Fripp pays tribute to Wetton - Robert Fripp & David Singleton - The Magic Bag, Ferndale - 4 Oct 2022

Robert pays a moving and heartfelt tribute to John Wetton
#robertfripp

[@PeteZolli]

It's wonderful how Mr. Fripp has been sharing his inner self these last few years. A lovely gift to us all.❤

[@VolodyaVolodenka1981]

it's like all the already immense power of his musical legacy is now multiplied by this cordiality and warmth, and such clear and detailed memories, and humour too. been a fan for 30 years now, couldn't have dreamt of a better treat. and yep - John, what a bassist, voice, writer... what a soul

[@srb99100]

The Toyah effect ❤

[@VincentBautista365]

😢

[@jublaim]

I agree. The way he speaks to me now 'in person' reflects the way he speaks to me with his guitar and compositions. There is so much depth in the music that can be mistaken for calculated mathematics. I get a whole new angle on how to interpret on how people are. The 'silence' moment of the King Crimson documentary is just...

[@VolodyaVolodenka1981]

@@jublaim ...the loudest in the whole movie)

[@davidmachemer1015]

Never knew Robert and John were so close. Very moving tribute.

[@TheRKae]

I love how Fripp came back to work with John on his later solo albums. "Arkangel" is utterly splendid.

[@exitthelemming145]

One of the very few eulogies I've ever heard that did not contain a single platitude. Credit to Fripp for being so disarmingly honest about losing a dear friend and cherished colleague.

[@sundet81]

Never even knew Robert Fripp had feelings. This was a heartwarming watch.

[@craigrittase5340]

Robert is right, John Wetton's final years were really a triumph. He became sober, married his wife Lisa, and reconnected with a lot of his musical past by reconciling and reforming the original Asia lineup, performing the King Crimson classics from his era with District 97 on tour, and reforming UK for some tours.

[@briteness]

This was moving. Fripp's connecting the opening of Starless, which has long appeared to have a special significance for him, with his feelings about Wetton is something I will not soon forget.

[@tp10488]

The emotion in Robert Fripp's voice shows how close he was to John Wetton. I had a chance to chat with John when he was touring with Bryan Ferry's group (solo, not Roxy Music) and he was the most down to earth musician I've ever met. I was sad to hear he had passed away. RIP

[@TCU1]

I’ve been a KC/Wetton fan for over 42 years, and this brought me to tears. What a privilege Robert gave us with this as he is a reserved man. Thank you, Mr. Fripp ❤

[@DebiG1057]

I have been the same.

[@jengel2000]

The first time I ever applauded a video while sitting on the couch. Robert, you are a true gentleman.

[@helenarusso]

Hello Jeff how are you doing 😊

[@seansweeney2875]

Lovely and profound. Well said Robert 🙏RIP John..god bless you.

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

To hear Fripp hear speak so highly and deeply of Wetton really shows you how much he meant to the legacy of King Crimson, the lineup of those two along with Bruford and Cross in 72-74 made some of the greatest music ever. 2:45 i couldn't agree more, Wetton was an amazing bass player.

[@GreyDabbler]

OK - I will admit it. I just cried. That was so beautiful. King Crimson is my favorite band of all time, and Starless is the best song I have ever heard. I literally have a video of my life set to Starless to be played at my funeral (hopefully long from now). I was already getting emotional hearing Robert speak about John, but when me mentioned Starless I lost it. This is such a gift, and a reminder of how precious our moments are, and the priceless friends we are blessed to meet.

[@DerekMPiec]

I could sit and listen to Mr. Fripp talk, tell stories, and his perspective on life all day. A very intellectual and intelligent musician. Though in early years he distanced himself from the limelight, he is full of everyday life wisdom. A wonderful tribute to Mr. Wetton.

[@davel.9467]

I was at this event. A truly special evening. This part in particular stood out for its heartfelt sincerity and raw emotion. Thank you Robert and David.

[@dukeviking]

I was so happy to skip seeing The Who in Detroit for this amazing evening hanging onto every word of Fripp's amazing stories.

[@kevgamble]

As none of us are entitled to this information, it is a gift. And though I never met Mr. Wetton, I loved his work and what I knew of him dearly and am grateful for this gift. Thank you.

[@petersokol1603]

I was 15 in 74….all I ever wanted to be was as good a bass player as John Wetton….he…and Percy Jones are my bass hero’s….hearing Mr. Fripp speak so lovingly of him has just brought me to tears…and he is right John Wetton was the bass player of his generation.

[@mrdnarna]

I was 17 I always liked his voice great rendition on Watcher of the Skies on Genesis revisited by Hackett and naturally UK and Crimson.

[@petersokol1603]

@@mrdnarna Don’t forget Roxy music….in his younger days…his mentor was George Martin….who kept him working in the studio….he recognized John’s immense talent…he was so talented…..the last show he ever played was close to his death….Steven Hackett brought him out for a song…………John looked bad….but that voice….such a voice……..and for Steven Hackett to do that when he knew John was close to the end….shows you his character as a human being….same with Mr. Fripp here.

[@lisawetton5539]

@@petersokol1603 this is in fact, inaccurate. The last time Mr. Hackett and John played together was in 2014. John was not ill at that time. He became sick in early 2015 and wasn’t diagnosed until May of that year, and he still had some decent quality of life until September 2016, when he developed sepsis.

[@petersokol1603]

@@lisawetton5539 my bad….good work.

[@MajorShmoopy]

I'm much younger (my dad was 5 in '74) and I also count Wetton as among my bass heroes! Truly a phenomenally talented musician and even in modern metal music I think few if any have topped his distorted bass tone

[@armlovesmetal1036]

Robert Fripp is the consummate intelligent gentleman musician. He has a wonderful sense of compassion and truly cared about John Wetton, This video choked me up. Wonderful job.

[@mkmur55]

To hear Mr Fripp discuss John Wetton hurts my heart. He has brought such great music to the world. RIP John Wetton and thank you for all the great music I have been able to see you perform!

[@tommyhunter9641]

As only a true friend could answer that question.

[@lisawetton5539]

🙏❤️‍🔥

[@albertosantillanfonseca5776]

thanks lisa !!!

[@TZKeyz]

John was a "great!" Loved him in every band he was in, especially UK.

[@ggaa111100]

This had me in tears. I love Robert even more after seeing this.

[@PierreBAZBazinet]

I remember hearing Starless the first time,,i was speechless and could not describe what it did to me...But as a musician it changed my whole perspective on creativity....😊 John was a monster bass player and an amazing emotional singer.!!! So happy to see the deep respect and affection that Mr Fripp had for him....❤❤❤❤

[@KLINGKLANGINK]

I am bawling right now. Larks tongues in aspic was the springboard to everything music and art in me. It can all be traced back to that album.

[@jamesbond4633]

That is the most emotional I have ever seen Robert. I got to see John play with ASIA when they first came out and he was great. Funny how he and Greg Lake intertwined in their careers. Both different but many similarities. They are both gone now and are stardust. I admire Robert's statement on JOhn viewing his latter years as a triumph. No one is perfect and we all have our struggles. I think Robert was a true friend to Mr. Wetton. That is a gift beyond fame and fortune. I think when the end comes for all of us what we will remember will be who were are true friends and loved ones. John had that and may he rest in peace.

[@helenarusso]

Hello James how are you doing 😊

[@AudioAtmos]

This was a wonderful tribute to John by Robert. Mr. Fripp never fails to find the exact and proper words. I was watching the recently released footage of the Midnight Special when KC appeared. I am always astounded during Easy Money when John Wetton is playing the very precisely timed bass line and simultaneously singing counter, yet fluidly. Then of course, Starless is probably my favorite KC song.

[@cmichaelanthonyimages2197]

Im a big Yes fan, and when Brufford moved onto Crimson. I feel in music love, again. I have all their early albums, and the 70's master pieces as well as the third iteration of Crimsons works. My favorite, all with John. I saw them twice in 74, with the second being their final tour before the again, breakup. John was so great and brought such a different feeling to Crimson, along with Brufford, that they never repeated. He is greatly missed. May he rest in eternal peace.

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

I saw that tour (19 June 1974, the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles). An evening like no other.

[@ganazby]

Robert is utterly authentic. This is a very moving tribute to the great John Wetton. 🙏

[@jcwdog]

A beautiful tribute to a wonderful person and musician. Thank you for being so open Robert.

[@yes_head]

Wow, that looks like it took more control for Robert to get through than playing "Fracture".

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

A rare and Beautiful moment emotion from Robert talking about his friend John Wetton !! 🤧😢

[@garystrauss6682]

I had an intimate conversation with John once about substance abuse he was very open and honest and what a sense of humor.

[@NodoGordianoMusic]

In 1997 with my band I had the pleasure of spending two days with Mr. Wetton in Rome and have him singing “Starless” and “The Night Watch” in concert, the video of the first one is here on our channel. We were young guys in our twenties and he was our great musical hero. What I miss more of those days is not the show, the unforgettable musical experience, but the humour, the humbleness and sympathy of an handsome gentleman, who enjoyed the company of young musicians just as we were old friends. Thank you for this contribution, this is really touching.

[@verbo108]

Thank you, Mr Fripp. Life becomes much better, one day at a time. John is dearly remembered.

[@keykiyox]

This is the most sublime eulogy I’ve ever heard in my whole life. Robert Fripp is the most beautiful human being I’ve come to know. He dedicates, serves, realizes, and he gives great words to a person he cherishes. I want to be like him, not as a musician but as one human being.

[@tomaszprzybylski2713]

Robert Fripp and John Wetton❤❤❤...

[@simonwithers4941]

...the silence in-between the words, beautiful Robert.

[@kennethschweighardt4920]

Thank-you Robert, I remember hearing Larks Tongue in Aspic for the first time and I thought, "This is the type of music I have always wanted to play". You remain, as do John, David, Jamie, and Bill an important part of my life (obviously remotely) through the music you created together, and shared with me.

[@helenarusso]

Hello Kenneth how are you doing 😊

[@kennethschweighardt4920]

@@helenarusso I am well thank-you Helena, I trust you and family are well also? Thank-you for the kind greeting

[@martinneuliep6133]

I got to say a brief hello to John at the Epitaph playback in London many years ago. Will never forget

[@jdmresearch]

Really touching. And, yes, Wetton was an incredible bass player. I love T Levin but there’s something raw about the way JW played back in 72-74 that no other KC bassist has.

[@somethingelse411]

Such a heartfelt answer to a question. I was lucky enough to get to know John a little better than the average fan, and he was a truly delightful Gentleman and went out of his way to engage with my Son and me. Terribly missed. Thankyou for this Mr Fripp.

[@1ouncebird]

Thanks for sharing this video with us. That was something very special. To us music lovers and supporters John was an amazing musician but to hear you talk about him like this Robert is so moving and at the same time wonderful. Again - thank you sir.

[@peterdixon7734]

I was greatly demoralised to hear that Wetton had passed on. His was an extensive and strangely reassuring presence over the years. One knows at an intellectual level that we are going to lose people, but it's still a serious blow when it happens.

[@Jack-es9xq]

It's ok Robert. I loved him too.

[@evanescapades2513]

I was blessed to have a small chat with John Wetton before he left us when i asked him if he would consider going back to do a sequel to my favourite album Rock of Faith and he responded by saying we should move forward in life toward our destination, or words to that effect. He was appreciative and to this day my heart warms when i think of him… ❤❤❤❤

[@kaveman1021]

Just when I thought I couldn't love and respect Robert Fripp any more than I already do, he does this.

[@Victorwater]

Oh my god, this was so beautiful, especially the part about Starless. RIP John Wetton

[@markliebenthal6092]

Alas, Robert has allowed himself to show some genuine human emotion. A wonderful excerpt. I was 19 when I first saw the magic lineup in NYC April 1973 and was fortunate to have a friend to travel with me and we had seen them 15 times total. # performances really stand out, The late show of April 1973, Asbury Park 1974 and the Final performance in Central Park July 1974.

[@SteveMeiers]

Also a favorite KC period of mine. I first saw them at Winterland in San Francisco in late 1973 in the Fripp/Wetton/Bruford/Cross era. Book of Saturdays and Starless are gateways to other dimensions, and John Wetton's bass the warp drive rumbling eternally into those fascinating depths, the blackness of space, and his voice the stars strewn so carefully above. Van Gogh for our ears. Robert's impeccable timing, leaning out that window just then, strikes again and his very kind sharing of those moments is greatly appreciated by us lifelong fans. R.I.P. John Wetton

[@josjanssen6733]

It's the silences that make the difference. No rattling off of niceties, but delving into your heart and mind and giving it time to come out.

[@noohoozfurra]

Stunning. Palpable emotion from Robert over his great friend. Tragic and beautiful, in equal measure...

[@KCODacey]

Wow! For a man notorious for being mercurial, this was an astonishing moment to be a witness to RF’s humanity. Thank you for posting this.

[@pol04061956]

Love you Mr Fripp, Love Mr Wetton 🥲

[@jacktorrance0237]

King Crimson fue el grupo que me voló la cabeza. Concretamente fue la canción Starless. Necesitaba escucharla todas las noches antes de dormir. Esa voz dulce y vieja a la vez me toca el alma casa vez que la escucho. Vi a King Crimson en el 2000 y en 2016. Siento lo mismo que dice el señor Fripp cuando escucho Starless. Siempre deseé que volviera John Wetton... Era único. Gracias por compartir vuestras maravillosas creaciones.

[@authorwilliamfripp6522]

What a beautiful expression of love

[@wessex66]

What a wonderful tribute to an incredible musician. Red is one of the greatest albums of all time.

[@DavidLazarus]

Fantastic and heartfelt tribute from Robert! John Wetton added sincerity and grace to everything he touched. Whether it was Wishbone Ash, Uriah Heep, UK, Asia or his own solo career. From his lyrics and what others, such as Geoff Downes, said about him, John was definitely a tortured soul. Nevertheless, I entirely agree with Robert in that his latter years were triumphant. He rejoined Asia and had other projects when they weren't touring or recording and he stayed active until he was too sick to do so. John was a phenomenal bassist and a great singer. I was very said when I heard he died on January 31, 2017. As with so many others who have passed between 2015 and present, the world lost an irreplaceable musician that day. There will never be another John Wetton.

[@enricomaciel]

John Wetton is a legend to me and deserves all the respect as a person and musician that he was! His legacy will never die... Cheers from Brazil!

[@donovanjones4175]

Same vibe here in Montreal brother.

[@JamesBlevins0]

One of the best questions ever asked to Fripp elicits one of RF's best answers. Respectful (but not fawning), clear, and important.

[@JamesBlevins0]

Sepsis may arise not only through mistakes but just because of the cruelty of chance events. Infections arise after most abdominal surgeries, even after precautions like three doses of go-litely (tm). After my mom's radical colonectomy, I drove her to the emergency room c. 5 times, to deal with infections or blood clots, etc. She was a medical-surgical nurse and able to recognize symptoms of post-operative (or cancer-associated clotting) problems earlier than most. I wish that John and his bride Lisa had had more time.

[@JohnEaganMedia]

God bless John Wetton. One of my musical heroes, a giant among men. JLE

[@laurentakchote8242]

Thank you so much mister Fripp for this tribute. John will stay in our hearts. 🙏

[@exeuropean]

you can see that he has lots of trouble holding back his emotions. I really thought he would be bursting out in tears

[@cornchipsnovemberland3565]

What an exceptionally moving and lovingly sincere tribute to a friend. John Wetton was inimitable in every way. My respect for Mr. Fripp just increased exponentially.

[@bobnyswonger2978]

I saw John in '73 with King Crimson - that performance deeply affected me as player...and what a beautiful voice. Much thanks to RF for his loving remembrance here.

[@helenarusso]

Hello Bob how are you doing 😊

[@mccypr]

I’m glad that Lady asked that question. Thanks! 😎

[@BertusMartial]

Merci.

[@scoobydont5299]

This was so moving. Robert Fripp would hate me saying this, but he is a nice man. Not a lot else you can say 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️

[@garyruppert8186]

Blessed be the memory of John Wetton

[@jalves3000]

A moving account by all means !!! Thank you, Robert! Thank you, John!

[@R01120]

Fripp is an astounding story teller.

[@timrasicci5658]

Thank you Robert Fripp! I appreciate what you and so many others have given to our musical universe!

[@helenarusso]

Hello Tim how are you doing 😊

[@Scott-sx1bf]

Well said - Thanks for the deeply personal insight into such a special talent who will not be forgotten.

[@MrGREYMATTERS]

Wow.

[@gerardmclernon8149]

I cried, just cried. The grief could not be more palpable.

[@mattseveri_3tribe]

beautiful words for a memory of a lost friend. Friendship it's a love live in a different way

[@TheSteveSteele]

Search for the Exposure demos with John Wetton. Amazing! It’s like Red Pt 2. Extremely powerful. God bless Robert Fripp.

[@evanescapades2513]

So beautiful to see this. I miss John!! Thank you for loading this!!!!!

[@massimoperli1696]

I have tears in my eyes

[@helenarusso]

Hello how are you doing 😊

[@robbi2021Bethany]

Jaco and John ! Wow....

[@MrJanbalk]

Tears falling down. Thank you Mr Fripp for this sensitive hommage to the "bass voice" of my generation. Thank you. Times past are gone, but memories will never die.

[@richardarnold4271]

Bless you that was heart felt and I'm touched thank you so much.A wonderful question that I had wondered myself.

[@ezzeapiaggio]

The way Robert is open to tell these things during this later years is really compelling and moving. The resemblance and memories of old times delivered with such presence and power is heartbreaking.

[@michaelwalsh5997]

Thank you kindly Mr Robert Fripp for opening your heart to all of us so personally… as we can all tell when he speaks the love and admiration he has for his fellow musicians and Mr Wetton, it pours from his Soul with true emotion and candor. You have indeed given us so much of yourself, for that we are grateful in many ways to honor you as fans with reverence. 🙏🏼✌️😎

[@mikedown1250]

Fripp, bruford, wetton, they shaped me

[@Lyphatma]

'Starless' is my favourite King Crimson song. Possibly my favourite song.

[@javier6274]

now I see...where was that hidden magic...when I listen RED, hours and hours...now I understand, after your share...I realize there was something extra...

[@octofish]

This is heartbreaking and touching.

[@fierceperedur]

Thank you for this. Loved the man.

[@KyleDavisMusic]

Beautiful.

[@kimwoolley9831]

Gosh if this very heartfelt honest tribute doesn’t make you tear up I would be surprised. God bless Robert and John.

[@renatovacchini9867]

It's so touching , thank you for your words Mr. Fripp and thank you for sharing

[@johnshipe7045]

Listening to this while driving. I got so choked up. I had to pull over.

[@bobbyneal6322]

Thank you Robert Fripp for this kind, & emotional tribute to my personal favorite voice that ever lived, Mr. John Wetton. Not to mention his bass playing & songsmith abilities. Thank you again, Robert, & all the best to you & yours. 💝

[@rztricky]

Love to you sir Robert. You hit this right on the head.

[@davekershaw3695]

God bless you Robert 🙏

[@muffinman4353]

Long live the guitar magic of Robert Fripp!!!

[@shacker2222]

Thank you for sharing that Mr. Fripp about John....he is very much missed.....

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

When I hear Robert speak, the room is always silent, all attention is on him and his emotions literally reach out to touch every soul in the room. Simply the best human voice among the rest of us. 🙏☯️

[@TheSteveSteele]

I’ve been saying forever how great John Wetton was as a bassist. He was my main influence growing up. That muscular, dynamic, huge sound was something I copied. His playing on side 2 of the Starless and Bible Black album is incredible, otherworldly. The entire album really.

[@daemonspudguy]

Apparently John often played with his bass plugged into a Leslie speaker.

[@stefanrobertsson7302]

Thanks Robert... 💎💎💎

[@jackwezesa1081]

Great bass player and singer.

[@jean-marieboucherit4518]

Great admiration for Robert Fripp. I don’t know his music.

[@dikbozo]

Thank you, Robert for sharing this. Your words explain the situation delicately and movingly. Please never stop.

[@noordcop1]

Very moving.....................

[@miccarbo7911]

I find it impressing that when Robert Fripp talks, everyone seems to always listen, never interrupting him, even when he pauses for long moments.