Legendary drummer Alan White, who played Yes and recorded with Lennon and Harrison, has died

Alan White, known for being the drummer of John Lennon and for being a member of the popular progressive rock band Yes since 1972, died this morning at the age of 72, according to a statement released by his wife Gigi.

“Alan White, our loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 72 at his home in the Seattle area on May 26, 2022, after a brief illness,” the statement stated.

“Throughout his life and six decades of career, Alan has done many things to many people: a certified rock star to fans around the world, a bandmate to a select few, and a gentleman and friend to everyone who knows him. , “he added. .

A race between the great

Born in Pelton, County Durham, England, on June 14, 1949, Alan White had a career that spanned more than six decades.

He started music at the age of six, with piano lessons; at the age of 12 he started playing drums and a year later he was already performing on the club circuit, as part of more than 13 bands.

In 1968, Alan joined Ginger Baker Air Forcea group formed by Cream’s ex-drummer and other musicians like Steve Winwood.

In 1969 he joined the Plastic Ono Band project, led by John Lennon.and recorded with the former Beatle several songs from the album think about it. The group also consists of Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton and Klaus Voormann.

He also participated with George Harrison on the album Everything Must Pass and with other musicians such as Doris Troy, Billy Preston and Rosetta Hightower.

Fifty years with Yes

White joined Yes in 1972 in place of original drummer Bill Bruford, and remained with the group until his death.

Just this week, the Yes musicians announced that they would be touring this year 2002 without White, but didn’t explain why their battery was weak. Jay Schellen will be his replacement, as on previous occasions due to medical losses from the drummer. One of the chances, for a back surgery.

With the death of Chris Squire in 2015, only Steve Howe remained in the band as a member of the classic line-up in the 1970s. Both Rick Wakeman and Jon Anderson were not part of the final meetings and were in fact separate from the others. of the group.

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