Prog-rock Legend & Asia Co-founder John Wetton Dies After Cancer Struggle

Celebrated British musician John Wetton — a co-founder of prog-rock supergroup Asia, as well as a member of iconic acts such as King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Roxy Music and more — has passed away at the age of 67 following a battle with colon cancer.

The band announced the news on its Twitter feed last night (AEST), with a broader statement being made on the vocalist and bassist's official website that confirmed Wetton had passed away "in the early hours" on 31 January.

As BBC reports, Wetton's Asia bandmate, founding drummer Carl Palmer, remembered his long-time friend in a post on Facebook, describing his death as the loss of "another musical giant".

"John was a gentle person who created some of the most lasting melodies and lyrics in modern popular music," Palmer wrote. "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."

"For those of us who knew him and worked with him, his valiant struggle against cancer was a further inspiration," he continued. "I will miss his talent, his sense of humor and his infectious smile. May you ride easy, my old friend."

The musician had most recently been planning to tour with Asia as part of the group's impending US arena tour with fellow '80s titans Journey, though he was forced to pull out of that commitment in mid-January on advice from his doctors.

Wetton's musical career spanned across four decades, from his rise to fame with King Crimson in the early 1970s, through stints in multiple well-known bands — along with previously mentioned acts, he also founded the group UK in the 1980s — to have settled into a life of abstinence (he struggled with alcoholism before achieving and maintaining sobriety in his last 11 years), engaging with fellow alcoholics and performing with Asia, to whom he returned in 2006, as well as following his own solo pursuits via his personal label, Primary Purpose.

Wetton is survived by his wife, Lisa, and 18-year-old son, Dylan.

We regret to announce that iconic singer, John Wetton, passed away in his sleep this morning.

Rest in Peace, John.
12/06/1949 – 31/01/2017

— Original Asia (@originalasia) January 31, 2017