UK rock legend John Wetton, lead singer of Asia and member of Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, King Crimson and Wishbone Ash, has died of cancer at age 67.
Wetton’s death was confirmed by his Asia and former Yes bandmate Geoff Downes.
“Dear All, I am sorry to be the bearer of the very sad news that my dearest friend, bandmate and co-writer, John Wetton has passed away,” Geoff posted to Twitter.
Dear All, I am sorry to be the bearer of the very sad news that my dearest friend, bandmate and co-writer, John Wetton has passed away.
— Geoffrey Downes (@asiageoff) January 31, 2017
“A sad day indeed,” he followed up with.
A sad day indeed. #rip #johnwetton pic.twitter.com/KlQWPduX4O
— Geoffrey Downes (@asiageoff) January 31, 2017
Asia had a number one hit globally in 1982 with ‘Heat of the Moment’.
Wetton had an impressive timeline:
• Mogul Thrash (1971)
• Gordon Haskell (1972)
• Family (1971-1972)
• Larry Norman (1972)
• King Crimson (1972-1974)
• Uriah Heep (1975-1976)
• U.K. (1977-1980, 2011-2015)
• Jack-Knife (1979)
• Wishbone Ash (1980)
• John Wetton (1980–present)
• Asia (1981–1983, 1984–1986, 1989–1991, 2006-present)
• Qango (1999-2000)
• Icon (Wetton/Downes) (2002, 2005-2009)
He had an incredible run with King Crimson and Uriah Heep but Asia was the big one.
As frontman for Asia he sold over 8 million copies of the self-titled album. Asia last innings was from 2006.
Wetton played on Bryan Ferry’s ‘Lets Stick Together’, Uriah Heep’s ‘Return To Fantasy’, Roxy Music’s ‘Viva’ and Brian Eno “Here Comes The Warm Jets’.
Wetton only announced his withdrawal from touring two weeks ago.
