Yes | Jon Davison | Interview
Following their successful U.S. tour, the legendary progressive rock band Yes is returning to the UK for a nine-date tour in May and June.
The tour begins on May 23 in Manchester and wraps up on June 4 at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. Throughout the tour, Yes will perform a wide range of their classic hits, lesser-known gems, and tracks from their latest album, ‘Mirror To The Sky’. Notably, each concert will feature a Roger Dean art gallery, showcasing the artist’s iconic work that has adorned many of Yes’ albums, with Dean himself expected to meet fans at each event.
“Its profound level of total uniqueness”
Your recent tour in the USA received acclaim from both fans and critics. How does it feel to bring that energy and momentum to the UK with the upcoming Classic Tales Of Yes tour?
Jon Davison: I’m really looking forward to continuing that momentum and sharing the “Tales” experience with as many people as possible. I have a special fondness for Brits because I spend so much time in the UK. I really feel it’s close to my heart.
With such a rich catalogue spanning several decades, how did you and the band go about selecting the setlist for this tour?
Steve, by nature, is an archivist and documenter. Since he thinks in an accurate, calculating way, it’s only natural that he keeps the whole span of great Yes music in mind when formulating a setlist. Because the rest of us are true fans and lovers of Yes, he delights when we chime in with our own enthusiasm about what material the band should revisit onstage.
Classic Tales Of Yes promises to include rarely played vintage cuts and new songs from your latest album, ‘Mirror To The Sky’. What can we expect?
I would be remiss to divulge such foresightful information. I prefer to maintain a level of surprise. However, I will say that we promise to deliver many unexpected and exciting twists.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of ‘Tales From The Topographic Oceans’ is a significant milestone. How does it feel to revisit and perform music from such a seminal album in Yes’s history?
I love it. Like so many fans, I’ve had transcendental experiences watching Yes perform “Tales” through the years, so I’m often overwhelmed by the enormity of actually being onstage performing it. Because I’ve uniquely had the privilege of experiencing it from both sides, I think it allows me to share in the audiences’ delight on an even more intimate level, perhaps more so than the original members can comprehend.
As the lead vocalist, how do you approach performing classics that were originally sung by Jon Anderson, and how do you infuse your own style into these iconic songs?
I believe any ability I have to successfully infuse my own style comes from always having been in love with the music. I may intuit just what the music needs. The other ingredients that help make up the right formula to accomplish this, I don’t fully understand. I shoot from the heart, and the rest seems to fall into place.
What do you think it is about the band’s music that continues to resonate with audiences old and new?
Its profound level of total uniqueness, technicality, and depth of scope.
What have been some of the most memorable moments for you personally being part of the band?
Honestly, sharing the camaraderie with the legacy members—not just through knowing and working with Chris Squire, Alan White, and Steve Howe—but also by being close with Geoff Downes. He’s a real sweetheart, I must tell you. I’ve also had the privilege of knowing Patrick Moraz and Trevor Horn and getting to meet Jon Anderson and Bill Bruford. One of the happiest times for me in Yes was when we had the honor of having Tony Kaye on the road with us during Yes50. He is such a great guy and a joy to be around.
With the passing of Alan White and the addition of Jay Schellen as the new drummer, how has the dynamic within the band shifted, and how has Alan’s legacy influenced your recent work, including the latest album, ‘Mirror To The Sky’?
I think Jay truly loved Alan and always will, not just out of admiration for his musical soul and the great accomplishments that followed, but from knowing Alan so closely as a friend and mentor. I sense Jay carrying on this sentiment and sincerity through how he continues to approach his performances onstage. The same is true for how Jay took on his role in the studio with ‘Mirror’. So, Alan’s legacy continues to influence us through Jay’s sincere balance—the ability to honor Alan while, at the same time, bringing so much of his own character to the music.
Thank you for taking your time. Last word is yours.
Again, I’m really looking forward to bringing the Classic Tales of Yes Tour to audiences across Britain. Please join Yes on tour this spring!
Klemen Breznikar
Headline photo: Yes (2023) | Gottlieb Bros
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