Photo: Facebook

Little Barrie drummer Virgil Howe, the youngest son of Yes guitarist Steve Howe, has died of “tragic, unexpected” causes. He was 42-years-old. The cause of the drummer’s death is not yet known. Little Barrie were due to start their UK tour this week while Yes have just cancelled the remaining US dates of their Yestival tour.

A statement on Yes’ Facebook page says: “Due to the tragic, unexpected death of guitarist Steve Howe’s beloved younger son, Virgil, YES regrettably announces that the remaining dates of their Yestival Tour have been cancelled.

“YES — Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood — want to thank all their fans for their support and understanding at this time.

“Steve Howe and family ask for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.”

Little Barrie are one of the most exciting rock’n’roll bands in the UK and are probably best known for writing and recording the theme music for the Breaking Bad spin-off show, Better Call Saul. The band have released four albums and their latest LP, Death Express, came out in July.

As well playing with Little Barrie and DJing, Virgil also played drums, and sang and played keyboards on his father’s 1993 album, The Grand Scheme Of Things. His brother Dylan also appeared on the album. They played together again 10 years later the Steve Howe’s Remedy album, Elements.

Virgil’s passing comes just two months before the release of Nexus, a new instrumental album on which he collaborated with his father. The album is scheduled for release on November 17.