CHART-TOPPING drummer Alan White has died at the age of 72 after a short illness.

The Yes drummer, who also played on John Lennon's Imagine, has passed away – in sad news which has "shocked and stunned" the music industry.

The band's 1983 single Owner of a Lonely Heart was top of the charts in the US.

And White, from County Durham, was Lennon’s go-to drummer in his early career – participating in sessions while recording the album Imagine. 

He was also one of the drummers who took part in George Harrison’s sessions for All Things Must Pass.

White’s family confirmed the sad news on the drummer’s Facebook page.

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His 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.

“Throughout his life and six-decade career, Alan was many things to many people: a certified rock star to fans around the world; band mate to a select few, and gentleman and friend to all who met him.”

In a tribute, YES said that they will dedicate their 50th-anniversary tour to White when they perform in June.

The band wrote: "Alan was considered to be one of the greatest rock drummers of all time and joined YES in 1972 for the Close to the Edge Tour.

"He had previously worked with John Lennon’s Plastic Ono band after a call, in 1969, to play at the Toronto Rock Festival.

"Alan continued working with Lennon including on the Imagine album and with George Harrison on All Things Must Pass.

"He also worked with several other musicians, over the years, including Ginger Baker’s Air Force, Joe Cocker, Gary Wright, Doris Troy and Billy Preston to name but a few.

"Alan White was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of YES in 2017.

"YES will dedicate their 50th Anniversary Close to the Edge UK Tour in June to White."

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