Yes Music Podcast · Kevin Mulryne and Mark Anthony K

Dave Watkinson's financial forensic detective work in the Yes archives - 690

·38 min·2 clips

A document shows the origin of the “5 per cent” phrase linked to Yes.

1. Yes Music Podcast episode 690 centers on Dave Watkinson’s essay about Yes accounts books from 1969 to 1970. 2. Dave Watkinson is the guest and archival researcher, Kevin Mulrine is the host, and Mark Anthony Kaye joins as co-host because both host and guest push the account-book evidence into band history. 3. The episode asks what the Yes financial records reveal about the band’s early management, spending, and touring life. 4. Dave says the account books came through auctions in the UK over the last 5-10 years. 5. He describes two Yes petty cash books, with only one completed, and notes that another outgoings book has not been found. 6. Roy Flynn appears as the first manager, while John Roberts is named as an early backer who put in about £500. 7. Jack Barry and Tony Stratton-Smith are mentioned as early figures who helped Yes before Brian Lane. 8. The discussion puts 1969-70 numbers into context with examples like £4 rehearsal-room rent, £24 weekly wages, and a house at about £3,500. 9. Dave says the documents show many pages of small entries rather than one dramatic financial event. 10. Repairs come up repeatedly, especially for vans and instruments that were being moved constantly between gigs. 11. Dave says the band’s life was basic, with bed-and-breakfast accommodation, simple food, cigarettes, alcohol, and no visible extravagance. 12. The conversation contrasts that early road life with later years, when Mark recalls Yes touring with private jets during the Tales-era period. 13. Kevin asks about a Marquee Club residency, and Dave explains that contracts could include bonus money if a hit reached a chart position during the run. 14. Dave says hiring Yes could cost about £25 to £30 a night at first, then rise to £40 and later to about £100 a night. 15. The episode also covers European early touring, with Germany, Holland, and Switzerland named as destinations in the early period. 16. Dave points to one contract detail as the origin of the “5 percenters” phrase and says it is written directly on the document. 17. The tone is conversational and detail-heavy, with Kevin and Mark asking practical questions while Dave answers from the documents. 18. The format is interview-led and archive-driven, with the hosts repeatedly translating obscure paperwork into plain English. 19. Listeners interested in Yes history, old contracts, and music-business details will get the most from it. 20. Listeners wanting a general Yes overview without archival minutiae may skip it.

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