Alan White, the long-serving drummer for Yes, has died at the age of 72.
His family confirmed the news today (May 26) on Facebook, noting that he died following a “short illness.”
White had been a member of Yes since 1972 when he was brought in as a substitute for Bill Bruford, the band’s original drummer. He made his debut on the band’s fifth album, ‘Close To The Edge,’ and has since appeared on almost 40 studio albums, the most recent of which is ‘The Quest,’ published in 2021.
“It is with tremendous regret that YES announce Alan White, their much-loved drummer, and friend of 50 years, has passed away, aged 72, after a brief illness,” the band stated in a statement. The news came as a complete shock to the entire YES family.
“Alan had been looking forward to the upcoming UK Tour, which would mark his 50th anniversary with YES and their legendary Close To The Edge album, which marked the start of Alan’s adventure with the band in July 1972.
“He and his lovely wife, Gigi, just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Alan died quietly in his sleep at home.”
White was also a member of John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band, which he joined in 1969 after being scouted by the former Beatles singer. On John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ album, he performed on eight songs, including the title track and ‘Gimme Some Truth.’ He also appeared on John Lennon’s ‘Instant Karma!’ and George Harrison‘s ‘All Things Must Pass.’
White also played with The Downbeats, Billy Fury’s Gamblers, Happy Magazine, Alan Price Big Band, Ginger Baker’s Air Force, Terry Reid, Joe Cocker, and The Ventures during his career.
As a member of the band Yes, White was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
“YES will devote their 50th Anniversary Close to the Edge UK Tour in June to White,” the band said in a statement.
The tour will kick out on June 15 at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, with further European dates to be announced soon.
What Happened to Alan White Drummer?
The English Rock Band Drummer Yes, Alan White, who lived in Seattle, Washington, died at the age of 72. His wife, Gigi White, said he died after a brief illness.
“Alan White, our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and a true family guy, passed away at the age of 72 at his Seattle-area home on May 26, 2022,” Gigi White and the White family wrote on the drummer’s Facebook page.
Alan was born on June 14, 1949, in Pelton, County Durham, England. White began piano lessons when she was six years old, drum classes when she was twelve, and public performances when she was thirteen.
When he was seven years old, he moved to the nearby town of Ferryhill, where he spent the rest of his life.
Meanwhile, his piano lessons were a turning point in his musical development as a drummer. His uncle stated that he used to play the instrument “quite percussively.”
After that, his uncle informed his parents about his passion for music, and when he was twelve years old, they bought him an Ajax drum kit for Christmas.
White credited his uncle as having a huge impact on his life.
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What Illness Did Alan White Drummer Die From?
Alan White, who died at the age of 72 in his Seattle home, was a huge loss to the musical community.
The musician’s cause of death is unknown, but according to the family’s Facebook post, he died in the United States after a brief illness while away from his homeland.
“What a lovely, kind human being,” one commenter on Facebook wrote. I consider myself and my family to be extremely fortunate to have him and his wonderful family in our lives. Alan, best wishes. “You will always have a special place in our hearts.”
White had been married to Gigi for nearly 40 years. Their two children are Jesse and Cassi, with his son following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a musician.
He died in Newcastle, Washington, near Seattle, after leaving his homeland. White was best man at Jon Anderson’s wedding in 1997.
White was also the Grand Marshal of Washington’s Issaquah Salmon Days event.
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What Was Alan White’s Cause of Death?
Alan’s death was announced to the world via a Facebook post on his official page by his family.
Alan’s family stated in the article that he died on May 26, 2022, in his Seattle-area home, “after a brief illness.” The nature of the “short sickness” was not stated.
Alan’s family then gave a quick rundown of all of his amazing achievements during his career. “His wife of 40 years (May 15, 1982) Rogena “Gigi” (née Walberg), his children, Jesse (Emily), their two children JJ and Ellie, and Cassi (Kela), and sister-in-law Andrea Holmqvist (Robert),” the family wrote at the end of their statement.
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