Yes drummer Alan White in urgent back surgery

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Alan White has been forced to take time away from Yes after undergoing urgent back surgery - but vows to return to action soon

Yes
White, second right, with Yes

Yes drummer Alan White has been forced to take time away from the band’s current tour after undergoing urgent back surgery.

He was diagnosed with a damaged disc after seeking attention for an “intense pain” that began while they were on the road in Europe earlier this year.

During his recovery from the procedure, which took place in Seattle, Washington, he’ll be replaced by stand-in Jay Schellen, who’s previously played with Asia.

White says in a statement: “After working with European and American doctors, spinal specialists, exploring optional treatments, I’ve had no choice but to undergo surgery.

“I’m pleased to announce a very positive result from this procedure. With some rest and physical therapy, I should be back in good form and ready to rejoin the 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.”

He says of Schellen: “Please welcome him to our Yes family. He’s doing a great service by stepping in last-minute, so as to not disappoint everyone.”

White says he’ll return to work “as soon as physically possible” and adds his thanks for fans for their support.

Yes’ tour continues across North America on July 25, with Billy Sherwood in place of late bassist Chris Squire. The shows include performances of their albums Drama and sides 1 and 4 of Tales From Topographic Oceans. Two of their recent UK gigs included guest appearances from former member Trevor Horn.

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Tour Dates

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Monday, July 25, 2016 at 7:30PMAmerican Music TheatreLancaster, United States
Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 7:00PMCeleste CenterColumbus, United States
Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 7:30PMHard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park Hard Rock LiveNorthfield, United States
Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 8:00PMTropicana ShowroomAtlantic City, United States
Sunday, July 31, 2016 at 7:00PMSands Bethlehem Event CenterBethlehem, United States
Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 6:30PMArtpark MainstageLewiston, United States
Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 8:00PMLynn AuditoriumLynn, United States
Friday, August 5, 2016 at 8:00PMTOYOTA OAKDALE THEATREWallingford, United States
Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 8:00PMNYCB Theatre at WestburyWestbury, United States
Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 8:00PMSt. George TheatreStaten Island, United States
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 8:00PMBergen Performing Arts CenterEnglewood, United States
Friday, August 12, 2016 at 8:00PMCapitol Theatre-NYPort Chester, United States
Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 7:00PMMayo Performing Arts CenterMorristown, United States
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 8:00PMHart Theatre at the EggAlbany, United States
Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 8:00PMWarner TheatreWashington, United States
Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 8:00PMCarnegie Library Music Hall of HomesteadPittsburgh, United States
Friday, August 19, 2016 at 8:00PMFreedom Hill AmphitheatreSterling Heights, United States
Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 8:00PMCopernicus CenterChicago, United States
Sunday, August 21, 2016 at 8:00PMRiverside TheatreMilwaukee, United States
Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 8:00PMParamount Theatre-ColoradoDenver, United States
Friday, August 26, 2016 at 8:00PMGrove of AnaheimAnaheim, United States
Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 8:00PMDowntown Las Vegas Events CenterLas Vegas, United States
Sunday, August 28, 2016 at 8:00PMArlington TheatreSanta Barbara, United States
Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 8:00PMOrpheum TheatreLos Angeles, United States
Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 7:30PMMountain WinerySaratoga, United States
Friday, September 2, 2016 at 8:00PMSilver Legacy CasinoReno, United States
Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 8:00PMVina Robles AmphitheatrePaso Robles, United States
Sunday, September 4, 2016 at 7:30PMHumphreys Concerts By the BaySan Diego, United States

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Martin Kielty
Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.