Alan White was a drummer and lyricist from the United Kingdom. At the age of 72, he died. Let’s see how did he die, what happened and what was Alan White Cause of Death.
How did Alan White die?
The news was announced on Yes’ Twitter account.
It is with deep sadness that YES announce Alan White, their much-loved drummer and friend of 50 years, has passed away, aged 72, after a short illness.https://t.co/FjaCeYhUk2 pic.twitter.com/nPsL8m3XhH
— YESofficial (@yesofficial) May 26, 2022
Despite dedicating more than half of his life to playing with the progressive rock band, White also gained notoriety by participating in the Plastic Ono Band with late Beatles member Johnny Lennon.
In the songs “Imagine” and “Instant Karma,” he and Lennon collaborated. On “All Things Must Pass,” White collaborated with George Harrison.
On White’s Facebook post, fans and family friends left poignant remarks, extending virtual hugs to his sad family.
Alan White’s family said, “Alan White, our beloved husband, dad, and grandpa, passed away at the age of 72 at his Seattle-area home on May 26, 2022, after a brief illness.”
Alan White Cause of Death
Alan White, the drummer for Yes and John Lennon, has died. He was 72 years old at the time.
Following his death, White’s career with Yes, which he had been a member of for 50 years since 1972, was sadly cut short.
Alan White died after a brief illness, according to his family, who posted a message on his Facebook page.
“Alan was many things to many people during his life and six-decade career: a certified rock star to fans across the world; bandmate to a select few, and gentleman and friend to all who met him,” according to the statement. Alan White’s Cause of Death was a brief illness.
Alan White’s Early Life
White was born in the English village of Pelton, in the county of Durham. His grandfather was a pianist, while his uncle participated in local dance bands as a drummer. White began taking piano lessons at the age of six, and his uncle saw him playing the instrument “very percussively.”
He told his parents, who had given him an Ajax drum kit as a Christmas present when he was twelve years old. White felt compelled to learn and perform in the style of his drum instructor. As a result, he began to establish his own personal style. His parents then proceeded to purchase a Ludwig shiny silver kit for him.
White joined his first band, the Downbeats, at the age of thirteen, after a few months of professional drumming tuition. They sang songs by the Beatles, the Searchers, and Gerry and the Pacemakers, among others. In 1964, the Downbeats renamed themselves the Blue Chips and traveled to London to compete in Melody Maker’s amateur band contest at the London Palladium.
Alan White’s Career
With Alan Marshall and Kenny Craddock, White formed Happy Magazine, subsequently known as Griffin, and released numerous recordings with Alan Price as their producer. John Lennon requested White to join his Plastic Ono Band for a live performance at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival festival in 1969, and White accepted.
White dismissed Lennon’s contact and offer, believing him to be a joker, but accepted the invitation to the event, which took place on September 13, 1969, in front of 20,000 people at Varsity Stadium. Live Peace in Toronto 1969 was eventually published as a live CD based on the set.
White attended a yes session at Advision Studios in early 1972 to record a promotional clip for their cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “America.” He showed up at one of their rehearsals for “Siberian Khatru,” a song on their fifth album, Close to the Edge, not long after. Yes finished recording Close to the Edge on July 19, 1972.
During his time with Yes, White performed over 3,070 live gigs. White missed a 28-city tour with Yes in 2016, with Jay Schellen, due to different health issues. In 2017, White rejoined the live touring band, joined by Schellen, Dylan Howe (son of guitarist Steve Howe) in mid-2017, and Schellen again in early 2018, contributing to some double drumming not heard onstage.
In 2018, White traveled with Yes to commemorate their 50th anniversary, with founding member Tony Kaye appearing on all gigs in the United States and Japan. Yes paid tribute to White’s pre-Yes career by performing “Imagine” as the first encore of The Royal Affair tour in 2019, with John Lodge of the Moody Blues sharing lead vocals near the conclusion.
Due to the COVID pandemic in 2020, US concerts around Cruise to the Edge were postponed, as well as a 35-date European tour, which was postponed to 2021, then to 2022, and finally to 2023. He passed away before the rescheduled performances could take place. Yes’s most recent studio album, The Quest, featured him as a guest musician (2021).
Fan’s Reaction to Alan White’s Death
Mike Portnoy said,
Absolutely stunned to wake up to the news of Alan White’s passing. His playing for the past 50 yrs was a massive influence on me & I’ve had the honor of spending much time together thru the years. My condolences to his wife Gigi, his family & the entire Yes camp.
Sin Natsume said,
YES, Official “50-year-old friend and beloved drummer Alan White has died. YES, Everyone is shocked. Alan was looking forward to a tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of” Close To The Edge “with his YES. It’s the year that the journey began. I just celebrated the 40th anniversary of my marriage. YES dedicates his 50th anniversary Close to the Edge UK tour in June. ”
Skylab said,
RIP, Alan White…what an incredible drummer, who I am fortunate to have seen live on a number of occasions. Alan has always been one of my all-time favorites. Yes made music that certainly challenged a drummer, and he was incredible.
Geoffrey Downes said,
Today I lost a great brother and friend, the loveliest guy you’ll ever hope to meet. So dreadfully sad. I’m devastated. Here’s us 42 years ago posing with his Bentley. Alan White, the main man. Miss you forever buddy.
Peter Frampton said,
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
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