Yes, drummer Alan White, 72, has died, his wife Gigi has confirmed.
In a statement on White’s Facebook page, Gigi said: “Alan White, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, died at the age of 72 at his home in Seattle on May 26, 2022, after a brief illness.
“Throughout his life and six decades of career, Alan has been many things to many people: a certified rock star for fans around the world; a bandmate for a select few and a gentleman and friend for all who knew him.
“Alan was born in Pelton, County Durham, England, on June 14, 1949. He began piano lessons at the age of six, began playing drums at twelve, and has performed in public since the age of thirteen.
“Throughout the 1960s, Alan perfected his craft with a variety of bands, including The Downbeats, The Gamblers, Billy Fury, Alan Price Big Band, Bell and Arc, Terry Reid, Happy Magazine (later called Griffin) and Balls with Trevor Burton (The Move) and Denny Laine (Wings).
“In 1968, Alan joined Ginger Baker’s Airforce, a new group that was formed by former Cream drummer and other prominent musicians in the English music scene, such as Steve Winwood, before Traffic.
“In 1969, Alan received what he thought was a prank call at the time, but it was John Lennon who called to ask Alan to join the Plastic Ono Band. Alan found himself learning songs on the back of a scheduled airliner in Toronto with Lennon, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton and Klaus Voormann. number 10 on the lists.
“Alan’s association with Lennon continued, recording singles such as Instant Karma and the subsequent reference album Imagine, with Alan providing the drums for the lead song, Jealous Guy, and How Do You Sleep at Night. of Alan with Lennon led to an introduction to George Harrison, who asked Alan to perform on the album All Things Must Pass, including the single My Sweet Lord, released in 1970. Later, Alan worked with many artists for the Apple label, such as Billy Preston, Rosetta Hightower and Doris Troy.
“Alan joined Yes on July 27, 1972, and with only three days to learn music, Yes opened his U.S. tour in front of 15,000 fans in Dallas, Texas on July 30, 1972. Alan has been with Yes since then, and with his passing from founding member Chris Squire in June 2015, Alan is the longest-serving member of the band.
“Alan is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and May White (née Thrower), his sister-in-law, Mindi Hall, and many loyal furry companions. He is survived by his wife for forty years (May 15, 1982) Rogena.” Gigi “(single Walberg), her children, Jesse (Emily), her two children JJ and Ellie, and Cassi (Kela) and sister-in-law Andrea Holmqvist (Robert).”
Earlier this week, Yes announced that White would not be taking part in the band’s upcoming 50th Anniversary Close To The Edge UK Tour due to health issues.
The band will now be dedicating their 50th anniversary Close to the Edge UK Tour in June to White.