A lead guitarist hailed as “one of the pioneers of progressive rock” has died at his High Barnet home aged 65.

Peter Banks, a founding member of 1970s rock band Yes, suffered heart failure at his Alston Road home on Thursday.

He was discovered after he failed to turn up for a recording session.

Friends and colleagues of the well-known name in the music industry have been paying tribute to the “unique” and “kind” musician.

Yes still performs with an altered line-up and the band said they were “deeply saddened” by the news in a statement on Bank’s official website.

It said: “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.”

A press statement on the web page said Banks will be remembered as “one of the pioneers of progressive rock guitar and will be missed by musicians worldwide”.

The popular guitarist performed on Yes’ first two albums - ‘Yes’ and ‘Time and a word’ - before forming the band Flash, with which he released three LPs and toured Europe and the United States.

In the mid-1970s he formed Empire and went on to release three more albums as well as five solo records throughout his career.

He was working on a new live Flash album at the time of his sudden death.

Producer Billy Sherwood said he loved working with the guitarist on a number of records.

He said: “He always delivered amazing stuff, creative, inspirational and always with that classic original Yes flavour that came with his playing.

“He will be missed by me and many, many other fans of his music and playing.”

Interview with Peter Banks by Mark Powell for Cherry Red Records

Yes performing their hit song Roundabout in 1973