Chris Squire, singer, vocalist and founding member of iconic progressive rockers Yes, has lost his battle with leukemia, passing away at 67 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The sad news was revealed via Twitter by the band's keyboardist Geoffrey Downes, who said, "Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire."
Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire. #yes
— Geoffrey Downes (@asiageoff) June 28, 2015
In a lengthier statement reported by Rolling Stone, the band said, "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."
Rolling Stone reports that the band stated, "Chris peacefully passed away last night in Phoenix Arizona, in the arms of his loving wife Scotty", though it appears the Facebook post was since edited.
Squire was the only member to feature on every one of the band's 21 studio albums from 1969 to last year. He announced that he was suffering from Acute Erythroid Leukemia only a month ago.
It’s with the heaviest of hearts and unbearable sadness that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend and...
Posted by Yes (official) on Sunday, June 28, 2015
