John Kenneth Wetton, a celebrated English vocalist, bass guitarist, and composer, came into the world on June 12, 1949, in the charming town of Willington, situated in the picturesque county of Derbyshire.
The esteemed Wetton's remarkable musical journey, which traversed an extensive period of time, was marked by a series of distinguished associations with pioneering ensembles, including Mogul Thrash, Family, King Crimson, Roxy Music, and Uriah Heep.
Following his initial endeavors, John Wetton embarked on a new professional journey, co-founding a U.K. entity that would lay the groundwork for his future musical pursuits. He subsequently joined the esteemed rock outfit Wishbone Ash, further honing his craft and refining his artistic vision. Wetton's next significant career move was his ascension to the role of frontman and primary songwriter for the esteemed supergroup Asia. This collaboration proved to be his most commercially successful venture to date, with the self-titled debut album enjoying a remarkable level of success, ultimately selling a staggering eight million copies worldwide. The album's impressive sales figures were capped off by its claim of the top spot on Billboard magazine's 1982 album chart, a testament to Wetton's enduring talent and the group's collective appeal.
Not only did John Wetton's professional endeavors extend beyond his influential work with the iconic rock band Asia, but he also co-founded the esteemed musical partnership Icon alongside the illustrious Geoff Downes, a collaboration that further showcased his remarkable artistic range and versatility.
As the decades progressed, Wetton's creative energies continued to flourish, and he embarked on a prosperous solo career, characterized by a diverse array of studio and live album releases, each one a testament to his boundless talent and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Throughout his remarkably extensive and illustrious career, John Wetton was sought after by numerous esteemed musicians and bands, earning him a reputation as a highly in-demand session bassist. His impressive and diverse roster of collaborators included some of the most renowned and influential figures in the progressive rock genre, such as Steve Howe from Yes, Bill Bruford and Alan White from King Crimson, Billy Sherwood from Yes, Peter Banks from Yes and Flash, Bryan Ferry from Roxy Music, Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music, and Steve Hackett from Genesis, to name just a few of the many notable musicians he worked with.
