Long time drummer for prog rock band Yes, Alan White has passed away aged 72.
White was also a member of John Lennon’s Plastic Ono band, working on Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ album.
He was recruited by Lennon back in 1969, he worked on eight tracks from that ‘Imagine’ album altogether, including ‘Gimme Some Truth’.
White also worked on Lennon’s ‘Instant Karma’, and fellow Beatle George Harrison’s third studio record ‘All Things Must Pass’.
“shocked and stunned”
Joining Prog band Yes in 1972, Alan White replaced their original drummer Bill Bruford. He made his debut on the band’s fifth studio album ‘Closer To The Edge’, the first of forty studio records featuring White.
This also included their latest album ‘Quest’, released last year.
“It is with deep sadness that YES announce Alan White, their much-loved drummer and friend of 50 years, has passed away, aged 72, after a short illness”, the band said in a statement. “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 Alan’s journey with YES began in July 1972″.
“He recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his marriage to his loving wife Gigi. Alan passed away peacefully at home”.
They added, “YES will dedicate their 50th Anniversary Close to the Edge UK Tour in June to White”.
Yes will kick off this tour in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on June 15, with news of European dates to come.
Other Tributes To Alan White
Dream Theater co founder and drummer Mike Portnoy was one of many artists to pay tribute to White.
“Absolutely stunned to wake up to the news of Alan White’s passing”, he wrote.
“His playing for the past 50 yrs was a massive influence on me & I’ve had the honor of spending much time together thru the years. My condolences to his wife Gigi, his family & the entire Yes camp”.
See more tributes below.
Drummer Alan White, the Rock and Roll Hall Of Famer and longest-tenured member of Yes, has died at age 72 . He also played with John Lennon, George Harrison, Ginger Baker’s Air Force and Joe Cocker and will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/lO3kkgSC7d
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) May 26, 2022
Saddened to hear about the passing of Yes drummer, Alan White. This pic was November 2019 at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp. Ironic and somewhat beautiful that he’s sitting beneath the words “give you rest”.
Rest Peacefully my friend. 💙🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/gOnAeYj6jl— Tony Franklin (@FretlessMonster) May 26, 2022
Drummer Alan White, the Rock and Roll Hall Of Famer and longest-tenured member of Yes, has died at age 72 . He also played with John Lennon, George Harrison, Ginger Baker’s Air Force and Joe Cocker and will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/lO3kkgSC7d
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) May 26, 2022
RIP Alan White. Your body of work with Yes speaks for itself, so all I can do is thank you for making so much of my favourite music pic.twitter.com/B9aSIj0GdW
— Keith Okie (@keith_okie) May 26, 2022
Tributes were also paid to Depeche Mode keyboardist Andy Fletcher, who passed away aged 60. More here.
