Yes drummer Alan White has died at the age of 72, his family confirmed in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

“Alan White, our beloved husband, dad, and grandpa, passed away at the age of 72 at his Seattle-area home on May 26, 2022, after a brief illness,” White’s family said.

They added, “Throughout his life and six-decade career, Alan was many things to many people: a certified rock star to fans around the world; band mate to a select few, and gentleman and friend to all who met him.”

White, who joined Yes in 1972 and was the longest-tenured member of the band, also performed with John Lennon, George Harrison, Ginger Baker’s Air Force and Joe Cocker.

“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 wrote on Twitter.

Yes recently announced that White had pulled out of the band’s upcoming tour in celebration of the 50th anniversary of their Close To The Edge album due to health issues.

White will be replaced by his friend Jay Schellen, who has subbed for the drummer several times in the past.

Source: RTT Music News