Benoit David opened up about leaving Yes in 2012 and the "breaking point" that caused him to make the decision.
David first joined Yes after receiving a call from the band's founding bassist, Chris Squire, after Jon Anderson suffered vocal issues in 2008. Unfortunately, he left for a "similar" reason he was initially unaware of.
Why Did Benoit David Leave Yes?
In an interview with Rolling Stone for the magazine's King for a Day interview series, the 56-year-old musician recalled being tapped to become an "understudy" after years of playing in the Canadian Yes tribute band, Close to the Edge.
He then remembered the time he missed the high-pitched note at the end of "Heart of the Sunrise." Although he knew his voice cracked, the band went on to play "I've Seen All Good People" which allowed the members to do a bit of solo.
According to David, Squire purposely messed up his solo performance after he missed the note.
"Chris looked me in the eye and he did this ugly sound with his bass. He messed it up purposely. He looked me in the eye, saying, 'Well, I'm going to do like you.' That hurt. It still hurts," he said.
David revealed that Squire told him he would ruin his career if he could not put himself together. After hearing those, something "broke" inside the musician.
The incident then ultimately became the "breaking point" and caused the tension that lasted for a little while.
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Benoit then had his final show with Yes in December 2011, during which he also did not gain a "very nice memory." As he did not want to ruin anyone's career, he decided to quit the band.
He clarified that he left Yes on his own and was never fired. Following his departure, he reportedly never ever talked to any of his former bandmates again.
David played with the band in its 2011 "Fly From Here" and "In the Present - Live from Lyon" albums before leaving the band.
In February 2012, David released a statement saying that his doctors advised him not to tour for the foreseeable future due to his ill health. He thanked fans at that time for their support until he quit Yes.
"As this is the situation, everyone should know that I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity I was given and very proud to have contributed to more than 200 concerts and to the 'Fly From Here' and 'In The Present Live From Lyon' albums," he said.
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