Drummer Alan White, who worked with John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band and was part of the British progressive rock band Yes since 1972, has died.
The Briton died of a brief illness, aged 72, at his home in Seattle, Washington.
Originally from Pelton, County Durham, Alan White had joined the ranks of Yes in 1972 to replace at short notice Bill Bruford who had decided to join the ranks of King Crimson.
The drummer made his recording debut with the double album Tales From Topographic Oceans. He was then present on all the albums of the formation until the last opus The Questlaunched in October 2021.
Back pain had slowed his activities since 2016. Yes had a guest drummer and White was involved in a few songs on stage.
We learned a few days ago that he would not be able to participate in the 50and album anniversary Close to the Edge, which kicks off on June 15, in Glasgow, UK, due to health concerns. The members of Yes indicated on Thursday that this series of 14 shows will be dedicated to Alan White.
Alan White played drums on the singles Conceived and Instant Karma by John Lennon. He is present on eight of the ten tracks on the album. Conceived of the ex-Beatles.
He has also accompanied several artists on records including George Harrison, Joe Cocker, Ginger Baker’s Air Force formation and The Ventures.
Alan White was also part of Circa with bassist Billy Sherwood, keyboardist Tony Kaye and guitarist Jimmy Haun. He has a solo opus to his credit with the opus Ramshackled which he launched in 1976.