Chris Squire, bassist and co-founder of Yes, dies at 67

Chris Squire, co-founder and bassist of the progressive rock band Yes, died at age 67 on Saturday in his hometown of Phoenix.

The news comes months after Squire announced he would have to miss his first Yes tour since 1968 after being diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia, an uncommon form of acute myeloid leukemia.

Squire’s death was confirmed by publicists for the band. The band also shared the news on its Facebook page Sunday morning.

“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,” Yes said in the initial post, which has since been edited.

“Because of his phenomenal bass-playing prowess, Chris influenced countless bassists around the world, including many of today’s well-known artists. Chris was also a fantastic songwriter,” it said. “Outside of Yes, Chris was a loving husband to Scotty and father to Carmen, Chandrika, Camille, Cameron and Xilan. 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.”

Squire co-founded the group with former member Jon Anderson in 1968. The musician was credited for co-writing much of Yes’ music and his own solo album, “Fish Out of Water.” The band won a Grammy Award in 1985 for best rock instrumental, for “Cinema” from its “90125” album.

Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes posted about the death on Twitter. He wrote: “Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire.”

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