Chris Squire, Yes Bassist and Co-Founder, Dead at 67
The musician had been diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia.
— -- Chris Squire, Yes bassist and co-founder, has died. He was 67.
A few weeks ago, it was announced that Squire had acute erythroid leukemia, which is a rarer form of the more common acute myeloid leukemia. Both are cancers that affect blood cell production.
"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," read a post on the band's Facebook page. 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."
Squire, who played his first show with Yes in 1968, was the only member of the band to appear on every one of their 21 studio albums.
Nicknamed "Fish," Squire's bass playing was highly influential, and he co-wrote some of Yes' most enduring songs, including "Owner of a Lonely Heart," "And You and I," "I've Seen All Good People," "Leave It," "Starship Trooper," "Yours Is No Disgrace" and many more. However, Squire's illness meant that he was not going to be part of the band's upcoming tour with Toto, or its fan cruise in November. It was to be the first time since the band's inception that they would have performed without Squire.
"Because of his phenomenal bass-playing prowess, Chris influenced countless bassists around the world, including many of today’s well-known artists," the band added in its statement. "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."
Squire had a rich life off-stage too.
"Outside of Yes, Chris was a loving husband to Scotty and father to Carmen, Chandrika, Camille, Cameron, and Xilan," the band's statement read. "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."