular reserved seating or $57 for premium reserved seating, go on sale this Saturday, March 31 at 10 a.m. and will be available at ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn’s Peak box office (325 Maury Rd., Jim Thorpe), and Roadies Restaurant and Bar (325 Maury Rd., Jim Thorpe). Penn’s Peak box office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only; no phone orders.
Founded in London in 1968 by the late Chris Squire and Jon Anderson, Grammy Award-winning recording artists Yes has created some of the most important and influential music in rock history, such as iconic pieces “Roundabout,” “Close to the Edge,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “Starship Trooper,” and countless others. The band’s albums, including “Fragile,” “Close to the Edge,” “Tales from Topographic Oceans,” “Relayer,” “Going for the One,” and “90125,” have been certified multi-platinum, double-platinum, platinum, and more by the RIAA; they have sold over 50 million records total during the band’s long and successful career that has spanned over five decades so far.
Among the world’s most influential, groundbreaking, and respected progressive rock bands, Yes continues creating masterful music that inspires musicians, fans, and music lovers around the world.
“Much has changed since I joined Yes in 1970, but the core elements of the band have remained consistent,” shares guitarist Steve Howe. “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.”
“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,” says drummer Alan White.
“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!”
“Being a member of the band during its 50th anniversary is a privilege and honor,” adds keyboardist Geoff Downes. “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.”
During this summer’s “Evening with Yes” shows, the band – Steve Howe (guitar since 1970), Alan White (drums since 1972), Geoff Downes (keyboards; first joined in 1980), Jon Davison (vocals since 2011), and Billy Sherwood (guitar/keyboards in the 1990s and Squire’s choice to take over bass/vocals in 2015) – will perform a special classic hits concert to commemorate the landmark occasion.
The cross-country trek will take the 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees to Kansas City, Denver, Los Angeles, San Jose, Detroit, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Boston, Staten Island, Philadelphia, Orlando, and Washington, D.C., among many other cities, before wrapping July 28 in Atlanta.
See NEPA Scene’s photos of Yes featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, and Rick Wakeman performing at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia last year here.
