The musician - who co-founded the prog rock group with singer Jon Anderson in 1968 - lost his battle with a rare form of leukaemia on Saturday (27.06.15) night, the group have confirmed.
A statement on their website read: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts and unbearable sadness that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend and Yes co-founder, Chris Squire. “For the entirety of Yes’ existence, Chris was the band’s linchpin and, in so many ways, the glue that held it together over all these years.
“Because of his phenomenal bass-playing prowess, Chris influenced countless bassists around the world, including many of today’s well-known artists. “Chris was also a fantastic songwriter, having written and co-written much of Yes’ most endearing music, as well as his solo album, ‘Fish Out of Water’.
“Outside of Yes, Chris was a loving husband to Scotty and father to Carmen, Chandrika, Camille, Cameron, and Xilan.
“With his gentle, easy-going nature, Chris was a great friend of many ... including each of us.
“But he wasn’t merely our friend: he was also part of our family and we shall forever love and miss him.”
Chris’ former bandmate Jon - who quit the group three times, most recently in 2008 - penned a touching message to his “brother” and admitted he was relieved they had recently “reconnected”.
He wrote: “Chris was a very special part of my life; we were musical brothers. He was an amazingly unique bass player - very poetic - and had a wonderful knowledge of harmony. We met at a certain time when music was very open, and I feel blessed to have created some wonderful, adventurous, music with him.
“Chris had such a great sense of humor... he always said he was Darth Vader to my Obiwan. I always thought of him as Christopher Robin to my Winnie the Pooh.
“We travelled a road less travelled and I’m so thankful that he climbed the musical mountains with me. Throughout everything, he was still my brother, and I’m so glad we were able to reconnect recently.
“I saw him in my meditation last night, and he was radiant. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.(sic)”
Current Yes keyboardist Geoffrey Downes also paid tribute to the rocker and admitted he is “utterly devastated” by the news.
He tweeted: “Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire.”
Elsewhere, other musicians used social media to pay their respects to Chris, who revealed in May he had been diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia and would miss the group’s upcoming tour with Toto. Spandau Ballet star Gary Kemp wrote: “Close to the Edge was one of my most played records as a youth. So much good music was played and made by Chris Squire. Absolute bass legend.”
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler added: “Shocked to hear of the passing of Chris Squire, one of the great bass players.” Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine wrote: “A tremendous talent and a terribly sad loss. Prayers to Chris Squire’s family and band.”
