Chris Squire, the bassist and co-founder of the pioneering prog rock band Yes, passed away at age 67 just over a month after revealing he had been diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia. As the sole constant member of Yes for over 45 years, playing on every album, Squire was instrumental in the band's success and influenced generations of bass players. He also co-wrote many of Yes' most famous songs. Squire's diagnosis had forced him to miss Yes' recent summer tour, the first they played without him. His death leaves Yes needing to find a new bassist.

1. Chris Squire’s Death
by Jeremy Bednarsh

2. Just over a month after he revealed that he was suffering from a rare form of leukemia, Yes
bassist and co-founder Chris Squire passed away at the age of 67. The news was first heard
through the Twitter page of current Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes, and was confirmed on
Yes’ official Facebook page. Throughout the career of this well-known pioneering prog rock
band, Chris was a linchpin, holding them together for over 45 years and playing on every
single album. Squire’s prowess as a bassist, influenced an entire generation of bass players
around the world. Squire was also an exceptional songwriter, who wrote or co-wrote much of
Yes’ most well-known music, in addition to his solo album “Fish Out of Water”.
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3. Yes was formed in 1968 after Squire met
singer Jon Anderson at a music-industry
bar in London. The two soon recruited
guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony
Kaye and drummer Bill Bruford. The
band released their self-titled debut in
1969, although it wasn’t until Steve Howe
and Rick Wakeman replaced Banks and
Kaye that the band made it big through
“The Yes Album” and “Fragile”. In the
following decades, the band saw various
members leave, get replaced and then
return, but Squire was the sole constant
in the band. Squire was also credited as
a co-writer on many of Yes’ most lasting
cuts, including “I’ve Seen All Good
People”, “Starship Trooper”, “Owner of a
Lonely Heart”, “Heart of the Sunrise” and
“Yours is No Disgrace”. In addition to
his work with Yes, Squire was involved in
other side and solo projects.

4. Back in May, Squire revealed that he had recently been diagnosed with acute erythroid
leukemia, which forced him to miss the band’s summer co-headlining tour with Toto. This
absence marked the first time in the band’s history that they performed without Squire. As of
February of 2013, Yes had been on 18 members over the years, and unfortunately it now
looks like they’re going to need a 19th.