Published: September 20, 2026 · 2:33 AM EDT
The progressive rock guitarist says he is recovering slowly while continuing to play, with Yes preparing to resume its postponed Fragile tour in May 2027
Steve Howe, longtime guitarist of progressive rock band Yes, has provided an update on his recovery following an operation that forced the group to postpone its 2026 touring plans.
In an interview with Guitar Player published September 18, 2026, Howe explained that he was still recovering approximately three months after undergoing the procedure. Although he described the experience as difficult, the guitarist confirmed that he continues to play and maintain his musical activities.
“It’s been three months now since I had the operation, so I’m making progress, slowly,” Howe said. He also explained that returning to his usual condition would take additional time, without disclosing further details about the operation or the underlying medical circumstances.
Yes postponed their planned 2026 UK and European concerts after announcing that Howe needed an essential operation requiring recovery time. The band's Japanese dates, originally scheduled for September 2026, were subsequently postponed because his recovery was taking longer than initially anticipated.
The guitarist acknowledged his disappointment at having to interrupt the band's plans but said the intention remains to resume touring in 2027. He also revealed that Yes are considering further performances in the United States, although no details of those plans have been announced.
The band's official calendar currently lists the rescheduled Fragile Tour beginning on May 2, 2027, in Sheffield, England, with further performances in the UK, the Netherlands and France through May 20.
The shows are planned to feature the complete 1971 album Fragile, including “Roundabout,” “Heart of the Sunrise” and “South Side of the Sky,” alongside selections from the band's wider catalog. The postponed Japanese performances are also expected to be rescheduled for 2027, with exact dates still to be confirmed.
Despite the interruption to their touring schedule, Yes released their 24th studio album, Aurora, on June 12, 2026. Produced by Howe, the album followed 2023's Mirror to the Sky and continued the band's recording activities during a year in which live performances had to be postponed.
Read: Yes Release “Turnaround Situation” Ahead of 24th Studio Album Aurora
For now, Howe is continuing his recovery while maintaining his guitar playing. Yes have announced their plans to return to the stage in May 2027, although those performances remain subject to the guitarist's recovery and the band's future scheduling.
Watch Yes perform “Roundabout” live at London's Rainbow Theatre in 1972, featuring Steve Howe on guitar, below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
