John Wetton of rock group Asia has died at age 67
LONDON — Singer and bassist John Wetton of the rock group Asia has died. He was 67.
A statement from his publicist, Glass Onyon PR, says Wetton died Tuesday from colon cancer. The band's website also confirmed his death.
Wetton was a founding member of Asia, an English progressive rock group formed in 1981 by four members of other progressive rock bands of the 1970s. Wetton came to Asia from the band King Crimson.
The group's debut album, 1982's Asia, remains their top-selling record, best remembered for the hit singles Only Time Will Tell and Heat of the Moment.
Wetton had planned to tour with Asia this year but announced in January that he would be unable to join his bandmates due to chemotherapy treatment. He said at the time he hoped to resume touring later in the year.
In statements on the band's website, Wetton's bandmate paid lavish tribute. Carl Palmer said the world had lost "another musical giant" who had "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," Palmer said.
Geoff Downes said Wetton would be "remembered as one of the world’s finest musical talents" and a genius.
"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,' " Downes said.
Wetton was a recovered alcoholic who had worked in the past 11 years to help others quit drinking.
He is survived by wife Lisa and son Dylan.
Asia's debut album, ASIA, with John Wetton as lead singer and primary songwriter was the biggest selling album of the year 1982 spending 9 weeks in the #1 position in the United States.