Just got this sent to me from the Asia mailing list-very exciting-plus, they're playing the Tower Theater in Philly-cool! I saw Yes last fall and Benoit David was pretty damn amazing. I had a hard time seeing Yes without Jon Anderson, but they were very good and I look forward to seeing them again now that I know what to expect. I cannot wait for this!

Asia To Tour With YES For Summer 2009
Thursday, 16 April 2009
YES THEY CAN! LEGENDARY BAND BEGINS 24-DATE U.S. TOUR JUNE 26 IN INDIO, THROUGH AUGUST 2 IN BETHLEHEM, PA, WITH SPECIAL GUEST ASIA

North American Tour Will See YES’ Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Alan White joined by singer Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, with Howe doing double duty in both bands

LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2009—It’s a prog-rock fan’s dream come true, with two of the legendary British bands of all time on the same stage, playing hits like “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Roundabout” and “Heat of the Moment.”

Acclaimed British band YES launch their 24-city U.S. tour on June 26 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA, featuring the classic line-up of guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White with new vocalist Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, son of the group’s Rick Wakeman. The tour runs through August 2 at Bethlehem, PA and includes stops at San Francisco’s Warfield Theatre (July 2), L.A.’s Gibson Amphitheatre at City Walk (July 7) and Philadelphia’s Tower Theater (July 28). The new dates come after this year’s West Coast tour was postponed when Chris Squire was hospitalized for leg surgery.

For this tour, YES will be joined by Special Guest Asia, with Howe, a cornerstone member of both groups, performing as part of each band’s set, alongside original Asia members, including ex-YES and Buggles keyboardist Geoff Downes, ELP’s Carl Palmer on drums and former King Crimson and UK bassist/guitarist/vocalist John Wetton.

Said Howe: “This is a monumental event and even though it will be a challenge, I am up for it.”

Rolling Stone raved that YES’ performance at New York City’s Hammersmith Ballroom last year “sounded as majestic as ever,” adding that the band’s stand-in vocalist Benoit David was able to “expertly mimic the impossibly high-pitched vocals of original singer Jon Anderson.” This may not be exactly the traditional YES line-up… “But it’s close enough,” the magazine declared.

YES concerts have always been very special events, and this spring’s U.S. jaunt will be no different. The group will perform selections from hit albums like Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales from Topographic Oceans and 90125 along with audience favorites like “Roundabout,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “I’ve Seen All Good People” and “Yours Is No Disgrace,” just some of the enduring classics that have made YES one of the most influential and groundbreaking groups in rock & roll.

This time around, Howe, Squire and White are also pulling out some rarely performed chestnuts, like 1980’s “Machine Messiah” and “Siberian Khatru,” expertly sung by David, a Montreal, Quebec, native and vocalist in several YES tribute groups, discovered by the band on the Internet. His ability to channel Anderson’s distinctive singing voice has added an extra treat for true fans.

Asia’s performance will feature many songs from their historic first album, the world’s best-selling release of 1982. The supergroup’s debut effort was #1 at Billboard for nine weeks and included such smashes as “Heat of the Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell” and “Sole Survivor.” The original line-up of ASIA reformed after 23 years apart in 2006, and has since conducted four successful world tours. In addition, the band released the critically acclaimed Phoenix album on EMI Records. Collectively and individually, the four original members of ASIA have sold over 120 million records.

“People have been waiting for this for decades,” adds Asia’s John Wetton. “Since America was so important to the success of both bands, we feel it was the right time and place to launch it.”

Over the course of a remarkable 40-year career that has continually redefined the boundaries of rock, YES has become renowned for their live performances since being formed in 1968 by Chris Squire and Jon Anderson. With drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Peter Banks and keyboardist Tony Kaye, they metamorphosed into YES, earning a residency at the famed London venue The Marquee Club, where they played with Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, releasing their self-titled debut album in July 1969.

Guitarist Steve Howe, who continues to release acclaimed solo albums and tour, brought an experimental cutting edge to YES for 1970’s The Yes Album, their first to top the UK charts. Drummer Alan White, who had been hand-picked to play on John Lennon’s Imagine and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, came aboard in 1972. YES then went on to conquer America and played at some of the largest paid attendance concerts of all time, including JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in 1976 to a crowd of over 130,000 people.

As a dominant force for more than four decades, YES has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, stretching the boundaries of progressive art-rock with their dynamic instrumental contrasts and abstract lyrics. Their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical styles continues to make them one of the most successful and long-standing groups in rock history as they continue to add new, young fans to their following.

Added Squire: “This has turned out to be one of the best performing line-ups in YES’ storied history. It feels like we’re rediscovering these songs all over again.”

June 26: Indio, CA (Fantasy Springs Casino)
June 27: Las Vegas, NV (Thomas & Mack Center)
June 30: Snoqualmie, WA (Snoqualmie Casino)
July 2: San Francisco, CA (Warfield)
July 3: Saratoga, CA (The Mountain Winery)
July 7: Los Angeles (Gibson Amphitheatre at City Walk)
July 8: San Diego (Humphrey’s)
July 9: Phoenix (Dodge)
July 12: Denver (Paramount Theatre)
July 14: Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)
July 15: Ft. Worth, TX (Bass Music Center)
July 16: Muskegee, OK (Civic Center)
July 18: Walker, MN (Moondance Jam)
July 20: Detroit (DTE Energy Music Theatre)
July 21: Pittsburgh (Chevrolet Amphitheatre)
July 22: Glen Allen, VA (Insbrook Pavilion)
July 23: National Harbour, MD (Sunset Concerts)
July 25: Cohassett, MA (South Shore Music Circus)
July 26: Jackson, NJ (Great Adventure Amphitheatre)
July 28: Philadelphia (Tower Theatre)
July 29: Montclair, NJ (Wellmont Theatre)
July 31: Westbury, NY (Theatre at Westbury)
Aug. 1: Jamestown, NY (Savings Bank Arena)
Aug. 2: Bethlehem, PA (Muskfest)

Sounds like that'll be a great night for Yes fans.

Damn. I really was hoping that Jon Anderson might be up for this tour. I guess I may still go if the price is right.

"Damn" from here, too, DanO. No Atlanta date.

With respect to the folks in the Detroit Area, it is interesting that the only Midwest City is the Motor City. Considering the current state of the economy there, it does not make a whole lot of sense when compared to Chicago for example.

While I'm still not keen on on an Anderson-less Yes, the fact that the original Asia will be performing is enticing. And I have to admit that seeing "Machine Messiah" performed live is enticing. It's one instance where they can get away with not having Anderson.

It's true Chris-this gives the skeptical Yes fans who didn't see the '08 tour a chance to judge what it's like AND see the original Asia if they've missed the Asia tours from '06-'08. Really, a can't miss show to me and I saw Yes last year and Asia all three times from '06-'08. Asia were simply great each time and I really do like "Phoenix"-listened to it again today-just a few too many slow/sappy songs.
But, the Yes show I saw Alan White was sick so they dropped 3 songs and of course the one song we wanted the most was "Machine Messiah" and it was dropped! Even more reason for me to go again-plus, they're playing something from "Oceans" this time and it seems something from "90125" other than "Owner".
Ah, but what will the prices be? I'm guessing $40/$60/$95

I saw Asia in Cardiff, Friday night. (Not seen them before and no never seen Yes either.)

I was in the third row a deliberately picked a seat on the left knowing that was where Steve Howe stands. Watching him peform 'The Clap' and 'Roundabout' from just a few feet away was a great experience. He even (pretending I think) played the guitar with is teeth at one point.

I never liked ELP, except for Fanfare. Fortunately that was the one ELP song they did! (Which interestingly Howe played a big part in.)

Palmer's drum solo was incredible!

It was great to hear Court of the Crimson King too.

As for the Asia material, I believe it was all off the three albums Howe played on. (My only disappointment was not hearing 'Go' and 'Voice of America' from Astra.)

As we discussed in another thread, it's odd that they picked that one, since no member of Asia was in that line-up of King Crimson.

Hopefully I'll be able to catch this show at Westbury. My summer schedule always gets complicated but this is a rare opportunity to see 2 great bands in one night.

Yes, I thought that too, though presumably Wetton performed it live when he was with them.

Wetton did sing it back in 73[a version's on the Nightwatch live cd btw]

Wetton also sings it on the CD/DVD "The Tokyo Tapes" (CD 1998/ DVD 2001) with Steve Hackett/ Chester Thompson/ Ian McDonald and Julian Colbeck.

Both the CD and the DVD were promoted with the tagline: "What would it sound like if occasional members of GENESIS, KING CRIMSON, ASIA, YES, ZAPPA & WEATHER REPORT all got together to form a unique team just for one night?"

Excellent concert. a must own for fans of these bands.

The song "The Court Of The Crimson King" is Track 6 and is 7:39 minutes long. Very similar to how its sounds during the Asia concerts.

Since I've seen Asia each of the last 3 years, I hope they drop those 4 songs this time (ELP, Crimson. Yes, Buggles). I'm sick of them. Plus, it would be awkward for Asia to play "Roundabout" before Yes, right?

I'm hoping for "Days Like These" and "Go" - but I won't hold my breath!

Ah, 2 of my favorite Asia songs ever from the classic years. It would be nice! I was happy just to hear "Voice Of America" last tour even though it was acoustic.
I did see the John Payne-era Asia play both "Go" and "Days Like These" and they both went down so well each time, especially "Days Like These".
Maybe by dropping the non-Asia songs these could sneak in? It's all up to Howe as he's the only one not on those songs, so don't count on it.

It makes no sense that Steve Howe will play ELP and King Crimson songs, but yet won't play Asia songs just because he didn't play on them. I don't get it.

Then again, Steve Howe hates playing "Owner Of A Lonely Heart," which was a #1 hit for Yes when Trevor Rabin replaced him in the lineup.

Great guitar player, but his ego gets in the way sometimes.

I just was given a promo of a new cd from John Wetton and Geofferey Downes it's called Icon 3[Ilalian import on the Frontiers label]maybe they'll play a few tracks from this disc on this tour[ this new disc sounds kind've like Asia though they're the only 2 from the band on the disc].

Actually, over the years, Howe has played on a number of Rabin-era songs like "Owner", "Rhythm Of Love", "Cinema", "Hold On", etc. and not just on the Union tour when Rabin was there too. And, he's also played on Banks-era songs over the last few tours like "Time And A Word", "Sweet Dreams" and "Every Little Thing" and even "Astral Traveller" last year-at Howe's request no less! So the ego thing makes no sense, yet it seems that way to some people. I even read recentley that Howe said they need to acknowledge that era of Yes (Rabin), so I'm always confused when at other times it seems he doesn't want to play that material. It could just come down to feel and comfortability.
And, when it comes to Asia, he absolutely should play hits like "Go" and "Days Like These", but my guess is it won't happen. Perhaps it's ego, perhaps he doesn't feel it's his style, or maybe it's both when it comes to playing Yes and Asia songs he wasn't a part of.

The only time I've ever seen "Cinema" performed live without Trevor Rabin was on The House Of Yes DVD and Howe left the stage, leaving Billy Sherwood to play it. He returned for "Owner," but let Billy Sherwood play the solo. He also didn't play the solo on the Yes Symphonic live DVD -- he let the keyboardist/sideman play it.

Yeah, Howe grudgingly acknowledges the Rabin-era Yes because it was successful, but he has said in the past that any Yes he didn't play on wasn't Yes. I believe, however, he said the Banks era was exempt from that because Peter Banks played before him. Yeah, Howe is a confusing guy.

Howe did let Sherwood solo on "Owner" but played on it as well. When I saw Yes play Philly in '99 Howe played on "Cinema" but Sherwood soloed. However, on the 35th ann. tour Howe soloed on "Owner" and "Rhythm" and also soloed on those songs in '97 and '98.
He is interesting and hard to figure out-but a very, very nice guy. I interviewed him for an hour back in 2001 when it was only supposed to be 30 minutes and he even answered all my dumb questions where I tried to make him laugh and he did laugh thankfully. It was a thrill to speak to him and even though it was for a magazine and got published, I still have the tape although I haven't listened to it since-I do not like hearing my voice!
Now, why he thinks it's OK to play Banks material and not Rabin at times-has to be an ego thing, because although Banks was good, he's not even close to Rabin. Maybe Steve just doesn't want to acknowledge the Rabin era as much because it was so successful without him, where the Banks era was not popular at all.
It's also odd he felt OK playing in Asia with Lake and Payne and in Yes with Horn and David-guess that's a little hypocritical then! But that's fine.
Steve remains one of my very favorite players.

Rabin and Howe don't play alike technically. I can imagine it's just not easy to play like the other guy, even if you are proficient yourself. I've played in bands with guys who play WAY better than me but couldn't play some stuff I can do easily.