*This article was published on April 1st ... please keep that in mind folks!
THE National has learned that Prog-rock superstars Yes are attempting to take legal action to stop the word “Yes” being used by campaigners in Scotland.
The group claim that since the referendum they have found their concerts in Scotland are now packed with supporters of an independent nation rather than the dedicated fanbase they’ve spent the past 50 odd years building up.
“It’s really affecting our merchandise sales,” said a spokesperson for the band.
According to sources, the band had tolerated the use of the word Yes by the pro-independence campaigners because they thought it might ultimately help shift copies of their new album, Progeny, which is released on May 25.
It was only when the band learned that Jim Murphy had created a “Yes For Labour” campaign that they decided that action needed to be taken.
The band’s spokesperson defended their position: “We were yes first. People need to remember that. It wasn’t Alex Salmond, or Nicola Sturgeon or even Jim Murphy. It was us.”
The band, who have had a string of hits including, Owner Of A Lonely Heart, had met with senior members of the Yes campaign but struggled to find a way forward that did not compromise their “red lines” in the negotiation.
Scottish legal expert, Prof Sally Aido from the University of Aberdeen, said that the impact of this challenge could be huge.
“It could ultimately mean that we never have another referendum on Scottish independence again, because we’ll only be able to have the one option on the ballot paper,” she admitted.
Yes have been going since the late 1960s. The band, who play music that’s a bit mystical and long, have an ever changing line-up which currently includes Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Alan White and Geoff Downes. Former members include Rick Wakeman.
Murphy was asked to comment on the band’s decision.
“Everybody knows the largest party forms the government,” he said.
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