On August 3, 1968, the band travelled to Essex’s East Mersea youth camp for their first gig as Yes. With only a week to rehearse beforehand, they leant heavily on cover versions of Beatles, Traffic and Buffalo Springfield numbers although, according to guitarist Peter Banks, “we didn’t just rearrange a song, we celebrated it with much enthusiasm.”
But what were their previous incarnations? And where did they all come from? There are so many, we’ve done an A-Z!
An A-Z of pre-Yes bands
Bittersweet
Future Yes members: Tony Kaye
One of keyboard player Tony Kaye’s brief late-‘60s tenures, for whom obscurity has beckoned.
Bodast
Future Yes members: Steve Howe
Psych-proggers later known as Canto, with whom guitarist Howe recorded a 1968 album in the wake of Tomorrow.
Devil’s Disciples
Future Yes members: Peter Banks
In 1964, Banks joined British Invasion covers act the Devil’s Disciples, who managed one single and three months in Hamburg during their year together.
The Federals
Future Yes members: Tony Kaye
Beat group who backed Roy Orbison on tour and cut four singles with Kaye on organ.
Gentle Party
Future Yes members: Jon Anderson
Bolton outfit who were playing the German clubs at the same time as the Warriors. Snapped up vocalist Anderson when his band split in 1967.
Gun
Future Yes members: Jon Anderson
UFO regulars from Ilford who bagged a 1968 hit with “Race With The Devil”, a short stint with Anderson upfront and the first ever Roger Dean sleeve.
Les Cruches
Future Yes members: Jon Anderson
Having met them in London, Anderson travelled to the Netherlands to briefly join this popular Dutch showband in early 1968.
Mabel Greer’s Toyshop
Future Yes members: Bill Bruford, Chris Squire, Tony Kaye, Jon Anderson
The psych rock bluesheads who would ultimately become Yes.
The Neat Change
Future Yes members: Peter Banks
During a brief stint in 1968 Banks recorded one single, “I Lied To Aunty May”, with these much-banned London rockers, but was sacked when he wouldn’t cut his hair to fit in with their skinhead look.
The Nice
Future Yes members: Steve Howe
Howe spent one day in Keith Emerson’s progressive rock outfit before deciding it wasn’t for him.
Nighthawks
Future Yes members: Peter Banks
Hertfordshire group with whom Banks played his first ever gig at the New Barnet Pop festival in 1963.
The Syndicats
Future Yes members: Peter Banks, Steve Howe
This North London beat group was Howe’s first band; after his 1965 departure, Banks eventually took up the guitarist role.
The Syn
Future Yes members: Chris Squire, Peter Banks
Wembley r’n’b combo turned psychedelic mainstays prone to rock opera.
Johnny Taylor’s Star Combo
Future Yes members: Tony Kaye
Originally a jazz and r’n’b fan, Kaye turned his focus to rock’n’roll for his first gigs, with Taylor’s Combo.
The In Crowd/Tomorrow
Future Yes members: Steve Howe
Howe quit the Syndicats for these psych pioneers and Peel favourites who were left out of//BlowUp// as The In Crowd and, as Tomorrow, recorded their debut single in the next studio along fromSgt Pepper….
The Warriors
Future Yes members: Jon Anderson
Beatles-obsessed beat group who played the German club circuit and landed a Decca deal for two singles with Anderson on vocals.
Jimmy Winston & His Reflections
Future Yes members: Tony Kaye
Breakaway vehicle for former Small Faces organist/guitarist Winston, later known as Winston’s Fumbs.
Yellow Passion Loaf
Future Yes members: Tony Kaye
Psych band which briefly included Kaye on his journey through the late-‘60s scene.