Chris Squire, a founding member of the progressive rock band Yes, has died after battling leukemia. He was 67.
“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 band said in a post on its official Facebook page Sunday. “Chris peacefully passed away last night in Phoenix Arizona,” the statement continued.
Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes also tweeted the news of Squire’s death to fans: “Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire.”
Squire was born in London in 1948. Twenty years later, he co-founded Yes with singer Jon Anderson. Squire performed on all of Yes’ albums and co-wrote some of the group’s biggest hits, including the ’80s song “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” plus “I’ve Seen All Good People” and “Starship Trooper.”
He released one solo album, “Fish Out of Water,” in 1975.