Jon Anderson Says “No” To Yes’ New Lead Singer

noah | September 24, 2008 11:15 am

The news that prog-rock heroes Yes would be touring with a replacement frontman in the wake of lead singer Jon Anderson’s illness is not sitting well with the singer for multiple reasons, according to a post on Anderson’s blog. Not only does this bit of understudying violate the spirit of what he calls “a precious musical band,” it just twists the knife that was placed in Anderson’s back by his only receiving one phone call from his mates since suffering from “acute respiratory failure” in June. Anderson’s full blog post after the jump!

Disappointed that, with the exception of one phone call from Alan, none of the guys have been in touch since my illness, just to find out how I am doing, and how we will foresee the future for YES. And disappointed that they were not willing to wait till 2009 when I’m fully recovered.

And I feel very disrespected, having spent most of this year creating songs and constant ideas for the band, spending time with Roger Dean creating a stage design, also working with VH1 and Sirius and XM Radio to help promote the welfare of YES.

Getting sick was not “on my radar”, and I thank my own angel Janeee and my family for helping me through this difficult time, and the many well wishers, friends and fans alike, for understanding that ”things happen”.

Of course I wish the guys all the best in their ‘solo’ work, but I just wish this could have been done in a more gentlemanly fashion. After all YES is a precious musical band.

This is not YES on tour…

I send best wishes to one and all, Jon

No response yet from (former?) bandmate Chris Squire, but “version 2.0” of his site is set to launch in about two weeks, so maybe we’ll hear it then.

News [Jon Anderson Online]

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