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John Wetton
1949 - 2017
John Wetton
1949 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1949
DIED
2017
John Wetton Obituary
Wetton had planned to play with his band on a cruise later this year, according to a personal statement on his official website. Because of health reasons, however, he had to bow out, he said Jan. 11.
"I am disappointed to announce that, on the advice of my medical team, I have to withdraw from Cruise to the Edge, and from the first leg of the Journey tour, March 15 - April 4.
"I will soon be starting a new medical chemotherapy procedure, under which I will not be able to fly."
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Wetton was born June 12, 1949, in Derbyshire, England. After growing up in Bournemouth, he played in a number of small bands until he met Robert Fripp and joined his King Crimson band. The stint lasted two years. Wetton went on to tour with Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music, and he released his debut solo album, "Caught in the Crossfire," in 1980.
The following year, Wetton began working and writing with Steve Howe, the former guitarist for Yes. They soon formed the supergroup Asia along with keyboardist Geoff Downes, also of Yes, and drummer Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Their eponymous 1982 debut album in 1982 reached No. 1 in a number of countries, selling more than 10 million copies worldwide. One of their most popular songs, "Heat of the Moment," reached No. 1 on Billboard's Album Rock Tracks chart, remaining there for six weeks.
After leaving Asia in 1983, Wetton resumed his solo career, releasing more than a dozen studio and live albums. Asia's original lineup reunited in 2006, releasing three albums: "Phoenix" (2008), "Omega" (2010), and "XXX" (2012).
Wetton also was a sought-after session player, recording with Ferry, Bryan Eno, and Phil Manzanera, among others.
164 Entries
United States Fans
July 27, 2025
John Wetton ❤
Great vocals, lyrics, etc.
King Crimson, Asia, Uriah Heep, etc.
Great musician for so many years
Sabrina Mccabe
May 25, 2025
Woke up humming " Sundown dazzling day, gold through my eyes, Thank you John
Linda
July 5, 2023
Thanks for the great music when you were with the band Asia. You will be missed.
Paolo Vidili
January 31, 2021
God walk with you, John. Rest in peace.
How you can show support
Iñaki Soria
December 6, 2020
Le oi interpretar junto a Steve Hackett (Genesis) el tema Carpet Crowlers y me encanto.
R.I.P John.
Jon Hodges
January 30, 2020
Always maintained his voice from king crimson to Asia. Still a sad loss
Javier Diaz
January 24, 2020
John, your amazing music/singing touched so many hearts, including mine. I still find it hard to believe you're physically gone. But you definitely live in many or our hearts.
I was fortunate to meet you in 2010 after a show, shake your hand and tell you how much your music meant to me since the early 80s.
My condolences to the Wetton family for his loss. I can't imagine how his loss impacted you. May he rest in peace.
God bless you!
Sabrina Mccabe
November 13, 2018
Oh John Wetton, I had a terrible crush on you when I was 13 years old! I listened to your music all day long and dreamed of seeing your shows. Your music sang to my heart! It saddens me that you are gone and leave so many beloved behind. Rest in sweet and beautiful peace.
Art DeMatteis
July 24, 2018
I just found this guestbook online. I've been a fan of John since the first Asia album back in 1982. I got to know John a bit throughout the years, meeting him after solo shows in the 1990's, and meet and greets after the Asia reunion shows. He was a brilliant musician, fantastic vocalist, amazing song writer, and a down to earth nice gentleman. I think of him often. John was such a huge part of the music of my youth and adult life. It's difficult knowing that he is no longer physically here. Thank you John, for the soundtracks of my life, and the inspiration for many of my musical endeavors. God bless you John. Ride Easy Dear Friend.
Helen Dolman
January 31, 2018
One year today hun. Forever missed Forever Loved. x
Helen Dolman
June 11, 2017
Thinking of you John on your birthday 12 June. You are missed so much. Your music and love will live on. "Love now till Eternity" Sleep well Arkangel x
Michael Beal
May 21, 2017
Met John Wetton on CTTE Cruise 2013,2014. Talked about his work with Bergen School of Rock NJ. The most down to earth Gentleman you will ever meet with so much talant . The last day on cruise, he said goodby with a hand shake.. Onward to the Light
G R
May 1, 2017
Your spirit & music will shine on forever, John. Thank you for being part of our lives. You are truly missed.
paul verhaagen
April 17, 2017
Dear All,
At this very moment I am listening to UK's Danger Money, great musicianship. I will be playing tbose records forever.Thanks John, Rip.
paul from the Netherlands.
Ken Fowler
April 3, 2017
John left us oh so many wonderful tunes to listen to and enjoy.......his voice so unique in being soft to the ear or harsh when needed. even though he is gone from us in flesh he will live on forever.....R.I.P. John Wetton....your journey is over
Steve
March 26, 2017
The tone. KC would not be what they were without you. Let's not also forget about that mellifluous voice. Starless and Bible Black, indeed. Easy Money might be one of my KC favs, and you John pronounced and enunciated it to great effect. Peace be with you and yours, and let those who knew indulge in the plethora of beautiful sounds you left behind.
Nick Succi
March 14, 2017
At a loss for words...just today playing some of my favourites from UK and I stumble upon the news that John is gone! Very sad, as a bassist myself, he was a great inspiration from a young age! Love all of his works. Rest In Peace John, will miss you friend!!
Nick,
Stouffville, On. Canada
Eric Daum
March 14, 2017
Farewell to my first rock hero. Your work with King Crimson in the '70's was the soundtrack of my youth. I return to those albums regularly and am continually struck by their power, passion and intelligence. Your voice never fails to move me. I always wanted to sing like you. You will be missed. Go in peace.
david kirkham
March 5, 2017
I am very sorry to hear of John,s death.Iam a big fan of ASIA My prayers and thoughts to his famly. Dave K. Cleveland Ohio
Jon Hodges
February 27, 2017
My world is starless and bible black. Such sad news that another pioneer of rock has died. From king crimson to asia a truly great voice that never lost its power. Jon Hodges Hereford England
Tank Toth
February 26, 2017
Sir John, you will never be forgotten!!! Your voice is timeless and was the Voice of my youth and the 80's. I will sing the songs made famous by you and especially Asia for as long as I can breathe. The good Lord took you way too soon, but it appears GOD takes the great ones early. In my heart I know you are singing daily for GOD. Hopefully one day, I will be able to hear you give another live performance to the masses who adore you and that wonderful voice you were gifted! See you in Valhalla!
February 19, 2017
So Sad to hear the new as did not realise until now. The world is even more Starless without you. You were part of the best ever King Crimson and the soundtracks of my youth. Condolences to the family and such a sad loss to the world of music.
It was the Heat of the Moment!
jj winn
February 16, 2017
John, I want to thank you for all the inspiration which lasted through my youth in the 80s till now. Your voice will always be in my heart as I sing your songs to myself almost on a daily basis. I can't tell you how much I and my friends will miss you. RIP.
Michael Jones
February 15, 2017
We've lost yet another great and irreplaceable musician ! Sad news, I just learned about today. I've loved and listened to this man since the early 70's, being in so many great bands and in so many (fortunately) video concerts. Too many deaths in just the past year...emerson, lake, chris squire year before last...now mr. wetton !
I salute you, John !!!! May you rest in peace..... M J
Shah Razul
February 15, 2017
Your inspirational music over these many decades meant so much to me and so many others,I like everyone am devastated. You have always felt like a dear friend, although we have never met. Your music and words will live on forever. Blessings and Peace.
Shawn Broes
February 14, 2017
Thanks for being a part of my life for so many years. Your voice, your talented musicianship, your presence will live on in my heart forever. You were a giant amongst the giants. RIP John, I love you!
Orlando Romero
February 14, 2017
Gracias por tu musica John,fuiste un gran musico,mis mas sinceras condolencias a su familia
OrlandoRomero ( Chile )
Mariusz Ostropolski
February 13, 2017
Thank you for your music John, before, now and in the future. Forever in my memory. RIP
Terrell Eikner
February 12, 2017
Dear Wetton Family, please accept my sincerest sympathy for your loss. I've listened to John's music ever since 1983. I cried when I heard the news today. An incredible talent whose voice I have loved and whose songs I have sung. Honestly, I listen to John's music almost every week, either solo, with iCON, with U.K., or with Asia. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Rita Sharp
February 12, 2017
Thank you for the music John such a talent RIP x
mike penkwitz
February 10, 2017
I would like to extend my sympathy to the family and friends of John Wetton.
God blessed John with a great smile, great voice and bass playing and song writing ability. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I am greatful that I was able to see him perform live and speak to him in person.
When I listen to his records, it will rekindle many fond memories of him, his bandmates and the many times I spent listening to their music.
Marcus Rosemeyer
February 10, 2017
Your music will always be an important part of my life. For some reason I feel deeply connected to you beyond the music. It was the first time I shed a tear for a non family member passing and someone I didn't even get to know personally. I am happy that I was able to attended two shows of Asia during my stay in US around 2010 and one ICON show in German, Ludwigsburg. Best memories for me. THANKS for your great music. So sad you left us!
John
February 10, 2017
Thanks for all the great music all these years. Your one of the best and will be missed very much !
Ciaran
February 10, 2017
My condolences to John's family and friends.
Thank you John, for your music and your incredible vocal talent, and for the positive impact you brought to my life.
Georgina Grant
February 10, 2017
May the Lord greet you with open arms at the gates, and lead you to your seat at His table along with Keith, Greg, and Chris!
Daryl Wood
February 8, 2017
Thank you so much for your unbelievable talent that you shared with the world. Not a day goes by that I don't listen to one of your songs. We will miss you forever.
Claudia
February 8, 2017
love forever John
John Wade
February 8, 2017
Thanks for all the music John.
Andrew Crawford
February 7, 2017
You are one of the greatest bassists I have ever heard...the first time I heard you in the 1972-74 lineup of King Crimson--my favorite Crim lineup--I was utterly blown away by how spine-tinglingly powerful your bass sound and technique were; your rich, expressive vocals served as the proverbial icing on the cake! Rest in peace and thanks for sharing your wondrous gifts with the world!!!
Sean Hames
February 7, 2017
R.I.p. John never met you just loved your music ....fly high...you were one of a kind
Linda Jones
February 6, 2017
I knew the first time I heard you, you were special. Such a wonderful musician. You will always live through your music, what a great legacy....Thank You
George D'Andrea
February 6, 2017
Now I can sleep, with my conscience for a pillow
'Cause this tomorrow, I'm sure I'm gonna see
If there are streams, that only dreamers follow
Then say goodbye, goodbye to me
Sea of Mercy John Wetton
Teresa Aguisanda
February 6, 2017
Thank you for your great music and for the purity of it, this is when music was memorable and you could hear the words and they became a part of our lives, so sad to hear of your passing, my sincere condolences to your family and friends RIP
Rick Hughes
February 6, 2017
I started listening in 1979 over the radio to UK. Then went to see ASIA in 1982 in Philadelphia. You are one of the best bass players in the world. Thank You for all the years. Your voice is exceptional. I will listen to your music the rest of my life.
Tino Sanz
February 6, 2017
Always in our hearts. Thanks for all john. We'll miss you. One of the greatest.
February 6, 2017
My prayers are with the Wetton family during this difficult time.
Peter Woodcock
February 6, 2017
John You were a true legend and battled to the last. Rest in peace
Reina Villa
February 5, 2017
This is a very sad moment. A great musician whose contribution to popular music is amazing. Elegant bassist, beautiful composer. Will live forever with his music. Reina Villa, 5 feb Yucatan Mexico
jim gunnar
February 5, 2017
Crimson tears - rest in the Bible Black void my friend...
Carl Jackson
February 5, 2017
Thank you for your wonderful musicianship. Your music was very inspiring. God speed.
Manuel Prieto
February 5, 2017
I have listened to your music for over 40 years.
You are one of the greatest bass players ever! I love your music with King Crimson, U.K. You will be deeply missed!
Blessings to your family in this hardest of times!
February 5, 2017
The tenor foghorn has been silenced. John sang with such controlled bombast and his thundering bass lines would rattle your rib cage. My musical landscape will be forever starless and bible black. Farewell, dear John. God bless. Well done on such an extraordinary life. -John Bowen (California)
John Kukawka
February 5, 2017
Rest in Peace, Dear John ...
G K
February 5, 2017
So sad to hear of John's passing. Another musical icon has left this world. Thank you for your music and deepest sympathy to John's family and band mates. You will live on in our hearts, our memories and through your music. I hope there's a bass guitar and a cat wherever you are in heaven. You will be greatly missed.♡
John Britton
February 4, 2017
The Smile Has Left Our Eyes...thank you for all the wonderful music John. Godspeed
John Kukawka
February 4, 2017
May you Rest in Peace, John...
Barbara Kukawka
February 4, 2017
So sad upon hearing about the passing of John. A truly inspirational musician and a beautiful person. May John RIP. He will be truly missed.
Emin Kaunis
February 4, 2017
An extremely sad passing of a music legend. John Wetton was a huge part of progressive rock history. He will be greatly missed as we have been so blessed with his presence. May he rest in peace and may his loved ones find comfort in knowing that there is no end but another beginning in which we shall meet again. As John song goes, "This is an extraordinary life" and John thank you for being a part of ours!
Richard Grimes
February 4, 2017
To the Family of John Wetton
My deepest sympathy on the death of John Wetton. I was a devoted fan for 45 years. Though I never met him, through his gift of music and my admiration for his talent, I cherished him as a friend--a friend that I will miss but remember forever.
L W
February 4, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that the God of all comfort is near to all who call on him in truth. (Psalms145:18,19) Please call on him for comfort and strength at this time.
R. C.
February 4, 2017
To The Family Of John Wetton
My condolences to the family on the loss of your dear beloved one. May the God of all comfort,comfort you and strengthen you now and in the days ahead.
February 4, 2017
Rest in peace John my dear friend. You are always in my heart and I'll miss you dearly. God bless, Keith Leblance Millis, MA
February 4, 2017
Dziki za pikny wokal i przezyte muzyczne chwile.
Mark (Poland)
Mark
February 4, 2017
Dziki
za pikny wokal i przezyte muzyczne chwile.
carlotta
February 3, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Wetton family and friends at this difficult time.
February 3, 2017
Deepest sympathy. Mr. Wetton was loved he will be missed dearly. Thoughts and words of comfort to his loved ones in distress.
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Luis Cesar Rangel
February 3, 2017
Gracias por tu legado y por tantos años de maravillosa música, nos quedamos con tu presencia y tus creaciones. Gracias John Wetton y buen viaje!!
Robert Normand Sr
February 3, 2017
Inspirational original talented gifted musician and portrayed his gift on the bass guitar and blessed with a singing talented voice that touched your heart with every and all the songs He sang.
John will be truly missed !
May we all realize our days are but a vapor
Robert from Kenner louisiana
Diane Johnson
February 3, 2017
I didn't know you except through your music.
I feel like I have lost a best friend.. have always loved you since Asia.. bless you , so sorry for your family , which includes your band mates... Bless your wife
Sergio Hernandez
February 3, 2017
Mis condolencias a su familia ,se ha hido un grande de la musica y a nacido una leyenda que siempre nos acompañara
Tina Dayus
February 3, 2017
I have followed you and Asia for 35 yes. Rest in peace. Love to your family xxxx
February 3, 2017
RIP John Wetton. Thanks for the vision of your music. UK UK UK
February 3, 2017
February 3, 2017
My condolences to the Wetton Family, friends and fans for the loss of John. May the love of God be ever present with you during this difficult time (John 3:16) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
Loving Family
February 3, 2017
David Napolitano
February 2, 2017
One of my all time favorite musicians. My deepest sympathy to friends and family. Thank you John for your music and inspiration.
kayte smith
February 2, 2017
RIP John your music is the soundtrack of my life, Thank you for your light and music, Ride Easy ♡
Mark Thompson
February 2, 2017
Good bye John, thank you for all that you gave us.
Rev. Duane Partin
February 2, 2017
John's voice and songs got me through some hard parts of life. I am so saddened by this. Heartfelt prayers to his family and friends. May perpetual light shine upon him.
February 2, 2017
May God provide comfort for all.
Grest Martin
February 2, 2017
Music for the ages.
Greatly missed
Daniele Trani
February 2, 2017
Thank's for everything John, no more words to tell what I feel...
Wright's
February 2, 2017
To the Wetton family,frirnds,and neighbors: Our hearts are saddened by the loss of your dear loved one.May the God of comfort,comfort all.
Leo van der Wel
February 2, 2017
Thank you for your unbelievable voice and beautifull melodies. God bless and peace to the entire Wetton family.
Mike Hall
February 2, 2017
The world has lost a wonderful & influential talent & person in John Wetton. He had an awesome voice!!
Dean Giering
February 2, 2017
The world lost a wonderful singer this week. John Wetton has been a favorite since I first heard Asia in 1982. My sympathies go out to his family and those who worked with him over the years.
Dorian Cumps
February 2, 2017
My sincere condolences to John's family and musical partners; John sang and played the soundtrack of my life ever since the Crimson days. I was lucky to work as translator on the reissue of an album by the French band Atoll to which three demos with John were added; RIP John Wetton and heartfelt thanks for your immense talent.
-Dorian Cumps, Bois-l'Evêque, France feb 02 2017
Mark Morrow
February 2, 2017
John thank you for the memories. I will have to pull out the albums and jam this weekend.
Robert Citrano
February 2, 2017
I grew up on Long Island, New York in the 1980's listening to John Wetton and Asia throughout high school, college and everywhere I would drive. Every kid has a band that they call "my band" and Asia was mine. John's voice, bass playing, and incredible lyrics are embedded in such fond memories. I am so proud to have able to see Asia play twice at Westbury Music Fair when they reunited. It made me feel like a kid again. Now in my 50's, I still turn the radio up a little louder when I hear "my band" on the radio. John's sound was a gift to his audiences and that gift is eternal. Rest in peace and may God bless John, his family and dear friends.
Peter Massoglia
February 2, 2017
My sympathy goes out to the family of John Wetton. I heard a Asia song on the radio today. Take care and you will be in my prayers.
Moshe Aberson
February 1, 2017
Loved your music and guitar playing
I will definitely miss you my friend
Robert & Carol Wagoner
February 1, 2017
Thank you for all your music. God bless and peace to the entire Wetton family.
judy gebhart
February 1, 2017
I never got to see Asia in concert, but had all there tapes. I will miss John Wetton. We have lost a great Icon , but Heaven has gotten a great Icon now. I send my condolences to all his family and band members. I seat here crying after reading of John Wetton Death. He was a fighter but now he is in Heaven and no more pain. R.I.P. John Wetton you will never be forgotten. I know I will really miss you, but have videos of you singing. GOD Bless you Lisa and Dylan during this time of grief. GOD is with Lisa and Dylan, and brother Robert, and mother Peggy. A Very SAD Fan. You left us too soon John Wetton but GOD has you now.
Greg Peters
February 1, 2017
Thanks for all of the great music, RIP.
Robert Ironside
February 1, 2017
Never forget listening to UK the first time and their albums. Always amazed how he could play such fluid lines and sing so well over the playing. A true genius with a great voice of integral influence. Enjoy the jams with Chris Squire, John Lennon et al :-)
Mike Cannon
February 1, 2017
Asia was the soundtrack to my high school years. John Wetton will be missed.
James Craft
February 1, 2017
"Peace at last, fade to gray..." John your war IS over now, but there are many hearts saddened by your loss.
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