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John Anderson

Hoeing orange trees was less than ideal, and so John Anderson took a gig as a plumber’s helper. The pay was alright and the work was steady, but music pulled at Anderson’s 17-year-old heart, and you had to be 21 to play, sing, or drink in Central Florida honky-tonks. Anderson left his home — a magical kingdom until Walt Disney put Cinderella’s Castle on the land that God meant for fathers and sons to hunt turkeys together — and headed 700 miles northwest, to Nashville.

It was the summer of 1972, when songwriting legends walked the streets and pounded the pinball machines. Anderson wanted in, even if it meant living on wages that didn’t provide for essentials like bait and shotgun shells. He took a job as a construction laborer, working on a newfangled building called the Grand Ole Opry House.

Not long after taking the job, he got a raise: They raised him up to the roof, where he thought about how the Nashville wind blows cold and where he stared down at a big, deep hole, with rebars sticking up. That hole would soon become a stage, and that stage was where Anderson wanted to be.

Turns out, he made it. It was holy hell, but he made it to the Opry stage and far beyond. He made it with a voice that was traditional enough to make Emmylou Harris wonder if Anderson might be a distant relative of Lefty Frizzell, yet that was, and is, instantly identifiable. He made it with original music that landed him in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and with radio hits including chart-toppers “Swingin,’” “Straight Tequila Night,” “Wild and Blue,” “Black Sheep,” and “Money in the Bank.”

Before Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, and Randy Travis were household names, John Anderson was Nashville’s young and hard-charging traditionalist, devoted to extending the legacies forged by Haggard, Jones, and Cash, and loathe to compromise when he knew he was right. And, when it came to making music, he knew he was right.

“Back then, it seemed like there wasn’t a whole lot of real country music, the way I think of it,” Harris said. “Then along came John Anderson: John was doing this, and he was all by himself.”

Anderson signed with Warner Bros. in 1976, and set about making music that would gain notice from legends. Haggard heard him early on, and invited him on the bus for a heart-to-heart.

“He said his guitar player, Roy Nichols, brought him a 45 of ‘Your Lying Blue Eyes,’ Anderson remembers. “He said, ‘I’ve loved you ever since.’ But then he looked me in the eye and said, ‘Do you love this, son?’ ‘Yessir, I really do.’ No, do you really, really love it.’ I said, ‘Yessir. Hell, I’m talking to Merle Haggard and I can’t really stand myself right now, but I really love it.’ We went on to to 40 years of being buddies, Me and Merle.”

At the time “Your Lying Blue Eyes” came out, Anderson was playing with house bands around the South. The song became his first Top 20 hit, and soon the name “John Anderson” on a roadside club sign was enough to fill up a parking lot with Trans Ams and pickup trucks. A string of hits ensued, with “1959,” “Chicken Truck,” “I Just Came Home To Count the Memories” and “Would You Catch a Falling Star” leading up to his breakthrough, the John Scott Sherrill-penned “Wild and Blue.” That song was the title track of an album that included Anderson’s first million-selling single, “Swingin,’” written with old friend and running partner Lionel Delmore.

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John Anderson tour dates 2024

John Anderson is currently touring across 1 country and has 4 upcoming concerts.

Their next tour date is at Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville, after that they'll be at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center in Shipshewana.

Currently touring across

Upcoming concerts (4) See nearest concert

Niswonger Performing Arts Center

Blue Gate Performing Arts Center

Brown County Music Center

Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts

Past concerts

Fredricks Outdoors

Effingham Performance Center

Toyota Field

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Recent tour reviews

John and his accompanying guitar/dobro player did a great job. He acts like he loves his craft. We have been wanting to see him for many years and finally got our chance. He did not disappoint. Some of the crowd had too much adult beverages and made a spectacle of themselves, though.

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One of the Greatest! Can't wait until the next concert close to home.such talent from a Humble man.John is country music and he is saving Real Country. He sings what country folks live each day.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee John Anderson has worked hard to build the reputation he now attains. Beginning his career in the late 70s out of Florida, he has gone on to release a string of hits and is now revered in the country music world by contemporaries and fans alike.

At the age of 60, a lesser passionate musician may have hung up their guitar and relaxed into a retirement to look back and consider the successes of their former career. This is not the case for John, he is hugely enthusiastic about his music and still plays with the same passion as when he was first trying to break onto the circuit almost four decades ago. The fans offer a similarly enthusiastic response to the hits including 'Wild & Blue' and 'Swinging' which are sang back loudly and feet stomp and shake the room. Anderson enjoys this reaction and raises his hands in applause following the finale of 'Straight Tequila Night' as the audience roars in delight.

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John Anderson

John anderson tour dates 2024.

• May 10, 2024 - Oct 6, 2024

John Anderson is an iconic figure in the world of country music, renowned for his distinctive vocal style and enduring hits. ConcertFix is thrilled to celebrate an artist of such caliber, whose career has spanned over four decades, earning him the admiration of both fans and critics alike. Anderson's discography is rich with chart-topping hits like "Swingin'," "Straight Tequila Night," and "Seminole Wind," demonstrating his ability to capture the heart and soul of country music. His performances are characterized by a blend of traditional country sounds and heartfelt storytelling, making each concert a unique experience. Anderson's passion for music is palpable in every note he sings, and his dedication to his craft is inspiring. ConcertFix is honored to provide fans with up-to-date information on John Anderson's upcoming performances, ensuring they won't miss an opportunity to see this legendary artist live on stage.

John Anderson Concert Schedule

About john anderson tour albums.

John Anderson arrived on the Pop / Rock scene with the appearance of the album 'John Anderson' published on November 30, 1979. The song 'She Just Started Liking Cheatin' Songs' quickly became a success and made John Anderson one of the fastest growing talents at that time. Since then, John Anderson came out with the hugely famous album 'Greatest Hits' which contains some of the most famous music from the John Anderson discography. 'Greatest Hits' features the song 'She Just Started Liking Cheatin' Songs' which has made itself the most recognized for fans to experience during the shows. Besides 'She Just Started Liking Cheatin' Songs' , most of other songs from 'Greatest Hits' have also become recognized as a result. Some of John Anderson's most famous tour albums and songs are provided below. After 37 years since the release of 'John Anderson' and making a true impact in the industry, followers consistently gather to hear John Anderson appear live to perform tracks from the full collection.

John Anderson Tour Albums and Songs

John Anderson: Greatest Hits

• I Just Came Home to ...
• She Just Started Lik...
• Chicken Truck
• I'm Just An Old Chun...
• Would You Catch a Fa...
• Wild and Blue
• Your Lying Blue Eyes
• Black Sheep

John Anderson: Seminole Wind

• Who Got Our Love
• Straight Tequila Night
• Let Go Of The Stone
• Steamy Windows
• Cold Day In Hell
• When It Comes To You
• Seminole Wind

John Anderson: Ultimate John Anderson

• I've Got It Made
• Money In The Bank
• When It Come To You
• Bend It 'Til It Breaks
• Old Chunk Of Coal

John Anderson: Solid Ground

• I Fell In The Water
• Bad Love Gone Good
• All Things To All Th...
• Where I Come From
• I Wish I Could Have ...
• Nashville Tears
• Can't Get Away From You
• Solid Ground

John Anderson: All The People Are Talkin'

• All The People Are T...
• Blue Lights And Bubbles
• Haunted House
• Look What Followed M...
• Let Somebody Else Drive
• An Occasional Eagle
• Things Ain't Been Th...

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John Anderson Tour Dates and Upcoming Concerts

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‘hey girl’: the small faces think big with their first self-written hit, ‘long live rock ‘n’ roll’ album: long live rainbow in uk top ten, ‘the colour in anything’: how james blake found his futuristic soul, ‘the single factor’: a camel classic that wears its years lightly, ‘zappa in new york’: frank zappa plays new york, and wins, ‘electriclarryland’: how the butthole surfers scored an unlikely hit, aaron parks’ acclaimed ‘invisible cinema’ set to make vinyl debut, lana del rey announces first ever u.s. stadium headline show, loyle carner announces ‘hugo’ reimagined from the royal albert hall, petey returns with new single ‘the river’ ahead of acoustic ep, imagine dragons team up with j balvin for new version of ‘eyes closed’, shania twain announces vinyl release ‘greatest hits summer tour edition 2024’, alis huws, the official royal harpist, signs with decca classics, john anderson to jump on board outlaw country cruise 7 in 2023.

The Norwegian Pearl will sail from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico.

Published on

Country great John Anderson has been added to the line-up for Outlaw Country Cruise 7, which sets sail from February 21-27 next year. Organized by Stevie Van Zandt’s Renegade Circus and Sixthman, the Norwegian Pearl sails from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico, offering six nights of rock-edged country. Tickets are on sale now.

Anderson’s addition to the cruise follows the release last week by Easy Eye Sound of Something Borrowed, Something New: A Tribute to John Anderson . He will be honored with an all-star concert in the Norwegian Pearl’s Stardust Theater.

Texas honky tonk favorite Joshua Ray Walker is also new in the line-up, which features the notable return of Tex-Mex rock‘n’roller Joe King Carrasco with none other than Sir Douglas Quintet and Texas Tornados co-founder Augie Meyers. Previously announced attractions include the Mavericks, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Old 97’s, Kathleen Edwards, Carlene Carter, Linda Gail Lewis, Bill Kirchen, Elizabeth Cook, the Waco Brothers, Supersuckers, and more.

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‘traveller’: chris stapleton’s grown-up country music for the 21st century, ‘white lightning’: country hero george jones pops onto the hot 100.

The Norwegian Pearl offers five unique venues which will stage an array of special performances, unique collaborations, exclusive tribute shows, and recordings of SiriusXM Sessions at Sea, hosted by artists and SiriusXM Outlaw Country DJs Steve Earle, Elizabeth Cook, and Mojo Nixon.

Organizers promise that the seventh Outlaw Country Cruise will be “the most exhilarating cruise vacation ever.” Also on board are a Pool Deck with multiple hot tubs, the Pearl Club Casino, Mandara Spa, Body Waves Fitness Center, Sports Court, and more. There will also be shore excursions in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas and the island of Cozumel, Mexico.

Carena Liptak’s review of the Anderson tribute album for Holler notes: “Though each of these marquee artists lends their signature sound to their Anderson tribute performance, at no point does the song feel overwhelmed by the performer’s own stardom…it’s mainly due to some stellar song matchmaking by producer Dan Auerbach and his partner in the project, David “Fergie” Ferguson.

“Each artist was selected for the way their musicality overlaps with Anderson’s; as a whole, the diversity of the project is a tribute to his dynamic artistry.”

Buy or stream Something Borrowed, Something New: A Tribute to John Anderson .

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After nearly 50 years in country music, John Anderson is finally headlining the Ryman

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Believe or not, John Anderson spent nearly five decades in country music without headlining the historic Ryman Auditorium.

That streak ends Sunday.

Anderson — a crisp-voiced neotraditional hitmaker known for influential 1980s and '90s cuts like "Straight Tequila Night," "Swingin'" and "Seminole Wind" — steps inside the so-called Mother Church of Country Music this weekend for a night of acoustic strumming and throwback country storytelling. Tickets to the one-night Sunday show start at $39.50 before fees.

After playing a handful of outlaw country tribute concerts and popping backstage for occasional one-off appearances, Anderson described his overdue headlining debut as "personally, a special deal for me." It's a self-described full-circle moment for a singer-songwriter who cut his teeth inside Nashville clubs in the 1970s.

"The Ryman is one of my favorite places to perform, period," Anderson said last week via phone. He later added, "We don't play Nashville very much these days."

Anderson brings with him a songbook spanning from stand-alone singles released in the late 1970s to his 2020 Dan Auerbach-produced effort, "Years." A new generation of country favorites — including Luke Combs, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers and Eric Church — celebrated Anderson's ongoing influence by releasing a 2022 tribute album covering his collection of well-worn tunes. Along with "Seminole Wind" and "Straight Tequila Night," fans of nostalgic country songs likely recognize the 68-year-old Anderson for "Would You Catch A Falling Star," "Wild and Blue" and "Money In The Bank."

At the Ryman this weekend, show-goers can expect Anderson to play the hits; he can't get off stage without playing "Swingin'," after all. He'll also dig into a few songs from "Years," the retrospective 10-song effort he cut with Auerbach at Nashville's Easy Eye Sound.

Anderson began playing acoustic shows about five years ago, he said. A stripped-down performance alongside longtime bandmate Glenn Rieuf, no two gigs sound the same.

For Anderson, playing acoustic "puts the song under the spotlight," he said.

"I never do the same thing twice, but generally I'll tell a little story [before] this song or that one, just depending on how the night's going," Anderson said. "A big part of it is just the simplicity. ... just the song and very little production behind it."

As for if he'll enlist a surprise guest or two on stage Sunday night?

"This particular time, just because I've never been asked to do my own show at the Ryman," Anderson said, "I told Glenn going in, 'We better keep this one to ourselves and hope we do good.'"

John Anderson in Nashville

Where: Ryman Auditorium, 116 Fifth Ave. N.

When: Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Tickets start at 39.50 before fees

More information: ryman.com

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: For the first time in his career, John Anderson is headlining the Ryman

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John Anderson Announces Upcoming North American Tour Dates

John Anderson Announces Upcoming North American Tour Dates  

• John Anderson

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After Nearly Dying, John Anderson Adds ‘Years’ to His Life

Over the past few years, country crooner John Anderson’s inimitable voice escaped him after suffering health issues and brushes with death. Through the creation of his new album, Years , he found it again.

In the album’s opening song, he opines, “There were people placing bets that I’d be dead and gone/But I’m still hanging on.” Although he does not disclose details, he does concede that the illness affected his hearing and, in his words, “I had nearly died a couple of times.” Listening through the album produced by Dan Auerbach and David Ferguson, it is clear that now Anderson is doing more than just hanging on; he’s creatively thriving. He tells BGS what it was like getting back in the studio, how he’s spending his time amidst the pandemic, and his feelings about making music these days.

BGS: Tell me a little bit about how Dan Auerbach came into your life.

Anderson: Actually we were introduced through a mutual friend by the name of Jeremy Tepper. He does a lot of work for Sirius/XM Radio. We’ve been friends a long time and he called me one morning and said, “I was with this guy the other day and we were talking about you and I would really like you to get together.” I said, “Well sure, I’m really not doing much these days.”

He asked if he could give Dan my number and I said, “By all means, give it to him!” The next day or so I got a call from Dan and we ended up setting up a meeting to get together and talk. Originally mainly just to talk about writing some songs together. At the time he was busy producing some other acts. I thought they might need some material and I thought I might help them write some.

What was your writing process like for this record? I’ve read you had some surprise co-creators on this one. What was that like?

We did. It was great. Looking back, I have to thank Dan and Dave Ferguson (aka Fergie). They were both involved in setting up the writing appointments. As it turned out, I got to write not only with some heroes, but some great old friends. It was really a joy. Writing these songs was a real pleasure for me. And it was at a time when I really needed to do some writing and get some music out of me. I’d been sick for a couple of years and hadn’t been able to do much writing or performing. At this point, I was recovering and really wanting to get back into my music.

This was all really good for me as far as writing the songs. We wrote for a couple of days, then the recording part came up. I remember saying, “Boys, I don’t know. That’d be great, but I’m really not sure I can do it.” I think it was Fergie who said, “We think you can.” I looked at him real serious and said, “Really?” And they both nodded. There wasn’t a lot said. It was a pretty solemn time there. I remember saying, “Well, if I do it, I’m going to treat it like it is the last one I’ll ever do.” Just because I was in that frame of mind at the time, mostly due to physical health reasons.

What was the moment like when you stepped up to the mic for the first time?

For me, singing is really something I’ve, thank the Lord, never really had to think about it, when it is time to step up to the mic. I do spend a lot of time thinking about singing, mind you. Most of my life I’ve walked around humming a tune. And maybe humming it a different little way. But when it is time to go into the studio or when I step up to the mic, I’m kind of on autopilot. I’m mainly trying to deliver the song, whatever the song is.

That certainly comes across in your singing.

Well, thank you. I want it to be real, in every kind of way. I’ve been a real stickler for that through my career. Sometimes you pay a price for that and sometimes it doesn’t turn out as good as you thought. On the other hand, when it is all over you can be proud of doing your own thing.

When you had those songs together, what was the recording process like? Did you cut them all at once or piecemeal?

We went in like three or four days one week and then we took a little break. I don’t even think we took a week break. We cut Monday through Thursday it seems and then took the weekend off and showed back up Monday. We had about 20 songs to choose from that we’d written over the previous months. I’ll always recall that as a really good time in my life. It really helped me to heal up. Even to the point today, I almost forget I was ever sick.

That’s so great.

It’s a blessing, is was it is. It took a lot of praying to get it. And now I am, and have been, well enough long enough that now the music is back on autopilot. I just do it all the time.

There’s a heaviness on this record as it deals so pointedly with mortality. On the flip side, it explores the simple pleasures in life and these elements really balance the record. Can you tell us some of the simple pleasures you are finding in life in these strange times?

I kind of found them a bit earlier through the songs and doing this record in a time when yeah, I had nearly died a couple of times. So, mortality is certainly in some of these songs, as far as my influence on them. Now there again, I can’t take the credit for any single song on the record because we had a lot of great help writing them. But my influence is a lot about mortality and the part in the songs about being thankful. That was kind of where I was at the time.

And you know what? As far as the situation right now and playing shows. … That’s been probably the biggest part of my life ever outside of my family has been going and playing the music to the fans. That’s pretty much all I have dealt with for the last fifteen years. As I’ve not been actively in the recording business, my live shows are what mean the most to me. It is a little bit difficult not knowing if or when or how we’ll be playing again to crowds. That’s been on my mind.

On the other hand, I feel very blessed to still feel healthy and have a great outlook. I’m still trying to write and sing most every day and doing a lot of gardening work and doing a lot of fishing. Fishing and gardening is what I’ve been doing and trying to play with my grandchildren. You have to save up energy to go do that.

How did the collaboration with Blake Shelton come about?

Blake is an old friend. I was a fan of Blake’s when I first heard him and then come to find out, he’s told people I was one of his biggest inspirations. At the time, when we were recording this record, low and behold we got a call from Blake’s people asking if we’d be interested in going on tour with him. For me, I did have to cancel tours previously on account of my hearing was nearly gone at the time. I didn’t have a working band. I hadn’t been on the road in a while.

I told them I didn’t have all that together and they said it was just for a few songs a night and his band will back you up. I said, “Really? That’d be a real treat. That’s like chocolate cake.” So it did work out and about the time the tour worked out we were finishing some of the tracks on this record and I said, “I’d love it if Blake could come in and sing with me on this.” We asked him and he was very gracious and did. Not only that, he invited me on the tour the next year also. Blake Shelton is a true hero of mine at this point. The tour was called Heroes and Friends and he’ll always be one of my heroes.

Do you ever revisit your old records? With all you’ve been through, do you view those songs in a different light?

Oh, I do. And I have been lately. That’s part of what I’ve been doing in this solitary time. What’s really been going through my mind lately are some of the songs that I thought were just as good as anything that I had ever written but really nobody got to hear them. Maybe I have twenty of them. I’ve been thinking about going in. It’s strange that you’d mention old stuff, and I’m talking about even from the time I was a teenager. Just things that I might go in and work on. Mainly just to pull it together and have that piece of work together, those songs. I’m thinking about that lately.

Photo credit: Alysse Gafkjen

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Jon Anderson Announces “Yes Epics, Classics, and More” 2024 US Tour

The original Yes singer will be performing with his backing group the Band Geeks

Original Yes singer Jon Anderson has announced the 2024 “Yes Epics, Classics, and More” tour, featuring special guests The Return of Emerson, Lake & Palmer on select dates.

The US outing currently consists of two legs, one running from May 30th in New Brunswick, New Jersey to June 27th in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and the other taking place from July 21st in Patchogue, New York, until August 16th in Thousand Oaks, California. The Return of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, which features sole surviving member Carl Palmer, will provide support on five dates from late July through early August.

Tickets to select dates are set to go on sale via Ticketmaster and local venue websites. Fans can also check for deals or pick up tickets to sold-out shows via StubHub , where your purchase is 100% guaranteed through StubHub’s Fan Protect program.

Get Jon Anderson Tickets Here

The “Yes Epics, Classics, and More” tour features Anderson and his backing group the Band Geeks playing a full set of Yes favorites, including hits like “Roundabout” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”

In addition to the tour, Anderson is working on a new album with the Band Geeks, revealing in a press release that they are “putting the finishing touches on a brand new nine track CD set for release in late summer with a first single and video targeted for release in late June.”

A promotional video for the tour can be seen below, followed by the full list of dates. Pick up tickets here .

Jon Anderson 2024 Tour Dates: 05/30 – New Brunswick, NJ @ State Theatre 06/01 – Englewood, NJ @ Bergen PAC 06/03 – Rochester, NY @ Kodak Center Theatre 06/06 – Albany, NY @ Hart Theatre 06/08 – Hammondsport, NY @ Point of The Bluff Concert Pavilion 06/13 – Chicago, IL @ Copernicus 06/15 – St. Louis, MO @ TBA 06/18 – Greensburg, PA @ Palace Theater 06/20 – Hershey, PA @ Hershey Theatre 06/22 – Concord, NH @ Capitol Center for the Arts 06/25 – Boston, MA @ Shubert Theatre 06/27 – Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse 07/21 – Patchogue, NY @ Great South Bay Music Festival 07/24 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium * 07/27 – Peachtree City, GA @Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre 07/30 – Camdenton, MO @ Ozarks Amphitheater * 08/02 – Bonner Springs, KS @ Azura Amphitheater * 08/04 – La Vista, NE @ The Astro Outdoors * 08/07 – Waite Park, MN @ The Ledge Amphitheater * 08/10 – Denver, CO @ Paramount 08/14 – Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre 08/16 – Thousand Oaks, CA @ Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center

* = w/ The Return of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

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Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks Announce 2024 Tour Dates

Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks will hit the road this year for the Yes Epics, Classics and More tour.

The trek will begin May 30 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, followed by stops in cities like Chicago, Boston, Nashville, Denver and others.

A complete list of show dates is available below.

READ MORE:  The 10 Most Underrated Yes Songs

According to a press release, the tour will feature a variety of Yes classics from all stages of their career, but also "promises the introduction of new material" written by Anderson and the Band Geeks. The release also notes that they're gearing up to release a new nine-track CD in late summer, with the first single and video arriving in June.

"When I'm out there singing on my own, I still think I'm part of Yes," Anderson said to Mojo  earlier this year, noting that he's open to the possibility of a Yes reunion one day. "They still feel like my songs."

Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks, 2024 Tour Dates: May 30 - New Brunswick, NJ @ State Theatre June 1 - Saturday - Englewood, NJ @ Bergen PAC June 3- Monday - Rochester, NY @ Kodak Center Theatre June 6 - Thursday - Albany, NY @ Hart Theatre June 8 - Saturday - Hammondsport, NY @ Point of The Bluff Concert Pavilion June 13 - Thursday - Chicago, IL @ Copernicus June 15 - Saturday - St. Louis, MO June 18 - Tuesday - Greensburg, PA @ Palace Theater June 20 - Thursday - Hershey, PA @ Hershey Theatre June 22 - Saturday - Concord, NH @ Capitol Center for the Arts June 25 - Tuesday - Boston, MA @ Shubert Theatre June 27 - Thursday - Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse July 21 - Sunday - Patchogue, NY @ Great South Bay Music Festival July 24 - Wednesday - Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium* July 27 - Saturday - Peachtree City, GA @ Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre July 30 - Tuesday - Camdenton, MO @ Ozarks Amphitheater* Aug. 2 - Friday - Bonner Springs, KS @ Azura Amphitheater* Aug. 4 - Sunday - La Vista, NE @ The Astro Outdoors* Aug. 7 - Wednesday - Waite Park, MN @ The Ledge Amphitheater* Aug. 10 - Saturday - Denver, CO @ Paramount Aug. 14 - Wednesday - Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre Aug. 16 - Friday - Thousand Oaks, CA @ Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center *w/Special Guests The Return of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

2024 Rock Tour Preview

Gallery Credit: Corey Irwin

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JON ANDERSON and THE BAND GEEKS Announce First Two Legs of 2024 North American "YES EPICS, CLASSICS, AND MORE" Tour

UPDATE - New dates added for the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA. See below!

March 5th, 2024 - Following the overwhelming success of their 2023 tour, Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks today announce the first 22 shows of the 2024 "YES Epics, Classics, and More" tour. The tour begins on May 30th at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ. Like the 2023 tour, the set list will contain numerous YES songs from all stages of the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame career that feature Jon as their lead vocalist and songwriter. The tour also promises the introduction of new material created by Jon and The Band Geeks.

Jon and the Band Geeks are currently putting the finishing touches on a brand new nine track CD set for release in late summer with a first single and video targeted for release in late June. Tour dates are below.

Tour dates:

• 5/30/2024 - Thursday - New Brunswick, NJ - State Theatre
• 6/1/2024 - Saturday - Englewood, NJ - Bergen PAC
• 6/3/2024 - Monday - Rochester, NY - Kodak Center Theatre
• 6/6/2024 - Thursday - Albany, NY - Hart Theatre
• 6/8/2024 - Saturday - Hammondsport, NY - Point of The Bluff Concert Pavilion
• 6/13/2024 - Thursday - Chicago, IL - Copernicus
• 6/15/2024 - Saturday - St. Louis, MO
• 6/18/2024 - Tuesday - Greensburg, PA - Palace Theater
• 6/20/2024 - Thursday - Hershey, PA - Hershey Theatre
• 6/22/2024 - Saturday - Concord, NH - Capitol Center for the Arts
• 6/25/2024 - Tuesday - Boston, MA - Shubert Theatre
• 6/27/2024 - Thursday - Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse
• 7/21/2024 - Sunday - Patchogue, NY - Great South Bay Music Festival
• 7/24/2024 - Wednesday - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium*
• 7/27/2024 - Saturday - Peachtree City, GA - Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre
• 7/30/2024 - Tuesday - Camdenton, MO - Ozarks Amphitheater*
• 8/2/2024 - Friday - Bonner Springs, KS - Azura Amphitheater*
• 8/4/2024 - Sunday - La Vista, NE - The Astro Outdoors*
• 8/7/2024 - Wednesday - Waite Park, MN - The Ledge Amphitheater*
• 8/10/2024 - Saturday - Denver, CO - Paramount
• 8/14/2024 - Wednesday - Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre
• 8/16/2024 - Friday - Thousand Oaks, CA - Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center
• NEW! 9/13/2024 - Friday - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre
• NEW! 9/15/2024 - Sunday - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre
• * w/Special Guests The Return of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

For more information:

Website - http://jonandersonyesepicsandclassics.com/

Band Geek official website: https://richiecastellano.com/bandgeek/

Facebook - Jon Anderson YES Epics & Classics - https://www.facebook.com/jonandersonyesepicsandclassics/

Twitter - @JonYesEpic

Instagram - @jonandersonyesepicsandclassics

TikTok - @JonAndersonYESEpic

YouTube - Jon Anderson YES Epics & Classics - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIvSkw_3SAs1Yy2Ro68GzLw

Join Jon's Patreon and Gain Access To Unreleased Music and Videos, Live Events and More!

Hello to my fans and supporters! I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you as I create the next chapter of my life's work. After years of dealing with the runaround of big record labels, I have decided to partner with you, as those of you who enjoy my work have always been my greatest support and inspiration. There are many great projects I have been working on including lots of new music, paintings, a book, and short stories. Your patronage will allow me to continue my work and will offer you priceless access. Jon Anderson

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Jon Anderson Tour 2024: Exciting Concert Dates Revealed!

Jon Anderson’s 2024 tour is an eagerly anticipated event, offering fans a chance to experience the iconic musician live. From his early days with Yes to his prolific solo career, Jon Anderson continues to captivate audiences with his distinctive voice and timeless music.

As fans await the tour’s official schedule and locations, the opportunity to witness Jon Anderson’s performance promises to be an unforgettable experience. With a revered catalogue of hits and a reputation for engaging live shows, Jon Anderson’s 2024 tour is set to be a must-see for music enthusiasts worldwide.

Stay tuned for ticket sales and updates on this highly anticipated event.

The Return Of A Prog Rock Icon

Jon Anderson Tour 2024 will mark the long-awaited return of the legendary prog rock icon. Speculation has been rife before the official announcement, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his comeback. With the news of this upcoming tour, fans’ reactions have been overwhelming, showing their unwavering support for the iconic musician. The anticipation and excitement surrounding Jon Anderson’s return to the stage serve as a testament to his enduring influence and the enduring appeal of his music.

Venues And Dates Unveiled

The highly anticipated Jon Anderson Tour 2024 has finally unveiled its venues and dates . Key cities and premiere venues across the country have been selected to host this spectacular event. The opening night promises to be a special spotlight, offering an unforgettable experience for fans. Furthermore, notable collaborations and opening acts are set to add an extra layer of excitement to this tour. Stay tuned for an extraordinary musical journey that transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences from all walks of life.

Classics And Surprises

The Jon Anderson Tour 2024 promises a perfect blend of legendary hits and deep cuts . Fans can expect to revel in the classics while also anticipating new music debuts . With a focus on creating a balance between the familiar and the unexpected, Anderson’s tour is set to ignite the stage with an array of classics and surprises .

Credit: www.rollingstone.com

A Production Masterclass

Jon Anderson Tour 2024: Fans can expect a production masterclass when it comes to the upcoming tour. The stage design and thematic elements promise to create an immersive experience for concert-goers. Alongside this, the use of technology will play a significant role in enhancing performances, offering an innovative and captivating show. The attention to detail in the production aims to elevate the overall impact of the concert, making it a must-see event for fans of Jon Anderson.

Behind-the-scenes With Jon Anderson

Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the upcoming Jon Anderson Tour 2024. Insights from rehearsal sessions will give you a glimpse of the dedication and hard work put in by Jon and his band members. You’ll also get to hear from the band members and crew through exclusive interviews, providing a unique perspective on the preparation and excitement for the tour.

The Logistic Marvel

Don’t miss the Logistic Marvel of Jon Anderson’s 2024 tour. Catch him live and experience an unforgettable performance. Get your tickets now on Ticketmaster. com for a night of timeless music.

Frequently Asked Questions On Jon Anderson Tour 2024

Is jon anderson still performing.

Yes, Jon Anderson is still performing and continues to tour with his band. You can find his upcoming tour schedule and buy tickets on the official Ticketmaster website.

Why Doesn T Jon Anderson Tour With Yes?

Jon Anderson doesn’t tour with Yes due to creative and personal differences.

What Is The Classic Tales Of Yes Tour 2024?

The classic Tales of Yes tour 2024 is a legendary concert series by the band Yes.

Does John Anderson Still Tour?

Yes, John Anderson still tours. You can find his concert schedule and buy tickets on the official Ticketmaster website.

As we eagerly anticipate the Jon Anderson Tour 2024, fans can expect a mesmerizing experience that transcends time and genre. With the legendary Jon Anderson at the helm, each performance promises to be a nostalgic journey infused with his signature charisma and musical brilliance.

Stay tuned for an unforgettable musical odyssey!

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Yes Refuses To Reunite With Singer Jon Anderson. He’s OK With That

• By Andy Greene

Andy Greene

Jon Anderson started Yes in 1968 with bassist Chris Squire, and the prog rock band was at the center of his life for the next four decades through numerous permutations. But when illness forced him off the road after the group’s 2004 tour, Yes decided to hire a replacement vocalist and carry on without him. Anderson has been healthy and active for well over a decade, but the band — which now features Seventies guitarist Steve Howe, Drama -era keyboardist Geoff Downes, and hired guns — refuses to take him back.

That hasn’t stopped Anderson from bringing Yes music to concert stages all over the road. In 2016, he went out with fellow Yes alums Rick Wakeman and Trevor Rabin as ARW (later renamed Yes Featuring ARW), and last year he celebrated the 50th anniversary of Close to the Edge by playing the album straight through on tour with teenage musicians from the Paul Green Rock Academy .

We phoned up Anderson at his Central California home to talk about the Band Geeks tour, the deaths of Squire and drummer Alan White, his estrangement from Howe, his dim hopes for a Yes reunion, and his five-year plan for releasing new music.

How did you discover the Band Geeks? My good friend works at Sirius Radio. He got in touch and said, “I’m going to send you a video of this band.” I said, “Go for it.” They were performing “Heart of the Sunrise.” I went, “Wow. These guys are so damn good!” Not only are they good, they sound just like the record. Quite amazing.

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After a month or so, I decided to call up the bass player, Richie [Castellano], and have a chat with him. We had a very nice conversation. I said, “Would you be interested in going out and performing the Yes epics and classics?” I thought that covered everything. He was very excited. That’s how we started.

I’m sure he was stunned to hear from you. Yeah. That was the great thing. You can sense an energy from somebody over the phone. I was thinking about playing “Close to the Edge,” “Awaken,” “Gates of Delirium,” and things like that. He was overjoyed. It was probably a couple months later that we got in touch again. Working with his agent, I said, “Let’s go out and have fun for three weeks, do about a dozen shows, and see how it feels.” That’s the whole concept. I want to see how it feels to perform those songs from 50 years ago.

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Have you worked out any songs that will surprise fans other than “Mind Drive?” Well, I did write a song for Yes about 20 years ago that we never recorded, “Counties and Countries.” I sent it to Richie and he did a beautiful rendition of it. He’s an excellent producer in addition to being a bass player. It sounded really good. When we do a rehearsal, we’ll decide whether or not we want to throw that new song in.

You’re just booked in 12 East Coast venues so far. If the tour goes well, will you do more shows? Yeah. The idea was, “Let’s give it a whirl. Let’s see how the fans react to it and how we do.” From then on it’ll be, “Let’s go to Europe. Let’s tour the world.”

Your last tour was with the Paul Green Rock Academy. Those were obviously very young musicians without a ton of experience. This is almost the opposite. Yeah. I’m going out with the teenagers in Europe this summer. They’re brilliant to work with because they are very grateful to do a show like that. The same goes for the Band Geeks. I feel very grateful that they actually play so good. They seem to be thankful about doing this show.

I’m at a place in my career where I’m feeling like I’m in a very creative mode all the time. I’m finishing four projects for the coming five years. You’re going to have a lot of music coming out over the next five years.

What were you going through medically after the 2004 tour that prevented you from touring for a while? It was just asthma. I had asthmatic attacks. I went through a really tough time. My wife saved my life, actually. You recover from that and can’t think about doing what you used to do, so you just need to take it easy for a few months. I was in a hospital for a couple of months. I got better and better. Then I put together a solo show with a guitar.

Yes didn’t tour for four years. I’m sure the guys got frustrated at having to wait. I didn’t ask them to do anything. They just decided they wanted to get on the road. As you know, they hired a Canadian singer , a really nice guy. People just need to get on with life, no matter what.

How did you feel about them bringing someone else on? In some ways, I thought, “Forget it. I’m just going to go on the road myself and tell stories and play small clubs.” In a way, it was a breakthrough for me. I was emotionally still able to enjoy performing the songs that I wrote for the band. You have to let go of things and just get on with life.

I spoke to the first guy that replaced you a couple of months ago. He said that singing your vocal parts was really hard for him. It ultimately just blew out his voice. Those are tough sings to sing every night. Yep. [Laughs.] Well, I’m an alto tenor. Some of the recordings in the late Seventies and Eighties, I sing as though I’m in helium.

He pointed to the climax of “Heart of the Sunrise” where you go “Sharp…Distance!” It just killed him trying to recreate what you did there. It’s true. It’s not easy up there. But I’m doing it now. It seems to be going pretty good.

I woke up from the dream and told my wife. I said, “I just saw Chris. He was heading towards the light of Heaven.” She said, “He loved you.” I said, “Yeah. We were brothers.” It was an incredible moment.

A couple of months later, I was doing a show in Phoenix. I met Chris’ widow, Scotland, and I told her the story. She said to me, “He kept saying before he passed away that he wanted to go to Maui.” There you go.

But you didn’t actually speak with him before he died? Didn’t need to. He had his life to live, and I had my life. I actually had a great dream about Alan White last night. It was a lovely dream. He was with all the guys in the band … Not just one or two, but everybody who has been in the band. They were up there doing some gig or something. The next minute, he was right next to me. We hugged since he was the best man at my wedding about 25 years ago.

You got a chance to play with Alan and Steve at the Hall of Fame in 2017. What was that experience like for you? It was great, but I was hyperventilating a lot. I just loved the idea of getting up onstage and performing a couple of songs. When you’re just doing a couple of songs, that’s one thing. When you’re hanging around and getting ready to go up, you’ve got your fingers crossed it’s going sound OK. When we got up onstage to say “thank you,” I was totally out of control. I just kept saying, “Everyone is so beautiful!” Then Rick, perfect, gets up and starts telling dirty jokes. That was perfect for me. It made me relax.

I could see you enjoying Rick’s speech, which I really think is one of the best Hall of Fame speeches ever, if not the very best, and Steve not really enjoying it so much. Oh yeah. Exactly. [Laughs.]

Did you guys make any new music? We did some recordings at Trevor [Rabin]’s place. It just didn’t work out. Things are like that sometimes.

Are you still on good terms with Trevor and Rick? Sure. I sang happy birthday to Trevor last week.

Might you tour with Rick as a duo again some day? That was fun. That was so damn funny. You never know in life. You never really know. As I mentioned earlier, I have so many things I’m working on, especially the last couple years, just things coming together that I want to get clarified and produced, just get out there and perform and finish some recordings. I’m actually working a musical that I wrote 40 years ago.

What’s that? I met this guy called Marc Chagall on his 90th birthday. He was a painter, very, very famous guy. I didn’t know how famous he was when I met him. I met him at his birthday party down in the south of France. Bill Wyman brought me. He was such a sweet guy. Then I discovered the incredible art of this man, and the stained glass he’d created around the world. He was so well-known around the art world, so I decided to write a musical about him.

He said to me, “Jon, if you’re going to write a musical, it’ll take a long time.” I thought, “I’ll get it done next year.” Of course, 40 years later, we’re in the brink of getting it produced. It’s about his life.

What’s the status of it? We actually did a short performance of the project in San Francisco just a month ago. We’re testing the idea of it visually, musically. It was an abbreviated version, but it’s given us a lot of impetus to get on with it and possibly get it into production this year or next year. After waiting 40 years, it doesn’t matter.

You’re playing Yes music on tour with new musicians. Steve is playing Yes music on tour with new people. Can’t one argue that what you’re doing is just as authentically Yes as what he’s doing? Yeah. I’ve never seen his show though, so I can’t tell you. [Laughs.]

I spoke to Steve a couple years ago. He said that any reunion was “completely unthinkable.” [Big laugh.]

Why do you think he’s being so absolutist? I’m a pessimist… I’m a pessimistic optimist. You never know in this life. And that was just him at that moment in time. I sang with him on my last album, 1,000 Hands. At the very end, I had worked on a piece of music [“Now and Again”] I started with Chris and Alan about 28 years earlier. I sent it to Steve and said, “Would you play some lovely guitar at the end?” And he did. All I could think of when I heard was to sing with it, and I did.

And every night he goes onstage with a singer that sounds just like you. How do you feel about that? There’s a phrase for that: Imitation is the most sincere most form of flattery. [Laughs.]

To me and so many fans, the two of you are the Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of prog rock. You should be onstage together. Well, it’s not going to happen as far as I know. I’ve mentioned a couple of times over the years that I’m very open to giving it a whirl. In these days, though, you never know what’s going to happen.

They play about 50 shows a year. They even did nearly 90 a few years back. Do you think that would be too much traveling for you at this point in your life? I don’t think so. I feel very healthy and happy. Me and my wife love touring. We’re going to be on the road this summer with the Academy of Rock all over Europe. Now we’re doing this wonderful experience with the Band Geeks. I just love their name. It’s so cool.

Are you working on a second chapter of your solo album 1,000 Hands? Yes. We’re working on it. I reckon that it’s going to be ready next year. I’ve been writing some songs. I even wrote an album in Chinese. Singing in Chinese is not easy.

You’re so positive and optimistic. A lot of people would be really bitter and angry if the band they started and fronted for decades was carrying on without them. I come from the North of England. I had my first band in 1963. That’s when the Beatles came out. I saw them before they were famous. I just keep going because life is a wonderful experience, if you want.

Do you see yourself touring and playing Yes songs in your eighties? Oh yeah. Of course.

Retirement is never a thought? Never. There’s no point.

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Crazy it’s been 50 years. I performed it with the Academy of Rock last year. We’re going to do it again this year in Europe. And doing it with teenagers is just unbelievable, the feeling.

I’ll let you go, but I’m optimistic that you and Steve are going to find a way to patch things up at some point and play together again. It just makes too much sense. You never know. You really never know, honestly.

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Jon Anderson announces US tour for Yes songs and other classics

Yes legend Jon Anderson to tour with the Paul Green Rock Academy in July and August

Jon Anderson has announced a tour of the US for July and August. He will tour with The Paul Green Rock Academy, a resumption of the tradition started in 2005 when Jon toured with the original School Of Rock all stars.

"The one thing about creating music with young musicians and singers is the adventure of it all," says Anderson. "I sang and toured with the Paul Green School Of Rock many years ago. It was miracle for me to join in with their young energy and learn from them.

"Now we are here with the Paul Green Rock Academy. And again their excitement and joy for making music really makes it all worthwhile. Plus they really are a talented bunch.

"There is a future in music, and these young souls prove it every time I hear them sing and play. I know you will have a wonderful evening spending time with the future of rock'n'roll."

Previous Anderson live shows with The Paul Green Academy have featured a set of Yes classics, deep cuts, mash ups, and solo works, all with lush arrangements featuring choral singing, horns, and all the other benefits of having a backing band of 25 young musicians.

Paul Green's rock school was the original inspiration behind the 2003 Jack Black film School Of Rock .

Jon Anderson with The Paul Green Rock Academy tour dates

Jul 30: Patchogue Patchogue Theater, NY Aug 01: Salisbury Blue Ocean Music Hall, MA Aug 03: Annapolis, Rams Head on Stage, MD  Aug 05: Ridgefield Ridgefield Playhouse, CT Aug 07: Phoenixville Colonial Theatre, PA Aug 09: Ocean City, Ocean City Music Pier, NJ Aug 19: Des Plaines Des Plaines Theatre, IL Aug 21: St. Charles Arcada Theatre, IL Aug 24: Canton Palace Theatre, OH Aug 27: Huntingdon Paramount Theatre, NY Aug 28: Woonsocket Stadium Theater, RO

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Writer and broadcaster Jerry Ewing is the Editor of Prog Magazine which he founded for Future Publishing in 2009. He grew up in Sydney and began his writing career in London for Metal Forces magazine in 1989. He has since written for Metal Hammer, Maxim, Vox, Stuff and Bizarre magazines, among others. He created and edited Classic Rock Magazine for Dennis Publishing in 1998 and is the author of a variety of books on both music and sport, including Wonderous Stories; A Journey Through The Landscape Of Progressive Rock.

Every Leprous album ranked from worst to best

“Heavier and weirder than its predecessors… they’ve struggled to shake off Tool comparisons – but now they sound far more like themselves”: Wheel’s Charismatic Leaders

“A plaintive joy throughout, informed by painful experiences… not an album that feels sorry for itself”: Kavus Torabi’s The Banishing

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