The first time i ever heard John Wetton’s voice was 1974 when i bought a King Crimson single from our local record shop. It was a song called The Night Watch Taken as it was from the album Starless And Bible Black. In my ignorance i played the B side first which happened to be The Great Deciever. I remember being quite shocked as it wasn’t at all what i was expecting. however, from that day forwards i was aware of who John Wetton was and his immense talent. It wasn’t for some years before i would fully appreciate his music and his contribution to other artists work too. I was one of the many fortunate people to have seen John play with Prog legends Asia. It was no secret that John battled with his demons which on occasion marred some of his live solo performances. However, this was insignificant when compared to the body of work which John leaves as his legacy. His recent battle with colon cancer was bravely fought though it managed to steal away another Prog legend from us all. I will be playing songs featuring John’s silky voice in the February Progcast to remind us all just what a true legend he was. A very sad day for music. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at what must be a very difficult time for them. Rest easy John. Peace after pain.
John Kenneth Wetton 12th June 1949 – 31st January 2017. RIP.
