Yahoo News Asia co-founder and King Crimson star John Wetton dies
John Wetton - the bassist for the classic '70s lineup of King Crimson and a co-founder of Asia - has died at 67.
The progressive rock veteran passed away on Tuesday (January 31) following a long battle with colon cancer, according to a statement on his official website.
Earlier this month, Wetton bowed out of Asia's scheduled tour with Journey "on the advice of [his] medical team". That tour will kick off in March with back-to-back shows in Washington.
Asia drummer Carl Palmer paid tribute to his late friend in a statement to Rolling Stone: "John was a gentle person who created some of the most lasting melodies and lyrics in modern popular music.
"As a musician, he was both brave and innovative, with a voice that took the music of Asia to the top of the charts around the world. His ability to triumph over alcohol abuse made him an inspiration to many who have also fought that battle.
"For those of us who knew him and worked with him, his valiant struggle against cancer was a further inspiration. I will miss his talent, his sense of humor and his infectious smile."
Wetton is perhaps most famous for his years in King Crimson, during which he sang and composed music for the prog rock group's influential albums Larks' Tongues in Aspic and Red.
He would go on to play with other prog, mainstream and hard rock giants including Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry, Wishbone Ash and Uriah Heap.
Perhaps his greatest commercial success came as a co-founder of the '80s supergroup Asia, along with Steve Howe and Geoff Downes of Yes and Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
Their 1982 self-titled debut topped the US album chart and spawned the hit 'Heat of the Moment'.
Wetton is survived by his wife Lisa, his son Dylan, his brother Robert and his mum Peggy.
Watch Asia play 'Heat of the Moment' below:
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