photo credit: tim ellis via photopin cc

Sad news came for Yes fans today when reports began to surface that the band's founding guitarist, Peter Banks, passed away on Thursday at the age of 65.

According to the Flash official website, after Banks didn't show up for a scheduled recording session, he was found in his London home, having suffered from heart failure.

Banks was one of the founding members of Yes, playing on their first two albums, Yes (1969) and Time and a World (1970), before being dismissed from the group in April of 1970 due to creative differences. The guitarist would go on to form the bands Flash and Empire, release several solo albums, and continue to collaborate with other groups.

Yes took to their official Facebook page to post the following message in Banks' memory:

"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."