Almost a year after Alan White’s death, Yes announced an update about the band’s future on their official Instagram account. According to the post, the band fulfilled the late drummer’s last wish regarding his position in the band by making Jay Schellen a permanent member.
Yes was getting ready for their upcoming tour when their drummer Alan White passed away in May 2022. The late musician had a short illness prior to his death. It was soon announced that Jay Schellen would take White’s place for the tour upon his request. Schellen had already been playing with the band on and off since 2016. He was also good friends with the late musician. So, it was not so unexpected for him to replace White temporarily.
After the death news and the tour, however, the permanent fate of the position was not confirmed until a recent announcement from the band. Jay Schellen is apparently a permanent member of the band now. Yes stated in their Instagram post that Schellen has already been familiar with the band’s music style thanks to his acquaintance with the band starting in 2016.
The band’s post read:
“Yes are delighted to announce that drummer Jay Schellen has joined the band as a permanent member. Following the sad passing of our iconic drummer, Alan White, on May 26, 2022, Jay will fulfill Alan’s wishes in becoming the new drummer with Yes. Jay Schellen was Alan White’s choice to stand in during the Topographic Drama tour in 2016 and shared drumming duties with him from 2018 onwards.
Jay had previously played alongside Yes’ keyboardist Geoff Downes and late bassist Chris Squire together with long working relationships with Alan and Yes bass guitarist Billy Sherwood. This gave Jay a deep insight into the workings of the dynamic rhythm section that drives Yes’ music.”
According to the post, Jay and other members of the band are delighted with the recent development. Being together for seven years, they are happy to make his position in the band a permanent one and honor Alan White’s last wish.
The post also conveyed Steve Howe’s words:
“We’re all delighted to welcome Jay officially into the fold! He’s been a great support throughout the last seven years, and we couldn’t have found a better all-round team player.”
Jay Schellen’s feelings on becoming a new member of Yes:
“I am thrilled to become the new drummer with Yes. I grew up playing along to Yes records, and I am proud to have worked so closely with my musical hero and great friend Alan White these past few years. I will strive to honor his memory as we drive towards the future with the band.”
With the recent news, it has been confirmed that, after Alan White’s death, the vacant position he left behind in Yes will be permanently filled by his friend Jay Schellen. The band both honored the late drummer’s final wish and hired a musician qualified enough to engage with the band’s music.
