John Wetton

John Wetton in concert

John Wetton (born June 12, 1949 in Derbyshire, England) is an English singer, bassist and guitarist.

Though born in Derbyshire, Wetton grew up in Bournemouth, Dorset.

He has been a professional musician since the late 1960s, and has been a member of the groups Mogul Thrash, Family, King Crimson (working with childhood friend Robert Fripp), Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry band, Uriah Heep, UK, Asia and Wishbone Ash. Wetton has been a solo performer since leaving Asia for a second time in 1992.

Wetton was initially known for his powerful bass guitar sound and improvisational abilities (as evidenced on King Crimson's The Great Deceiver live box set and other sources), although his recorded output since at least 1980 has been more commercially-oriented. These days, he concentrates less on bass guitar, instead favouring a singer-songwriter approach that frequently highlights the use of acoustic guitar and piano.

Wetton's recorded highlights include King Crimson's Larks' Tongues In Aspic (1973), UK's self-titled album (1978) and Asia's self-titled album (1982), the last of which was the biggest seller of his career.

In recent years, Wetton has battled with alcoholism. He reportedly kicked the habit, and rejoined Asia in spring 2006 with the original lineup, which is set to tour this summer and likely go into the studio.

Solo discography

Albums

Caught in the Crossfire, 1980, E'G/Polydor Records
King's Road, 1972-1980, 1987, E'G/Virgin Records
One World (with Phil Manzanera), 1987, Geffen Records
Battle Lines, 1994, Eclipse Records
Chasing the Dragon (Live), 1995, Eclipse Records
Akustika (Live), 1996, Blueprint Records
Arkangel, 1997, Eagle Records
Chasing the Deer (film soundtrack), 1998, Blueprint Records
Hazy Money Live in New York, 1998, Blueprint Records
Live in Tokyo, 1998, Blueprint Records
Monkey Business (with Richard Palmer-James), 1998, Blueprint Records
Sub Rosa Live in Japan, 1998, Blueprint Records
Nomansland Live in Poland, 1999, Giant Electric Pea Records
Welcome to Heaven, 2000, Avalon Records
Sinister, 2001, Giant Electric Pea Records
Live in Argentina, 2002, Blueprint Records
Live in Stockholm 1998, 2003, Blueprint Records
Rock of Faith, 2003, Giant Electric Pea Records
Live in Osaka, 2003, Blueprint Records
From the Underworld, 2003, Classic Rock Legends
One Way or Another (with Ken Hensley), 2003, Classic Rock Legends
Amata, 2004, Metal Mind Records
Icon (with Geoff Downes), 2005, Melodic Symphony/Frontiers Records/UMe Digital (US)

EPs

Heat of the Moment '05 (with Geoff Downes), 2005, Frontiers Records

External links

*Official site