Written by: Paul Gleason

SEM is devastated to report the death of Chris Squire – bassist and founding member of the seminal progressive rock band, Yes.

Squire had been diagnosed with Acute Erythroid Leukemia (AEL) cancer, a rare form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The diagnosis had forced Squire to pull out of Yes’s upcoming tour to undergo treatment.

Squire formed Yes in 1968 with singer Jon Anderson, guitarist Clive Bayley, drummer Bill Bruford, and keyboardist Tony Kaye.

After guitarist Steve Howe replaced Bayley in 1970, and keyboardist Rick Wakeman replaced Kaye in 1971, Yes went on to record two of the best albums in the history of progressive rock: 1971’s Fragile and 1972’s Close to the Edge.

Squire’s distinctive Rickenbacker bass and backing vocals were key elements of Yes’s sound, and he was the only consistent member of the band in its over 45-year history.

Today, remember Squire for his work. Here are “Roundabout” (from Fragile) and “Close to the Edge” (from Close to the Edge).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Tdu4uKSZ3M