September 11, 2008 16:13

Yes recruit tribute band singer for shows

Band have signed up an 'understudy' to replace ill Jon Anderson

Yes have recruited a tribute singer to stand in for their usual singer, Jon Anderson, while he is ill.

Anderson is resting on doctor's orders after suffering from respiratory failure in June.

The band had cancelled their forthcoming tour as a result of the illness, with the jaunt originally set to begin in Ontario, Canada, on November 4, but they have since resurrected the dates after calling on Montreal-based tribute singer Benoit David to stand in for Anderson.

Benoit, who fronts tribute band Close To The Edge, was contact by Yes bassist Chris Squire after he saw videos of David performing online.

"You can't ever really replace Jon Anderson," Squire told BBC News. "We look upon his replacement as more of an understudy."

See footage of Benoit David performing with Close To The Edge by clicking on the video below.