Chris Squire’s Deathby Jeremy Bednarsh

Just over a month after he revealed that he was suffering from a rare form of leukemia, Yes bassist and co-founder Chris Squire passed away at the age of 67. The news was first heard through the Twitter page of current Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes, and was confirmed on Yes’ official Facebook page. Throughout the career of this well-known pioneering prog rock band, Chris was a linchpin, holding them together for over 45 years and playing on every single album. Squire’s prowess as a bassist, influenced an entire generation of bass players around the world. Squire was also an exceptional songwriter, who wrote or co-wrote much of Yes’ most well-known music, in addition to his solo album “Fish Out of Water”. !

Yes was formed in 1968 after Squire met singer Jon Anderson at a music-industry bar in London. The two soon recruited guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye and drummer Bill Bruford. The band released their self-titled debut in 1969, although it wasn’t until Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman replaced Banks and Kaye that the band made it big through “The Yes Album” and “Fragile”. In the following decades, the band saw various members leave, get replaced and then return, but Squire was the sole constant in the band. Squire was also credited as a co-writer on many of Yes’ most lasting cuts, including “I’ve Seen All Good People”, “Starship Trooper”, “Owner of a Lonely Heart”, “Heart of the Sunrise” and “Yours is No Disgrace”. In addition to his work with Yes, Squire was involved in other side and solo projects.

Back in May, Squire revealed that he had recently been diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia, which forced him to miss the band’s summer co-headlining tour with Toto. This absence marked the first time in the band’s history that they performed without Squire. As of February of 2013, Yes had been on 18 members over the years, and unfortunately it now looks like they’re going to need a 19th.