Original ‘Yes’ guitarist Peter Banks passes away

Legendary guitarist Peter Banks was found dead in his house in London. The 65-year-old singer had a recording session on the day he passed away. A pioneer of the progressive rock guitar genre, Banks was the first guitarist, who played for the legendary progressive British rock band ‘Yes’. He formed several bands and launched five solo albums in his entire career span. For many years, he was the most sought-after musician to perform on progressive rock music.

Birth of ‘Yes’

In 1965, much before forming ‘Yes,’ he had met bassist Chris Squire, performed with him in the band Syn. They released two singles with Syn. Subsequently Squire, singer Jon Anderson and Banks, with other members, officially formed the ‘Yes’ band in 1968. The band released their first two albums ‘Yes’ (1969) and ‘Time and a Word’ (1970). When Chris Squire and other band members were looking for a name for the band, Banks suggested the name ‘Yes’ and it stuck with the band till date. Banks also designed the first logo of the band. The band produced music compositions, which were an eclectic mix of jazz, classical, world music and other genres.

Disagreement & the split

Just like other bands, ‘Yes’ also had its share of member conflicts. After releasing ‘Time and a Word,’ Chris Squire and singer Jon Anderson decided to use orchestra music for their next albums. Peter Banks disagreed and was asked to leave the band. His final performance with the band was on April 18, 1970. Steve Howe was his successor in the band and they rocked the charts with their famous album ‘The Yes Album.’ After leaving ‘Yes,’ he formed a band called ‘Flash’ and launched three albums with them. Banks first solo album was launched in 1973 under the name ‘Two Sides of Peter Banks.’ Thereafter, he formed another band called ‘Empire.’

In a statement after his death, former band members of ‘Yes’ remarked, ‘We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of fellow bandmate and founding Yes member, Peter Banks. He was a huge piece of the fabric that made Yes what it is, and our thoughts, sincere condolences and prayers are with him and his family. Peter, we shall miss you greatly.’

The English progressive rock band’s current members are Jon Davison, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Geoff Downes and Alan White. They are touring in Aspen, Colorado where they are performing on their three albums ‘Going for the One,’ ‘The Yes Album,’ and ‘Close to the Edge.’