Alan White, drummer for Yes, dies at 72 | a musician

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alan White, their beloved friend and 50-year-old drummer, at the age of 72, after a short illness,” the statement read.

The musician was born in Pelton, England and died in Washington, USA, where he was living.

Alan joined Yes in 1972, four years after the band’s formation, replacing Bill Bruford, who had joined King Crimson. He was currently the oldest member of the band.

Alan White also played drums on classic albums by former Beatles John Lennon (“Imagine”) and George Harrison (“All Things Must Pass”) before joining Yes.

He thought he got a prank call when John Lennon called him and invited him to join Plastic Ono and record the song “Imagine”.

The drummer has also worked with musicians such as Joe Cocker, Gary Wright, Doris Troy, Billy Preston and the Ginger Baker Air Force Group.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, along with Yes.

“Health issues since 2016 have reduced Alan’s time on stage with Yes in recent tours, with Jay Shellene being replaced and Alan joining the band, to loud applause at the end of each show,” Yes said in the statement.

Yes, in the statement, said Alan was preparing for a tour that will celebrate his 50th anniversary with the band and “Close to the Edge,” his first recording with the band.