Back-up Vocal~ On January 31, 2017, the music world bid a sad farewell to a GIANT. John Wetton was called back Home after his battle with cancer. Among his numerous accomplishments, John Wetton rose to prominence as the singer and Bass player for 1970’s era King Crimson and leader of the supergroup Asia. He was widely respected as an extraordinarily gifted performer and songwriter, with a distinctive voice and stunning skill with acoustic guitar and lyrics. His Bass Guitar tone has long been admired and he has been widely recognized as an engaging front man and supremely innovative talent. 

On a personal level, Asia was really the first band I ever loved. Dating all the way back to their debut album, which was released in 1982 while I was a mere grade school boy. Even before I grasped the full scope of John Wetton’s lyrics, their energy and passion struck me and held me enthralled. As I grew and delved into his King Crimson material, I was even more fascinated by the depth and drive of his creative ambition and daring spirit. What became most gripping to me, was the John Wetton solo work. Each of his albums offered deeper dimension and breadth than the previous one. Throughout my life, John Wetton’s music and lyrics have been a constant companion through winds both foul and fair. They have spoken to me on a monumental number of levels. Indeed, during an array of truly difficult times, John Wetton has been a SHAMAN to me, offering the words I needed and comfort in the knowledge that I was not alone. 

As the creator of Mannyacs, I know from whence I come. My little Comic is rooted in the principles of all that Progressive Rock has always embodied: breaking down boundaries, exploring new worlds and striving to discover what awaits beyond the limits of the known and conventional arenas. As a true Elder Statesman of Progressive Rock, John Wetton was a pioneer of devotion to these sacred ideals and he proudly waved the flag for the artist’s quest to show what more can be achieved in the sonic realms. He uncovered colors and shades previously untapped by others and offered them to us in stunning songs that were at once extremely vulnerable, yet fortified with a center of genuine strength and undeniable purpose.

You need only listen to his ‘Battle Lines’ album to understand and believe.

I dedicate this Comic to John Wetton and all that he gave to me and our world in his music and words. It is my sincere hope that my contribution to his legacy will be embraced in the spirit in which it is meant. May he look down upon my work and know that he reached me and his message will always be treasured.

The bands of the heavens have received a bright, shining soul and an absolute musical genius.

Show ’em how it’s done, Professor Wetton.

Show ’em how it’s done.