As most hardcore progressive-rock fans know, there is a schism among the musicians who have played with Yes. A medical condition benched vocalist Jon Anderson from performing live in 2004, but his absence became permanent when the rest of the lineup convened to record new material. Anderson, who was more enthusiastic about singing in concert than in the studio, is currently on tour with former members Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman while guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Alan White, keyboardist Geoff Downes, bassist Billy Sherwood and singer Jon Davison have undertaken the Yestival tour, with Howe’s son Dylan joining on drums.
Where recent tours have featured the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers (Class of 2017) performing entire albums from the Yes catalog, the set from the Yestival tour is drawn from the first 10 Yes LPs from 1969’s self-titled debut to 1980’s Drama. Noticeably missing will be bassist Chris Squire, who passed away in 2015. Before his death, Squire gave his blessing for the band to carry on with his friend and multi-instrumentalist Sherwood, who had been both a member of and engineer for Yes. Todd Rundgren and Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy are the opening acts, with the latter paying tribute to Palmer’s former bandmates Keith Emerson and Greg Lake.
Hard Rock Hotel, 8 p.m. Aug. 26, starting at $45 plus tax and fee. 888.929.7849
