Jon Anderson and The Warriors: the Road To Yes

by David Watkinson

Overview

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, but until now none have covered Jon's early years in his first band, The Warriors, in any sort of 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, to be 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, 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, 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.This unique and meticulously researched book will delight both Yes fans and 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781789520590
Publisher:	Continental Sales, Inc.
Publication date:	06/30/2020
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.28(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

David Watkinson was born in Bolton, Lancashire. He has a background in antiques, 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, cinema, antiques, collectables and being creative. The author of the bestselling history of the band Perpetual Change(Plexus, 2001), he has been a passionate admirer, collector and historian of the band Yes for over 40 years, even though his mother said he would grow out of it in 1975! He lives in West Sussex, England.

Table of Contents

Thoughts from Jon Anderson 8

Acknowledgements 9

Foreword: words from Rod Hill & Brian Chatton 11

Introduction 12

Band Introductions 14

The Family Tree 16

1 Beginnings 19

2 Everydays 28

3 The European Adventure 78

4 Beyond and Before Yes 101

5 Yesterdays 118

Appendix 1 After The Warriors 148

Appendix 2 Key Locations and Events 156

Appendix 3 Local comments and memories 160

Appendix 4 The Warriors Tribute Song 163

Appendix 5 Author's sources, interviews and media contributions 164

Appendix 6 Gigs Dates and Diary Entries. 1950s to 1968 166

Appendix 7 Set Lists 189

Appendix 8 Collectables 191