“Alan White, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at his Seattle area home on May 26, 2022, after a brief illness,” the post reads.
“Throughout his life and 6 years in his career, Allen has meant a lot to many: a proven rock star to fans around the world, a band mate to a few, to all who meet He is a gentleman and a friend to his people.”
White’s bandmates say they will dedicate their “Close to the Edge” UK tour in June to their “beloved drummer”.
Tributes from celebrities and musicians around the globe flooded social media following news of his passing.
She added: “He was always gentle, kind and humorous. We are lucky he is part of our family.”
White began playing drums at age 12 and performed publicly within a year, White’s family said in a Facebook post.
Before joining Yes, he played with several other bands including Downbeats, Gamblers and Bell & Arc.
In 1969, John Lennon invited White to join the Plastic Ono band, which led to him starring on several of Lennon’s albums, including “Imagine”.
When White joined Yes in July 1972, he had only three days to learn songs before embarking on a massive U.S. tour, his family said. He contributed to hits including “Master of the Lonely Heart”, “Long Run” and “Roundabout”.
He has also collaborated with stars such as George Harrison, Steve Wynwood and Eric Clapton throughout his long musical career.
White was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of Yes.