Yes postpones Relayer Tour 2023 (again) – Progwereld

Incredibly, just days after the cancellation of Camel’s tour, another prog rock mastodon comes with a similar message. Yes has again decided to postpone its UK and European Relayer Tour 2023, this time to 2024. A press release from the band’s management refers to problems with insuring the various risks, but this can also be translated into problems with ticket sales and, in particular, the level of admission prices. The show that would take place in the Eventim Apollo in London will be canceled anyway, a new date is being sought for the other shows, tickets remain valid. Extremely disappointing for fans of these British legends, especially since the original tour was supposed to take place in 2020. Apparently there is no blessing on the tour of Steve Howe and followers. The full press release reads as follows:

It is with immense regret that, due to unexpected circumstances beyond the band’s control, Yes has made the decision to postpone their 2023 European and UK Relayer tour.

Yes and their management have explored all possible avenues to arrange insurance coverage for the tour in the event of any COVID-related waiver or exclusion due to acts of war. The insurance industry has withdrawn all similar insurance policies that enabled touring before COVID and before the conflict in Ukraine.

There are always calculated risk assessments to consider when touring and Yes has flawlessly paid a premium to hedge against terrorism in addition to conventional cancellation risks. With a view to supporting venues and crew, Yes toured the UK in 2022, but the band just can’t undertake such a large-scale tour with so many risks of being uninsured.

Insurance coverage was promised for events in 2023, but it has now been withdrawn to 2024, with confirmations of a return to ‘normal’ in ’24 following protests by the insurance industry to reassess its stance on COVID and war coverage. Some bands can mitigate these risks, but Yes’s touring model creates unjustifiable levels of risk.

Yes’ Eventim Apollo (London) show in 2023 is canceled and tickets will be refunded. Remaining tour dates will be moved to 2024 and new dates announced soon – all tickets remain valid. Yes would like to express its sincere regret to its loyal fans and ask for their understanding. The band has now received the necessary certainties for 2024 and is committed to going on stage then.

https://www.yesworld.com/live/