Yes Bassist Chris Squire Has Died, Aged 67

Chris Squire, the bassist, vocalist and founding member of English progressive rock band Yes, has died following a battle with leukaemia. He was 67.

Yes say Squire died in Phoenix, Arizona over the weekend, and had suffered from acute erythroid leukaemia, which he was diagnosed with in May. The band’s official statement (via Pitchfork) reads:

“For the entirety of Yes’ existence, Chris was the band’s linchpin and, in so many ways, the glue that held it together over all these years. Because of his phenomenal bass-playing prowess, Chris influenced countless bassists around the world, including many of today’s well-known artists.

“Chris was also a fantastic songwriter, having written and co-written much of Yes’ most endearing music, as well as his solo album, Fish Out of Water.

“Outside of Yes, Chris was a loving husband to Scotty and father to Carmen, Chandrika, Camille, Cameron, and Xilan. With his gentle, easy-going nature, Chris was a great friend of many… including each of us. But he wasn’t merely our friend: he was also part of our family and we shall forever love and miss him.”

Squire has been the only constant member of Yes, who released their self-titled debut album in 1969. Later on, Squire released solo albums and was at one time a member of the short-lived XYZ supergroup, which featured Squire, Yes’ Alan White and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page.

The music community has taken to social media to honour Squire and his accomplishments. View a series of notable tweets, including a lengthy tribute from Queen’s Brian May, below.

Watch: Yes – Owner Of A Lonely Heart

https://twitter.com/genesimmons/status/615258838321754112