What's on: The Anderson Wakeman Project (From Lancashire Telegraph)

What's on: The Anderson Wakeman Project

2:00pm Monday 8th November 2010 in Music By John Anson, Features editor

AFTER a career spanning more than 40 years, arguably Accrington’s most famous son has some good news for his fans around the world.

“You know I think I’m singing better than ever,” said Jon Anderson, who is returning to his native North West alongside fellow Yes bandmate Rick Wakeman — at Manchester’s Palace Theatre on November 11.

Anderson, he of the ethereal vocals and distinctive Lancashire-meets-LA accent, and keyboard wizard Wakeman will be performing songs from a new album they have written together called The Living Tree.

The duo will also be performing some pared-down versions of several Yes classics.

Now 66, Anderson has returned to full health after a severe asthma attack a couple of years ago which saw him pulling out of a major tour by Yes and being ordered to take six months off by his doctors.

“I’m fine now, I really am,” he said. “It took me a while to get back on my feet but now I can’t wait to play the shows we have got lined up.”

Anderson’s distinctive vocal style was one of the key elements which made Yes one of the biggest bands in the world in the early Seventies. They are still touring but without Anderson.

Following his illness, he was replaced by the lead singer of a Yes tribute act, Close to the Edge.

“I just wish they had waited for me to recover,” he said. “That did disappoint me.”

But that’s as far as he’s prepared to go on the matter.

“Will we play together again? Who knows. I’d like to think that’s possible.

"If we’re inducted into some hall of fame some time we’ll probably all roll up in our wheelchairs.”

Anderson, who grew up in the Peel Park area of Accrington and initially found fame with his brother Tony in the band The Warriors, is hoping to pay a flying visit to his home town.

“We have a day off after Manchester so I’m hoping to get back there,” he said.

“I’ve got to get my hands on some Holland’s Pies.”

A keen football fan, Anderson admits he keeps an eye out every week for Accrington Stanley’s results.

“They are my home town club,” he said. “You don’t forget that.”

Creatively Anderson appears as busy as ever.

“I don’t think I’ve ever lost the passion for music,” he said.

"I am a bit of a workaholic. I’ve got a studio at home and with technology these days I can collaborate with people all over the world without having to leave the house.”

The Living Tree album he is showcasing on the current tour is a collection of songs which reflect both his spiritual and environmental beliefs.

“I travel around and see people in shopping malls all caught up in consumerism and really there are much more important, simple things,” he said.

“The tree symbolises life. It gives the world oxygen. We have a duty to look after our planet for future generations but you see people all trying to be famous. There is so much more to life.”

Anderson and his wisecracking sidekick Wakeman have already played a number of UK shows to great acclaim.

“It is just wonderful to perform with Rick,” he said.

“We have been friends for so long. The audiences have been fantastic and it is nice to be able to play both the new songs and some of the Yes favourites that I wrote.

“One thing I have never done is forgotten about the fans. Without them, as an artist you don’t have anything.”

* The Anderson Wakeman Project is at the Palace Theatre, Manchester on Thursday, November 11. Tickets £33.50. For details, contact the box office on 0870 401 3000.