By Monk
Alan White, drummer with prog rock legends Yes for the past 50 years, has died at the age of 72, after a short illness.
In a statement, the band said:
“The news has shocked and stunned the entire YES family.
“Alan had been looking forward to the forthcoming UK Tour, to celebrating his 50th anniversary with YES and their iconic ‘Close To The Edge’ album, where Alan’s journey with YES began in July 1972.
“He recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of his marriage to his loving wife Gigi. Alan passed away peacefully at home.
“Alan was born in 1949 in County Durham. A number of health setbacks, since 2016, had restricted Alans time on stage with YES on recent tours with Jay Schellen filling in and Alan joining the band, to great applause, towards the end of each set.
“Alan was considered to be one of the greatest rock drummers of all time and joined YES in 1972 for the ‘Close To The Edge’ tour. He had previously worked with John Lennon’s Plastic Ono band after a call, in 1969, to play at the Toronto Rock Festival. Alan continued working with Lennon including on the Imagine album and with George Harrison on ‘All Things Must Pass’. He also worked with several other musicians, over the years, including Ginger Baker’s Air Force, Joe Cocker, Gary Wright, Doris Troy and Billy Preston to name but a few. Alan White was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of YES in 2017.”
Yes will dedicate next month’s 50th anniversary ‘Close To The Edge’ UK Tour to White.
PHOTO CREDIT: Photo © Jerry and Lois Photography.