The Life and Music of John Wetton (documentary)

John Wetton was a skilled progressive rock bassist and an amazing singer with a unique voice. His career includes King Crimson, ASIA, U.K., Roxy Music, solo albums, Uriah Heap and many other bands and collaborations. John thanks for Everything.
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Corrections (thanks Rick Nelson):
John did not "drink into oblivion" through 2007. His last drink was June 2, 2005.
His mother's name was not "Peggy". That was his cat's name. Her name was Margaret.
Battle Lines was initially released on 17 June 1994 in Japan only.
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Footage Credits:
ControlThis channel➡ / @controlthisthat
Asia - Rock Profile➡ • Video
Asia 1989_Sole survivor➡ • Asia 1989_Sole survivor
UK - NOTHING TO LOSE - 1979➡ • UK - NOTHING TO LOSE -...
Asia - Valkyrie➡ • Video
John Wetton Boffomundo Interview➡ • John Wetton (King Crim...
Asia Heat Of The Moment➡ • 19 Asia Heat Of The Mo...
Interview to Ryan Sparks➡ www.classicrockrevisited.com/...

[@RickNelson1967]

John did not "drink into oblivion" through 2007. His last drink was June 2, 2005. His mother's name was not "Peggy". That was his cat's name. Her name was Margaret.

[@docu2231]

Will add this into the description as well. Thanks for the corrections.

[@RickNelson1967]

Also, Battle Lines was released in 1994. There are also typos in the text... ie "It's gets worse..."

[@ggaworowski]

DOCU maybe you should delete and correct this video if you’re putting false info out - it wouldn’t be a relevant docu, also some things are irrelevant like the oblivion very rude comment.

[@RickNelson1967]

a lot of clips of compiled /edited footage taken from the videos on ControlThis channel...

[@docu2231]

ControlThis is a great channel about Wetton, but footage that appears there was also posted before in other videos, like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5CapqeifMqAm5Y And sure we have used some footage from that channel, but not a lot. Will add credits to the description.

[@jonnybirchyboy1560]

His vocals on King Crimson’s “Starless” were utterly epic.

[@BroonParker]

KC never had a better vocalist - and this was a band that began with Greg Lake! There was a unique quality there.

[@tomschmidt4355]

The most beautiful melody and ballad John has ever sung for me is 'The greatest show on earth'.

[@jeffreyhutchins6527]

Google has not heard of John Wetton. Rock fans from the 70's have.

[@davidkalnbach8947]

those who forget history are doomed to repeat it....those who fail history have to take it again next year....

[@BroonParker]

​@@davidkalnbach8947 and those who remember it are doomed to watch others repeat it.

[@FranzBazar]

80s rock fans too

[@carolynmaynard3694]

‘80’s kids have as well!❤

[@asmallwhitedog0479]

Hard to believe but Ive been a fan of his for almost 50 years. He was always one of the best.

[@damienthorne861]

Me too ! Great bass player. Great singer!

[@richfeddersen5173]

Back in the late 70's my mate and I were in Notting Hill Gate in London in the Record and Tape Exchange, and my mate said "look, that's Michael Palin". I had a closer look and said I don't think so, looks more like John Wetton out of Roxy Music (etc). We bet each other a pint, I went up to him and said "Hey, John Wetton, how you doing?" He says, "I'm alright, how are you" with a look of do I know you on his face... I turn to my mate and said "I'll have a pint of lager". Ha ha. John asks if you two are going down the pub I'll join you! Such a nice bloke. A normal human being. God bless John Wetton.

[@yesman2755]

One of the greatest rock vocalists ever who managed to get his justified fame in Asia. Get a listen to his solo album “Battle Lines” it’s a real gem.

[@exciter2506]

What I liked about John's vocals was that you can understand every word he sang. Musical and intelligible.

[@61guitbox]

John Wetton , my fav prog rock vocalist/bassist of all time ! RIP 🙏🏻🎤🎸

[@marcelopepinho]

Wetton was a very nice man ...very humble ...I met him in 1995 in Montreal ..during Chase the Dragon tour....he spoke with everyone after the show ... it was a big loss for the music world

[@docu2231]

In his live album "Chasing the Dragon" his voice is amazing! And in the mix, the drums and voice are above everything else!

[@marcelopepinho]

@@docu2231 I couldn't agree more

[@DiverBand]

Nice tribute to a brilliant musician, a phenomenal vocalist, a great writer, and a wonderful man. I was fortunate and blessed to get to know John a bit over the years from meet and greets. I think of him often, and pray that his soul is at peace. You will never be forgotten John. Thank you for the music of my childhood and adult life. God Bless you.

[@macsnafu]

John Wetton did some great music over the years, and was very much a vital part of the prog rock scene.

[@jenvaher]

I fell in love with John Wetton‘s voice when my brother brought home a King Crimson album called Red. I listened to Fallen Angel and Starless and fell in love with his voice. Later, I was reconnected with him when he sang for Asia. What an underrated musician. Thank you for doing this documentary.

[@freddiesoverbite6162]

Chris Squire and John Wetton are 2 of the best things to ever happen to music.

[@forces48]

Exellent tanks for that musicographie , Wetton and and Greg Lake was the two best the very best rock progressive singer of all time, miss your voice.

[@tomschmidt4355]

I have great sympathy for Justin Hayward too. Today Jan-Henrik Ohme from Gazpacho is one of the best.

[@billtalbert6165]

He was truly a artist , not to mention a love for the craft. We wont ever have someone like him again what a loss

[@MaxPlaid]

What a guy, had the pleasure to meet him towards the end of the millennium and thanked him for all the pleasure his music had given

[@crrscribe]

Thanks for using portions of my interview with John. I so enjoyed speaking to him back in 2012 and also seeing him on that last run of U.K. shows the following year. He is truly missed.

[@docu2231]

Congrats for your very interesting interview. It is a great source for any John Wetton fan. www.classicrockrevisited.com/show_interview.php?id=153

[@josemanuelmedina5099]

Thank you very much for this documentary about one of the best prog rock artist ever.

[@cocoluco54]

Starless and fallen angel two of the best KC songs IMO

[@docu2231]

Indeed!

[@kresocaren2762]

He was THE greatest really......that day we lost so much......

[@frodegroven]

I think its nice to still see new things about our friend, the King, JW. Its alot of nice things being said here - we miss you JW!

[@rdalemd76]

I have always admired this Artist. Rest in Peace John Wetton.

[@TheSteveSteele]

John Wetton was the first bassist that motivated me to practice really hard, and concentrate on getting a monster tone. His work in King Crimson and UK will always be a part of my playing. If I had to pick one album where his playing had the largest impact, I’d say Starless and Bible Black, but of course, Larks Tongues and Red are practically great as well. His playing on the first UK album with Bill Bruford was so very good. R.I.P. Master.

[@cowhanson]

Thank you for the respectful report on a truly under appreciated artist. He was Known by us rock affectionately. Super group Asia for sure. But he did a lot more

[@helberquadros4909]

One of most beautiful Voice of all times!

[@frodegroven]

Thank you DOCU for making this video of our beloved JOHN WETTON. We all miss him - a lot of emotions in this posts - I think about him every day. He watches us ;-)

[@docu2231]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dvil9]

Still to this day, I can not get enough of the night watch, god I love that song!

[@JohnDavis-zo4xl]

I finished high school in 1982. A til-then unkown group popped up with "Heat of the Moment". Bought the cassette, heard the whole album. 40 yrs later that album, along with Boston's self titled gem from 76 remain my favorites. Thank you John for your music.

[@DebiG1057]

I have been a fan of John's since the 1970's. I stayed a fan throughout his troubles. No one can compare.

[@williamgeorgefraser]

I saw him when he played with Family. He wrote the most beautiful song of all time and the one I want to be listening to when I die - Starless. One of the most underrated musicians of all time.

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

A top ten greatest rock voice of ALL TIME.... An amazing bassist and an excellent song writer. I am lucky to have seen him live multiple times. And the first 2 Asia albums were absolute sonic bliss.

[@torqueytorque8861]

Thanks for putting this together. He was one of the best for sure. Can't believe this weekend marks the 5 year anniversary of his death.

[@andya2665]

UK, and Battlelines, are Wetton's essentials where he is at his best. In Battlelines he played all instruments.

[@d3lt452]

A 17 year old bassist in the making here. When struggling to play tracks like Easy Money or Starless or looking at what seem like crazy tabs for me in songs like Great Deceiver or Lark's part II, I realize how much of a genius John truly was and is for me to this day. One of my bass heroes and along with his later substitute in the bass role for the band, Tony Levin, one of the main reasons that pushed me to pick up and fall in love with a 4 string. Thank you dearly John

[@1deplatt]

I knew of him by way of King Crimson. which I think were their best albums. By the way, he sings on the Phil Manzanera album Diamond Head, a stellar track called Same Time Next Week

[@nickyfont347]

Man you made my day! It is the first time I have seen this documentary and I am deeply grateful from the bottom of my heart that someone has done something worthy for the memory of such an immense musician as Jhon Wetton! God bless you friend!

[@docu2231]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pudjiastutipurwati814]

Many thanks for this documentation. John Wetton was the best artist ever, his work lives on.

[@docu2231]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joecristino161]

Wettons voice was amazing and never changed … freaking ageless no matter who he sang for… strong and so unique

[@lovly2cu725]

I sometimes hear him while I am in the grocery store, even over all the noise I could hear his voice.

[@FreeManWhoCan]

Thank you for making a wonderful video of the great John Wetton. Because of he and his group Asia, he taught me a lot about rock ‘n’ roll. I started learning about different groups like the Buggles, Yes, King Crimson, & UK. His incredible voice was Part of many other groups and projects that I still listen to. Wetton Manzanera, Phenomena, and so many others. He taught me so much and I miss his voice. I have the first three album covers of Asia on my wall hanging to this day. God bless you John Wetton.

[@keykiyox]

I saw him for the first time as the bassist/backup voice for Brian Ferry’s live performance in Japan back in 1975 or 76 on TV. Paul Thompson was the drummer, Phil Manzanera and Chris Spedding were the guitarists, Ann O’delle was the keyboardist, Martin Drover was the trumpeter, Chris Mercer and Mel Collins were sax players. That’s it. I have never forgotten names of the players since then after 47 years. Without that particular show, I don’t think I became an avid music listener. I owe a great deal to John Wetton because of that and the Starless which I encountered a bit later. Although I listen to more U.S. rock music than U.K. rock, John is one of great inspiration for my love of the music. Thank you John Wetton!

[@swaggrrman7326]

He will always be one of my heroes. RIP JW

[@antonyjohnson4489]

This documentary very ably describes what an able and innovative musician John Wetton was. There were many highlights in such an illustrious career, but for me, "Starless" is the most brilliant piece of music of all time, from "Red" one of the darkest and most brooding masterpieces ever composed. Sadlyi missed, RIP John.

[@progger53]

My favorite 😍

[@Pellefication]

I discovered John Wetton as a teen 1976, through his involvement with King Crimson. I love that bass sound he had on those four albums released between 73-75. Amazing sound!! According to my own personal taste, I think it was his best period. He's one of my favorite bassists! I'm a bass player myself and sometimes depending on what kind of music I play, I try to find that sound. Asia....is not my cup of tea at all i'm afraid....sorry.

[@docu2231]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Pellefication]

@@wmthreeliars7795 Anybody who doesn't realize that it's all about taste understands nothing at all. Some people like meatballs, others like sushi .... that's just the way it is.

[@Pellefication]

@@wmthreeliars7795 Chill. Not liking Asias type of progressive rock and saying so humbly isn't disrespectful to anyone! Why woul'd it? It's true that I haven't heard every single note they played. I've listened to the earlier stuff mostly. I loved progressive rock through the 70's. Among others Yes and E.L.P. As the decade shifted from the 70s to the 80s,....and shure.... now I'm generalizing....progressive rock became too conventional and slick according to my musical taste buds. If that makes me arrogant so be it I highly respect Palmer, Howe and Wetton as musicians. What part of "John Wetton is one of my favorite bassists" is it you don't understand? As a musician myself, I understand and admire the level of their musical craft. As a music nerd I love to discuss music but i also respect other people's taste in music and believe that it's not my business what they should like or don't should like....whether it's their or my cup of tea....it doesn't make it lesser or better....why does it matter....it has nothing to do with the innermost essence of music.

[@youngchool]

There was U.K. between KC and Asia!

[@henriklankat3494]

Definitely the best rock bass player of all time. I love his style since I heard him playing these lines in KC Easy money. The most impressive piece of music this galaxy ever heard...John, thanks for all these pleasure moments you give to us!!

[@eilzed]

Wow, I wanted to listen to Battle Lines and found this documentary. I really love John's music. I didn't know that he died. Had to let the tears flow. A brother from another mother. Music transcends the language barrier and those who write and play can feel the vibrations in our roots. When my acoustic guitar is vibrating against my chest, it reminds me of my grandmother singing in her old raspy voice, lullabies as she rocked me. Like Gibran said, The deeper that sorrow is carved into you, the more joy you can contain. My joy in you was awesome John, and my tears are sad at the light lost in the world now that you are no longer with us. Wherever you are John, thanks for all of the inspiration. 🙏💜🙏💚🙏💙🙏❤🙏💛🙏

[@Beanybob]

4 years today, much missed

[@rembeadgc]

This was a fine tribute to a great musician/vocalist/bassist. songwriter. Never met him or even saw him live, but much of his music remains as dear to me as childhood memories.

[@Lightmane]

If you know John Wetton, but have never listened to U.K., you're missing out. One of the best Prog Rock groups ever.

[@mayankimmortal]

Thanks man,

[@rubengomezocana5974]

For sure!

[@youngchool]

You are absolutely right. Actually UK is my favorite band. I feel lucky that I have seen all 5 great musicians involved including John (although not in 1978-1979).

[@lclems9790]

I'm still kicking myself for giving up my UK tickets to go on a cruise. Whenever I play Rendezvous 602, I hit repeat to hear it again as soon as it ends.

[@WaytogoEinstein]

I’m so glad I ran across this documentary about John. Much of this information I was not aware of. In the early 80’s, I was in my early 20’s and had just started playing guitar a a few years prior when Asia hit MTV. You know, when MTV actually was playing all kinds of great music. I became hooked. Many years later, I was lucky enough to meet Steve Howe from Yes three different times here in Dallas on three different tours. Hanging out in the after show area, drinking beers with Chris Squire and all the guys. I must say though, I would have loved to meet John. The music of Asia was a huge part of my life in the 80’s. Thank you for all the incredible music John. Rest peacefully sir.

[@docu2231]

Thanks for your comment.

[@btsr2553]

Many thanks for this documentation about John. R.I.P John. Dear John, you are not forgotten, now 2020. Thanks for the music and the feelings. To all John Wetton fans, stay safe and keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars (Casey Casem, another long story)

[@docu2231]

You're very welcome

[@VegasAlien1]

We are all blessed that such a rare individual existed and happily shared his talents with the world.

[@tomfoolery5603]

Where’s part 2, 3, and 4.? Great job. I became a fan of Asia because of the first album cover. After the breakup in the early 90’s I picked up some live cds of his cause I was so desperate to hear some real Asia songs. Then I heard his life rendition of ‘Don’t Cry’ and some of his older stuff and I realized this is a talented artist. I found Battle Lines about a year after the release and scooped that up. The title track to this day still gives me goosebumps. What a extraordinary life. Thank you for producing and sharing this documentary.

[@rainbow2710]

Puts the lyrics of "An Extraordinary Life" in perspective.

[@WillBug-wl8je]

I've been listening to John since I was a kid and a huge fan. The Documentary is correct when you discover John's other work though Asia. Thank you for posting.

[@docu2231]

You are welcome!

[@bwallace5945]

Excellent Video not a Big Asia fan but a huge KC and UK fan

[@joseluisvega1702]

John es definitivamente uno de mis ídolos, como bajista y cantante. Excelente homenaje, los felicito.

[@landowaco5215]

I still have the first asia album on vinyl John was and always will be awesome and this was a very well put together tribute thank you 🤘

[@BOOMER-DAD]

Thank you. I saw the Larks and Red Crimson tours and the first Asia too. What a great front man and vocalist John was. Very cool documentary

[@extantia]

I found out about him when a friend loaned me a tape of UK's eponymous album back in 1986- an album I still appreciate to this day.

[@clawnor3880]

I have just discorvered Asia. Great experience too hear it for the first time. Gold

[@j3m3r3]

Glad you discovered Asia. It was absolute magic for me when I was younger and I imagine you feel the same way I did.

[@docu2231]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@alfredotrujillo9544]

Mil gracias por los subtitulos. Los miles de seguidores de Wetton en Latinoamerica y España lo agradecemos especialmente

[@Kat-rn6dz]

John Wetton, loved you soo much, gorgeous voice and artist. RIP my friend.

[@BOOMER-DAD]

What a great vocalist. I first heard him on Family’s fearless Lp and saw him front King Crimson in 1973 at the Kennedy Center in DC. We drove over 200 miles to see it. I was lucky to be in the orchestra pit for the first Asia tour. I heard he was a great human being too, as well as a great front man. RIP brother

[@RockbertoRocks]

What an excellent tribute, much appreciated. Also, John Wetton sang a beautiful duo song with Annie Haslam (Renaissance). Godspeed John Wetton. Your music legacy will live on forever

[@alanhowe225]

Thanks for the great music John, R.I.P.

[@paulhart3812]

Love John Wetton!!! He sang my favorite Crimson songs. Loved him UK too.

[@hdrake1000]

I saw him with Uriah Heep in 1975 and followed him after that. I bought the UK album later when he came out with them. Then he was in Asia I I got into his work with King Crimson later and Roxy Music and ICON. He's amazing Now I have an anthology of his solo albums He made a lot of music. He's so great, I am such a fan.

[@stephenmoore1643]

I had no idea he played with the heep

[@MrStrat01]

What an incredible CV this man had 👏. A very very talented man you can't find in music nowadays 🤪 RIP Mister Wetton 😪

[@BillyinRetroNola]

He was always a favorite of mine. I also believed he had another gift, sort of like Paul McCartney-He always seemed to deliver great melodies into whatever song he was involved in....

[@marpsr]

The 1974 lineup of King Crimson was their finest ever. And that first UK album is brilliant. I was in fifth grade when Asia hit it big. Great songs.

[@peterbustin2683]

Great video. Didnt realise he was in so many bands. Rip John Wetton.

[@annecohen8927]

Wow. He was an amazing singer. Didn’t know he had colon cancer to which he passed on . I’m saddened not to hear the news of his passing until I came upon a tribute montage of him including other singers who we lost. What an incredible singer. I still have all of the cds of him when he was performing with Asia, 😢😭

[@MusicSkyHigh]

Good Documentary , John Wetton is highly loved by millions of us Brazilians rock fans, Wetton established his unique special presence in our hearts with his work Asia and Phenomena ll. For us Brazilians songs sung by Wetton such Heat Of The Moment, Only Time Will Tell and the glorious track with Phenomena ll; Did It All For Love. These songs will be loved forever in Brazil

[@jeffmunger]

Wow. What a great man. Your music was a gift to the world. Thank you.

[@docu2231]

My pleasure!

[@nastycanastas1548]

This was so beautiful, thanks!!

[@docu2231]

You're so welcome!

[@edljnehan2811]

I'm glad someone finally came out with some kind of a tribute to John wetton I've been a fan of his since the early seventies and I really got into the band UK never really cared for Asia much even though I'm a huge Carl Palmer fan in a way wedding reminded me of Greg Lake both great voices and great bass players and their careers kind of mirrored each other's as well my thanks for an excellent documentary I think John wouldn't also spent a little time with Renaissance

[@vcr210]

Thank you for this wonderful tribute.

[@docu2231]

You're very welcome

[@zigzag2510]

Grazie per questo affezionato e sincero contributo al mio bassista e vocalist preferito❤❤❤

[@phoenixbluesman4337]

Glad I got to see him live with UK. He was awesome.

[@Roxyboyz1]

Brilliant with manzanera and a with Roxy Music great man and a fab bass player class act ❤️

[@docu2231]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Wizardboots]

So lucky I got to see the original ASIA when they reformed around 2007. The whole band was incredible.....they had started putting Video Killed The Radio Star and Court of the Crimson King into the set.

[@docu2231]

The Radio Star is a masterpiece

[@GBCR]

Happy birthday, Mr. Wetton. What a special musician you were! I still can't stop crying since Jan 31st '17. Rest In Peace, & thanks for all the great music!

[@klausrain111]

I wasn't familiar with Asia or John before yesterday, when I read about him in the May 2022 issue of Prog Magazine. What a fine voice he has and what a bunch of great songs!

[@MrBlackbriar69]

John Wetton &Jon Anderson are the best prog rock singers I've ever heard in my life👍👍👍

[@BORDERLINEdelusionBANDmetall]

Thanks so much for this !!

[@2012turok]

Asia.journey.scorpions my fav bands and john wetton is one of my fav singers of all time. thank you for your vid , i have a tear in my eye......THANK YOU.

[@docu2231]

Rock on!

[@martindebrois1472]

Yes, I think Steve and he are similar ... That when you hear each of them singing, they both LIVE the song.

[@milagrosguadarrama1618]

Stunning review...¡¡¡ YEAH...

[@docu2231]

Glad you liked it!

[@somethingelse411]

I was lucky enough to spend some time in his company, with my Son. He always had time for everyone and treated my Son like he was special to him. Great guy, very sorely missed by all, but we still have his music to get us by.

[@joshuak4372]

Enjoyed this.

[@MariaLucia-vl9oy]

SEM DÚVIDA UMA LENDA, TOCOU COM TODO MUNDO DO ROCK. CONTRIBUIU MUITO E UM COMPOSITOR DE MÃO CHEIA. UM MITO. E SÓ TOCOU EM BANDAS DIFÍCEIS.

[@alonzovillarreal4666]

Loved this. Good stuff.

[@radiomindchatter7994]

His bass playing and singing on Exiles from King Crimson USA is perfect...

[@youngchool]

We lost so many great artists in 2017...John and Allan to name a couple. RIP.

[@jeonghoonshin3966]

his all music is my good present thanks john.

[@andya2665]

I discovered Wetton by accident when I bought the King Crimson USA album on sale.in 1978, then UK, Asia, etc...

[@JuanitoRockerisimo]

What a journey John. Thanks!

[@claudiobirnbaum3943]

Great music !

[@afaceforradiowithrichardma4831]

Great talent on so many levels. RIP Johnny

[@lacomestephane3383]

Merci pour cette Vidéo ; Wetton est un des Plus Grands ; je pense Book of Saturday , The Nigth Wath , au sein de Crimson

[@antoniodalfonso]

an emotional moment, thank you.