Yes bassist Chris Squire dies

LONDON — Chris Squire, known for co-founding and playing bass for progressive rock band Yes, died on Saturday night just a month after revealing that he had been diagnosed with leukemia. He was 67.

Yes confirmed the news on their Facebook page, saying Squire died peacefully in Phoenix. “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,” the band wrote. “Chris peacefully passed away last night in Phoenix, Arizona. We will have more information for you soon.

“Chris was the band’s linchpin and, in so many ways, the glue that held it together over all these years,” the message continued. “Because of his phenomenal bass-playing prowess, Chris influenced countless bassists around the world, including many of today’s well-known artistes. Chris was also a fantastic songwriter, having written and co-written much of Yes’s 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 bassist co-created Yes in 1968 with singer Jon Anderson after the two met in a London bar. Though line-up changes continued for the next 50 years, Squire remained the one constant and was the only member of the band to appear on every one of its 21 studio albums. The 67-year-old had been undergoing treament for acute erythroid leukemia, having announced that he was taking a hiatus from the band in May.

Yes’ keyboardist Geoff Downes was the first to break the news online early Sunday, writing on his Twitter account: “Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire.”

Scottish indie pop band Belle and Sebastian dedicated a song to Squire during its Glastonbury set on Sunday; while other musicians such as drummer Jason Bonham were quick to show their appreciation online. “I’m devastated with the News that Chris Squire passed away. I spent a lot of time with Chris in the late ’80s. Great, great memories of a fantastic musician and a father-like figure to me at that time. My thoughts are with his family,” he posted on Facebook.

Guitarist Tom Morello, best known for his tenure with Rage Against The Machine, posted on Twitter: “RIP Chris Squire, super bassist of Yes. An extremely talented musician’s musician who mastered his instrument and took it to new realms.”

Yes has confirmed that its summer tour will go on as planned with Billy Sherwood stepping in to replace Squire. AGENCIES