Chris Squire, the co-founder and bass guitarist with British rock band Yes, has died at the age of 67.
The musician’s bandmate’s confirmed he had died ‘peacefully’ in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday night, after losing his battle with a rare form of leukaemia.
Chris Squire (1948 - 2015)
Yes keyboardist Geoffrey Downes tweeted: "Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire."
A statement on the band’s official website said: "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 musician revealed in May that he had been recently diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia, which would force him to miss the band's summer co-headlining tour with Toto.
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Fellow musicians and fans of the progressive rock band took to Twitter and Facebook to pay tribute.
Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello wrote: "RIP Chris Squire, super bassist of Yes. An extremely talented musician's musician who mastered his instrument and took it to new realms."
American rock guitarist Joe Satriani posted: "R.I.P. and thank you Chris Squire. #ChrisSquire,#yes"
Spandau Ballet star Gary Kemp wrote: “Close to the Edge was one of my most played records as a youth. So much good music was played and made by Chris Squire.Absolute bass legend.”
John Petrucci, of Dream Theater, tweeted: "Thank you for all of the amazing music Chris Squire. You will surely be missed."
Broadcaster Danny Baker added: “Feel really flat after Chris Squire news. If you loved the sound of Yes sometimes you didn't even need anyone else.”
Yes formed in 1968 when singer Jon Anderson met self-taught bassist Squire in London. They signed with Atlantic Records a year later after supporting Janis Joplin at London's Royal Albert Hall. Their debut single, Sweetness, and first album, Yes, were released later that year.
In 1983 they released the album ‘90125’, which featured their classic hit ‘Owner Of A Lonely Heart’, which reached No.1 in the US.
