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Trevor and Alan with Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Bill Bruford at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, April 2017. |
It is with deepest sorrow that I report the passing of Yes drummer Alan White at age 72, mere days after announcing that he would not be participating in the band's upcoming tour of the UK due to illness.
The family's official announcement can be read here: http://alanwhite.net/
Long-time fans know of the depth and breadth of Alan's career in Yes and in other musical concerns, most notably his contributions to the solo work of John Lennon, including the classic song "Imagine."
Alan joined Yes in 1972 and his performative and creative contributions over several decades have assured his place in Yesstory and rock n'roll history. But he also had a reputation for being easy-going and eager to collaborate. Trevor liked to say that the only bad thing one could say about Alan was that there was nothing bad to say about him, being well-liked by everyone. Trevor's chemistry with Chris and Alan - both personally and professionally - was instantaneous from their first meeting.
Trevor performed and recorded with Alan continuously during his time in YesWest, from 1981-1995, and Alan also contributed to Trevor's 1989 solo album Can't Look Away. They last shared a stage during Yes' induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
My condolences to Alan's wife Gigi and their children, friends and family, bandmates, colleagues and fellow fans worldwide.