Yes frontman Jon Anderson has hit out at the rest of his band for going on tour without him, instead taking the singer from a Yes tribute band. As previously reported, Anderson suffered acute respiratory failure after a severe asthma attack earlier this year and is currently unable to tour.
In a statement on his official website, Anderson said: "[I am] 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..."
Keyboard player Rick Wakeman announced last week that he would not be heading out on tour with the band, instead sending his song Oliver in his place, saying: "My major concern was that of over-touring, which I felt Yes had done since 2002 with far too many shows, especially in America which for me diminished the 'specialness' of the band. I also was concerned for the health of the band, both as a whole and as individuals. It's a matter of public record for instance, that Jon [Anderson, vocals] in particular really suffered during the last weeks of the previous Yes tour which was extremely worrying for us all".