Yes co-founder Chris Squire dies of leukemia

The bassist passed away at the age of 67 in Phoenix, Arizona

Bassist and co-founding member of Yes, Chris Squire has passed away.

The musician formed the prog-rock band with singer Jon Anderson in 1968 and was the only member of the group to feature on all 21 of their studio albums.

Squire was also a member of the supergroup XYZ, alongside Yes’ Alan White and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page.

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Squire was diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia in May, losing his battle with the disease on Sunday (June 28). He died in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 67.

The band released a statement confirming Squire’s death. It read: “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.”

The first show of Yes’ upcoming tour with Toto, on August 7, will be their first ever Yes concert performed without Squire.

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