Yes Bassist Chris Squire Dies

Yes bassist Chris Squire, co-founder of the band and the only member to appear on all of their studio albums, passed away Saturday night  at the age of 67.  It was announce by bandmate Geoff Downes on his twitter account.  Squire was recently diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia back in May and announced that he was taking a hiatus from touring with Yes to seek treatment back his adopted home of Arizona.

Yes has released a total of 21 studio albums, all starting with its self titled album, the one many call the first "prog rock album" back on June 25, 1969.  Squire also released two solo albums,  "Fish Out of Water" back in 1975 and "Chris Squire's Swiss Choir back in 2007.  Yes has had over 40 members perform with the band through the years but the one main constant was Chris Squire.  Yes has played around the Hudson Valley many times, including 3 times at the Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, the last time was August 21st, 1994. and twice at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, playing their as recently as February 2nd, 2010.  He announced that he was not going to be able to tour with Yes on their North American tour with Toto beginning August 7th and that Billy Sherwood would be taking his place.

Yes released a statement on Squire's passing:

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. Chris peacefully passed away last night in Phoenix Arizona, in the arms of his loving wife Scotty.
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. 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, having written and co-written much of Yes’ most endearing music, as well as his solo album, Fish Out of Water.
Outside of Yes, Chris was a loving h usband 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 is survived by his wife Scotland Squire, who he married in 2003, his children Xilan, Cameron, Chandikra, and Camille Squire, and a stepdaughter Carmen.