Yes singer Benoit David thought he was on sick leave from the band until he learned otherwise from Chris Squire’s Noise11.com interview.
Chris Squire with Yes
In a statement, David confirmed his ill health and that under doctor’s orders had to pull out of the upcoming Australia, New Zealand and Japan tour. “Following this extremely disappointing diagnosis, I had no alternative but to inform my fellow band members that I was unable to confirm my availability,” the statement read. “The band members were all very understanding and asked if I would mind being replaced for the April shows. I immediately agreed”.
He then goes on to say, “I subsequently learnt, from a band member’s interview, that I had officially left Yes and that my departure was permanent.”
On February 8, founding member Chris Squire told Noise11.com, “Jon Davison is coming in because of Benoit’s departure. I always hope that when there is a member change that it will be a permanent thing.” When asked if David had left the band Squire replied, “Yes, he has officially left Yes.”
Benoit David thanked the band in his statement saying, “Everyone should know that I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity I was given and very proud to have contributed to more than 200 concerts and to the ‘Fly From Here’ and ‘In The Present Live From Lyon’ albums. I would like to express my appreciation for the support I was given by each member of the band, the fantastic crew, the management and everyone else involved during my time as vocalist for the band.”
Noise11.com and Chugg Entertainment are presenting Yes live in Australia in April, 2012.
Dates are:
April 5, 2012, Perth, Riverside Theatre
April 11, 2012, Melbourne, Palais Theatre
April 13, 2012, Sydney, State Theatre
Yes will also perform a Bluesfest of April 9.
