The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Prog rock supergroup Asia lead singer John Wetton, 67
John Wetton, the lead singer and bassist for progressive rock supergroup Asia, has died aged 67.
The musician’s long-time bandmate and friend Geoff Downes confirmed Wetton died after a “long and tenacious battle” with cancer, as he led the tributes following his death yesterday.
Wetton died three weeks after he announced he was pulling out of Asia’s forthcoming US tour due to having to undergo a round of chemotherapy.
In a post shared online, Downes wrote: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart, that I have to report we have lost my dearest friend, brother, bandmate and long-term musical collaborator, John Wetton, who has passed away after a long and tenacious battle with cancer.
“He will be remembered as one of the world’s finest musical talents, and I for one of many was wholly blessed by his influence.”
Downes, who met Wetton in 1981, described him as a “fiercely loyal, loving and generous” person and wrote that “his heart was always in the music”.
Downes said: “To say I will miss my him greatly is beyond understatement. He was such an inspiration to me.”
Wetton was best known for appearing in a number of bands in the 1970s and 1980s, including Uriah Heep, Roxy Music and King Crimson.
In 1981, he and Downes – who was a member of new wave band The Buggles and rock band Yes – joined forces with Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Steve Howe of Yes to form supergroup Asia.
As the frontman of Asia, Wetton acted as the lead songwriter, bassist and vocalist and enjoyed success with the group’s debut eponymous album in 1982 and singles including Heat Of The Moment and Only Time Will Tell.