Alan White, Yes and Plastic Ono Band drummer, dead at 72
English drummer and songwriter and Yes band drummer, Alan White has passed away at the age of 72 after a brief illness.
His death was announced today in a statement issued by the band. The statement read:
“The news has shocked and stunned the entire YES family. Alan had been looking forward to the forthcoming UK Tour, to celebrating his 50th Anniversary with YES and their iconic Close To The Edge album, where Alan’s journey with YES began in July 1972,” the band shared on Instagram alongside a photo of their drummer of 50 years. “He recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his marriage to his loving wife Gigi. Alan passed away, peacefully at home.”
His family also confirmed his death on his Facebook page, noting that he died on Thursday.
The band’s tribute also noted that White was “considered one of the greatest drummers of all time.” White, who was born on June 14, 1949, in County Durham, England, joined Yes in the summer of 1972, after original drummer Bill Bruford left to join King Crimson.
