Yes Postpone European Tour After Guitarist Steve Howe Requires Hospitalization for an ‘Essential Operation’
Photo by Giorgio Bellinzas, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Progressive rock band Yes has postponed its planned European tour after guitarist Steve Howe was hospitalized ahead of a required medical procedure. The announcement came just weeks before the start of the band’s Fragile tour, leaving fans across the United Kingdom and Europe waiting for new dates. Howe, now 78, remains the longest-serving member of the group and continues to guide its sound decades after the band first rose to global fame.
Taking to social media on Thursday, April 2, the band confirmed the delay and explained that the decision was made for Howe’s health. The statement read: “The upcoming YES ‘Fragile’ UK and EU Tour, due to commence on 22nd April, has had to be postponed as guitarist Steve Howe requires an essential operation that requires recovery time,” the band would write on social media. “This decision has been made to ensure that Steve can return to the stage in full health and deliver the performances that fans deserve. We are working hard to reschedule the UK and EU shows to a later date, with full details to be announced after Easter. Please retain your tickets as they will be valid for the rescheduled dates.” The post also thanked fans for their “continued support.”
Tour Postponement Announcement
Yes released its fourth studio album, Fragile, in November 1971 during a fast creative period that produced three albums within sixteen months. The record introduced a mix of long compositions and shorter solo pieces from each member. Songs such as ‘Roundabout’, ‘Long Distance Runaround’, and ‘Mood For A Day’ helped the album gain strong radio play and lasting recognition among progressive rock listeners.
Decades later, ‘Roundabout’ reached a new audience when it appeared in the anime Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, where its ending segment became closely linked with the show’s closing scenes. Clips using the song spread widely online, especially on TikTok, introducing younger fans to Yes and renewing interest in the band’s early catalog.
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Fragile Era and Lasting Influence
Among the musicians who recorded Fragile, Howe is now the only active member still performing under the Yes name. Drummer Bill Bruford departed in 1992, while vocalist Jon Anderson and keyboardist Rick Wakeman left in 2004. Bassist Chris Squire remained a central figure until his death in 2015, marking a major loss for longtime followers of the group.
In 2017, several former members reunited with Howe for Yes’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Anderson and Wakeman returned for the ceremony, while Rush bassist Geddy Lee stepped in to perform ‘Roundabout’ in place of Squire. Drummer Alan White also played during the event, even as Bruford attended but chose not to join the performance with his former bandmates as fans watched the reunion with deep appreciation worldwide together.
