Rock music still misses John Wetton – that amazing voice and the superb bass playing is just about irreplaceable. His work with King Crimson is unparalleled, and his later work with first UK and then Asia was often quite remarkable. He was involved with much else that was of interest and quality too. In the year that marks what will have been his seventieth birthday on June 12th, a career spanning boxset of John’s solo albums is to be released, featuring expanded editions of his solo albums and what promises to be quite a lavish coffee table style hardback book written by rock journalist Nick Shilton (and John’s friend) following extensive interviews with contemporaries and fellow travellers.

Since John’s passing, friends, family and management have been working on what they believe to be a fitting tribute. John’s wife, Lisa, and son, Dylan, have taken an active role in the project, and are involved in the compiling of the contents. John’s six solo albums are featured and have been remastered. There will be bonus tracks, some of the discs are expanded into two discs, and will feature artwork that John himself selected before his passing. The release will also feature high quality video tributes and what is promised to be unique bonus material.

“An Extraordinary Life” will completed during 2019 and will initially be available via Burning Shed before a wider release. The Burning shed store is now at https://burningshed.com/store/john-wetton

There is further current Wetton related news too. Asia are currently on tour with Yes headlining. Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy and John Lodge are also on the bill. Asia’s new line-up comprises Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes Billy Sherwood, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and a special guest appearance by Steve Howe.  John Wetton’s great friend Roger Dean will have an exhibition at each show, including iconic Asia artwork.

Also released is a never before heard track of an early Asia rehearsal, recorded June 12, 1981.  This song has a collage slide-show of rare photos through the decades to remind you of John’s genius. It developed into a more familiar song. Catch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9Hh6sksfcA&feature=youtu.be 

Further, Ricky Nelson, who nurtured the above song, has curated a special video recording of John’s last ever tour singing Asia songs, with the Rock Meets Classic arena tour in March 2015, where John delivers a supreme performance, one of his finest ever versions of “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes”.  This is a special release from John’s twitter page.

 Official Website: www.johnwetton.co.uk

Remembering John Wetton Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialjwetton

Remembering John Wetton Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1377795682293955/ 0