London, May 7, 2025 – The legendary progressive rock group **YES** has thrilled fans worldwide with the official announcement of a massive **2025 world tour**, marking over half a century of groundbreaking music and innovation. Titled the **“Close to the Edge – And Beyond” Tour**, the band’s upcoming journey promises an unforgettable celebration of their vast catalog, beloved classics, and newer compositions.
The tour is scheduled to begin on **March 1, 2025, at London’s O2 Arena**, kicking off a series of performances that will span across **Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia**, reaching a total of **35 cities**. With this ambitious trek, YES aims to revisit their iconic history while showcasing their continued relevance in the world of progressive rock. Fans can expect an immersive experience with enhanced stage production, visuals, and musicianship that has defined YES for generations.
**Steve Howe**, the band’s veteran guitarist and founding member, shared his excitement about the upcoming tour in a statement released by the band: *“We’re planning something truly special. This tour will honor our legacy while offering surprises along the way. Bigger stages, immersive visuals, and a carefully curated setlist spanning every era of YES—it’s a celebration for fans old and new.”*
The tour’s setlist is anticipated to include full performances of landmark albums such as *Fragile* and *Close to the Edge*, along with selections from YES’s latest album, *The Journey Continues*, which was released in 2024 to critical acclaim. Deep cuts and rarely performed songs, including epics like *The Gates of Delirium* and *Awaken*, are also rumored to be part of the repertoire, thrilling longtime fans who have waited decades to hear these tracks live.
Tickets for the “Close to the Edge – And Beyond” Tour will go on sale to the general public starting **May 15, 2025**. Members of the official YES fan club will enjoy early access with presale tickets available from **May 10**. The band also plans to offer special VIP packages, giving fans unique opportunities such as meet-and-greets with band members, exclusive merchandise bundles, and access to soundcheck sessions.
Joining Steve Howe on stage will be the current YES lineup, which includes **Geoff Downes** on keyboards, **Jon Davison** on vocals, **Billy Sherwood** on bass, and **Jay Schellen** on drums. This ensemble of seasoned musicians has carried the band’s legacy forward in recent years, blending respect for the past with their own contributions to the YES sound.
The announcement immediately created a buzz across social media platforms, with the hashtag **#YES2025Tour** trending on **X (formerly Twitter)** just hours after the news broke. Fans expressed their excitement at the prospect of hearing classic albums performed live, sharing memories of past YES concerts and speculating on potential surprises in the setlist.
*”YES is still pushing boundaries after five decades—this tour is going to be a must-see,”* one fan posted. Another commented, *“Can’t wait to hear Close to the Edge live again. Prog rock forever!”*
Music journalists and critics have also weighed in on the tour announcement. **Rolling Stone UK** praised YES’s commitment to full-album performances, calling it *“a refreshing approach in an era dominated by greatest hits shows.”* Meanwhile, **Prog Magazine** lauded the band’s dedication to maintaining their musical complexity and artistic vision, writing, *“YES continues to uphold the essence of progressive rock, honoring their history while staying creatively adventurous.”*
The tour is set to conclude with a grand finale at **Madison Square Garden in New York City on September 25, 2025**. The Garden holds a special place in YES’s history, as it will be their first headline show there since 2004. Fans and critics alike see this closing date as a symbolic full-circle moment for the band.
Although no official support acts have been announced, rumors are swirling that several prominent figures from the progressive rock world may join YES for select dates as special guests. The band has not confirmed any opening acts, choosing instead to focus attention on their own expansive performances.
YES’s 2025 world tour arrives as a milestone event for the band, reflecting not only their longevity but their unwavering dedication to their craft. In an industry where nostalgia tours are common, YES’s decision to spotlight entire albums and deep tracks demonstrates their ongoing commitment to artistry over mere commercial appeal.
Fans eager to secure tickets and learn more about the tour can visit YES’s official website and follow their social media accounts for updates, additional dates, and exclusive content.
As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: after more than 50 years of redefining rock music, YES remains a force to be reckoned with, inviting audiences on yet another musical journey filled with ambition, complexity, and timeless beauty.
