British rock band YES had six dates left on their YESTIVAL tour, performing classic hits from their earliest ten albums in the US and Canada. Due to a the unexpected death of guitarist Steve Howe’s youngest son, Virgil, the band is cancelling the remaining shows and refunding all tickets.
YES’ first self-titled album was released in 1969, but the band remain as popular as ever. The group- consisting of Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April of this year. The YESTIVAL 2017 Summer Tour was the group’s first time performing since their induction, and was described by the band as a “full festival experience”. They were joined by Todd Rundgren and Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy, and played “one track from each studio album from YES (1969) to DRAMA (1980), chronologically, with a few surprises thrown in”.
The group regrettably announced via their website that they would be forced to cancel their remaining show dates in September in Moorhead, Cedar Rapids, London, Rochester, Boston and Huntington due to “the tragic, unexpected death of guitarist Steve Howe’s beloved younger son, Virgil”. YES went on to express thanks to their fans “for their support and understanding at this time”, and ended by stating that “Steve Howe and family ask for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time”. Further details regarding Howe’s death were not disclosed.
The site ensures that refunds for tickets to the affected shows will be available at point of purchase.
