Prog-Watch 411
This week I pay my respects to another hero of mine who passed away earlier this year— John Wetton. I’ve put together a nice program with lots of fantastic music from John’s numerous projects (solo work, Original Asia, U.K., and Wetton Downes) plus some great guest shots with Steve Hackett and Renaissance. I’ll also be reading some statements by notable friends, bandmates, and admirers.
John Kenneth Wetton (born 12 June 1949) was an English singer, bassist, and songwriter. He was born in Willington, Derbyshire, and grew up in Bournemouth. He rose to fame with bands Mogul Thrash, Family, King Crimson, Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry, Uriah Heep, and Wishbone Ash.
After his period with King Crimson, Wetton formed U.K., and later he was the frontman and principal songwriter of the super-group Asia, which proved to be his biggest commercial success. He later formed the duo Icon with Geoff Downes (Yes, ex-Buggles) and since the 1990s had a successful solo career releasing a large number of studio and live albums.
Wetton also had a long career as an in-demand session bass player and collaborated with many members of progressive rock bands such as Yes (including Steve Howe, Bill Bruford, Geoff Downes, Alan White, Billy Sherwood and Peter Banks), Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry, and Genesis (Steve Hackett).
R.I.P., John
Music with some meat to it!
Prog-Watch is a weekly podcast and internet radio program dedicated to bringing the listener contemporary Progressive Rock music from around the world. Your big, hairy host, the “Prog-Squatch” wanders the woods of the world, beats the bushes, and digs in the dirt to bring the best Prog back for YOU! Sometimes solo and sometimes with a guest host, the Prog-Squatch will bring you new and interesting artists in each episode, and give you some background info and a taste of their music.
Want More Squatch? Check him out howling into the wild with his own Progressive Rock Band, Novus. Jam some Squatch in those ears! http://novus3.bandcamp.com/releases