On Facebook, X and Instagram… You asked… and he answered.
In this Q&A, Jay Schellen answers questions from YESfans ahead of The Classic Tales of YES Tour 2024 – tickets available now!
#askYES: Jay Schellen
Joey Wise:
I’d love to hear something from Jay about his new rototoms!!
Jay:
hi Joey!
My friends at REMO custom made an entire set for me, 8-18”, when I was performing with Geoff in ASIA. I never got to include them on our 2005 Euro tour. I love the way they sound, in particular that sound brings to front Bill Bruford’s influence into my live performance. I’m a big fan of Tom Toms in general, as piano was my first instrument, I tune them similarly to give me lots of melodic possibilities.
Robin Johnson:
I’ve noticed your setup for this tour is quite different to previous tours, what was your thought process when it came to selecting the extra gear?
Jay:
Hi Robin,
In many ways it is the same. Alan and I both appreciated the melody Tom’s bring to drumming. I have been keen to include my Roto Toms into my setup. I’ve used them for years in my recording sessions, I just love the way the sounds they can create! I also added more Zildjian effex cymbals particularly useful for Tales Of Topographic Oceans!
Tony Hodge:
I would love to see a drum rig run down! 🙂👍
Jay:
Hi Tony! I will do my best to post a video during our upcoming tour of a complete rundown of my setup! Stay tuned!
Simon Malia:
How do you know when a song you’re working on is finished?
Jay:
Hi Simon! I’m inclined to spend a lot of time with the music before hitting the record button. First I listen without preconception. Once getting on my drums I play freely letting it flow, very quickly ideas take form, then I begin recording, still playing freely and spontaneously. On playback I quickly choose, refine and perfect the entire track. I give it a day off then I listen back, a big yes! It’s done.
@DorukuNoDoruku:
Do you have a single YES-album that has a special place in your heart?
🙂 Once more congrats on the Mirror to the Sky album by the way, I enjoyed it a lot!
Jay:
Yes I do, Tales Of Topographic Oceans!
Jeff Cooper:
Do you write your new material by getting together collectively in the same room or studio … or because of locations is everything done via file sharing these days? How do you feel about each approach and what works best for YES in 2023-2024 etc?
Jay:
Hi Jeff! Since we live half a world away we do take advantage of file sharing. I’m the only member living 100% in the USA so this method works out very well. I think we all agree that it would be an amazing experience to have the luxury to all be together in on location to write. Maybe someday we will!
Stuart Chambers:
When the album Mirror to The Sky was finished, did the band get the same vibe that Yes had elevated to the next level?
Jay:
Hi Stuart! Thank you for your positivity!
Yes, I believe we were very pleased with the work we accomplished and felt very good about placing it into your hands, our fans and music listeners alike. It is extremely gratifying that it was received so well, our fans appreciation means so much, and we appreciate you too!
The CLASSIC TALES OF YES Tour 2024
Hot on the heels of their hugely successful ‘Classic Tales Of Yes’ American Tour, YES, are poised to hit the road in Europe and the UK once more between April and June 2024.
‘The Classic Tales Of Yes Tour’ will see YES mining their rich catalogue to deliver a career spanning set of classics, rarely played vintage cuts and new songs from 1970’s ‘Time and a Word’ right up to ‘Mirror To The Sky’, their 23rd album released last year, together with a special section celebrating the 50th anniversary of their momentous ‘Tales From Topographic Oceans’ opus.
Every show will feature a Roger Dean gallery in the venue’s foyer area. Dean’s masterful artwork of striking other-worldly landscapes has graced classic album covers and posters. Roger is planning to be at each show on the tour, to meet with fans.
2024 Tour Dates:
Date
Venue
Tickets
Tuesday 30 April, 2024
Sagres Campo Pequeno
Lisbon, Portugal
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
Lisbon, Portugal
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
Zurich, Switzerland
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
Arnheim, Netherlands
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
Mönchengladbach, Germany
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
Paris, France
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
Manchester
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
Glasgow
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
Liverpool
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
Southend
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
Birmingham
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
Gateshead
Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.
VIP Tour Package
- Limited Edition Roger Dean Print
- Exclusive YES Coaster Set
- Commemorative Tour Laminate
- Limited Availability
VIP Tour Package can be purchased as an upgrade from On Location Live.
Please note the VIP Tour Package does not include a concert ticket. If you do not purchase a concert ticket in addition to this upgrade, you will not be admitted to the event.
