Chris Squire — bass player, backup vocalist, and only member of Yes to appear on all 21 albums the band released between 1969 and 2014 — has passed away at the age of 67 after a protracted battle with Acute Erythroid Leukemia. The group’s official Facebook page posted a message confirming his death.
Squire and Jon Anderson formed Yes, one of the foremost progressive rock bands of all time, in 1969 after Squire had bounced around playing in a handful of British bands before Yes took off. While band members have come and gone, including Anderson, Squire has been a stable point throughout the entire history of the band, until his illness required him to step aside. Yes is beginning a tour with Toto on August 7, and it will mark the first time Yes has played without Squire.
In addition to his work with Yes, Squire released some solo records, and played in the band XYZ, which also featured Jimmy Page. Yes released the following statement:
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.
Prog rock has lost a significant contributor.
(Via Pitchfork)
