Asia and King Crimson’s John Wetton dies aged 67: music stars react and pay tribute

(Image credit: REX/Shutterstock)

John Wetton, singer and bassist in King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Roxy Music and supergroup Asia, has died aged 67.

Wetton had been battling colon cancer, and according to a statement from Asia, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday morning.

Bandmate Geoff Downes shared a touching tribute to his collaborator on Facebook, stating:

“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'.

“But John was much more than a gigantic and unique musical talent. He was a supremely intelligent man, marked with his great observations and wisdom about life; all couched within his wicked sense of humour.”

Several music stars have shared tributes to the bassist on social media - we’ve posted a selection below.

Michael Astley-Brown

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.