John Wetton, former member of influential progressive rock band King Crimson and co-founder of Asia has died at the age of 67.
Wetton succumbed to cancer, shortly after he planned to begin chemotherapy treatment. The band posted the news on their official Facebook page.
Wetton was a member of a number of successful bands, including Mogul Thrash, Family, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, and Wishbone Ash. He was a member of King Crimson from 1974-1976 and appeared on three of their albums, Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Starless and Bible Black, and Red.
Wetton formed Asia in 1981 as a supergroup featuring himself from King Crimson, Steve Howe of Yes, Geoff Downes of Yes and drummer Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
Asia's self-titled debut album was released in 1982 which sold millions of copies and was #1 in a number of countries.
Asia recently announced they would be touring this summer with Journey, however Wetton released a statement in January saying he would not be able to participate due to his illness. The band took a three-year hiatus beginning in 2014 to allow Wetton to begin cancer treatment.
Downed and Palmer have posted messages on Facebook honoring Wetton. The band was planning to continue on with Billy Sherwood from Yes filling in on bass and vocals while Wetton underwent treatment.
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