We reported a few days ago that Alan White wouldn’t be on the Yes tour dates due to ill health. We are incredibly sad to have to follow that story up with the news of his ing. The following announcement has been made:
It is with deep sadness that YES announce Alan White, their much-loved drummer and friend of 50 years, has ed away, aged 72, after a short illness. 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 Alans journey with YES began in July 1972.
He recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his marriage to his loving wife Gigi. Alan ed 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 ing 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 ed YES in 1972 for the Close to the Edge Tour. He had previously worked with John Lennons 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 . He also worked with several other musicians, over the years, including Ginger Bakers 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 their 50th Anniversary Close to the Edge UK Tour in June to White.
As ever, our thoughts are with Alan’s family, friends and bandmates. And we leave you with an example of the legacy that he leaves behind. The music lives on!
Header image by Gottlieb Bros
