Yes is the latest band to scrap its live performances in the wake of the growing concern over the Coronavirus outbreak. Best Classic Bands reported the band would not be performing on its “Cruise To The Edge,” which is scheduled to depart Miami on March 27th and return to shore on April 1st. The cruise will still run with such high profile guests as former-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, Marillion, Saga, King’s X, among many others acts. So far, the band's upcoming European tour is still good to go.
Yes has also cancelled its joint shows with the Alan Parsons Project for March 19th in North Charleston, SC; March 22nd in Clearwater, FL; March 24th in Jacksonville, FL; and March 25th in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Guitarist Steve Howe said ins a statement:
Although Yes performs with the spirit that 'the show must go on,' we’ve reached the point where various factors require us to cancel our forthcoming U.S. dates and cancel our appearances on the 7th Cruise To The Edge. We are full of regret, as we’ve been preparing for these shows with maximum excitement. Running a relatively large show aided by our 12-piece crew and full production requires insurance coverage, which is currently unavailable to us for a variety of reasons beyond our control. Mostly, we always hope to deliver a great show, creating a good experience for music fans and bringing joy to all. It’s become impossible to predict what will happen in the near future, but we look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Drummer Alan White said in part:
(My wife) Gigi and I have very close personal friends and family members who booked to join us for this trip so we are all extremely disappointed. It is unfortunate timing for everyone. We sincerely hope that all involved will realize the last thing the band ever wants to do is to let down their audiences. We believe it is a prudent decision based on many variables and external factors.