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We lose another one: Yes drummer Alan White dies at age 72

Something seemed off about White. He was preparing for Yes’ upcoming UK tour, something that would mark his 50th anniversary of the band. But then just three days ago (May 23), we heard that he’d fallen ill and wouldn’t be participating. (This was just the latest in a series of health challenges he was experiencing.) His spot would be filled by his friend Jay Schellen. The tour was to begin on June 15 in Glasgow.

There was no indication that White’s issues were anything but a temporary annoyance and would be back in the band shortly. Speculation was that it had something to do with his bad back (he’d had surgery in 2016). Then he died.

Word is that White passed away today (May 26) at home after a short illness. We don’t know the cause of death so far.

Lest we forget, White was with The Plastic Ono Band when John Lennon played the Toronto Rock’n’Roll Revival in 1969, an event that indirectly led up to the breakup of The Beatles.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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