June 28, 2015
A month after announcing his diagnosis with acute erythroid leukemia, Yes co-founder and bassist Chris Squire passed away at the age of 67 in his hometown on Phoenix on Saturday night.
The loss was confirmed in a statement on the band's official Facebook page, which has since been edited to reflect more information to come.
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 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.
Squire, a self-taught bassist, established the legendary prog rock group with former member Jon Anderson in 1968. Over a 50-year span, he was the only member of the still active group to feature on each of the band's studio albums, Rolling Stone reports.
Squire revealed in May that he had been diagnosed with the uncommon form of acute myeloid leukemia, which forced him to miss the band's summer tour co-headlining with Toto. It was the first time in the band's history performing without him.
Yes broke out with a pair of 1971 records, 'The Yes Album' and its follow-up, 'Fragile.' The band is best known for songs including "I've Seen All Good People," "Starship Trooper," "Yours Is No Disgrace," and "Perpetual Change."
