Throughout their brief existence, U.K.'s music was characterised by skilled musicianship, jazzy harmonies, close harmony vocals, mixed meters, electric violin solos, and unusually varied synthesiser (Yamaha CS-80)[3] sonorities. One of the most respected talents in progressive music clears the air about his life and career. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Ultimate Zero – The Best of the U-Z Project Live, "Robert Fripp on 18 June 1979 in Chicago", "John Wetton (King Crimson, U.K., Asia): The Complete Boffomundo Interview", "Interview with John Wetton in Big Bang Magazine - ETWiki", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=U.K._(band)&oldid=995159921, BLP articles lacking sources from April 2017, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Eddie Jobson, John Wetton, Allan Holdsworth, Bill Bruford, Eddie Jobson's U-Z Project (aka U.K. 30th Anniversary Tour ), Eddie Jobson, John Wetton, Alex Machacek, Marco Minnemann, Eddie Jobson, John Wetton, Terry Bozzio (American Tour). This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. UK’s second incarnation, L-R: John Wetton, Eddie Jobson, Terry Bozzio (Image credit: Barry Plummer) If Wetton had learned a lesson about the power of music as a kid playing to crowds in Bucharest, he also understood music as a source of redemption. On 8 November of the same year, the band did also a special concert performance of their two studio albums in Kawasaki, in Japan. The group is best known for its huge hits "Heat of the Moment" and "Only Time Will Tell." Relative to specific styles, the band spans various genres ranging from progressive rock to jazz fusion. John Wetton performs with Asia at a music store in New York in April 2008. A statement from his publicist, Glass Onyon PR, says Wetton died Tuesday from colon cancer. Releases include: Larks' Tongues in Aspic (King Crimson), Live: 09-X1-90 Москва (Asia), Arkangel (John Wetton). His recovery from alcoholism was aided by the urge to go back to doing what he used to do so well. [7] Bruford took several instrumentals developed by him for the live U.K. repertoire ("Forever Until Sunday", "Sahara of Snow Part I", "Sahara of Snow Part II", which originally were slated for the second U.K. album), to be used instead on One of a Kind (1979), the second album of his quartet Bruford.[3]. The band was composed of singer/bassist John Wetton (formerly of King Crimson, Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry's band and Uriah Heep), keyboardist/electric violinist Eddie Jobson (formerly of Curved Air, Roxy Music and Frank Zappa's band), guitarist Allan Holdsworth (formerly of Tempest, Soft Machine, The New Tony Williams Lifetime and Gong) and drummer Bill Bruford (formerly a full member of Yes and King Crimson, and also a tour drummer for Genesis), who was later replaced by drummer Terry Bozzio (formerly of Frank Zappa's band). John Kenneth Wetton (12 June 1949 – 31 January 2017) was an English progressive rock singer, bassist, and songwriter. Bozzio formed Missing Persons with his then-wife Dale Bozzio, guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, bassist Patrick O'Hearn and Chuck Wild on keyboards– the first four also from line-ups with Zappa. [8] They recorded the studio album Danger Money, released in March 1979, and spent much of that year touring North America as opening act for Jethro Tull. Lisa Wetton adds: “When you open your box set for the first time, you will know that every person involved with its creation was touched deeply by John Wetton. [5] Bruford recruited guitarist Allan Holdsworth (formerly of Soft Machine and Gong) who had played guitar on Bruford's 1978 (recorded 1977) debut solo album, Feels Good to Me. See more ideas about john wetton, king crimson, john payne. The album spawned a minor hit single, "Nothing to Lose", which reached number 67 on the UK charts. L-R: John Wetton, Allan Holdsworth, Bill Bruford, and Eddie Jobson. English bass guitarist who was prominent in progressive rock, including Asia and King Crimson. Has played in many groups since the early 70s: Family, King Crimson (1973-1975), Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, UK (1977-1980), Asia (1981-1986, 1989-1991 and re-union 2006-present). Former drummer Bozzio then rejoined for an American tour in 2012. The line-up for the subsequent European tour included additional musicians Gary Husband (drums) and a returning Alex Machacek on guitar. John Wetton performs with Asia at a music store in New York in April 2008. John Wetton performs with the band Asia in 2008 at a music store in New York. The line-up once again included both Machacek and Donati. . Records to sign with Geffen Records and ex-Yes manager Brian Lane and started Asia with Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and Geoffrey Downes. He rose to fame with bands Mogul Thrash, Family, King Crimson, Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, UK an… read more (Photo: Mike Inns). Bruford and Wetton next asked guitarist Robert Fripp to reform King Crimson. John Wetton, a man who has been in more bands than most of us have had hot dinners, was born in Derby, England on 12th June 1949. Wetton brought in keyboardist/violinist Eddie Jobson, whom Wetton knew from his work with Roxy Music in 1976 – "stealing" him from Frank Zappa. John Wetton had one of the most varied careers in progressive rock. According to Bruford, "A&M Records were unwilling to let their 'star', Wakeman, walk off with a used, slightly soiled King Crimson rhythm section, and the idea failed."[3]. "As a musician, he was both brave and innovative, with a voice that took the music of Asia to the top of the charts around the world," Palmer said. Find John Wetton credit information on AllMusic AllMusic. Wetton was a recovered alcoholic who had worked in the past 11 years to help others quit drinking. The group's debut album, 1982's Asia, remains their top-selling record, best remembered for the hit singles Only Time Will Tell and Heat of the Moment. U.K. attempted unsuccessfully to find another guitarist before resolving to continue as a trio. Full music credits for John Wetton: 405 performances. A CD compiled from various U-Z performances from 2009, entitled Ultimate Zero Tour - Live, including multiple tracks from the Polish shows, was then released.[13]. Wetton eventually Singer/bassist John Wetton and drummer Bill Bruford had worked together in King Crimson from 1972 until 1974, when guitarist Robert Fripp disbanded the group. The line-up also featured Minnemann, Howe, and Tony Levin (stick). Complete your John Wetton collection. Wetton had planned to tour with Asia this year but announced in January that he would be unable to join his bandmates due to chemotherapy treatment. The band's website also confirmed his death. He was literally a ‘special one,' " Downes said. ), played bass guitar, sang, and wrote songs for several progressive rock bands and was a founding member of the 1980s supergroup Asia. Bassist/vocalist John Wetton has exhibited his solid chops and plaintive baritone voice through the decades in King Crimson, Asia, and several other successful British bands, including Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, and Roxy Music. John Wetton, singer/bassist and veteran of multiple famed prog-rock outfits, died today (Jan. 31) in his sleep, with the cause of death being widely reported as … LONDON  — Singer and bassist John Wetton of the rock group Asia has died. 2012 His first major band experience came when he joined Family in 1971. They performed music from UK and King Crimson. The drummer for that special concert was Marco Minnemann. He played in the majority of the big names in prog, in many cases in their classic lineups. Then there’s his successful solo career. Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. Following a final European tour in December 1979, and in spite of plans to record a new studio album in America in March 1980, U.K. disbanded as Jobson and Wetton had different ideas on how the band should develop. John Wetton died on Jan. 31, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was featured on two of their albums: 1971's Fearless and Bandstand (released the following year). Roles performed: vocals, electric bass, bass, lead vocals, songwriter. . As a singer and a composer, he was the most successful with Asia ("Heat of the Moment" was a major hit-single, and the Asia debut-album ("Asia", 1982) sold more than 8 … In September 1976, they worked on forming a band with keyboardist Rick Wakeman, who had previously worked with Bruford in Yes. Holdsworth and Bozzio played together in HoBoLeMa almost three decades later. A DVD called "Reunion: Live in Tokyo" was culled from these shows and officially released in 2013. Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about. John Wetton has played bass and sung with groups as diverse as Roxy Music and Uria Heep but is perhaps best known for his work with Asia. In statements on the band's website, Wetton's bandmate paid lavish tribute. Rock star John Wetton has died today following a battle with cancer, according to his Asia bandmates. In September 1976, they worked on forming a band with keyboardist Rick Wakeman, who had previously worked with Bruford in Yes. Donati was then replaced by Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini for the final dates in the USA and Japan. "His bass playing was revolutionary. It was announced on 11 February 2011, and later confirmed by John Wetton on his website, that U.K. had reformed to play two shows in Japan on 15 and 16 April 2011. Wetton came to Asia from the band King Crimson. John Wetton's death is a painful reminder of how quickly happiness can turn into heartbreak. [4] When Fripp eventually declined, Bruford and Wetton decided that each would bring in a musician of his choice to form a new band. His compositions – out of this world. Asia in 2010: Carl Palmer, left, John Wetton, Steve Howe and Geoff Downes. … The project was sto… From 1972-1974 he was a member of King Crimson where Palmer-James began adding the words to music mostly composed by Wetton and guitarist Robert Fripp. U.K. appeared in the 2014 edition of Cruise to the Edge progressive rock festival. Wetton and Jobson performed three concerts in Poland in November 2009 as part of Jobson's Ultimate Zero (U-Z) project. Singer/bassist John Wetton and drummer Bill Bruford had worked together in King Crimson from 1972 until 1974, when guitarist Robert Fripp disbanded the group. He said at the time he hoped to resume touring later in the year. [10] Jobson stated that one song in particular was the reason of the band to disband: "When Will You Realize",[11] a non-LP B-side featured on the "Night After Night" single, which Wetton would re-record (with slightly different lyrics) in 1980 on his solo album Caught in the Crossfire. [2] In July 1976, Bruford assisted Wetton on demos for a proposed solo album by the latter (a couple of these demos were later released on Monkey Business). He was 67. A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Wetton was a founding member of Asia, an English progressive rock group formed in 1981 by four members of other progressive rock bands of the 1970s. He rose to fame with bands Mogul Thrash, Family, King Crimson, Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, UK and Wishbone Ash.After his period with King Crimson, Wetton … The Authorized Biography of John Wetton by Kim Dancha. Includes rare photos from John's personal collection, a complete discography, a chronological history of bands, and a foreward by John himself. (Photo: Jason DeCrow, AP). UK, 1978. Christmas music Cover versions England Glam rock music Great Britain Live sound recordings Monologues with music Popular music Progressive rock music Psychedelic rock music Remixes Rock groups Rock music Rock musicians Scotland United States Wetton, John He was born in Willington, Derbyshire, and grew up in Bournemouth. [6], U.K. released their self-titled debut album in 1978 and followed it with a supporting tour. Mar 24, 2020 - Explore Alice and Emma Owen's board "John Wetton", followed by 303 people on Pinterest. Two new songs written by John and Geoff ("I’ve Come to Take You Home” and “I Lay Down”) created a buzz among fans hoping for an eventual reunion of the original Asia line-up. The line-up was Jobson and Wetton, with Minnemann and Alex Machacek performing drums and guitar respectively. Eddie Jobson, John Wetton, Alex Machecek, Marco Minnemann.UK Live in Tokyo. His sense of melody and harmony – unreal. Wetton was a founding member of Asia, an English progressive rock group formed in 1981 by four members of other progressive rock bands of the 1970s. In 2015 the band announced their final world tour, with the band being joined by Donati and Machacek. You can also visit the official OriginalAsia.com band website. Discover releases, reviews, credits, songs, and more about John Wetton - Battle Lines at Discogs. Find John Wetton credit information on AllMusic. He was born in Willington, Derbyshire, and grew up in Bournemouth. In 2013, U.K. did an "Azure Seas" tour with Machacek once again taking on guitar duties, and an East Coast tour with Virgil Donati performing drumming duties in place of Bozzio, who had once again departed the band. US dates, including a show in San Francisco, were also announced and performed in April 2011. U.K. were a British progressive rock supergroup originally active from 1977 until 1980. He is survived by wife Lisa and son Dylan. Nov 16, 2013 - Favorite Bands. This page will just hold official announcements. For interactive chat about John and his life please click visit group. 12 talking about this. From 1995 to 1998, Jobson and Wetton worked together on a proposed U.K. reunion album, also recording contributions by Bruford, Tony Levin, Steve Hackett and Francis Dunnery. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Following two lengthy American tours (June–October 1978), Wetton and Jobson decided to fire Holdsworth over musical differences, and since Bruford had indicated to Wetton that he would favor Holdsworth in the event of a split in the band, they lined up Terry Bozzio (another one-time Frank Zappa band member) to replace Bruford as well. Eddie Jobson, John Wetton, Alex Machacek, Gary Husband (European Tour, Eddie Jobson, John Wetton, Terry Bozzio, Alex Machacek, Eddie Jobson, John Wetton, Alex Machacek, Virgil Donati, Eddie Jobson, John Wetton, Alex Machacek, Mike Mangini, This page was last edited on 19 December 2020, at 15:45. Jobson wanted UK to go on with more long instrumental pieces, while Wetton thought that performing shorter songs was a better idea. Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/01/31/john-wetton-of-rock-group-asia-has-died-aged-67/97291870/. Wetton was a fixture in the '70s and '80s British rock scene, playing with bands like King Crimson, Roxy Music, and Uriah Heep-- but his biggest popularity came when he formed the supergroup, Asia, in 1981. When Wetton departed, "Legacy" became an Eddie Jobson solo project, with Wetton replaced on lead vocals by Aaron Lippert. The revered progressive music bassist, vocalist and songwriter was 67. All rights reserved. John Wetton, (John Kenneth Wetton), British musician (born June 12, 1949, Willington, Derbyshire, Eng.—died Jan. 31, 2017, Bournemouth, Eng. Wetton played in local bands while in high school before moving to London. He is the youngest of two boys, both of whom have persued their own very different musical careers - John in rock and his brother in the world of classical church music. In late 2009, Jobson and Wetton both talked about a possible reunion of U.K. A U.K. reunion tour in February/March 2010 with Jobson, Wetton, Marco Minnemann on drums (from UKZ) and Greg Howe (Victor Wooten, Vitalij Kuprij, Michael Jackson) on guitar was described to promoters, but not confirmed by Wetton. Three tracks intended for it found their way onto Voices of Life, a compilation by Bulgarian Women's Choir organised by Jobson.[12]. See more ideas about music, john wetton, my music. When John was 12, the family moved to Bournemouth. © 2021 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. The band's formation coincided with the introduction of the Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer, and the instrument became a key part of the band's developing sound. John Wetton (born: 12th June 1949, in Derby, Derbyshire, England / died: 31st January 2017, in Bournemouth, Dorset, England [colon cancer, aged 67]) was an English bass player, singer and songwriter (he also played guitar and keyboards). Geoff Downes said Wetton would be "remembered as one of the world’s finest musical talents" and a genius. In July 1976, Bruford assisted Wetton on demos for a proposed solo album by the latter (a couple of these demos were later released on Monkey Business). However, Jobson eventually abandoned the project. John Kenneth Wetton (12 June 1949 – 31 January 2017) was an English progressive rock singer, bassist, and songwriter. To find out more John Wetton's music and legacy, please visit the official JohnWetton.com website. His voice was from the gods. U.K. reformed with John Wetton, Eddie Jobson and Terry Bozzio for a world tour in 2012. A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. The 1980s progressive rock band Asia loses a key member. Wetton finally joined in 1972, serving as singer, bassist and composer during the group’s short but legendary 1973 to 1974 run of albums, Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Starless and Bible Black and Red. [9] A live album, Night After Night, was recorded in Japan that spring and released in September 1979. The singer-bassist for progressive rock bands Asia and King Crimson died Tuesday at … “You will be playing the music that revealed his personal life story, and you will be perpetuating a legacy that was meant to be a shining light for everyone. That buzz roared in 2005 with the release of “iCon,” an album of original music by Wetton and Downes that the duo followed with a number of live shows. Carl Palmer said the world had lost "another musical giant" who had "created some of the most lasting melodies and lyrics in modern popular music. Wetton, following the recording of his solo album Caught in the Crossfire (summer 1980) and a brief stint with Wishbone Ash (October–December 1980), eventually left E.G. 1982 debut album by Asia - an awesome Brit rock group which included former members of several veteran progressive rock bands - bassist/vocalist John Wetton (of Mogul Thrash, King Crimson, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep and Wishbone Ash); guitarist Steve Howe (of Yes); keyboardist Geoff Downes (of Yes) and drummer Carl Palmer (of Atomic Rooster and … In October 2007, Jobson announced a new band, UKZ, with Lippert and former King Crimson bassist/guitarist Trey Gunn among others, which released an EP called "Radiation" in March 2009. The project was stopped by Wakeman's label. Jobson worked with Jethro Tull on the album A (1980) and went on to a solo career.