Photo: Yes Facebook Page
Chris Squire, the co-founder and longtime bassist of the English rock band Yes, has passed away at the age of 67 from a rare form of leukemia.
Just back in May, Yes announced on their official Facebook page that Squire had been diagnosed with Acute Erythroid Leukemia (AEL), an uncommon form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). They stated that the bassist would be receiving treatment in his hometown of Phoenix over the next few months.
Squire was the only member of the band to be featured on every studio album. The current Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes tweeted the sad news saying, “Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire.”
The band posted a message on their Facebook page for fans:
“It’s with the heaviest of hearts and unbearable sadness that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend and Yes co-founder, Chris Squire. Chris peacefully passed away last night in Phoenix Arizona.
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 h usband 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.”
