Former bandmates and fellow musicians are mourning the passing of John Wetton, lead singer and bassist of such classic rock acts as Asia, UK, Uriah Heep, the Red-era of King Crimson, who died January 31, 2017 following a battle with cancer. He was 67. Our obituary.
We’ve collected many of them here…
We regret to announce that iconic singer, John Wetton, passed away in his sleep this morning.
Rest in Peace, John.
12/06/1949 – 31/01/2017— Original Asia (@originalasia) January 31, 2017
A sad day indeed. #rip #johnwetton pic.twitter.com/KlQWPduX4O
— Geoffrey Downes (@asiageoff) January 31, 2017
Wetton’s Asia bandmate, Carl Palmer, offered a lengthy tribute on Twitter…
With the passing of my good friend and musical collaborator, John Wetton, the world loses yet another musical giant. […] pic.twitter.com/YYyz4SXufV
— Carl Palmer (@ELP_carl) January 31, 2017
It continued with: “John was a gentle person who created some of the most lasting melodies and lyrics in modern popular music. 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. I will miss his talent, his sense of humor and his infectious smile. May you ride easy, my old friend.”
From the British musician (Roxy Music) and record producer, Phil Manzanera…
Very sad to hear about the death of my good friend and fellow musical explorer John Wetton. RIP.
— Phil Manzanera (@philmanzanera) January 31, 2017
Swedish prog rock musician, Roine Stolt, wrote on his Facebook page: “Very sad to learn that a great singer, bassman and performer & friend John Wetton, has passed. A fine man, classy, humble after all success with King Crimson, UK, Asia, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep etc. and an icon in prog music. So sad – so very very strange, since I was actually thinking of John just about 2 hours ago/this morning.”
To say I’m gutted about John Wetton’s death is a complete understatement. I loved him like a brother.
— Steve Hackett (@HackettOfficial) January 31, 2017
Best Classic Bands will continue to update these tributes throughout the day.
