News – YES Bassist, Co-Founder SQUIRE Passes Away

Squire is the only Yes member to play on all 21 of the group’s studio albums, from 1969’s self-titled debut to 2014’s Heaven and Earth.

“For the entirely of Yes existence, Chris was the band’s linchpin, and in so many ways, the glue that held it together over all these years”. The rock and roll world is in a state of mourning for this iconic bass player and man who influenced a generation or more of musicians. Indeed, Squire himself dabbled on a whole slew of instruments throughout the history of Yes, and his secondary talents came in particularly handy when he released his sole solo album Fish Out of Water (yes…he really dug the “Fish” theme).

Chris leaves behind his wife Scotland and their six-year-old daughter, Xilan.

Our thoughts go out to Chris‘s family and friends during this hard time.

Born and raised in London, Squire developed a keen interest in music at an early stage. His father was a cab driver, and his mother a housewife.

He was suspended from school in 1964 for wearing his hair too long, and never returned.

Yes was founded in 1968 by Squire and singer Jon Anderson.

In 1983 they released the album 90125, which featured their classic hit Owner Of A Lonely Heart. He also released a solo album, recorded a Christmas single called “Run With the Fox” with fellow Yes member Alan White and made many a guest appearance on albums for Rick Wakeman, Steve Hackett and Billy Sherwood. They attracted a large following with their mixture of mystical lyrics, rambunctious harmonies and the powerful falsetto of lead vocalist Jon Anderson.

On May 19, Yes announced that Squire has been diagnosed with Acute Erythroid Leukemia, an uncommon form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Although Chris Squire may have left us in body, his vision, spirit, and creative brilliance will live forever through his music.

The sad news was broken via the band’s Facebook page on Sunday (June 28th).

Mr. Eavis admitted he didn’t watch West’s headline show, but after hearing positive reviews he said: “Thank God for that, what a relief”.