Peter Banks is the stage name of Peter William Brockbanks (born July 15, 1947), an English guitarist. He was the original guitarist of the progressive rock band Yes. Banks was born at Barnet, North London. When he was a young boy, his father bought him a acoustic guitar, and Banks showed unexpected devotion and ability with the instrument. ...show more

Peter Banks is the stage name of Peter William Brockbanks (born July 15, 1947), an English guitarist. He was the original guitarist of the progressive rock band Yes. Banks was born at Barnet, North London. When he was a young boy, his father bought him a acoustic guitar, and Banks showed unexpected devotion and ability with the instrument.

As a teenager, he also learned how to play the banjo. Peter Banks and Chris Squire first met when Banks joined The Syn, also including Andrew Jackman (keyboards), who in later years became an orchestral arranger for some Yes and Chris Squire records. The Syn only lasted until 1967, but the group released two singles. In 1968 Banks played briefly with the band Neat Change, recording one single.

Squire joined friends Clive Bailey (rhythm guitar) and Bob Hagger (drums) in Mabel Greer's Toy Shop, and Banks came to join the band too for a time. Banks left the band, which was subsequently joined by singer Jon Anderson and then drummer Bill Bruford replaced Bob Hagger. With the loss of Bailey, addition of keyboardist Tony Kaye and Banks' return, the band took on a new name. The members searched for an appropriate name. ...show less