The Yes story begins in 1966 with a band called The Syn. Bassist Chris Squire and guitarist Peter Banks spent two years with that band, progressing along the way from R&B covers to psychedelia, establishing a residency at the Marquee Club and cutting two singles for Deram. Ultimately, success wasn't in the cards for The Syn, but Squire and Banks reunited later in Mabel Greer's Toyshop. Vocalist Jon Anderson was persuaded to join; but upon recruiting drummer Bill Bruford and organist Tony Kaye (born Anthony John Selvidge), they changed their name to Yes.

By the time of their 1969 release, The Who had established themselves as one of England's premier live attractions. But on vinyl, they remained largely a singles band, save the ten-minute "A Quick One While He's Away" from A Quick One (Happy Jack in the US).