John Wetton, longtime bassist and vocalist for the band Asia, passed away in his sleep this morning after a battle with cancer. Wetton's work also includes a bout with King Crimson from 1972 to 1974 and Uriah Heep from 1975 to 1976, among others. Fellow Asia keyboardist Geoff Downes penned a rather length tribute to Wetton, confirming his death, which you can read in full at the bottom of this post.
"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart, that I have to report we have lost my dearest friend, brother, bandmate and long term musical collaborator, John Wetton, who has passed away after a long and tenacious battle with cancer. He will be remembered as one of the world’s finest musical talents, and I for one of many was wholly blessed by his influence. It was a massive privilege for me to have worked with this genius so closely on our numerous projects together over the years. 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'."
R.I.P. John Wetton. You will be missed.
