The progressive rock icon lost his battle with cancer on Saturday (27Jun15) in Phoenix, Arizona, a month after announcing he had been diagnosed with leukaemia and was stepping down from Yes' summer tour with Toto.

His bandmates confirmed the sad news in a statement released early on Sunday (28Jun15) and rockers including Geezer Butler, Tom Morello, Dave Mustaine and Metallica's Robert Trujillo have since taken to social media to offer up their thoughts, prayers and tributes.

Morello writes, "RIP Chris Squire, super bassist of Yes. An extremely talented musician's musician who mastered his instrument and took it to new realms", while Black Sabbath bassist Butler adds, "Shocked to hear of the passing of Chris Squire, one of the great bass players", and Megadeth's Mustaine offers, "A tremendous talent and a terribly sad loss. Prayers to Chris Squire's family and band."

Twitter tributes have also poured in from guitar greats Joe Satriano and Joe Bonamassa, Spinal Tap's Michael MCKean, and Spandau Ballet star Gary Kemp, who adds, "(Yes album) Close to the Edge was one of my most played records as a youth. So much good music was played and made by Chris Squire. Absolute bass legend."