A legendary vocalist and bassist, renowned for his iconic work with progressive rock bands King Crimson and Asia, crafting soaring melodies and intricate harmonies. 42
John Wetton, the bassist extraordinaire, singer, and songwriter, left an indelible mark on the realm of progressive rock with his virtuosic skills and soaring vocals. As a founding member of the supergroup Asia, Wetton's iconic debut album catapulted him to fame, selling 10 million copies worldwide and claiming the top spot on Billboard's charts in 1982.
Born on June 12, 1949, in Willington, Derbyshire, Wetton's early life was infused with the rhythms of classical music, courtesy of his elder brother Robert, a classical organist and choirmaster. While Robert practiced organ, John would play the bass parts on a piano, igniting a passion for the instrument that would shape his future.
Wetton's musical odyssey began with stints in local bands, including The Corvettes, The Palmer-James Group, Tetrad, and Ginger Man. His jazzy inclinations led him to Mogul Thrash, where he honed his skills before joining Family in 1971. A year later, Wetton received the call from Robert Fripp to join King Crimson, a move that would catapult him into the spotlight.
Wetton's remarkable career spanned numerous iconic bands, including:
Beyond his work with iconic bands, Wetton's solo career flourished with albums like Caught in the Crossfire (1980) and Rock of Faith (2003), showcasing his remarkable vocal range and songwriting prowess.
Wetton's perspective on music and life continues to inspire:
Wetton's contributions to music earned him numerous accolades, including:
John Wetton's enduring legacy extends beyond his impressive discography, influencing generations of musicians and music enthusiasts. His innovative approach to bass playing, powerful vocals, and poetic songwriting continue to inspire, making him an integral part of rock history.
As we reflect on Wetton's remarkable life, we remember a true Renaissance man, whose passion for music, harmony, and discord left an indelible mark on the world.
80 Years Old
A highly influential and innovative musician, known for his work with King Crimson and as a pioneer of progressive rock, pushing the boundaries of guitar playing and music production.
77 Years Old
A highly influential drummer and songwriter, known for his work with iconic progressive rock bands Yes and King Crimson, pushing boundaries of jazz and rock fusion.
68 Years Old
Noted baseball player who pitched for several teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, earning Rookie of the Year and All-Star honors .
78 Years Old
Legendary bassist and songwriter of the iconic progressive rock band Yes, renowned for his innovative and intricate bass playing style, and iconic songs like "Roundabout" and "I've Seen All Good People".
Born in 1907
American discus thrower who won Olympic gold and set multiple world records in the 1920s, dominating the sport during his era.
77 Years Old
A legendary keyboardist and songwriter, renowned for his iconic synthesizer work and elaborate live performances, especially with Yes, a pioneering progressive rock band.
72 Years Old
A South African-American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer who is most known for his work as the guitarist and vocalist of the rock band Yes, and for composing music for numerous films and television shows.
77 Years Old
Drummer and songwriter for the iconic progressive rock band Yes, known for his powerful and intricate drumming style that helped shape the band's unique sound.
