A Montreal musician has progressed from "tribute artist" to actual band member.

Benoît David — who sings in several Yes tribute bands in the Montreal area — will join the actual band Yes as lead singer on the next tour, the band announced Wednesday.

David will replace Jon Anderson, who suffered acute respiratory failure in June and was ordered by doctors to rest.

Anderson's illness forced Yes to postpone its 40th anniversary tour of North America. The band offered David an audition to be Anderson's temporary replacement after seeing a YouTube clip of his tribute band, Close to the Edge.

"I think it's all going to work out fine," bassist Chris Squire said. "Of course, realistically there's an element of risk, but there always is."

It's not the first time Yes has replaced Anderson — its 1980 album Drama features Trevor Horn as vocalist.

Squire said he hopes Anderson will recover in time to tour in 2009.

"You can't ever really replace Jon Anderson, because he's been such a force in the music business," Squire said. "We look upon his replacement as more of an understudy."

The tour kicks off on Nov. 4 in Hamilton, Ont.

Yes is known for songs such as Roundabout, Close to the Edge and Owner of a Lonely Heart.

With files from the Associated Press