ALAN WHITE,
1949-2022

Longtime Yes drummer Alan White, whose playing powered John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, died Thursday at his home in the Seattle area after a short illness. He was 72.

His family announced White’s death on his Facebook page, writing: “Throughout his life and six-decade career, Alan was many things to many people: a certified rock star to fans around the world, bandmate to a select few and gentleman and friend to all who met him.” Yes said in a joint statement, “The news has shocked and stunned the entire Yes family.”

Prior to joining Yes as Bill Bruford’s replacement in 1972—he would go on to be the band’s longest continuously serving member—White spent the 1960s playing with, among others, Billy Fury, the Alan Price Big Band, Terry Reid and Ginger Baker’s Airforce. While in the band Griffin, he caught the attention of Lennon, who asked him to join the Plastic Ono Band in 1969.

He played on Live Peace in Toronto and “Imagine,” “Jealous Guy” and “How Do You Sleep at Night.” Between Live Peace and Imagine, White recorded with Harrison on his three-LP opus All Things Must Pass, including on the single “My Sweet Lord.” He would continue a post-Beatles association with Apple Records, playing on sessions for Billy Preston, Doris Troy and others.

White got the call to join Yes in July 1972, three days before the start of a U.S. tour in support of Close to the Edge. The first Yes studio album he played on was the band’s sixth, 1973’s Tales From Topographic Oceans, which was Yes’ first U.K. #1. It went to #6 in the U.S.

After another four albums, the group took a two-year hiatus, during which time White formed Cinema with Yes bassist Chris Squire and keyboardist Tony Kaye, plus guitarist Trevor Rabin. Yes reformed in 1983, returning with 90125, which went to #5 and featured the chart-topping single “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”

A composer as well as a drummer, White remained with Yes through multiple lineup changes until a split in 2004. In 2008, he toured with former bandmates as Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White of Yes, eventually going by the name Yes, starting in 2010. He'd planned to sit out an upcoming summer tour due to health issues.

White also recorded as a trio with Tony Levin and David Torn and with John Wetton & Phil Manzanera, Eddie Harris, Joe Cocker and his own band White.

Alan White was a wonderful drummer who was an essential part of the sound of ‘Imagine’, ‘Instant Karma!’ & more recordings. He was always gentle, kind & good humoured. We were blessed he was part of our family.
Love & condolences to Gigi, Jesse & Cassi White; JJ, Ellie & Andrea. pic.twitter.com/yrNFh0PQmy

— Yoko Ono ☮️🏳️ (@yokoono) May 26, 2022

Thinking of drummer Alan White, who passed away yesterday. Alan played in the progressive rock band Yes and was featured on John Lennon’s “Imagine," among countless other recordings. pic.twitter.com/w6hl7pc2Rg

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) May 27, 2022

Dear friend & incredible drummer Alan White has left us way too soon. He was one of the most down to earth people I’ve known. When you next hear “Imagine” or “Jealous Guy” by John think of Alan as you hear his masterful playing. And all his wonderful work with Yes. RIP❤️

— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) May 26, 2022

I’m sad to hear the news of Alan White’s passing. He was a lovely person and a terrific drummer. My thoughts go out to his wife Gigi and to everyone in Yes.

— Steve Hackett (@HackettOfficial) May 27, 2022