Jay Schellen to step in for Alan White for Yes on USA tour

[Dan Roth]

Posted by Alan White today:

MESSAGE FROM ALAN WHITE

After enduring intense back pain which began halfway through YES' spring European tour, and working with European and American doctors, spinal specialists, exploring optional treatments, I've had no choice but to undergo surgery to repair an injured disc in my lower back. I'm pleased to announce a very positive result from this procedure, which took place in Seattle.

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.

Until I'm able to rejoin the tour, my good friend Jay Schellen will be performing with the band and keeping my drum stool warm. Please welcome him to our YES family; 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.

Please know that I'll be back as soon as physically possible and looking forward to taking my place on stage with the band.

Thanks for all your well wishes and support.
Sincerely,
Alan White


I think most here would recognize Schellen's name. His prior Yes connections: He has worked with Chris Squire and Billy Sherwood in Conspiracy; Sherwood again in World Trade and Circa: and he has worked with Geoff Downes in Asia on their Silent Nation album. Interestingly - thanks to Wikipedia - he also worked with two of the Yes founders previously: "Jay broke into the LA session scene and played local stages with former Yes guitarist Peter Banks' band and National arenas with Danny Johnson and The Bandits supporting ZZ Top. In 1982, Schellen was invited to join English pop band Badfinger joining Tommy Evans, Joey Molland, Glen Sherba and Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye."

[calyx]

Tour re-billed as "An evening of Yes music featuring members of Asia, World Trade, Circa: and Glass Hammer with special guest Steve Howe" ;-)

[Sean]

Sorry to hear the news... Get well soon Alan!

[Jay.Dee]

http://www.progressiveears.org/forum...len#post416299

[moecurlythanu]

They're advertising their gig at the Ohio State Fair extensively on the radio.

[Dan Roth]

http://www.progressiveears.org/forum...len#post416299

haha - you are a seer.

[Facelift]

Steve Howe and the Whos

[Paulrus]

Something like this could be the beginning of the end of Alan's tenure with Yes (or as a drummer in general). It's no secret that he's lost more than a little of his former prowess and many have been wondering if Yes might be better served by having a younger, more energetic musician back there. But Jay Schellen probably isn't a name at the top of most people's list.

Also, the current incarnation derives its legitimacy from the fact that the majority of its members have been with the band for some time. How ironic that on those terms that legitimacy will pass to the ARW camp, at least until Alan returns.

Hey, it's Yes. Of course there's drama!

[Rand Kelly]

I've always said that Yes isn't about bodies. It is all about a collective state of mind as to what Yes is and does. Their music is like no other and will stand the test of time in the same way the Classical Music has for hundreds of years. Like Rick Wakeman said in the YesYears video from 1991," There will always be a Yes long after we're all dead and gone. " I am going to Reno which is the second to the last show I believe, I truly do wish Alan to recover in time for the tour,but a part of me is curious to see Jay as well.

[dpt3]

Yeah, it wouldn't surprise me if Alan doesn't remain with the band much longer. It's also worth remembering that he probably felt Chris's loss more than anyone. Schellen is definitely not who I would've picked as a replacement (and he's only about a decade younger than Alan, so he really doesn't even gain much on that score!).

[bondegezou]

Something like this could be the beginning of the end of Alan's tenure with Yes (or as a drummer in general). It's no secret that he's lost more than a little of his former prowess and many have been wondering if Yes might be better served by having a younger, more energetic musician back there. But Jay Schellen probably isn't a name at the top of most people's list.

Who knows what might happen in the future, but White's message is clear that this is only a temporary thing while he gets over surgery. Given a bit of time, pretty much a full recovery is probable from this kind of problem.

What we don't know is when he had the surgery. The European tour didn't finish until 1 June, so surgery before mid-June seems unlikely. What are recovery times like? At least 6 weeks, I'd guess. He might not make much of this tour leg, but should be fine for Japan later in the year.

As for Schellen, he's often been talked about as a possible next Yes drummer. He's an obvious choice for a last minute replacement. He's worked with Sherwood and Downes: tons with Sherwood. He's played some Yes pieces before. I think he'll do a solid job.

Henry

PS: Although my choice for next permanent Yes drummer remains Dylan Howe... I wonder if they asked him about this gig?

[the winter tree]

I think Schellen is an excellent drummer and will play the songs in the correct tempo.

[dpt3]

PS: Although my choice for next permanent Yes drummer remains Dylan Howe...

He'd be my top pick as well.

[zumacraig]

I've always said that Yes isn't about bodies. It is all about a collective state of mind as to what Yes is and does. Their music is like no other and will stand the test of time in the same way the Classical Music has for hundreds of years. Like Rick Wakeman said in the YesYears video from 1991," There will always be a Yes long after we're all dead and gone. " I am going to Reno which is the second to the last show I believe, I truly do wish Alan to recover in time for the tour,but a part of me is curious to see Jay as well.

Right. It'll be interesting to see what happens. I assume the guitarist to replace Howe will be that dude who played on Union and is in Circa(?)

It is absolutely fascinating how classic rock has stood the test of time while much of the music post 1979(?) has come and gone. Only a handful of bands in the 80s, 90s, 00s have longevity. Classic rock will live on in replacement members and tribute bands.

[Scott Bails]

Given the way this year has been going, I was very happy to read that it was "only" back surgery that was sidelining Alan. I had fears that it was something much worse.

[Paulrus]

As for Schellen, he's often been talked about as a possible next Yes drummer. He's an obvious choice for a last minute replacement. He's worked with Sherwood and Downes: tons with Sherwood. He's played some Yes pieces before. I think he'll do a solid job.

Henry

PS: Although my choice for next permanent Yes drummer remains Dylan Howe... I wonder if they asked him about this gig?

Schellen is a natural choice given his time spent as co-rhythm section with Billy. From that standpoint this could work out great. And I'm sure glad it's him instead of someone like Taylor Hawkins or Mike Portnoy! But yeah, Dylan Howe would bring back some much needed jazz sensibility. I'm just not sure how well he'd mesh with a rocker like Billy.

[profusion]

Best wishes to Alan. Back surgery is no joke, but I know that recovery from these types of surgeries is much quicker and more complete now. He's probably been playing in some pain for years; he has certainly looked stiff and uncomfortable behind the kit in the more recent performances and videos I've seen. Hopefully this surgery helps him out.

[Akustika]

Right. It'll be interesting to see what happens. I assume the guitarist to replace Howe will be that dude who played on Union and is in Circa(?)

It's good to hear that Alan's surgery went well. But I have to admit, I too am curious to hear Yes with a different drummer. Other than Dylan Howe, was there another drummer 'expected' to take the mantle??

If Howe gets replaced by anyone other than Rabin (or a BIG merger of 2 bands occurs), I don't foresee this YES being able to sell many tickets without Howe...

[Frumious B]

Maybe ARW should try to poach White...

[Obscured]

If Howe gets replaced by anyone other than Rabin (or a BIG merger of 2 bands occurs), I don't foresee this YES being able to sell many tickets without Howe...

Hardly any tickets have been sold for their upcoming Westbury, Long Island show. This venue has always been packed in the past. I don't foresee any Yes without Jon & Rick selling tickets.
http://concerts.livenation.com/event..._US:736506:141

[N_Singh]

Henry

PS: Although my choice for next permanent Yes drummer remains Dylan Howe... I wonder if they asked him about this gig?

Dylan is far superior as a drummer and musician than any of these has-beens, including white. At this point, I would pay to go see his Bowie tribute band or even the Steve howe trio rather than yes

[BravadoNJ]

Steve Howe & The Replacements

[JKL2000]

Maybe ARW should try to poach White...

The Abandoned by Yes for Medical Reasons tour.

Does CTTE 2017 count as part of the USA tour?

[JKL2000]

I've always said that Yes isn't about bodies. It is all about a collective state of mind as to what Yes is and does. Their music is like no other and will stand the test of time in the same way the Classical Music has for hundreds of years. Like Rick Wakeman said in the YesYears video from 1991," There will always be a Yes long after we're all dead and gone. " I am going to Reno which is the second to the last show I believe, I truly do wish Alan to recover in time for the tour,but a part of me is curious to see Jay as well.

As someone who's only seen Yes a couple of times anyway, I agree with this. Yes, if you've seen the classic lineup loads of times I can understand being disappointed, but for me it's fine.

[Splicer]

I would assume there is a point in the lives of all drummers when they just can't do it anymore.