Yes recently posted on their IG regarding the tribute concert for John Wetton, who passed away in 2017, with the caption ‘IMPORTANT NOTICE.’ In the caption, the band explained the problem with the unauthorized posting and distribution of the concert footage:
“It has been brought to our attention that, sadly, some people have been posting excerpts of the John Wetton Tribute Concert across a number of different social media platforms. This footage appears to have come from either individuals who were lucky enough to attend the event or from people who have ripped/phone-recorded sections of the livestream playback. We are very disappointed by this – as is John’s family.”
The band further explained that these pirated footages are detrimental to the primary purpose of the tribute concert and mentioned John’s designated charity, Macmillan Caring Locally. They added:
“We request that this footage is removed immediately. It is in breach of copyright – but moreover, it undermines the funds we are attempting to raise for John Wetton’s designated charity, Macmillan Caring Locally. We take this breach very seriously, indeed, as we consider it an insult to John’s legacy and the wishes of his family. If the footage is not removed immediately, we will issue a Cease & Desist order to the poster.”
Yes also advised fans to choose official streaming channels and encouraged them to buy tickets:
“The livestream playback is still available to view legitimately. You can buy a ticket to see it via Trading Boundaries, and in doing so, you are raising money for the charity which cared for John in his very last days. We believe that John’s fans are an honorable and respectful community and will assist us in removing these offending posts.”
The tribute concert took place on August 3 at the Trading Boundaries in East Sussex. Many people who knew Wetton, either as a colleague, or a family member, attended the concert. Some of the people who appeared were Rick Wakeman, Steve Hackett, Geoff Downes, Roger Chapman, Mel Collins, Annie Haslam, Phil Manzanera, Martin Orford, and so on. Yes keyboard player Geoff Downes expressed his feelings about attending the concert in a statement:
“I am very excited to be a part of the upcoming John Wetton Tribute. As you all know, I had a very close and unique writing partnership with John, and we were dear friends, brothers and band mates for many years. To honour John’s legacy in this way with so many of his former musicians, colleagues and family gathered together, shows just what an enormous amount of love, gratitude and respect so many of us held for John and his music.”
You can reach Yes’ IG post here. Trading Boundaries extended the streaming date of the concert until August 20. You can check here for the tickets.
