Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius

It’s been a week of huge contrasts. Aurora was released and Mark and I chat about the physical copies later in the episode but I also had the news from Clive Ayer that Yes’ first manager, Roy Flynn, died this week. Clive kindly agreed to come and share his recollections of Roy but before. Here are two tributes, the first from Yes’ current management team and the second from Dave Watkinson:

All of us at QEDG are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Roy Flynn, Yes’s very first manager, there at the beginning, “beyond and before,” when everything was still forming, still becoming.

Roy believed in the band at a time when the path was uncertain, when the music was still finding its voice. He gave not just guidance, but energy, faith, and his own resources, helping to spark something that would grow far beyond those early days.

In those first steps, from small stages to a recording contract, he helped set the course, quietly shaping the direction of a journey that would travel many roads. 

He saw the light in it, the possibility, the dream… and helped carry that “astral traveller” out into the world.

His time with Yes was only a moment in the greater story, but like all true beginnings, it mattered, deeply and permanently. The echoes of that belief remain, still moving, still reaching.

We send our love and condolences to his family and friends. And with gratitude, we remember Roy.  

One of those who stood at the dawn, when the music first turned and began to flow, when “love makes the world go round,” and the journey of Yes first found its wings.

Martin Darvill

Chairman, QEDG Management

We are all very thankful for his dedication, money, foresight, and for unknowingly helping start such an important band. 

We look back fondly to those early days, so fresh and new, with big dreams and relentless energy. 

Thank you, Roy. 

David

Clive Ayer kindly sent these photos of the Order of Service from Roy's funeral. All Yes fans are welcome to contribute to Lawrence Nurses in memory of Roy. He also commented:

Roy Flynn's funeral was last Friday. Please see the images of the order of service. It was a beautiful day.

If anyone would like to donate to the Lawrence Nurses, please use the QR code. Roy's family asked those attending to donate to this wonderful charity, which helped care for him at the end of his life, rather than send flowers.

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