Jon Anderson to Perform with Yes at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Jon Anderson has confirmed an appearance on stage with his former Yes band mates during next month’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, along with a very special guest. He also tells Billboard that Rush‘s Geddy Lee will sub for late Yes co-founder Chris Squire for their performance of “Roundabout.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation later issued a statement clarifying Lee’s role. “Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson were only confirmed to do the induction speech for one of their favorite bands and not perform,” the hall. “They, like all the other Yes fans, look forward to honoring them and watching them perform at the induction ceremony on April 7 and the HBO broadcast on April 29.”

Anderson joins current members Steve Howe and Alan White, along with other alumni including Bill Bruford, Tony Kaye, Trevor Rabin, Squire and Rick Wakeman, in Yes’ official induction class. This lineup toured together behind 1991’s Union album, but Anderson hasn’t fronted the band since an acrimonious 2008 split.

“It’s a family; there’s always animosity,” Anderson says. “People that you love you don’t always like, and there’s always going to be that. But when you’re celebrating who you truly are, you forget about all that and just get on with meeting each other and seeing each other, and it’s just one of those things. It’s not a problem; We’ll just get together and have fun. Music is a healing force on every level.”

Squire, Yes’ only consistent member, died in 2015. He will be represented by his widow.

“He always believed that we should have been in the Hall of Fame,” Anderson adds. “It wasn’t high on my agenda. ‘It happens when it happens’ was my mantra. But we know Chris will be there in spirit, in energy. I loved the guy very much. Without him I wouldn’t be here, that’s for sure. And I can’t believe it’s nearly 50 years ago when me and Chris started the band. You think you’re gonna be together two, three years maybe, if you’re lucky, and here we are. Yes’ music is still surviving.”

Lee, a long-time Yes advocate, has already been announced as the band’s inductor on April 7 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Anderson also said two other Yes songs are under consideration for performance that night, “I’ve Seen All Good People” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” the band’s lone No. 1 single. He is currently on tour with Anderson Rabin Wakeman, with shows beginning this month in the U.K. and Europe.