Category Archives: John Wetton

2023/08/09

Family “Fearless” 3CD Expanded Edition Featuring Bonus Tracks and BBC Sessions Released September 29, 2023

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Family “Fearless” 3CD Expanded Edition Featuring Bonus Tracks and BBC Sessions Released September 29, 2023

NEW REMASTERED 3CD CLAMSHELL BOXED SET OF THIS CLASSIC 1971 ALBUM BY FAMILY.

FEATURING 24 BONUS TRACKS INCLUDING THE ‘IN MY OWN TIME’ SINGLE AND BBC SESSION AND IN CONCERT PERFORMANCES FROM 1971

REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET FEATURING AN ESSAY AND A REPRODUCTION POSTER.

Featuring vocalist Roger Chapman, guitarist John ‘Charlie’ Whitney, drummer Rob Townsend, bassist and vocalist John Wetton and multi-instrumentalist John ‘Poli’ Palmer on vibes, keyboards and flute, Family’s “Fearless” was released in October 1971 and was the first album to feature new member John Wetton following the departure of John Weider following the band’s second US tour in 1971 and the UK Top Ten hit single “In My Own Time”.

The album was one of Family’s finest and reached the UK Top 20 upon its release, featuring such strong material as “Spanish Tide”, “Burning Bridges” and “Between Blue And Me”.

This new three-disc edition of this classic album has been newly remastered from the master tapes and also includes 24 bonus tracks drawn from the “In My Own Time” single, BBC Radio sessions and a fine performance for BBC Radio One In Concert in December 1971. This new expanded remastered release also features an illustrated booklet with a new essay.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE
Fearless Remastered
1 Between Blue and Me
2 Sat’d’y Barfly
3 Larf and Sing
4 Spanish Tide
5 Save Some for Thee
6 Take Your Partners
7 Children
8 Crinkly Grin
9 Blind
10 Burning Bridges
Bonus tracks
11 In My Own Time
12 Seasons

DISC TWO
BBC Sessions 1971
BBC Bob Harris Session 01.03.1971
1 Processions / No Mule’s Fool
2 Part of the Load
3 Lives and Ladies
4 Strange Band
5 Hometown
BBC Top Gear Session 02.07.1971
6 In My Own Time
7 Save Some for Thee
8 Seasons
9 Burning Bridges
BBC Bob Harris Session 08.11.1971
10 Children
11 Between Blue and Me

DISC THREE
BBC Radio One In Concert 28 December 1971
1 Good News, Bad News
2 Spanish Tide
3 Part of the Load
4 Drowned in Wine
5 Holding the Compass
6 Between Blue and Me
7 Children
8 In My Own Time
9 Take Your Partners
10 The Weaver’s Answer

To pre-order:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/family-fearless-3cd-expanded-edition/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Family, John Wetton, Press Release

2023/07/31

John Wetton “An Extraordinary Life” 8CD Box Set To Be Released November 24, 2023

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

John Wetton “An Extraordinary Life” 8CD Box Set To Be Released November 24, 2023

On 24th November the first in a series of box sets commemorating the life and music of one of the UK`s most extraordinary and prolific musicians, John Wetton, will be released.

The “An Extraordinary Life” box set contains 8 newly remastered CDs, featuring the six solo albums Wetton released between 1980 and 2011. Each album now includes special bonus tracks. Additionally, two further discs are included which feature a gold mine of rare, live and unreleased material from the vaults, compiled by John`s archivist, Rick Nelson.

Check out trailer for the box set here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EE0HFoq2Ck

Housed in a sumptuous 12” by 12” box, this set includes a 64-page book with an introduction by legendary artist, Roger Dean and contains comprehensive sleeve notes by Nick Shilton, author of Wetton’s biography, “An Extraordinary Life”, published earlier this year. The book also features a raft of photographs taken from the Wetton archive and has been designed by John’s long-time friend, Michael Inns.

This whole project has been lovingly crafted and compiled with the full blessing of John`s son Dylan and his wife Lisa and is endorsed by the Wetton estate.

With a career spanning more than four decades, John Wetton`s rich baritone voice and accomplished bass playing has adorned many recordings. In this “An Extraordinary Life” his extensive solo career is captured for posterity all in one sumptuous box set, making this a fitting tribute to one of the UK most loved and respected artists.

“An Extraordinary Life”

DISC 1: Caught in The Crossfire (1980)
DISC 2: Battle Lines (1994)
DISC 3: Arkangel (1997)
DISC 4: Welcome to Heaven (2000)
DISC 5: Rock of Faith (2003)
DISC 6: Raised in Captivity (2011)
DISC 7: New Live and Unreleased Tracks
DISC 8: New Live and Unreleased Tracks

ABOUT JOHN WETTON

John Wetton has a unique place in British music history. In a glittering career spanning more than 40 years, Wetton was a member of several influential and much-loved bands including Family, King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Roxy Music, UK, Asia and Icon.  He also appeared on a host of albums as a guest artist or session player, including Bryan Ferry, Steve Hackett, Brian Eno, Renaissance and Galahad. In addition, Wetton had an extensive and accomplished solo career.

Pre-Order link: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/?post_type=product&p=1056834&preview=true

Official Website: www.johnwetton.co.uk

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in John Wetton, Press Release

2023/07/21

The Wetton Family & QEDG Management Announce Line-up of Legends to Play Exclusive John Wetton Memorial Concert on August 3, 2023!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

The Wetton Family & QEDG Management Announce Line-up of Legends to Play Exclusive John Wetton Memorial Concert on August 3, 2023!

In aid of charity who cared for John – Streaming Tickets On Sale Now!

Lisa Wetton, (wife) Dylan Wetton, (son) and QEDG Management are delighted to announce that a memorial concert will be held in memory of JOHN WETTON (King Crimson, Family, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, UK, Asia) on August 3rd, 2023 at Trading Boundaries in East Sussex.  The event will see friends and family of the late lead singer and guitarist gather together to celebrate the life of this extraordinary musician.  An all-star line-up of legends, who were friends and collaborators of Wetton’s, will perform songs from throughout his incredible career.

The memorial event will be hosted by Prog Magazine’s editor, Jerry Ewing, alongside Geoff Downes (The Buggles, Asia, YES), Steve Hackett (Genesis, GTR)  and artist Roger Dean.  The list of performers who wish to pay tribute to the legendary Wetton is growing by the day, but so far boasts (in alphabetical order):

Chris Braide (Downes Braide Association), Roger Chapman (Family), Jim Cregan (Family, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel), David Cross (King Crimson), Chris Difford (Squeeze), Geoff Downes, Steve Hackett, Annie Haslam (Renaissance), Dave Kilminster (John Wetton, Keith Emerson, Steven Wilson, Roger Waters), Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music), John Mitchell (John Wetton, Icon, It Bites, Fr*st), Martin Orford (John Wetton, IQ, Jadis), Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd, Roxy Music) , Jay Schellen (YES, Asia), Billy Sherwood (YES, Asia) and Rick Wakeman (YES, Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe) – all of whom will be supported by The Paul Green Rock Academy.

Geoff Downes commented “I am very excited to be a part of the upcoming John Wetton Tribute.  As you all know, I had a very close and unique writing partnership with John, and we were dear friends, brothers and band mates for many years.”

Wetton died on 31st January 2017, as a result of complications due to cancer.  He spent his last days being cared for by the charity Macmillan Caring Locally, at the Macmillan Unit, Christchurch Hospital in Dorset.  As a gesture of recognition towards his fans who supported Wetton right up until his death, John’s family and management have decided to allow this unique event to be live streamed so that it can be enjoyed across the globe.  They have also identified the memorial as being the perfect opportunity to highlight the fantastic work done by Macmillan Caring Locally and to raise much-needed funds for the creation of a special hospice suite dedicated to the star.

Lin Sharp, Fundraising and Communications Director for the charity commented “It was a privilege to care for John in the final days of his life and we are so grateful to his wife, Lisa, for her continued support.  All monies raised will go to fund a room as a legacy to John, named The John Wetton Suite. A massive thank you to you all for making this possible.”

John’s son Dylan went on to say “I am delighted and humbled that so many legendary artists who worked with my Dad over the years have agreed to come together both to honour him and raise vital funds for the charity which supported him during his last days.”

Tickets for the live stream can be purchased now with all proceeds going to Macmillan Caring Locally.  In an effort to raise further funds, a special online auction will run alongside the evening’s proceedings boasting some unique lots, including a guitar owned by Wetton himself.

This promises to be an incredible, once-in-a-life time event and it is hoped that fans will support it generously by buying live stream memorial tickets as well as bidding on the various auction lots.

Dylan Wetton went on to say “I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my Dad’s life and the incredible musical legacy he has left behind.  It’s going to be an amazing night, a unique event – which is exactly what my Dad deserves.”   Downes agrees “To honour John’s legacy in this way with so many of his former musicians, colleagues and family gather together, shows just what an enormous amount of love, gratitude and respect so many of us held for John and his music.  It’s going to be a wonderful celebration spanning the whole of John’s amazing career. I am very much looking forward to it. See you all there.”

Live Stream Tickets can be purchased from: www.tradingboundaries.com/concert

CONFIRMED PERFORMERS (in alphabetical order)
CHRIS BRAIDE
ROGER CHAPMAN
JIM CREGAN
DAVID CROSS
ROGER DEAN
CHRIS DIFFORD
GEOFF DOWNES
STEVE HACKETT
ANNIE HASLAM
DAVIE KILMINSTER
PHIL MANZANERA
JOHN MITCHELL
MARTIN ORFORD
GUT PRATT
JAY SCHELLEN
BILLY SHERWOOD
RICK WAKEMAN
HARRY WHITLEY
With THE PAUL GREEN ROCK ACADEMY
Hosted by JERRY EWING

EVENT DETAILS
AUGUST 3RD, 2023
TRADING BOUNDARIES, nr Uckfield, East Sussex

For further information, please contact:
Sarah Ewing or Steve Cadman, Task Agency UK for QEDG Management
sarah@taskagency.co,uk 07947 400 510
steve@taskagency.co.uk 07521 272 397
OR
Samrah Ashworth, QEDG Management
sam@qedg.co.uk. 07966 752 432

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Annie Haslam, Billy Sherwood, Chris Braide, David Cross, David Kilminster, Geoff Downes, Jay Schellen, John Wetton, Press Release, Rick Wakeman, The Paul Green Rock Academy, Tribute

2023/05/05

Prog Legends UK’s 10th Anniversary Release of “Curtain Call (2023 Remaster)” Concert Video

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Prog Legends UK’s 10th Anniversary Release of “Curtain Call (2023 Remaster)” Concert Video

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Jobson has announced the first worldwide release of “Curtain Call (2023 Remaster)” by the legendary progressive-rock supergroup UK. Previously only available in Japan, this one-off 2013 reunion concert in Tokyo features UK founding members Eddie Jobson and the late, great John Wetton, along with new-generation virtuosos Alex Machacek and super-drummer Marco Minnemann, and captures the only ever live performance of both UK studio albums “UK” and “Danger Money” in their entirety.

Released on both Blu-ray and DVD in a single package, this rare concert footage has been fully remixed and remastered for worldwide release on May 19th.

UK were a British progressive rock supergroup originally active from 1977 to 1980. The band was founded by bass guitarist John Wetton and drummer Bill Bruford, formerly the rhythm section of King Crimson, along with former Roxy Music and Frank Zappa violinist/keyboardist/composer Eddie Jobson; guitarist Allan Holdsworth completed the original lineup. Bruford and Holdsworth left in 1978, and Bruford was replaced by drummer Terry Bozzio. Jobson, Wetton and Bozzio reformed UK for a world tour in 2012, with further Jobson-Wetton reunion tours extending through to 2015. Throughout their brief existence, UK’s music was characterised by skilled musicianship, complex harmony, odd time signatures, electric violin solos, and unusually varied synthesizer (Yamaha CS-80) sonorities. The band spans various genres ranging from progressive rock to jazz fusion.

To purchase UK “Curtain Call (2023 Remaster)”:
https://burningshed.com/store/eddiejobson/uk_curtain-call-remaster_dvd_blu-ray
https://www.amazon.com/Curtain-Call-Blu-Ray-Audio-Booklet/dp/B0C24N5LVK/

Eddie Jobson FB page: https://www.facebook.com/EJ.UK.fanpage/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Eddie Jobson, John Wetton, Marco Minnemann, Press Release, UK

2023/01/25

King Crimson/Asia Legend John Wetton “An Extraordinary Life” Official Book Now Available For Pre-order

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

King Crimson/Asia Legend John Wetton “An Extraordinary Life” Official Book Now Available For Pre-order

Announcing the launch of the official book about the legendary singer and bassist at www.johnwettonbook.com

The sign-up is now open for people to be a part of this much anticipated book created with John’s family and management. Some seventy-plus people who knew and worked with John, from his school days through Family, King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Roxy Music, U.K., Asia, the John Wetton solo band and beyond, pay witness and tribute to his life and work. Among those quoted along with his family are Steve Howe, Phil Manzanera, Bill Bruford, Robert Fripp, Carl Palmer, Rick Wakeman, Dave Kilminster, Geoff Downes (who also wrote the preface) and many, many more.

Among the stories of friendship, music and sometimes craziness are reflections on what made John Wetton such an unforgettable musician and prog rock legend.

Along with stories of John’s musical success are those from friends and family who do not steer clear of his problems, but rather explain the why, the how, and eventual triumph over them in honest and touching recollections. Along with the stories are personal and classic photos of John at work and play in two extensive photo sections of An Extraordinary Life.

“He had a love for fast cars, fine food, coffee, the Rams (that’s Derby County for non-football followers), films, books, crosswords, current affairs, sport, languages, classical music – anything that would stimulate his mind that he could use to great effect in his music and lyrics.” – Geoff Downes.
https://youtu.be/OciWUvrMenk

Signing up for news and special offers at www.johnwettonbook.com will ensure a special discount when pre-order begins, allow people to have a name printed in the book and be a part of this unique project.

For more information: www.johnwettonbook.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Bill Bruford, David Kilminster, Geoff Downes, John Wetton, Press Release, Rick Wakeman, Robert Fripp, Steve Howe

2021/10/21

Alan Simon’s ‘Excalibur V – Move, Cry, Act, Clash!’ To Be Released November 5, 2021

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Alan Simon’s Excalibur V – Move, Cry, Act, Clash! To Be Released November 5, 2021

Featuring:

John Wetton (Asia / King Crimson)
Steve Hackett (Genesis)
John Helliwell, Jesse Siebenberg (Supertramp)
Bernie Shaw (Uriah Heep)
Martin Barre (Jethro Tull)
Jeremy Spencer (Fleetwood Mac)
Michael Sadler (Saga)
Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth)
Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
Shira Golan & Miriam Toukan (The Peace Tent Project)

Move, Cry, Act, Clash! is the fifth part of French musician and producer Alan Simon’s legendary Celtic rock opera series Excalibur.

Featuring Alan Simon, John Wetton, Steve Hackett, Bernie Shaw, Jerry Goodman, Martin Barre, Jeremy Spencer, Michael Sadler, Roberto Tiranti, John Helliwell, Jesse Siebenberg, Shira Golan and Miriam Toukan.

Move, Cry, Act, Clash! concludes its 12 tracks with “The Vision” featuring the legendary John Wetton (King Crimson/Asia) in a beautiful tribute to the friendship and respect between these two musical giants.

Alan Simon is a Breton songwriter and director. Author of modern operas, his works are performed in various national theaters (Russia, Germany, France …). More than 300,000 spectators came to applaud Excalibur or Tristan & Yseult. Alan has obtained several gold and platinum records and his creations have received several awards. In the USA, Alan won the Grammy for best producer in 2008 and for best song, “Circle of Life,” performed by Jon Anderson of Yes. His album Big Bang (2018) is the soundtrack of the City of Space in Toulouse (an educational park about the conquest of space). After the film O Gengis in 2005 (with Omar Sharif and Jean Reno), he has just finished Monsieur Constant, his second film for the cinema, which is in production during 2021. Today Alan wants to go on tour around the world with his extraordinary musical round table where many legends of folk and rock meet.

“‘Excalibur’ brought me a lot of happiness because by creating this musical round table, I had the great chance to collaborate with incredible rock and folk legends, pillars of mythical groups: Yes, Supertramp, Fleetwood Mac, King Crimson, The Moody Blues, Alan Parson, Asia, Barclay James Harvest, Genesis, Fairport Convention, Runrig, Jethro Tull, Saga, Uriah Heep… Since its creation 20 years ago ‘Excalibur’ has represented 5 studio and 3 live albums including 120 original tracks. Offering a new album is not trivial. You have to give everything. So I made this opus V by investing myself 100% with an ‘old-fashioned’ production. No home studio but the joy of living in a large studio (Drums code studios in Italy) with great soloists and a fantastic symphony. Then I contacted magical interpreters that I like. What a joy to hear the guitars of the legendary pillars of Genesis and Jethro Tull: Steve Hackett and Martin Barre or the voices of Supertramp from Saga and Uriah Heep: Jesse Siebenberg, Michael Sadler and Bernie Shaw without forgetting this incredible talented singer Roberto Tiranti. We spent 6 months in a mixing studio with an average of 100 tracks per title. I hope that this more rock album than the previous ones will sign a real return on stage of this universal legend, ‘ever green’ say the English. Thank you to all those who supported ‘Excalibur.’ After 300 000 spectators in 4 tours, I hope that this musical round table finally finds its audience under the aegis of sharing. These 12 new songs underline the urgency to get moving for our planet. More than ever our destiny is in our hands. And everything is good to take. The concept of Excalibur and its musical knights must contribute to this new start. Artists can (and must) get involved more than ever.” – Alan Simon

Track Listing:

1 Move, Cry, Act, Clash
2 The Prisoner
3 The Last Bird
4 Messaline
5 I Said Shout
6 Heaven
7 The Lady of the Lake
8 When Your Feelings Grow
9 Wake Up (Before the Last War)
10 Hey
11 A Brand New Day
12 The Vision

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/alan-simon-excalibur-v-move-cry-act-clash/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Alan Simon, Bernie Shaw, Excalibur, Jerry Goodman, John Wetton, Martin Barre, Press Release

2021/07/30

JUDY COLLINS, JACK BRUCE, ANN WILSON & JOHN WETTON Lead A Team Of Legends Covering THE BEATLES On A New Collection!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

JUDY COLLINS, JACK BRUCE, ANN WILSON & JOHN WETTON Lead A Team Of Legends Covering THE BEATLES On A New Collection!

Also includes performances by Air Supply, Molly Hatchet, Glenn Hughes, Steve Morse, Andrew Gold, Howard Jones, Richard Page and more!

Los Angeles, CA – While the world waits for Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson’s highly anticipated documentary on The Beatles, the return of Beatlemania is getting kick started with a brand new collection of Beatle cover tunes recorded by an incredible host of rock, pop and folk icons and superstars! Legends Play The Beatles showcases the extraordinary influence the Fab Four had across a broadly diverse array of artists from ‘60s folk icon Judy Collins to former Deep Purple vocalist Glenn Hughes to ‘80s sensation Howard Jones. Each of these artists bring their unique talents to bear on such timeless Beatles’ classics as “Here Comes The Sun,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Let It Be,” “Across The Universe,” “Tomorrow Never Knows” and many more!

Legends Play The Beatles is available both on CD in a fantastic looking digipak and on limited-edition colored vinyl in your choice of either YELLOW or BLUE!

Order the CD/vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=legends+play+beatles&post_type=product

Track List:
1. Here Comes The Sun – Richard Page & Steve Morse
2. Across The Universe – Ann Wilson
3. Penny Lane – John Wetton
4. Back In The USSR – Molly Hatchet
5. Norwegian Wood – Andrew Gold
6. The Long And Winding Road – Air Supply
7. Tomorrow Never Knows – Electric Moon
8. Rain – Sugar Candy Mountain
9. Eleanor Rigby – Jack Bruce
10. And I Love Her – Howard Jones
11. Yesterday – Judy Collins
12. Let It Be – Glenn Hughes

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com


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Leave a comment | posted in Glenn Hughes, Jack Bruce, John Wetton, Judy Collins, Press Release, Various Artists

2021/02/09

Chicago Prog Ensemble DISTRICT 97 To Release New Live Album “Screenplay” Including Unreleased Live Performance Featuring John Wetton!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Chicago Prog Ensemble DISTRICT 97 To Release New Live Album “Screenplay” Including Unreleased Live Performance Featuring John Wetton!

Chicago prog legends DISTRICT 97 will be releasing a new live album called “Screenplay” featuring well over 2 hours of music across 2 CDs on March 26, 2021! The album comprises all of DISTRICT 97’s critically-acclaimed “Screens” album performed live at Europe’s prog rock mecca, Boerderij Cultuurpodium, in October 2019. Additionally, the collection boasts a wide variety of additional live material spanning DISTRICT 97’s back catalog and covers ranging from John Lennon to Yes.

Also included is a rousing unreleased live performance of “21st Century Schizoid Man” featuring King Crimson/Asia/UK legend John Wetton, as well as collaborations with other artists such as Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo. Plus, there are two secret “encore” performances.

As a special bonus, a brand new song recorded in quarantine called “Divided We Fall” is included on the new album!

“The world has changed in ways we never could have foreseen since we released Screens in October 2019. Touring has been rendered impossible, and thus we have been unable to share this music live with many of our wonderful fans. Before covid-19 struck, we embarked on our UK & European Screening Tour. The centerpiece of each night was Screens performed live in its entirety. Fortunately, our show at Holland’s legendary Boerderij Cultuurpodium was beautifully recorded, and we are thrilled to present it now as part of ‘Screenplay.’ There’s much more to this collection though: live performances of other D97 favorites, tributes to our musical icons, a BRAND NEW SONG recorded in quarantine, and even a couple ‘encores’ (if you applaud long enough). Until we can be physically together again, please join us for ‘Screenplay’” – Jonathan Schang

“Since I joined this band in 2008, one consistent bit of feedback I’ve received is that our live shows capture our essence as a band in ways that studio albums are not as able to, given the visual component of seeing us perform live mixed with the spontaneous musical ideas bouncing around on stage. We have been diligent about recording our live shows over the years and have been sitting on a mountain of live performances that we cannot wait to share with the rest of the word. Each song is an organism unto itself and in each performance we bring with us the culmination of the tour thus far and lessons learned about each song in the process. We throw in tiny moments to keep each other on our toes, try new interpretations based on our current emotional state and communicate on stage in ways that are seemingly mystical at times. Being a band for as long as we have creates a certain freedom to branch out on our respective ledges and see what happens when we put a twist on the familiar. I believe that our fans are in for a treat with ‘Screenplay,’ both for the live performances and the brand new song we recorded remotely as the pandemic rendered us isolated from one another.” – Leslie Hunt

TRACK LISTING
CD 1
1. Forest Fire
2. Sheep
3. Sea I Provide
4. Bread & Yarn
5. Trigger
6. After Orbit Mission
7. Shapeshifter
8. Blueprint
9. Ghost Girl
CD 2
1. Divided We Fall
2. Jealous Guy
3. Snow Country
4. Takeover
5. The Actual Color
6. A Lottery
7. Termites
8. Presto Vivace
9. Back in N.Y.C
10. Travels with Myself-And Someone Else
11. Fainting in Coils
12. Long Distance Runaround
13. Red
14. 21st Century Schizoid Man (Live w/John Wetton)
15. Out on the Tiles

DISTRICT 97 is undoubtedly the most musically adventurous rock band in the world to feature an American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist. Since 2008, this quintet from Chicago has melded an adventurous, uncompromising instrumental prowess with the look, sound, and stage presence of vocalist Leslie Hunt. Through world tours and a stream of studio and live releases, the band has garnered a worldwide fanbase; collaborating with iconic singer/bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia, UK) and drawing praise from Bill Bruford (drummer of Yes/King Crimson/Genesis), Mike Portnoy (drummer of Dream Theater/Transatlantic) and other rock luminaries along the way.

DISTRICT 97 rehearses doggedly to refine their compositions, ensemble-playing, and stage presentation; their standards for excellence have only grown more rigorous with the passage of time. Their latest album “Screens” (released October 2019) and its accompanying live shows set a high watermark of composition and musicianship.

The covid-19 pandemic has not stopped the band from innovating. Their Virtual Screening Tour and the stunning “Ghost Girl” animated short film have kept them at the top of the current prog rock heap. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=822-tra5DA4

To pre-order DISTRICT 97 “Screenplay”:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/district-97-screenplay-2cd-edition/#&gid=1&pid=1
http://www.district97.net/store/screenplay-2cd

“Screens” – NEW STUDIO ALBUM: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/district-97-screens-cd/
“One More Red Night – Live In Chicago”, CD – District 97 & John Wetton: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/one-more-red-night-live-in-chicago/

For interviews or more information on District 97 please contact: info@district97.net

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in District 97, John Wetton, Press Release

2018/06/15

Wetton Downes’ iCon Trilogy of Studio Albums Re-Released with Bonus Tracks – OUT NOW !

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Wetton Downes’ iCon Trilogy of Studio Albums Re-Released with Bonus Tracks – OUT NOW !

London – The John Wetton Estate and Geoffrey Downes are pleased to announce the re-release of the iCon Trilogy of albums, now remastered with bonus tracks in six panel digipacks.

The re-releases have been personally overseen by Geoff Downes and are intended to be a return to the marketplace of individual albums for fans who may wish to purchase a definitive edition.

Of his song-writing relationship and the formation of iCon, Geoff Downes says, “Throughout my entire career, there is no doubt in my mind, that some of my proudest achievements have been the songs that I wrote with the late John Wetton. Not only were we great friends, but also blood brothers in the song-writing department. His magic rubbed off on me immensely, and outside of the hugely successful Asia template, we decided to step out together with our Icon project. It was a ‘bromance’ made in heaven, because here we had the chance to expand our innermost thoughts and variety of influences, without interference. It was effectively ‘us’. We also had the luxury of working with some of the finest musicians in the world who were willing participants in the project.”

For fans of the whole iCon legacy, a box set is being planned out featuring these albums and all the other recordings of the iCon duo, including previously unreleased material.

Geoff Downes continues,“The Wetton Downes Icon catalogue spans across some 4 studio albums, this trilogy plus a prequel album called Zero and various live releases, and incorporates some of our greatest collaborations I firmly believe, and I am happy to impart the news that this entire body of work is being re-released with all of the bonus tracks and some previously unheard renditions of our classic songs. It is in fact Icon in its entirety. If you appreciate the music of John & I, then I sincerely hope you will appreciate these re-issues. Please sit back and enjoy. I know John would be equally proud to see these projects back on the market. All of these recordings mark special periods in our personal and creative lives.  

“’Icon 1′ was the foundation of the Asia reunion. ‘Rubicon’ is thronged with the mysticism, symbolism and multi layers that illuminate John’s lyrical prowess, virtually unrivalled in any era of creativity. John married events occurring in both our personal lives with Classical events in Roman History, crossing the Rubicon, the die is cast and some intensely personal reflections. His vocal performance is astounding. I look forward to discussing this amazing period in our lives at greater length in the box set planned for Christmas 2019.

“’Icon 3′ was a further milestone for us, with Dave Kilminster reuniting with John, a Japanese tour and possibly the most fulfilling DVD I have ever been involved in, Urban Psalm, filmed in St Mary Le Bow Church. I could reflect for hours and hours, take up the entire booklet, but for now…May our music live on forever.”

The albums are OUT NOW on the duo’s own Epicon Records via Cherry Red.

To purchase:
iCon: http://geni.us/iCon1
iCon II Rubicon: http://geni.us/iCon2
iCon 3: http://geni.us/iCon3

A previous re-release of the Wetton/Downes recordings of the 1980s, re-vitalised and re-packaged as iCon Zero continues to be available on Amazon ( http://geni.us/icon0 ) and iTunes ( http://geni.us/icon0dig )

Official Websites: www.johnwetton.com and www.geoffdownes.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Geoff Downes, John Wetton, Press Release, Wetton-Downes iCon

2017/11/17

John Wetton & Geoff Downes’ iCon Zero Now Available on CD and Download!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

John Wetton & Geoff Downes’ iCon Zero Now Available on CD and Download!

iCon Zero is a revised presentation of the Wetton/Downes album and is a precursor to their iCon series of albums. It is essentially a collection of tracks mostly recorded in the late 1980s through the time of their brief reformation in 1990.

The original version of the album was released in 2002 and in retrospect seemed like an iCon album from a previous era, so both John and Geoff readily agreed to it being brought into the iCon family. John came up with the name Zero, and both John and Geoff approved the new front cover artwork.

The album has received a 2017 remaster and includes two previously unreleased bonus tracks.

Geoff Downes reminisced about this time period in their joint career with these comments: Icon Zero brings back many fond memories of working with John back in the early-mid 80s. Despite being the principal writers for Asia, we both felt there was at least one other string to our bow. This manifested itself in later years as the Icon project, and this album is an insight into the inner workings of our early relationship, not just as members of Asia, but also as songwriters. These recordings were made largely at weekends when we rented demo studios to try out our ‘other’ ideas and simply – have some fun time away from the pressures of the music business. Most of these songs were put together in a few hours, and written on the fly. Then, they were recorded straight down that same day. One great aspect of this was, we always seemed came up with something new, and as the inspiration flowed it was captured there and then even in its embryonic form. 

Sadly John Wetton passed away in January 2017, but this release was already on the cards, with his Estate and Geoff Downes approving it going ahead as originally planned.

Geoff Downes had these further comments about his late bandmate: “John was a genius in every sense of the word, and I am most privileged to have been a big part of his career. The Icon project in itself stands alone as a complete cycle of our work together, and this album (Icon Zero) displays an important part of that development. The great John Wetton’s unique presence can be felt on every note and lyric of these songs. Please enjoy.”

iCon Zero will be followed by definitive edition re-releases of the subsequent three iCon albums, with bonus tracks, during 2018 with Geoff Downes’ personal approval.

To purchase John Wetton & Geoff Downes iCon Zero:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/icon0
iTunes: http://geni.us/icon0dig

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Geoff Downes, John Wetton, Press Release, Wetton-Downes iCon