Legendary Yes Bassist Chris Squire Dead at Age 67; Sound Helped Define Prog

Chris Squire, the legendary bassist and cofounder of Yes, has died at the age of 67. He announced a hiatus from the band during May as a result of recently-diagnosed acute erythroid leukemia. The band is scheduled to begin a new tour on August 7 with Toto, and it will mark the first performance in the group's 46-year history at which Squire will not appear.

Yes came up as one of the most celebrated progressive rock bands, and his prominent bass playing (along with Rush's Geddy Lee) helped make deft bass players a signature element of the prog scene. Your correspondent was traveling just yesterday when the band's hit "Roundabout" came on, perhaps the definitive showcase for Squire's fingers. Squire also had songwriting credits on hits such as "Owner of A Lonely Heart."

The show will still go on, come August (Yes had announced Billy Sherwood, a guitarist and member of the band for the late '90s as his replacement previously).

You can check out the full statement from Yes below.

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, in the arms of his loving wife Scotty.

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.

Tags

Yes, Toto, Rush