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.
A native of Pelton, County Durham, Alan White joined Yes in 1972 to replace Bill Bruford who had decided to play for 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 participated in a few songs on stage.
We learned a few days ago that he would not be able to participate in the 50e 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 Imagine et Instant Karma by John Lennon. He is present on eight of the ten tracks on the album. Imagine from 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, Ramshackled, which he launched in 1976.