Alan White, drummer for John Lennon, passes away

Alan White, longtime drummer for the rock band Yes, has died.

As per report, Alan White passed away after a "short illness." He was 72.

The news of his demise was shared by the Yes band on their Instagram handle.

"The news has shocked and stunned the entire YES family. Alan had been looking forward to the forthcoming UK Tour, to celebrating his 50th Anniversary with YES and their iconic Close to the Edge album, where Alan's journey with YES began in July 1972," the band wrote alongside a photo of their drummer of 50 years.

"He recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his marriage to his loving wife Gigi. Alan passed away, peacefully at home," the band added.

Alan White joined Yes in the summer of 1972 after original drummer Bill Bruford left to join

King Crimson

.

Before that, John Lennon, in 1969, invited him to join the late Beatle and Yoko Ono's Plastic Ono Band.

White contributed to Lennon's Imagine album, including the iconic title track.