John Wetton
Encyclopedia
John Kenneth Wetton is an English
bassist
, guitarist
, keyboardist
, singer and songwriter
. He was born in Willington, Derbyshire
, and grew up in Bournemouth
. He has been a professional musician
since the late 1960s. He initially rose to fame in progressive rock
with bands such as Mogul Thrash
, Family
, King Crimson
, Roxy Music
/Bryan Ferry
, Uriah Heep
, UK, Jack-Knife, and Wishbone Ash
. His biggest commercial success was as the frontman and principal songwriter of the supergroup Asia
. Their self-titled debut album
sold 8 million copies worldwide and was Billboard magazine
's #1 album of 1982.
sound utilising a 1961 Fender Precision Bass, amplified
through tubes. This style and approach was particularly evident during his stint with King Crimson
from 1972 until 1974. Known initially for his bass guitar sound, Wetton's vocal and songwriting abilities garnered attention with his work in the band Asia in the early 1980s. Recorded highlights of Wetton's career include King Crimson's Larks' Tongues In Aspic (1973), Starless and Bible Black
(1974), Red
(1974), UK's self-titled debut
(1978) (reuniting the King Crimson rhythm section of Wetton and Bill Bruford
) Jack-Knife's I Wish You Would (1979) a one-off recording project and Asia's self-titled debut
(1982), the last being the biggest seller of his career. In 1986 he also contributed to Phenomena II and had a #1 hit with the single
"Did It All For Love" in South America
. Since the early 1990s, Wetton has released several solo albums, including studio albums Voice Mail/Battle Lines, Arkangel, Sinister/Welcome to Heaven and Rock of Faith, and a number of live recordings from his solo
tours around the world. Wetton also created the Icon project with fellow Asia bandmate Geoff Downes
. The duo
have recorded
three studio
albums of original material (ICON, ICON II/Rubicon and Icon 3) and live releases.
Wetton has done extensive work as a session musician
with acts such as Brian Eno
, Bryan Ferry
and Phil Manzanera
. Through his connection with George Martin
, Wetton also played bass on Only Visiting This Planet
by Larry Norman
, recorded in 1972 and produced by Martin. The album has been voted "The Best Contemporary Christian Album of All Time" by Contemporary Christian Music magazine. He also played bass on the 1973 Malcolm and Alwyn
gospel beat music
album Fool's Wisdom, another Larry Norman connection.
Wetton rejoined the other original members of Asia (Downes, Steve Howe
and Carl Palmer
) in early 2006 to announce a 25th anniversary world tour. This line-up performed a series of dates in the United States
in September 2006, and in the United Kingdom
in November/December 2006. The band also spent much of 2007 on the road, with shows in North
and South America, Europe
and Asia
. A new Asia
studio album titled Phoenix, the original band's first since 1983's Alpha, was released in April 2008 and peaked at #73 on the North American Top 200 albums charts.
in the past. After the first leg of Asia's 1983 tour, Asia
replaced him temporarily with bassist and vocalist Greg Lake
(previously of Emerson, Lake & Palmer
and also a King Crimson
alumnus), in part because of his drinking problem. Wetton has been sober since June 2005.
In August 2007 Wetton underwent heart surgery which placed the remainder of Asia's 2007 tour and recording plans on hold until he recovered. The band, including Wetton, released their new album entitled Phoenix worldwide in April 2008. Artist Roger Dean was commissioned to create the cover art. This release was followed by a world tour.
Wetton is left-handed
but plays bass and guitar right-handed.
With Gordon Haskell
With Family
With Larry Norman
With Malcolm and Alwyn
With Peter Banks
With King Crimson
With Bryan Ferry
With Roxy Music
With Uriah Heep
With UK
With Jack-Knife
With Roger Chapman
With Wishbone Ash
With Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash
With Asia
With Steve Hackett
Solo albums
With Phil Manzanera
With Daniele Liverani
With Alan Simon
With Geoff Downes
With Duncan Mackay
With Atoll
Live albums
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
bassist
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
, keyboardist
Keyboardist
A keyboardist is a musician who plays keyboard instruments. Until the early 1960s musicians who played keyboards were generally classified as either pianists or organists. Since the mid-1960s, a plethora of new musical instruments with keyboards have come into common usage, requiring a more...
, singer and songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
. He was born in Willington, Derbyshire
Willington, Derbyshire
Willington is a village and civil parish in South Derbyshire, England. The 2001 Census recorded a parish population of 2,604.-Geography:Willington is on the River Trent about southwest of Derby...
, and grew up in Bournemouth
Bournemouth
Bournemouth is a large coastal resort town in the ceremonial county of Dorset, England. According to the 2001 Census the town has a population of 163,444, making it the largest settlement in Dorset. It is also the largest settlement between Southampton and Plymouth...
. He has been a professional musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
since the late 1960s. He initially rose to fame in progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
with bands such as Mogul Thrash
Mogul Thrash
Mogul Thrash was a progressive rock band from the United Kingdom active in the early 1970s.-Biography:British jazz-rock band Mogul Thrash evolved from James Litherland's Brotherhood, which in addition to guitarist Litherland also featured guitarist/reedist Michael Rosen , drummer Bill Harrison and...
, Family
Family (band)
Family were an English rock band that formed in late 1966 and disbanded in October 1973. Their style has been characterised as progressive rock, although their sound often explored other genres, incorporating elements of styles like as folk, psychedelia, acid, jazz fusion and rock and roll...
, King Crimson
King Crimson
King Crimson are a rock band founded in London, England in 1969. Often categorised as a foundational progressive rock group, the band have incorporated diverse influences and instrumentation during their history...
, Roxy Music
Roxy Music
Roxy Music was a British art rock band formed in 1971 by Bryan Ferry, who became the group's lead vocalist and chief songwriter, and bassist Graham Simpson. The other members are Phil Manzanera , Andy Mackay and Paul Thompson . Former members include Brian Eno , and Eddie Jobson...
/Bryan Ferry
Bryan Ferry
Bryan Ferry, CBE is an English singer, musician, and songwriter. Ferry came to public prominence in the early 1970s as lead vocalist and principal songwriter with the band Roxy Music, who enjoyed a highly successful career with three number one albums and ten singles entering the top ten charts in...
, Uriah Heep
Uriah Heep (band)
Uriah Heep are an English rock band formed in London in 1969 and regarded as a seminal classic hard rock act of the 1970s. Uriah Heep's progressive/art rock/heavy metal fusion's distinctive features have always been massive keyboards sound, strong vocal harmonies and David Byron's operatic vocals...
, UK, Jack-Knife, and Wishbone Ash
Wishbone Ash
Wishbone Ash are a British rock band who achieved success in the early and mid-1970s. Their popular records included Wishbone Ash , Argus , There's the Rub , and New England...
. His biggest commercial success was as the frontman and principal songwriter of the supergroup Asia
Asia (band)
Asia are an English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a supergroup as it included former members of several veteran progressive rock bands, namely John Wetton , Geoff Downes , Steve Howe and Carl Palmer Asia are an English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a...
. Their self-titled debut album
Asia (album)
Asia is the debut album by the English rock supergroup Asia, released in 1982.The album reached #1 in the U.S. on the Billboard album charts, and according to Billboard was the best-selling album in the United States for the year 1982...
sold 8 million copies worldwide and was Billboard magazine
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
's #1 album of 1982.
Career
Wetton achieved his bass guitarBass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
sound utilising a 1961 Fender Precision Bass, amplified
Amplifier
Generally, an amplifier or simply amp, is a device for increasing the power of a signal.In popular use, the term usually describes an electronic amplifier, in which the input "signal" is usually a voltage or a current. In audio applications, amplifiers drive the loudspeakers used in PA systems to...
through tubes. This style and approach was particularly evident during his stint with King Crimson
King Crimson
King Crimson are a rock band founded in London, England in 1969. Often categorised as a foundational progressive rock group, the band have incorporated diverse influences and instrumentation during their history...
from 1972 until 1974. Known initially for his bass guitar sound, Wetton's vocal and songwriting abilities garnered attention with his work in the band Asia in the early 1980s. Recorded highlights of Wetton's career include King Crimson's Larks' Tongues In Aspic (1973), Starless and Bible Black
Starless and Bible Black
Starless and Bible Black is an album released by the British progressive rock band King Crimson in 1974. Most of the vocal pieces on the album are satires and commentaries on the sleaziness and materialism of society...
(1974), Red
Red (King Crimson album)
Red is a 1974 album by progressive rock group King Crimson.It was their last studio recording of the 1970s and the last before the lead member Robert Fripp temporarily disbanded the group....
(1974), UK's self-titled debut
U.K. (album)
UK is the eponymous debut album by the progressive rock supergroup UK. It features John Wetton , Eddie Jobson , Bill Bruford and Allan Holdsworth . It was released in 1978 on E.G. Records / Polydor...
(1978) (reuniting the King Crimson rhythm section of Wetton and Bill Bruford
Bill Bruford
William Scott "Bill" Bruford is an English drummer, percussionist, composer, producer, and record label owner. He was the original drummer for the progressive rock group Yes, from 1968-1972. Bruford has performed for numerous popular acts since the early 1970s, including a stint as touring...
) Jack-Knife's I Wish You Would (1979) a one-off recording project and Asia's self-titled debut
Asia (album)
Asia is the debut album by the English rock supergroup Asia, released in 1982.The album reached #1 in the U.S. on the Billboard album charts, and according to Billboard was the best-selling album in the United States for the year 1982...
(1982), the last being the biggest seller of his career. In 1986 he also contributed to Phenomena II and had a #1 hit with the single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
"Did It All For Love" in South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
. Since the early 1990s, Wetton has released several solo albums, including studio albums Voice Mail/Battle Lines, Arkangel, Sinister/Welcome to Heaven and Rock of Faith, and a number of live recordings from his solo
Solo (music)
In music, a solo is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer...
tours around the world. Wetton also created the Icon project with fellow Asia bandmate Geoff Downes
Geoff Downes
Geoffrey "Geoff" Downes is an English rock keyboard player, songwriter, best known as the keyboardist for the bands The Buggles, Yes and Asia, of which he is the only consistent member. When he was a keyboardist for The Buggles, he played multiple keyboards to achieve a New Wave technopop sound...
. The duo
Duet (music)
A duet is a musical composition for two performers. In classical music, the term is most often used for a composition for two singers or pianists; with other instruments, the word duo is also often used. A piece performed by two pianists performing together on the same piano is referred to as...
have recorded
Sound recording and reproduction
Sound recording and reproduction is an electrical or mechanical inscription and re-creation of sound waves, such as spoken voice, singing, instrumental music, or sound effects. The two main classes of sound recording technology are analog recording and digital recording...
three studio
Recording studio
A recording studio is a facility for sound recording and mixing. Ideally both the recording and monitoring spaces are specially designed by an acoustician to achieve optimum acoustic properties...
albums of original material (ICON, ICON II/Rubicon and Icon 3) and live releases.
Wetton has done extensive work as a session musician
Session musician
Session musicians are instrumental and vocal performers, musicians, who are available to work with others at live performances or recording sessions. Usually such musicians are not permanent members of a musical ensemble and often do not achieve fame in their own right as soloists or bandleaders...
with acts such as Brian Eno
Brian Eno
Brian Peter George St. John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno , commonly known as Brian Eno or simply as Eno , is an English musician, composer, record producer, singer and visual artist, known as one of the principal innovators of ambient music.Eno studied at Colchester Institute art school in Essex,...
, Bryan Ferry
Bryan Ferry
Bryan Ferry, CBE is an English singer, musician, and songwriter. Ferry came to public prominence in the early 1970s as lead vocalist and principal songwriter with the band Roxy Music, who enjoyed a highly successful career with three number one albums and ten singles entering the top ten charts in...
and Phil Manzanera
Phil Manzanera
Phil Manzanera is a musician and record producer. He is the lead guitarist with Roxy Music. In 2006 Manzanera co-produced David Gilmour's album On An Island and played in Gilmour's band for tours in Europe and North America...
. Through his connection with George Martin
George Martin
Sir George Henry Martin CBE is an English record producer, arranger, composer and musician. He is sometimes referred to as "the Fifth Beatle"— a title that he often describes as "nonsense," but the fact remains that he served as producer on all but one of The Beatles' original albums...
, Wetton also played bass on Only Visiting This Planet
Only Visiting This Planet
Only Visiting This Planet is the title of an album recorded by Larry Norman in 1972. The album was selected as the second album in 's The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music.-History:...
by Larry Norman
Larry Norman
Larry David Norman was an American Christian musician, singer, songwriter, record label owner, and record producer, who worked with Christian rock music...
, recorded in 1972 and produced by Martin. The album has been voted "The Best Contemporary Christian Album of All Time" by Contemporary Christian Music magazine. He also played bass on the 1973 Malcolm and Alwyn
Malcolm and Alwyn
Malcolm and Alwyn were a popular British gospel beat music group in the 1970s. They played Beatles-influenced rock music with lyrics reflecting their conversion to Christianity. The duo was composed of Malcolm Wild and Alwyn Wall, who had been performing together in a band called The Zodiacs prior...
gospel beat music
Jesus music
Jesus music, known as gospel beat music in the United Kingdom, is a style of Christian music which originated on the West Coast of the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This musical genre developed in parallel to the Jesus movement...
album Fool's Wisdom, another Larry Norman connection.
Wetton rejoined the other original members of Asia (Downes, Steve Howe
Steve Howe (guitarist)
Stephen James "Steve" Howe is an English guitarist, known for his work with the progressive rock group Yes...
and Carl Palmer
Carl Palmer
Carl Frederick Kendall Palmer is an English drummer and percussionist. He is credited as one of the most respected rock drummers to emerge from the 1960s...
) in early 2006 to announce a 25th anniversary world tour. This line-up performed a series of dates in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in September 2006, and in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in November/December 2006. The band also spent much of 2007 on the road, with shows in North
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
and South America, Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
. A new Asia
Asia (band)
Asia are an English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a supergroup as it included former members of several veteran progressive rock bands, namely John Wetton , Geoff Downes , Steve Howe and Carl Palmer Asia are an English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a...
studio album titled Phoenix, the original band's first since 1983's Alpha, was released in April 2008 and peaked at #73 on the North American Top 200 albums charts.
Personal life
Wetton has struggled with alcoholismAlcoholism
Alcoholism is a broad term for problems with alcohol, and is generally used to mean compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, usually to the detriment of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing...
in the past. After the first leg of Asia's 1983 tour, Asia
Asia (band)
Asia are an English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a supergroup as it included former members of several veteran progressive rock bands, namely John Wetton , Geoff Downes , Steve Howe and Carl Palmer Asia are an English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a...
replaced him temporarily with bassist and vocalist Greg Lake
Greg Lake
Gregory Stuart "Greg" Lake is an English musician, songwriter and producer, best known as a vocalist and bassist of King Crimson, and the bassist, guitarist, vocalist, and lyricist of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.-1960s: King Crimson:...
(previously of Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Emerson, Lake & Palmer, also known as ELP, are an English progressive rock supergroup. They found success in the 1970s and sold over forty million albums and headlined large stadium concerts. The band consists of Keith Emerson , Greg Lake and Carl Palmer...
and also a King Crimson
King Crimson
King Crimson are a rock band founded in London, England in 1969. Often categorised as a foundational progressive rock group, the band have incorporated diverse influences and instrumentation during their history...
alumnus), in part because of his drinking problem. Wetton has been sober since June 2005.
In August 2007 Wetton underwent heart surgery which placed the remainder of Asia's 2007 tour and recording plans on hold until he recovered. The band, including Wetton, released their new album entitled Phoenix worldwide in April 2008. Artist Roger Dean was commissioned to create the cover art. This release was followed by a world tour.
Wetton is left-handed
Left-handed
Left-handedness is the preference for the left hand over the right for everyday activities such as writing. In ancient times it was seen as a sign of the devil, and was abhorred in many cultures...
but plays bass and guitar right-handed.
Discography
With Mogul Thrash- Mogul ThrashMogul Thrash (album)Mogul Thrash is the sole album by English progressive rock band Mogul Thrash, released in 1971 by RCA Records.- Track listing :Side one# "Something Sad" - 7:36# "Elegy" - 9:36# "Dreams of Glass & Sand" - 5:09# "Going North, Going West" - 12:01...
, 1971
With Gordon Haskell
- It Is and It Isn't, 1971
With Family
- FearlessFearless (Family album)Fearless was the fifth album from the British rock band Family, which was released in October 1971. It was known for its innovative layered-page album headshots of the band's members melding into a single blur.-Reception:...
, October 1971; US #177, UK #14 - BandstandBandstand (album)-Side two:The CD release on Mystic Records also contains the following bonus tracks:* "The Rockin Rs" - original B side of "Burlesque"* "No Mule's Fool" * "Good News - Bad News" * "Weavers Answer" -Personnel:...
, September 1972; US #183, UK #15
With Larry Norman
- Only Visiting This PlanetOnly Visiting This PlanetOnly Visiting This Planet is the title of an album recorded by Larry Norman in 1972. The album was selected as the second album in 's The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music.-History:...
, 1972
With Malcolm and Alwyn
- Fool's Wisdom, 1973
With Peter Banks
- Two Sides of Peter Banks, 1973
With King Crimson
- Larks' Tongues in Aspic, April 1973; US #61, UK #20
- Starless and Bible BlackStarless and Bible BlackStarless and Bible Black is an album released by the British progressive rock band King Crimson in 1974. Most of the vocal pieces on the album are satires and commentaries on the sleaziness and materialism of society...
, June 1974; US #64, UK #28 - RedRed (King Crimson album)Red is a 1974 album by progressive rock group King Crimson.It was their last studio recording of the 1970s and the last before the lead member Robert Fripp temporarily disbanded the group....
, October 1974; US #66, UK #45 - USAUSA (album)USA is a live album by the English band King Crimson, released in 1975.*Tracks 1-6 and 8-9 recorded at the Casino, Asbury Park, June 28, 1974*Track 7 recorded at the Palace Theatre, Providence, USA, June 30, 1974...
, (Recorded live June 1974, released 1975, expanded edition 2002)
With Bryan Ferry
- Another Time, Another PlaceAnother Time, Another Place (album)Another Time, Another Place was Bryan Ferry's second studio album as a solo artist. The album reached #4 in the UK charts in 1974.Recording took place in London at Island, Ramport and AIR studios....
, July 1974; UK #4 - Let's Stick TogetherLet's Stick TogetherLet's Stick Together is a 1976 album by Bryan Ferry. His third solo release, it was his first following the disbandment of Roxy Music earlier in the year. Unlike Ferry’s two previous solo recordings, Let’s Stick Together was not a dedicated album project, instead being made up of material released...
, September 1976; UK #19, US #160 - In Your Mind, February 1977; UK #5, US #126, Aust #1
- The Bride Stripped BareThe Bride Stripped Bare (album)The Bride Stripped Bare is a 1978 solo album by Bryan Ferry and is his fifth album released independent of Roxy Music. It was recorded after his girlfriend Jerry Hall left him for Mick Jagger in 1977, and appears to contain references to their break-up....
, September 1978
With Roxy Music
- Viva!, July 1976
With Uriah Heep
- Return To FantasyReturn to FantasyReturn to Fantasy is the eighth studio album released by British rock band Uriah Heep.The experienced John Wetton was the band's new bassist.The original vinyl release was as a gatefold-sleeve, with the lyrics reproduced on the inner-liner....
, 1975; UK #7, US #85 - High and MightyHigh and Mighty (album)High and Mighty is the ninth studio album released by British progressive rock band Uriah Heep."High and Mighty" was the last Uriah Heep album to feature vocalist and founding member David Byron, who was subsequently fired due to his troubles with alcohol.The album was not terribly well-received,...
, 1976; UK #56, US #161
With UK
- U.K.U.K. (album)UK is the eponymous debut album by the progressive rock supergroup UK. It features John Wetton , Eddie Jobson , Bill Bruford and Allan Holdsworth . It was released in 1978 on E.G. Records / Polydor...
, 1978 - Danger MoneyDanger MoneyDanger Money is the second album by the group U.K., featuring John Wetton, Eddie Jobson and Terry Bozzio. It was released by E.G. Records / Polydor in March 1979...
, 1979 - Night After Night, 1979 - Live
- Concert Classics, Vol. 4Concert Classics, Vol. 4Concert Classics is the title of an album recorded live by the British band UK.Recorded in 1978 in Boston, Massachusetts. Released on CD in 1999. This album was also re-released in Japan on CD in 2007 as Live In Boston. The sleeve notes date the concert as September 11, 1978 performed at Paradise...
, 1999 - Live, unauthorized
With Jack-Knife
- I Wish You Would, 1979
With Roger Chapman
- Mail Order MagicMail Order Magic-Personnel:* Roger Chapman - Harmonica, Vocals* Geoff Whitehorn - Guitar* Tim Hinkley - Keyboards* Poli Palmer — Synthesizer* John Wetton — Bass* Jerome Rimson — Bass, Vocals* Les Binks — Drums* Mitch Mitchell — Drums* John Halsey — Drums...
, 1980 - Hyenas Only Laugh for FunHyenas Only Laugh For FunHyenas Only Laugh For Fun is the third solo album by singer Roger Chapman and his band The Shortlist. The album was released 1981.-Side one:#"Prisoner" – 5:38...
, 1981
With Wishbone Ash
- Number the BraveNumber the BraveNumber the Brave is the eleventh studio album by rock band Wishbone Ash. It is the first album in the band's history recorded without founding bassist/vocalist Martin Turner...
, 1981, MCA Records
With Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash
- Argus Through The Looking Glass, 2008, Mystic RecordsMystic RecordsMystic Records is a record label and music production company that was based in Hollywood CA one block south of Hollywood and Vine and later moved to Oceanside, California...
With Asia
- AsiaAsia (album)Asia is the debut album by the English rock supergroup Asia, released in 1982.The album reached #1 in the U.S. on the Billboard album charts, and according to Billboard was the best-selling album in the United States for the year 1982...
, 1982; #1 US, #15 JP - Alpha, 1983; #6 US, #4 JP
- AstraAstra (album)-Credits:* Mastered by Bob Ludwig & Greg Fulginiti at Masterdisk* John Kalodner : John Kalodner...
, 1985; #67 US, #15 JP - Then & NowThen & Now (Asia album)-External links:*...
, 1990; #114 US, #24 JP - Live in Moscow, 1990
- The Very Best of Asia: Heat of the Moment (1982–1990), 2000
- Definitive Collection, 2006; #183 US
- Fantasia: Live in Tokyo, 2007
- PhoenixPhoenix (Asia album)Phoenix is a studio album by rock band Asia. It is the first to feature all four original members since 1983's Alpha. The band played songs from the album on their 2008 world tour and are continuing to play some of the new tracks on their current tour with Yes...
, 2008 #73 US #28 JP - OmegaOmega (album)Omega is the fourth studio album from the original lineup of the English rock band Asia, originally released 23 April 2010, and the second studio album after the reunion of all four original members in 2006."Finger on the Trigger" was previously recorded by Wetton and Downes's side band Icon on...
, 2010
With Steve Hackett
- Genesis RevisitedWatcher of the Skies: Genesis RevisitedWatcher of the Skies: Genesis Revisited was a project put together by Steve Hackett to pay tribute to his former band Genesis. It features songs originally released by Genesis during Hackett's tenure with the group...
1997 - The Tokyo TapesThe Tokyo TapesThe Tokyo Tapes is a live Steve Hackett album featuring a progressive rock supergroup lineup of John Wetton from King Crimson, UK and Asia; Chester Thompson from Weather Report, Frank Zappa and Genesis live; Ian McDonald, also from King Crimson, and Foreigner; and rounded out by keyboards man...
1998
Solo albums
- Caught in the Crossfire, 1980, E'G/Polydor RecordsPolydor RecordsPolydor is a record label owned by Universal Music Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom.-Beginnings:Polydor was originally an independent branch of the Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. Its name was first used as an export label in 1924, the British and German branches of the Gramophone...
- King's Road, 1972-1980, 1987, E'G/Virgin RecordsVirgin RecordsVirgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
- Voice Mail / Battle LinesVoice Mail (album)Voice Mail is a studio album recorded by John Wetton. Originally released in Japan-only in 1994. It was re-released in Europe under the title Battle Lines with the same content but a different cover...
, 1994, Pony Canyon / Magnetic Air Records - ArkangelArkangel (album)-Track listing:#"Circle of St. Giles"#"Last Thing on My Mind"#"Desperate Times"#"I Can't Lie Anymore"#"Arkangel"#"You Against the World"#"Be Careful What You Wish For"#"Emma"#"Nothing Happens for Nothing"#"All Grown Up"#"After All"#"The Celtic Cross"...
, 1997, Eagle RecordsEagle RecordsEagle Records is a leading independent record label, a division of Edel Records. Also exists as Eagle Rock Entertainment.In the United Kingdom the label's managing director is Lindsay Brown, former manager of Van Halen, while in the United States the head is Mike Carden, formerly of CMC... - Chasing the Deer (film soundtrack), 1998, Blueprint Records
- Monkey Business (with Richard Palmer-JamesRichard Palmer-JamesRichard Jeffrey Charles Palmer-James was lyricist for the progressive rock group King Crimson in the early 1970s....
), 1998, Blueprint Records - Welcome to HeavenWelcome to Heaven (album)Welcome to Heaven is a studio album recorded by John Wetton. Originally released in Japan in 2000. It was re-released in 2001 under the title Sinister without the bonus tracks but with a different cover.-Track listing:#"Heart Of Darkness"...
/ SinisterSinister (album)Sinister is a studio album recorded by John Wetton. Originally released in Japan in 2000 as Welcome to Heaven. It was re-released in 2001 under the title Sinister without the bonus tracks and with a different cover.-Track listing:...
, 2000, Avalon Records - Rock of Faith, 2003, Giant Electric Pea Records
- Raised in Captivity, 2011, Frontiers Records
With Phil Manzanera
- Diamond Head, 1975
- K Scope, 1978
- Wetton Manzanera, 1987, Geffen RecordsGeffen RecordsGeffen Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-Beginnings:...
With Daniele Liverani
- Genius A Rock Opera - Episode 1, 2002
With Alan Simon
- Excalibur - The Celtic Ring"
With Geoff Downes
- Wetton Downes (Demo Collection), 2002, Stallion Records
- Icon, 2005, Frontiers Records/UMe Digital (US)
- Heat of the Moment '05 EP, 2005, Frontiers Records
- Icon Live: Never in a Million Years, 2006, Frontiers Records
- Acoustic TV Broadcast, 2006, Frontiers Records
- Icon II: RubiconIcon II: Rubicon (album)Icon II: Rubicon is a studio album recorded by Asia band members John Wetton & Geoffrey Downes. It is their second under the Icon off-shoot.-Track listing:#"The Die Is Cast" - 6:17#"Finger on the Trigger" - 4:01...
, 2006, Frontiers Records - Icon 3Icon 3Icon 3 is a studio album recorded by Asia band members John Wetton & Geoffrey Downes in 2009, and released the same year. It is their third under the Icon off-shoot...
, 2009, Frontiers Records
With Duncan Mackay
- Score - 1977
With Atoll
- Rock Puzzle 1979
Live albums
- Chasing the Dragon, 1995, Eclipse Records
- Akustika, 1996, Blueprint Records
- Live in TokyoTokyo, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, 1998, Blueprint Records - Nomansland Live in PolandPolandPoland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
, 1999, Giant Electric Pea Records - Hazy Monet Live in New York, 1999, Blueprint Records
- Sub Rosa Live in Milan ItalyItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, 1999, Blueprint Records - One Way or Another (with Ken HensleyKen HensleyKenneth William David Hensley is a keyboard player , guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer best known for his work with Uriah Heep during the 1970s....
), 2002, Classic Rock Legends - More Than Conquerors (with Ken HensleyKen HensleyKenneth William David Hensley is a keyboard player , guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer best known for his work with Uriah Heep during the 1970s....
), 2002, Classic Rock Legends - Live in ArgentinaArgentinaArgentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
, 2003, Blueprint Records - Live in StockholmStockholmStockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden and constitutes the most populated urban area in Scandinavia. Stockholm is the most populous city in Sweden, with a population of 851,155 in the municipality , 1.37 million in the urban area , and around 2.1 million in the metropolitan area...
1998, 2003, Blueprint Records - Live in OsakaOsakais a city in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshu, a designated city under the Local Autonomy Law, the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and also the biggest part of Keihanshin area, which is represented by three major cities of Japan, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe...
, 2003, Blueprint Records - Live in the Underworld, 2003, Classic Rock Legends
- Amata, 2004, Metal Mind Records