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Owner of an Aching Back: Yes Drummer Alan White to Sit Out Start of Band’s US Tour

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David Wolff – Patrick/Redferns via Getty ImagesLongtime Yes drummer Alan White has revealed that he recently underwent a back operation and will have to miss at least part of his band’s upcoming U.S. summer tour, which gets underway Monday, July 25, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

In a message posted on the prog-rock group’s official website, White explains that he decided to undergo surgery to repair a disc in his lower back after experiencing “intense back pain” that started during Yes’ spring European trek.

“I’m pleased to announce a very positive result from this procedure,” White reports. “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.”

Filling in for Alan will be Jay Schellen, who has played with Asia Featuring John Payne; late Yes bassist Chris Squire‘s and current Yes bass player Billy Sherwood‘s Conspiracy side project; and Circa, a band featuring Sherwood and ex-Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye.

“Please welcome [Jay] to our Yes family,” writes Alan, “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.”

White finishes his message by saying, “Please know that I’ll be back as soon as physically possible and looking forward to taking my place on stage with the band.”

You can send well wishes to Alan at Yes’ official Facebook page.

At each show during Yes’ upcoming tour, the band will play its 1980 album, Drama, in its entirety, as well as sides one and four of the 1973 double-disc Tales from Topographic Oceans, plus a selection of other Yes tunes.

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