R.I.P.: Chris Squire, Bassist For Yes

Chris Squire

Chris Squire, co-founder of Yes, has died, bandmate Geoff Downes confirms via Twitter.

The 67 year old had announced a hiatus from the band in May, following a diagnosis of acute erythroid leukemia.

“Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire,” says Downes, who appeared on three Yes studio albums with the bass-playing legend – 1980′s Drama, 2011′s Fly From Here and 2014′s Heaven and Earth.

Ultimate Classic Rock reports Squire was the only constant in a band that began evolving almost as soon as it was founded in advance of a self-titled 1969 debut. Yes’ Aug. 7 concert with Toto will mark the first-ever without
him.

Yes later released a statement that marks Squire’s sad passing:

It’s with the heaviest of hearts and unbearable sadness that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend and...
Posted by Yes (official) on Sunday, June 28, 2015

Squire’s final work on Heaven and Earth helped that project to a Top 20 finish on the UK charts. Yes’ best-selling albums include 1983′s triple-platinum 90125 and 1971′s double-platinum Fragile.