Yes News Round-Up: Yestival Update, New Video Diary
Yes is growing for its upcoming Yestival tour — and keeping it all in the family.
The group has added guitarist Steve Howe‘s son Dylan, a drummer, to the lineup to play alongside regular drummer Alan White.
“It’s a pleasure for me to welcome Dylan Howe to the Yes stage,” White said in a statement. “I’ve known Dylan for most of his life and I’m proud to think I’ve helped to be an inspiration in his musical journey. I’m very much looking forward to performing with him this summer for the upcoming Yes tour.”
White, of course, sat out some Yes dates last summer due to back and spinal issues; The last time Yes had two drummers was on its Union Tour during 1991-92, when White played alongside original Yes drummer Bill Bruford.
In his own statement Dylan Howe says that, “I feel very honored and fortunate to have got the call to join Yes this summer. This to me is, quite possibly, the musical zenith of my career — my love for this music and the great musicianship that runs through it has always been a massive inspiration to me. Bill and Alan’s drumming is why I started playing the drums in the first place, and to have the opportunity to honor their great contribution to drumming whilst playing alongside Alan with my brilliant father and this outstanding lineup is a dream come true for me.”
Yestival, which also features Todd Rundgren and Carl Palmer‘s ELP Legacy begins August 4 in Greensboro, N.C.
…In other Yes news, the group will be launching a video diary on Saturday, July 29, in conjunction with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Live Nation. Updates will be posted on the group’s official web site, YesWorld.com, and Yes — which was inducted into the Rock Hall during April — will take part in a series of events August 15-20 in conjunction with Yestival’s stop in Cleveland.
Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.
