John Wetton Bands Overview
John Wetton was an English singer, bassist, and songwriter best known for fronting the supergroup Asia and playing bass and vocals in King Crimson. He was born on 12 June 1949 in Willington, Derbyshire, England, and died on 31 January 2017. His bands blended progressive rock, pop, and arena rock, achieving global chart success and platinum certifications. Forbes reported his death and career highlights.
Wetton's most commercially successful band was Asia, which formed in 1981 with Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, and Steve Howe. Asia's self-titled debut album topped the Billboard 200 and sold over 5 million copies in the United States alone. The band's lineup later included John Payne from 1991 to 2006, when Wetton returned for a reunion. AllMusic provides a detailed Asia discography and biography.
King Crimson and Early Projects
Before Asia, Wetton was a key member of King Crimson, joining in 1972 after the band's initial breakup. He played bass and shared lead vocals on albums such as Larks' Tongues in Aspic and Starless and Bible Black. King Crimson is widely regarded as one of the most influential progressive rock acts, with a rotating lineup that included Robert Fripp, Bill Bruford, and Adrian Belew. The official King Crimson website documents the band's history and members.
Wetton also co-founded the band Uriah Heep in the early 1970s and later played with Roxy Music and Wishbone Ash. He collaborated with guitarist Phil Manzanera and drummer Bill Bruford on solo projects that showcased his songwriting range. His work in these bands established him as a versatile figure in British rock and progressive music.
Solo Career and Collaborations
John Wetton launched a solo career in the mid-1970s, releasing albums such as King's Road: 1972–1980 and Raised in Captivity. His solo work often featured contributions from Asia and King Crimson bandmates, maintaining a progressive rock sound. Discogs lists his complete solo discography and credits.
In later years, Wetton collaborated with Geoff Downes in the duo Wetton/Downes, releasing albums such as Icon and Icon II: Rubicon. He also worked with Japanese artists and contributed to soundtracks and tribute albums. His influence on progressive rock and arena rock remains documented in music databases and industry references.