SEMINAL prog pioneers Yes have announced an extensive UK and European tour for April, which includes Tyneside. The band will be performing 1971’s Fragile and 1980’s Drama in their entirety, the latter for the first time, plus other classic tracks including Owner of a Lonely Heart and Starship Trooper.

"Most of the songs haven’t been performed in some 30 years," says Steve Howe. "Fragile and Drama mark two essential chapters of our career and we’re looking forward to sharing the whole journey with our fans throughout Europe."

"Reliving those years will be very emotional," says drummer Alan White. "I know Chris would have loved to be here with us for this."

Yes recently lost bassist and co-founder Chris Squire, a tragedy that left the prog world in mourning. His replacement Billy Sherwood found a big pair of shoes to fill, as Yes set out to honour Squire's memory by keeping the band’s legacy alive. The band recently toured the US with fellow prog legends Toto to an enthusiastic reception.

Yes was founded by Squire and Jon Anderson in 1968. Characterised by a unique, prog symphonic style of rock music, lengthy compositions and the use of mystical and cosmic lyrics, the band found success in 1971 with two of the band’s most celebrated records, The Yes Album and Fragile. The band went on to record 21 albums and win several prestigious awards including Grammys. Yes are recognised as one of the most influential of prog rock bands.

Still as relevant today as they were in the 1970s, Yes has maintained a loyal following while constantly attracting new fans throughout 47 years of performing.

Friday, April 29: Newcastle City Hall. Box Office: 0191-277-8030

DOUBLE Platinum selling artist Newton Faulkner is joining the cast of Green Day’s explosive Tony Award-winning musical, American Idiot, for its UK tour which plays the Sunderland Empire Theatre during the week of . Newton will be taking on the role of Johnny from May 2016 after Matt Thorpe, who will open the role from 19 March at the Curve Theatre, Leicester until 7 May at the New Theatre, Oxford. One of the UK’s finest contemporary singer-songwriters, Newton’s unique style of guitar playing and soaring vocals have made him a worldwide success since he burst onto the music scene back in 2007.

Newton will join the previously announced X Factor finalist Amelia Lily (Whatsername), Alexis Gerred (Tunny), Llandyll Gove (Gerard), Lucas Rush (St Jimmy) and Steve Rushton (Will), who will all be reprising their critically-acclaimed roles from the London production, at the Arts Theatre. Further casting confirmed also includes Cellen Chugg Jones (Theo), Jemma Geanaus (Alysha), Karina Hind (Libby), Emma Housley (Heather), Lawrence Libor (Swing), North East’s Alice Stokoe (Extraordinary Girl) and Matt Thorpe (Johnny).

Newton Faulkner says “My first band was essentially a Green Day cover band, with one of the guys currently in the show, Lucas Rush, so it's amazingly strange to be reunited under these circumstances. I can't wait. The first record I ever bought was Dookie, so yea, I was a massive Green Day fan, still am.”

American Idiot is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world. The show features the music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and book by Armstrong and Michael Mayer. The production is directed and choreographed by Racky Plews, with musical supervision by Richard Morris, sound by Chris Whybrow, design by Sara Perks and lighting by Tim Deiling.

The songs featured include Boulevard of Broken Dreams, 21 Guns, Wake Me Up When September Ends, Holiday and the blockbuster title track from Green Day’s 2004 Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum album. Also included are several songs from Green Day’s 2009 release 21st Century Breakdown, and an unreleased love song, When It’s Time.

Tickets on sale now and are available in person at the Box Office on High Street West, from the Ticket Centre on 0844-871-3022 or online at ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

KENDAL Calling returns to the beautiful Lake District in 2016 with headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Rudimental, Madness and The Charlatans. The event runs July 28 to 31 and takes place at Lowther Deer Park. Box Office: kendalcalling.co.uk/tickets for limited tier three tickets are £130; Tier four £135.

Other names appearing include: Catfish & Bottlemen, Ash, Everything Everything, Band of Skulls, The Hives, We are Scientists, The Darkness, Blossoms, Ratboy andCraig David’s TS5.