Long time Yes drummer, Alan White, has revealed via Facebook that he will undergo back surgery and miss some time from the band’s tour. Asia drummer Jay Schellen will fill in for a while. Below is the message White wrote on the Yes Facebook page.
MESSAGE FROM ALAN WHITE
“After enduring intense back pain which began halfway through YES’ spring European tour, and working with European and American doctors, spinal specialists, exploring optional treatments, I’ve had no choice but to undergo surgery to repair an injured disc in my lower back. I’m pleased to announce a very positive result from this procedure, which took place in Seattle.
With some rest and physical therapy, I should be back in good form and ready to rejoin the Summer YES Tour in the near future. I’m eager to be on the road with the band but also need to ensure my recovery is complete before doing so.
Until I’m able to rejoin the tour, my good friend Jay Schellen will be performing with the band and keeping my drum stool warm. Please welcome him to our YES family; he’s doing a great service by stepping in last minute so as to not disappoint everyone hoping to see YES music performed live this summer.
Please know that I’ll be back as soon as physically possible and looking forward to taking my place on stage with the band.”
Alan White
it’s sad enough there are no original founding members in Yes these days, but even sadder that the only other person to be in the band longer than anyone else besides Chris Squire is now MIA. They might as well just call it “Steve Howe’s Yes” and be done with it