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  ASIA AND KING CRIMSON FRONTMAN JOHN WETTON HAS PASSED AWAY
31st January 2017



john wetton

King Crimson and Asia frontman, John Wetton, sadly passed away today following a battle with cancer. He was 67-years-old.

Wetton's mmanager, Martin Darvill, said that the cause had been colon cancer. Wetton had undergone major surgery in 2015 to have a one-kilo malignant mass removed from his abdomen.

Wetton, also known for his work with Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Family, Roxy Music, Mogul Thrash and more, was a member of King Crimson between 1972 and 1974 and appeared on two of the group's classic albums, 1973s 'Larks' Tongues In Aspic' and 1974s 'Red'.



Asia drummer Carl Palmer said: "With the passing of my good friend and musical collaborator, John Wetton, the world loses yet another musical giant. 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. His ability to triumph over alcohol abuse made him an inspiration to many who have also fought that battle.

"For those of us who knew him and worked with him, his valiant struggle against cancer was a further inspiration. I will miss his talent, his sense of humour and his infectious smile. May you ride easy, my old friend."



Asia keyboardist Geoff Downes said: "It was a massive privilege for me to have worked with this genius so closely on our numerous projects together over the years. His bass playing was revolutionary. His voice was from the Gods. His compositions – out of this world. His sense of melody and harmony – unreal. He was literally a 'special one.'"

Current King Crimson vocalist/guitarist Jakko Jakszyk said: "Truly saddened to hear of the passing of John Wetton. It goes without saying that he was and is a huge influence but, I'm honoured to say, someone I could also call a pal. He was great company and a gentle soul.

"I shall treasure our chats and the amount he made me laugh at the Steve Hackett shows we did together."



Mick Box of Uriah Hepp said: "I am totally devastated at the news today that John Wetton has passed away. He was a part of Heep history and was a super talented man.

"He was also a good friend who over the years I have shared many a laugh with on the road, getting up to all sorts of shenanigans. He has left a wealth of music and wonderful songs that will live on forever, and he will be sadly missed. RIP my friend."







 
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