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Join in a wonderful story-telling session with Dave Watkinson. It’s another amazing Yes chat!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS
Join in a wonderful story-telling session with Dave Watkinson. It’s another amazing Yes chat!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS
As John Lennon once sang – Strange Days Indeed. However, we aim for a little bit of normality here on the YMP.
This week Mark and I caught up with Dave Watkinson and had a great time talking about his debut as record producer. Jon Anderson and The Warriors – The Lost Demos EP is out on 7in vinyl now from Plane Groovy Recors and you can get your copy – if you are quick – at BurningShed.com.
Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!
If you would like to support the Yes Music Podcast financially and also have access to exclusive activity and opportunities, there is a special page you can use to sign up and 2020 is the time to join us:
Become a Patron!Producers:
Patrons:
Aaron Steelman | Dave Owen |
Mark James Lang | Paul Tomei |
Joost Maglev | David Heyden |
Martin Kjellberg | Paul Wilson |
Bob Martilotta | Lind |
Michael O’Connor | Peter Hearnden |
Brian Sullivan | David Pannell |
Miguel Falcão | Lobate Scarp |
Chris Bandini | David Watkinson |
Neal Kaforey | Rachel Hadaway |
Craig Estenes | Dem |
Paul Hailes | Mark ‘Zarkol’ Baggs |
Doug Curran | Robert Nasir |
Fergus Cubbage | Scott Colombo |
Fred Barringer | Scott Smith |
Geoff Bailie | Simon Barrow |
Geoffrey Mason | Stephen Lambe |
Guy R DeRome | Steve Dill |
Henrik Antonsson | Steve Perry |
Hogne Bø Pettersen | Steve Rode |
IanNB | Steve Scott |
Jamie McQuinn | Steven Roehr |
Ken Fuller | Terence Sadler |
Michael Handerhan | Tim Stannard |
Jim | Todd Dudley |
John Cowan | Tony Handley |
John Holden | Joseph Cottrell |
John Parry | Keith Hoisington |
John Thomson | William Hayes |
Barry Gorsky |
Robert and David
If you are still listening to the podcast on the website, please consider subscribing so you don’t risk missing anything:
Subscribe on Android
Listen on Stitcher
The music I use is the last movement of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. This has been used as introduction music at many Yes concerts. My theme music is not take from a live concert – I put it together from the following two creative commons sources: thanvannispen and archive.org
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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This week, I’m away for work so it’s been impossible to create a full episode. However, there are two important Yes updated we need to cover so I attempted to connect with Mark from my hotel room – which worked, a bit…
So what we have is a very short episode covering the announcement of the US Tour dates for 2020 and the press release from Dave Watkinson which I’ve copied below:
JON ANDERSON and THE WARRIORS
The Book, Vinyl EP Record and Accrington Display
March – April – May 2020
28 – March – Paperback Book release
30 – March – Jon & The Warriors Vinyl Demos EP Record release
27 – April – Accrington Library Display Opening Day and Signing
30 – May – Accrington Library Display – Warriors member – Signing
JON ANDERSON BOOK
Jon Anderson and The Warriors – the road to Yes
A meticulously researched book about Jon Anderson and his early band The Warriors (who also featured future King Crimson drummer Ian Wallace).
Published by Sonicbond Publishing in the UK it has 208 pages. It features 175 black and white photos and 44 in colour, most not seen for more than 50 years.
Jon Anderson is the enigmatic lead singer and founding member of Yes. He is also a composer, artist, writer, dreamer, lyricist, poet and musician, with a career spanning more than fifty years. Many books have been written about the band Yes, but until now none have covered Jon’s early years in his first band, The Warriors, in any detail. This group played a key role in developing Jon’s Anderson’s vocal range, work ethic and determination to succeed, as well as giving him valuable experience in the music business, which was of invaluable help as his career blossomed.
David Watkinson takes us on a journey from the Lancashire beat music scene in the early 1960s to the vibrancy of London later in the decade. In the short time The Warriors existed – from 1963 to 1967 – they released a single, appeared on TV and in a movie, and spent a year following in the Beatles footsteps as a working group in Germany.
As well as providing a complete history of The Warriors, this book also follows Jon’s subsequent career in London, his appearances with Gun and his brief solo career as Hans Christian. He finally met Chris Squire and found a home in Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, as that group gradually morphed into Yes during the summer of 1968. The book includes new interviews with Jon and many members of The Warriors, through its various line-up changes, most for the very first time. It also features a newly researched family tree, long forgotten photographs, of both the Warriors and the first line up of Yes, many items of memorabilia and an exclusive look into the band’s diaries. It closes with a comprehensive discography and a collectables section.
This unique and meticulously researched book will delight both Yes and Jon Anderson fans as well as students of the 1960s music scene. It is essential reading for all lovers of the world’s greatest progressive rock band, and fans of the genre’s finest vocalist – Jon Anderson.
The Paperback edition signed by the author is exclusively available through…
Price: £20, 234 x 156 mm (Royale), ISBN: 9781789520354
https://www.sonicbondpublishing.co.uk/
The book is also available to pre order from all bookshops and online stores.
JON ANDERSON and THE WARRIORS
THE LOST DEMOS VINYL EP
In these early recordings by Jon we don’t get the lyrics, wordplay, mysticism or complex sounds and meanings which later became his signature. What we have here is a young man enjoying himself as a band member, trying to make a few pounds, travel and to emulate the Beatles a little. In these basic beginnings neither Jon Anderson or Ian Wallace shine much, but what we do get are little signs and glimpses of their potential.
Jon Anderson would go on to be the legendary singer in Yes. A writer, musician, frontman, leader and the all-round voice of prog rock music. On the earlier tracks Jon was most definitely in his backing singer role, you get to hear that voice cutting through. The last track being a total joy and a rocking surprise with Jon giving it his all. King Crimson fans will hear just how tight Ian Wallace’s playing was before hitting the big time too. All the band members shine, which can be heard on the instrumental track, Rodney and Dave are solid and it is easy to see why they brought in Brian Chatton on keyboards, his work being similar to his personality, bright, lively and rocking. Jon Anderson can be heard growing as a singer, musician and frontman for the band over the three years difference in the recordings. From a backing singer with his brother Tony to an out-of-sight, soul groover and mover. All seemingly a long way from the music of Yes and Close to The Edge or Olias of Sunhillow, but it was all influencing Jon, who was listening, learning and performing. This was Jon in his apprenticeship years, preparing himself for the lifelong career that was to follow.
This rare and exciting material came from various lofts and trunks around the world. Hidden away for more than fifty years, the condition of some of the material was very poor – having jumps, scratches, muffled and even stopping completely. In my attempt to bring these recording to life again, I made the decision on a few tracks not to over-produce them, leaving in the crackles and blemishes. With others however I was surprised at how well and clear they came out. The band sounds very accomplished; you can hear just how well practised they were. The Warriors were among the best beat group acts at the time.
Featuring seven demo tracks from the band at different times in their career, from Lancashire at the rise of their local stardom, to the ending months in Germany in 1967. Six of the tracks are with the full band, Jon Anderson backing and as a lead singer with just one track as an instrumental.
This limited – edition (500) picture sleeved, vinyl EP 7” record, is released on Plane Groovy Records in a coloured vinyl, a 1960s vibrant orange plus in standard black vinyl format. Played at 33RPM, this record tips it’s hat to the days in the 1970’s when Yes would produce such an EP.
This long-lost material gives the Jon Anderson and Yes fans a new insight into these beat music years.
Tracks
Side A
1) ‘Too Much’ (2.21)
2) ‘Can’t Live It Down’ (2.44)
3) ‘Summer Girl’ (1.54)
Side AA
1) ‘The Doll House Is Empty’ (1.59)
2) ‘Run to Me’ (2.21)
3) ‘She’s Gone’ (2.08) Instrumental
4) ‘She’s Gone’ (2.02) with vocals
Researched, mastering, co-ordinated, images and production by David Watkinson
Chris Topham – Plane Groovy Records.
Cat No: OLIAS90127
Barcode: 7426822210602
Pre orders 30 January, available through burningshed.com
Released 30 March 2020
Prices: Limited Orange Vinyl £9.99, Black Vinyl £7.99, Test Pressing (10 only) £20.00
Free download available of the tracks with each purchase
JON ANDERSON and THE WARRIORS – The Road To Yes
DISPLAY IN ACCRINGTON
Accrington, the hometown of Jon Anderson, will hold a small display in the town’s library from 27 April – 30 May 2020 in celebration of the new book and vinyl record published on his early years in the 1960s. The display takes the form of a cabinet of memorabilia, with one area focusing on The Warriors and the other Jon as a solo artist and a member of Yes through the years.
David Watkinson, the curator of the display and author of the newly published book, Jon Anderson and The Warriors – the road to Yes, will be on hand to sign copies of the paperback book (Sonicbond) for sale on the 27 April and on the 30 May, the latter date being the final day where it is hoped a member of the famous local 60s group The Warriors will attend too.
Books and copies of the limited – edition vinyl EP will be available to purchase from David who is happy to discuss both releases and the display.
Accrington Library, St James’ Street, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 1NQ. Opening times: Mon/Tues/ 9-5/Wednesday 9-7/Thurs 9-5/Friday 9-5/Saturday 9-5/Sunday Closed
Tel: 0300 123 6703 Email: accrington.library@lancashire.gov.uk
https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/libraries/find-a-library/accrington-library/
The Author – Producer – Curator
David Watkinson was born in Bolton, Lancashire. He has a background in antique furniture, sales and the automotive world. He is currently working within the field of historic furniture restoration in London and his interests include the arts, music, classic cars, antiques and being creative. The author of the best-selling history of the band Yes: Perpetual Change (Plexus, 2001), he has been a passionate admirer, collector and historian of the band Yes for over 40 years. He lives in West Sussex, England.
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Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier
This week we speak to YMP stalwart and accomplished author David Watkinson about his new book which is finally available to pre-order on Burning Shed’s website. Jon Anderson and The Warriors – the road to Yes is a remarkable achievement and sheds light on a period of music which was critical to the establishment of Yes and to the creation of the force of music Jon Anderson. Mark and I were delighted to be given the chance to read the book first in the world so do stay tuned for our reactions to it and plenty of detail from Dave himself.
Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!
If you would like to support the Yes Music Podcast financially and also have access to exclusive activity and opportunities, there is a special page you can use to sign up and 2019 is the time to join us:
Jon Anderson and The Warriors
The road to Yes
David Watkinson
A new biography of Jon Anderson, which covers his early life and his
time in The Warriors, up to the formation of Yes and the release of the
band’s first album in 1969
To be published on December 13th via Summer’s End Festival
Promoter Stephen Lambe’s Sonicbond Publishing Company and will be
made available exclusively via Burning Shed.
Author David Watkinson takes us on a journey from the Lancashire
beat music scene in the early 1960s to the vibrancy of London later in
the decade. In the short time that The Warriors existed ‐ from 1963 to
1967 ‐ they released a single, appeared on TV and in a movie and spent
a year following in the Beatles’ footsteps as a working group in
Germany.
As well as providing a complete history of The Warriors, this book
also follows Jon’s subsequent career in London, via appearances with
Gun and his brief solo career as Hans Christian. He finally met Chris
Squire and found a home in Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, as that group
gradually morphed into Yes during the summer of 1968. The book
includes new interviews with Jon and many members of The Warriors,
who were in the band through its various line‐up changes, most for the
very first time. It also features a newly‐researched family tree, never
before seen photographs, both of the Warriors and the first line up of
Yes, plus many items of memorabilia and an exclusive look into the
band’s diaries. It closes with a comprehensive discography and a
collectables section.
Initially, the book will only be available only in a limited hardback
edition of 250, priced £25. All copies will be numbered and signed by
the author, David Watkinson, and will be made exclusively available via
Burning Shed. The book is 224 pages and features over 200
photographs, most unseen for over 50 years. A paperback edition will
be published in Europe on March 27th 2020, and June 26th in the USA.
This later edition will be available via all normal bookselling channels.
Show notes and links:
Producers:
Patrons:
Aaron Steelman | Dave Owen |
Mark James Lang | Paul Tomei |
Joost Maglev | David Heyden |
Martin Kjellberg | Paul Wilson |
Bob Martilotta | Lind |
Michael O’Connor | Peter Hearnden |
Brian Sullivan | David Pannell |
Miguel Falcão | Lobate Scarp |
Chris Bandini | David Watkinson |
Neal Kaforey | Rachel Hadaway |
Craig Estenes | Dem |
Paul Hailes | Mark ‘Zarkol’ Baggs |
Doug Curran | Robert Nasir |
Fergus Cubbage | Scott Colombo |
Fred Barringer | Scott Smith |
Geoff Bailie | Simon Barrow |
Geoffrey Mason | Stephen Lambe |
Guy R DeRome | Steve Dill |
Henrik Antonsson | Steve Perry |
Hogne Bø Pettersen | Steve Rode |
IanNB | Steve Scott |
Jamie McQuinn | Steven Roehr |
Ken Fuller | Terence Sadler |
Jeremy North | Tim Stannard |
Jim | Todd Dudley |
John Cowan | Tony Handley |
John Holden | Joseph Cottrell |
John Parry | Keith Hoisington |
John Thomson | William Hayes |
Barry Gorsky | Michael Handerhan |
Robert and David
If you are still listening to the podcast on the website, please consider subscribing so you don’t risk missing anything:
Subscribe with RSSSubscribe on Android
Listen on Stitcher
The music I use is the last movement of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. This has been used as introduction music at many Yes concerts. My theme music is not take from a live concert – I put it together from the following two creative commons sources: thanvannispen and archive.org
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS
Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier
I report back from the amazing YES 50 Plaque unveiling ceremony in London where I met Bill Bruford, members of Chris Squire’s family, Chris Welch and many other Yes fans.
Mark and I chat about the significance of he event and there’s a 2 pence about the Patrick Moraz Relayer rumours and how Yes could perform and record as a collective in the future.
Listen to the episode then let us know what you think!
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEGTNj-WyCU[/embedyt]
Simon Barrow’s photos:
Henry Potts’ photos:
Gary Andrews’ photos:
Vote for the 50th Anniversary Fan Convention in the Prog Awards!
Yes50Fanconvention.com is now live!
Geoff Bailie’s brand new Yes show! https://progreport.com/radio/
Live at 7pm UK and 10am Eastern Time on Fridays! Then, get it on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.
Become a YMP Patron:
If you would like to support the Yes Music Podcast, there is a Patreon page where you can sign up.
The iOS and Android YMP apps are no longer available unless you have an old version still on your device.