"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," writes drummer Alan White. "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." 

Yes recently announced their 2016 US summer touring plans. Billed as The Album Series: Drama + Topographic 1 & 4, the tour will feature the 1980 album Drama performed in its entirety, for the first time ever, and sides one and four of 1973's double album Tales From Topographic Oceans, plus a selection of their greatest hits.

Yes (and Asia) guitarist Steve Howe talks about the upcoming tour on a recent episode of One On One With Mitch Lafon.

“It's a lot more inventive than just playing “Roundabout” or “Heart Of The Sunrise” because we are actually playing the whole album. It's a kind of opportunity... A demonstration of what we do instead of saying, 'Here's the song you know best from the album'. We play the whole album and it gives you a chance to experience things that sometimes have never been onstage like “Run Through The Night”.”

Tune in to One On One With Mitch Lafon below:

US tour dates:

July
27 - Columbus, OH - Ohio State Fair
30 - Atlantic City, NJ - Tropicana
31 - Bethlehem, PA - Sands Event Center

August
2 - Lewiston, NY - Artpark
4 - Lynn, MA - Lynn Auditorium
5 - Wallingford, CT - Oakdale Theatre
6 - Westbury, NY - Theatre at Westbury
9 - Staten Island, NY - St. George Theatre
10 - Englewood, NJ - Bergen Performing Arts Center
12 - Port Chester, NY - The Capitol Theater
13 - Morristown, NJ - Morristown Performing Arts Center
16 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
17 - Munhall, PA - Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall
19 - Sterling Heights, MI - Freedom Hill Amphitheatre
20 - Chicago, IL - Copernicus Center
21 - Milwaukee, WI - Pabst Theater
24 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre
26 - Anaheim, CA - The Grove
27 - Las Vegas, NV - Las Vegas Events Center
28 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theatre
30 - Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theater
31 - Saratoga, CA - The Mountain Winery

September
2 - Reno, NV - Silver Legacy Casino
3 - Paso Robles, CA - Vina Robles Winery
4 - San Diego, CA - Humphrey's

(Photo courtesy of Jerry and Lois Photography)