NEWS

Steve Howe has cautiously hinted to Billboard that Yes are contemplating recording new material in this, their 50th anniversary year. “Maybe we’re building up repertoire for a future project,” the guitarist suggested. “We’ve got ideas, but I can’t say more right now.”

Andi Deris, current lead vocalist with Helloween, says it would be “a dream come true” for the band to make a studio record with Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen, the band’s former singer and guitarist. This expanded line-up have been attracting rave reviews for a tour billed as Pumpkins United, the US leg of which wraps in New York on September 15.

Rising prog-rockers Big Big Train have parted amicably with bassist Andy Poole, who has been in every incarnation of the band since their formation in 1990. BBT will continue as a seven-piece. Despite Ian Gillan and Ian Paice opposing the idea, Candice Night has repeated the claim that Ritchie Blackmore (pictured), her husband, “would be willing to perform a couple of concerts” with Deep Purple before the band call it quits. The Man In Black, who returned to the rock stage with Rainbow in 2016, has not played with Purple since leaving in 1993.

Congratulations to Ringo Starr and Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb who received knighthoods in last month’s New Year’s honours list for their services to music.