The influential rock bassist and a founding member of the celebrated British band, Yes, Chris Squire, died in Phoenix on June 27, Saturday. He was 67 years old.
The death of the legendary musician was confirmed by the band's keyboardist, Geoffrey Downes. It was reported in May that Squire has been diagnosed with acute erythroid, due to which the veteran band member will not be accompanying the band for its summer and fall tour, scheduled to begin on Aug. 7.
Born and raised in London, Squire developed a keen interest in music at an early stage. Soon after leaving high school, he teamed with the vocalist Jon Anderson, the guitarist Peter Banks, the keyboardist Tony Kaye and Bruford to form Yes, Billboard reported.
While Banks soon left the band after two albums and later died in 2013, Anderson and the rest of the band members left and rejoined Yes several times, but are not currently with the band.
Squire was the only band member to have have played on every one of Yes's albums and participated in every one of its tours since its inception in 1968. The band, owing to its blend of rock, jazz, folk and classical influences, became one of the most successful and longest-lasting music groups.
Squire's melodic bass playing became a key element of the Yes' music over the years. Squire also co-wrote some of the group's biggest hits, including the 1980s song "Owner of a Lonely Heart," "Leave It" and "Lift Me Up." Back in 1975, he had also released one solo album, "Fish Out of Water," which was well received.
Squire had lived in Phoenix for several years and was survived by his wife, Scotland, and five children, Carmen, Chandrika, Camille, Cameron and Xilan, New York Times reported.