Chris Squire, bassist of progressive rock band Yes, dies
MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Chris Squire, the bassist and co-founder of the progressive rock band Yes who recently announced he had leukemia, has died, according to a statement from his band members on Sunday. He was 67.

The band posted a statement on its Facebook page saying Squire "peacefully passed away" Saturday in Phoenix, where he lived. No further details about the death were provided.

Squire announced last month that he had acute erythroid leukemia, a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia. He was receiving treatment before he died.

"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," said the statement from Alan White, Steve Howe, Jon Davison and Geoff Downes.

"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," the band's statement continued. "Because of his phenomenal bass-playing prowess, Chris influenced countless bassists around the world, including many of today's well-known artists."

Squire was born on March 4, 1948, in London. He was the only member to play on all of Yes' albums, and he co-founded the band with its former lead singer, Jon Anderson. The group released its self-titled debut album in 1969.

In a statement posted Sunday on his website, Anderson said he and Squire were "musical brothers."

"I feel blessed to have created some wonderful, adventurous, music with him. Chris had such a great sense of humor ... he always said he was Darth Vader to my Obiwan. I always thought of him as Christopher Robin to my Winnie the Pooh," he wrote.

Anderson added that he was thankful he recently connected with Squire: "I saw him in my meditation last night, and he was radiant."

Squire, a talented and dominant bass guitarist, was one of the leaders of progressive rock in the 1970s. His website says he was a choirboy in his youth, which set the foundation for his musical talents.

He released his solo debut, "Fish Out of Water," in 1975, and also played in the short-lived supergroup XYZ (eX-Yes-Zeppelin), which included Jimmy Page.

Yes released the album "Heaven & Earth" last year. The Grammy-winning band's hits include "Roundabout" and "Owner of a Lonely Heart," which became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard pop charts in the 1980s. The group will launch a U.S. tour with Toto in August, when Billy Sherwood will fill in for Squire.

Squire is survived by his wife, Scotland, and several children.

-- (c) Associated Press 2015-06-29

Chris Squire is one of the reasons I took up bass, along with Entwhistle and Jack Bruce. Rip Chris. Thanks for the memories.

Prog rock has lost a legend.

Bet they don't play Robbie William's 'Angels' at the funeral

Married to Scotland?

That dinnae sound good.

Good chance of fried mars bars at the wake though.

RIP Chris Squire. Could that guy slap a four string, him and Entwhistle took rock bass playing to another level. What a talent and what a sad loss.

“Songs From Tsongas” contains the concert from Yes’ 35th Anniversary Tour in 2004, the last tour by the band to feature the classic line-up of Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman and Alan White.

RIP

My Rickenbacker Chris Squire stereo bass guitar just appreciated in value.

But the musical world is at a loss.

RIP Chris.

Chris moved the bass into a lead instrument. His sound was unique and inspired thousands to take up the instrument. He will be missed. RIP.

Many a blister I've received trying to learn his parts.

RIP, you are still a legend forever!

RIP

I was lucky enough to see them live in Melbourne Australia for the Close to the Edge tour.

An amazing night

thank you.

RIP Chris Squire

Yours is no disgrace......

I first saw them as the warm-up for Cream's farewell concert in '68. They and we were not ready for them to take rock to the next level then but boy did they deliver in the coming years. Saw them several times in the UK and the US and they never dissappointed. A very sad loss that is becoming too frequent these days; but inevitable .

Saw them last November in Tokyo, NHK hall. Unfortunately missed the first hour as our flight operated late for sown reason. They had opened with "Siberian Khatru", one of my favorite "Yessongs". Was planning on catching the tour this year, which will go in with Billy Sherwood on Bass. RIP Fish, your tone will never be matched.

Hollywood Bowl, 1975. Squire with Bruford on drums were a match made in heaven.

RIP Chris