In the midst of dealing with some family health matters, I have been remiss in noting here the sad news of the passing of Yes' long-time drummer Alan White. On May 26, 2022, at age 72, Alan White passed away after a short illness. Yes were to tour this month, but a few days before the start, it was announced that White would not be able to join the rest of the band... and then sadly he passed away.
White joined Yes for the Close To The Edge tour in 1972, following Bill Bruford's departure, and was with the band ever since - a feat, in a some ways, for a band that had often-shifting members (the only other mainstay, until his passing in 2015, was bassist Chris Squire). Among White's other notable collaborations is his work with John Lennon, which includes work on Imagine; with George Harrison on All Things Must Pass; as well as with Ginger Baker, Joe Cocker, Gary Wright, and Billy Preston.
See the official Alan White website for his complete bio; visit also, of course, the official Yes website. Other articles to read on the life and passing of Alan White (just a few):
While we've got a bit of catching up to do with our reviews of Yes albums, you can read our reviews of several of Yes' releases, including Close To The Edge, which the band are touring to celebrate that album's 50th Anniversary.
[Photo: circa 2001]