Peter Banks Dies: Founding Member of Prog-Rockers Yes Passes Away At Age 65

Peter Banks, founding member and guitarist for prog-rockers Yes, has died.

Banks, who many considered the "architect of progressive music", passed away on March 8 at his London home. He was 65.

Fellow founding member John Anderson told Sal Cirrincione of Premiere Radio Networks that "Peter was in good spirits the last couple of times we spoke, even though he had been in bad health of late, but always joking and still ready to create music. I will miss him."

Anderson added that Banks came up with the moniker for one of the music world's most famous prog bands.

"It is true, he was the one who said: 'Yes, we should call the band Yes.' Bless him... a sweet guy... and a wild guitar player," he said.

Banks helped to form Yes in 1968 and played on the band's first two albums, Yes and Time and a Word before leaving to form Flash and release solo work.

Yes' current line-up issued the following statement on the passing of Banks:

"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."

 "I loved working with Peter on the many records I have produced over the years. He always delivered amazing stuff ... and always with that classic original Yes flavor that came with his playing. He will be missed by me and many, many other fans of his music and playing," said Billy Sherwood, another former member of Yes.

Banks had been working on a new release for his band Flash titled "Flash- In Public" at the time of his passing.

Check out some of Banks' guitar work below and sound off in the comments.