John Wetton (U.K., King Crimson) interview 1979

[waynedrumpal]

you surely can listen to all king crimson straight you dont have to be stoned or buzzed...sorry mr wetton,prog is much more rewarding when you listen to it head on

[lor682009]

In the period with King Crimson R. Fripp was too much dominant and unable to create a true team game, unlike in the work of UK

[lor682009]

Well actually, except for a commercial track like "Nothing to lose", UK has often produced great fusion progressive and fine symphonic tunes like "Carrying No Cross" or "In the dead of night", sometimes played in a more technical and versatile execution (think of "Presto Vivace" or "Alaska/Time to kill"!

[Poisonnachos]

he kinda looks like Ashton Kutcher.

[DarkAmbient93]

Awesome interview! It's too bad that, at that time, Wetton wanted more "organized" and accessable music because his work with KC is phenomenal to say the least!

I think many bands compose their best music when their's a "frictional" dynamic in the band. In other words, the band members are tugging in different directions and causing internal conflicts. I think it's bands, like Rush, who can move past these conflicts and respect one anothers' views that write consistently great music.

[TheArabassist]

IMO Wetton was a better bass player, but Lake was a better vocalist by far.

[1aceves]

One of the greatest singers and bass players of all time!

[ummerrahh]

ask him what that uriah heep stint was about o0o0o0

[musthatedogs]

Hot Brit - makes me want to lick my screen

[carbitch62]

@musthatedogs Hell yeah! Me too! :)

[vyse75]

is the intro song by crimson? if so, what is it?!??!

[rpcurtiss]

@vyse75 The song is called "Mescal" from the Italian prog band Arti & Mestieri, circa 1975.

[Turjan5000]

@rpcurtiss

It's "Nove Lune Dopo" from Arti e Mestieri 's album Giro de Valzer per Domani. But yeah, 2 tracks after Mescal on the original LP.

[k0stil]

@rpcurtiss

thanks a lot!

sounds like crimson

[veplaini]

Your archive is fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

Just one curiosity, if you don't mind me asking: were you an 'inspiration' for that spoof comedy film, "Wayne's World"? No offense intended.

[rpcurtiss]

@veplaini No offense taken. I've been asked this many times. If so, I'd like some royalties! Most cable shows in 1979-82 relied on whatever old equipment they could get as newer technology was beginning to be used in commerical media. I am proud of the fact that we had the idea to do these, and had some

great "connected" record industry people to get us these progrock gods. Thanks for your support!

[cellardoor199991]

@veplaini Wayne's World didn't come out until the 90's

[roetfuss]

@cellardoor199991

so it makes sense that they could have been inspired by boffomondo.

[cellardoor199991]

@roetfuss yes

[eddiekonczal]

Fripp/Wetton/Bruford is not only my favorite Crimson lineup, but my favorite prog rock lineup ever! Three brilliant albums and out.

[phildog2000]

@eddiekonczal what other prog band would you recommend? I am into King Crimson, Camel and soft machine if you classify them

[IronManPenisBook]

@phildog2000 The Yes album "Close to the Edge." Not sure if that's really "prog" or not; though it's truly a great album and their best, IMO. Most of the best "progressive" stuff was heavily influenced by American jazz. A good example is Rick Wright's work on Dark Side of the Moon based on Bill Evans' piano work on Kind of Blue. Most British rock was influenced by American Blues. When they explored that as much as they could, they turned to jazz. Check out some John Coltrane to see what I mean.

[matmoose]

@phildog2000 Gentle Giant albums before 1976. Crazy contrapuntal prog, very sophisticated, off the wall, and it does exactly what it wants to and couldn't care less about its audience. "Free Hand" in particular. And I agree with ironmanpenisbook about Close to the Edge, that's a cracking album. Oh, and no Prog collection would be complete without Genesis' 1970 - 1974 albums. A run of 5 astounding records. More recently, Diagonal's 2008 album is pretty bitching, a real return to prog roots.

[IronManPenisBook]

@eddiekonczal Yeah, "Red" may be the best rock album ever; Shame no one's ever heard of it.

[ipykipyk]

I had the privilege of attending the show they're referring to. UK were without question the best support band I've ever seen. Never heard a trio fill out a 10,000-seat arena before. We were clear in the back and felt completely a part of the show. Tull were pretty stellar that night as well. Thanks for posting this!

[Makksor]

What's the song in the beginning?

[MarioRocket]

I liked it to but i think its the shows theme

[Mikaeloettli]

its an italian fusion band:

arti e mestieri - giro di valzer per domani

[Mikhail554]

the bass and drums remind me of whetton era KC but its definitely not

[stevenzanemusic]

Great interview. UK is truly an overlooked, obscurred, but awesome band.

[actron]

What is a good UK album or song to check out?

[MrChad6729]

In my opinion, Danger Money best represents u.k. in the vision that Wetton describes he wanted for the band. And it is a very good album!

[Yarsh52]

I would personally recommend U.K. Live in America.

[aviewaskew4u1]

UK Live in America is exceptional. For me

the only true UK is the the first release with 'Thirty Years' 'Nevermore' and of course 'In the Dead of Night'. Saw them live in '78 and will never forget how powerful they were.

[kleefee1]

@actron

Alaska is the album to check out. It is truly brilliant.

[kleefee1]

@actron

Sorry. correction. Uk is the album title. Alaska is a song on the album.

[MrChad6729]

These are wonderful! How did you get these guys to interview?

[rpcurtiss]

We had connections through the late great Tony Harrington, who once worked for Atlantic Records.

[beastatlay]

He was a very handsome man, wasn't he? Not to mention a monster bass player and great singer.

[Martronical]

4:29 .."Where have I BEEN for so long??" lol!!

[elektr0bi]

geez you people are awesome for keeping and uploading vids like this ! thanks a lot

[cosmicrider287]

the boffomundo series were great!

[tacomadc]

Is it just me or does John look and talk exactly like Russel Crowe? You wouldn't want to mess with either one in a bar fight that's for sure.

[burlearth]

No, John is typically English. Crowe is Australian.

[madzialena1977]

@burlearth

Crowe is a New-Zealander and not an Australian!

[burlearth]

He was Australian in Neighbours.

[thethom247]

I'm sure all those years of musical achievement have made him a rugged fighter.

[madzialena1977]

@tacomadc

defo he looked as sexy as russell;))) but has a different accent:)

[tacomadc]

I saw the 3 piece UK lineup open up for Jethro Tull in 1978. It was amazing and I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

Of course that didn't change the idiot Tull fan from screaming "Fuck you! Tull!" at them the entire show (he was huge or I would have told him to shut the hell up.)

Of course this was the tour where Ian got the idea to steal Eddie for "A" which is also amazing and I saw in concert -f ront row with Ed playing the glass violin over my head - Lol!!!

[NastyGreaser]

lol I suppose slayeeeeeeeeeeeeer fans are worse, you know.

[tacomadc]

That's amazing news - I'll have to look for them! Who is doing the singing? Hope they're good.

[ojfeooigtihbg]

did john wetton sing in the album islands?

[tacomadc]

screw the Asia reunion - when is there going to be a UK reunion?

If Holdsworth isn't available they should get Frank Gambale, with Bozzio on drums - thata would be my dream lineup!

Saw them open for Tull with the 3 piece lineup - awesome!

[EapoQ42]

Toi the guy who said it's too bad he couldn't handle his drink...

I disagree!

It would have been a shame for him to be unable to hold his drink if he had been a politician or something.

Wetton was a godamned rock star. A fine one. Rock stars drink. They drink and drink and drink. To a fault. And I won't have it any other way.

A guy like Wetton who goes off the boil from drinking is just a truer rock star than those who never do.

[NeutronZapper]

I disagree - being an alchoholic does not give a "rock star" more cred than a non alchoholic. Having a drink/drug problem has never added anything to rock music, it usually just speeds up the onset of death. Great.

Nothing heroic or romantic about being ill.

[EapoQ42]

Not trying to start a fight, just saying something here (so don't take it to heart):

You said "having a drink/drug problem never added anything to rock music" I have to honestly disagree.

Where would the beatles have been without acid? Where would Yes (particularly Jon Anderson) be without mushrooms? Where would Motorhead be without speed?

I agree that, for most people, having a drug problem is not a good thing. But to say drugs have never added to rock music is just crazy!

[NeutronZapper]

OK maybe I sounded a bit preachy. I know what your trying to say. It just seems a bit of a rock n roll cliche. I mean Janis Joplin and Jimi might still be producing fantastic music if it wasnt for drink and drugs. Both of out views are valid tho.

Anyway, I wanna know where I can get hold of the theme music to Boffomundo Show. Anyone point me in the right direction?

[jonniequest]

Hey if you find out about how to get the theme song, could you please let me know, it sounds nice!

[twtom]

Wetton comes off as very down to earth. Calm, thoughtful guy.

[jax1moi8]

The interviewer is not exactly the most articulate chap. He spends three times as long as needed to kinda sorta ask a question.

[Cristinact]

However, John is quite the opposite, don't you think?

[djcub00]

Interesting. You can tell he is still bitter after the abrupt disbanding of King Crimson a few years before. Not that I blame him...a tour of the "Red" album with Ian McDonald back on sax would've killed every competing tour in late 74-75.

[burlearth]

I'd have rathered a tour happen to finish it off, but I think Fripp was right to end the band at that time, the peak, as we now see in hindsight.

[sonilink2]

True, King Crimson wouln't have had any rivals...Yes, Genesis, and ELP can't touch KC anyway

[NoelGrassy]

D0od it did & He was ruling with Bruford one night at the Cow Palace. David Cross couldn't make enough noise to keep up with the massiveness the rhythm section was putting down. Bob would do these frenzied runs on his guitar and his only "gettin' down" guitarist type moves were to slightly raise up off his stool for a brief moment & sit back down. Oh they killed that evening! The 4way wasn't half bad either...LOL

[MrChad6729]

I'd have loved to have seen that!

[ahagestedt]

what a couple of goofy interviewers though. these guys clearly didn't understand music...or at least this genre. Not all questions...but most .... were pretty dimwitted. Still, some interesting tidbits 'o info comes out of wetton.

[alternativeguy007]

great looking guy in his younger years........too bad he couldn't handle his drink

[Cristinact]

he couldn't do so back then but now we've got an even more honest, down-to-earth simple guy (well, "man") who's learned a lot about life. Now we're lucky to have touching testimonies of people like him who have survived and lived to tell

[delfino30]

theclavious: The song if from the italian prog band "Arti & mestieri" with the supreme master drummer furio chirico. Put on youtube "furio chirico gravità"

[ModestMidgetBand]

Very nice!

[theclavious]

What song is this at the beginning? Would someone please tell me??

[Elyodachido]

Anyone gonna be in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 20th, 2008? You gotta go check-out the King Crimson tribute show by The Great Deceivers @ club SPACELAND!!!!!!!!!

[LordSatanOBoogie]

King Crimson is one of the best music groups ever, and John Wetton is great at bass and vocals very underrated.

[alex61640]

King Crimson is underrated? Oh man, you must be joking. Progressive music has never been and will never be accepted by major public just because it takes more of your musical culture to comprehence its complex rythm and harmony. What you hear as a perfect tune and fantastic rythmic pattern many people take for a bizzare cacophony. They have they right to call noise a noise. Not every man is into high mathematics. Not every man is into high musics. No arrogance. Just the fact of life.

[TomBerko88]

Arrogance seems to be your main trait. You don't need to debate every little thing people say. When the major public doesn't accept something that a group of people likes makes it underrated. If you don't like progressive music, why post a comment on this page?

[wolfmaxtrp5]

improvisation is most likely to be seen in jazz, specially free and avant-garde jazz.

[Pilatocus28]

King Crimson = one of the most underrated bands of all time. Progressive rock pioneers.

[LordSatanOBoogie]

Heavy meatal pioneers also

[angelicb4me]

yes very charming chap. for some reason he never did gel really well with any of the bands he was 'brought in' to. prob. cos he was so good lookin, others just jealous ;0}

[soundoflight]

Bunch of fools,

my shit smell better than yours!!!

My grandpa fart louder than yours!

Brunette are better than blond!

Fruit are better than vegetable!

Light is better than sound!

whatever.....oh ya, Hendrix is better than Vai.

Make sens?? NO! I know! But base is better than guitar and orange juice is better than tomato juice!!

Got it?

[soundoflight]

My comment is now out of context, someone organized that by deleting and so on...anyway

[drbogenbroom2000]

Greg Lake is an extraordinary singer. Check "Hollowed Be Thy Name"

[54spiritedwill54]

the great john wetton!!

[thecrimsonfloyd]

you guys are asses lake is much better than wetton!

[allanhold]

this for sure

[hmkim2112]

John Wetton is better than Lake as vocalist, bassist & composer.

[m0t0fr3ak]

Lake isn't a bass player, but a guitar player so that makes Wetton a better bassist. But he never had a better voice, because with KC he always sounded like he had this bad voice from smoking(I don't know if he smokes or not) but I don't like his singing in Exiles which is sort of ear-blowing. But he didn't compose anything useful without Fripp.

[hmkim2112]

Wetton composed some of the best prog songs when he was with the U.K.

[mellors]

Lake played bass with King Crimson and ELP.

[joerobot32]

there both good. if they weren't, fripp wouldn't have asked them to join the band. the question is not whether or not they are good at what they do, but if you like them. if you do prefer one over the other than good.

[mjcussen]

mjcussen. Different, not better.

[paul7703]

Greg Lake is better.

[asiainasia]

Mr. Wetton is so eloquent and direct and honest. There's a lot of Asia bashing in the comments for these interviews. According to some of you Asia sucks because they were popular. A lot of the problems these guys were having in these bands are because they were NOT popular. That was the problem John Wetton was looking to solve on his own terms with players who were agreeable and available.

[mikedrud]

I believe he's about to undergo a heart surgery. These guys are great but they are really starting to get old, eh?

[afroeroticus]

Who plays the introduction song?

[HDL2112]

what a great show! i wish they had something like it today.

[ERiiK98]

i dont like his voice

[Twimmerglin]

He's got a great voice, Eriik. It's wonderful to hear an intelligent, articulate rock musician for a change. And why does he look like Russell Crowe?

[ERiiK98]

lol yer im sorry, i just really miss greg lake ay soz man

[ajittffcure]

Good interview. Interesting to note John Wetton's remark about the hippie movement of the late 1960s and "realistic" subjects!

[Fusionhead]

Is that First Live in Japan?  If so, it's due any day in the mail now. I have Tilt, Giro di Valzer per Domani, and Quinto Stato.

[rpcurtiss]

It's called Arti & Mestieri Live/1974-2000, all recorded in Italy. Seems to be on their own label. Quinto was a disappointment to me. Heard of Il Volo? A very unique sounding 70s band that only made two records. Great stuff.

[Fusionhead]

Kudos to the show for opening with Arti e Mestieri's "Mescal"!

[rpcurtiss]

Great album, great band. They have a live CD, 1/2 from the 70s and 1/2 from 2000. Check it out, if you haven't already.

[noblefrog]

Wonderful bass player, but I can't help but feel Wetton has a lot more resentment than other musicians.

[prasiddha]

He's not in very good terms with a lot of his past band members, because for some reason, he's always aimed for a more pop-direction, whereas the others would want a more experimental direction. Strange...he makes some of the best metal bass lines ever.

[prasiddha]

Its interesting that whenever Wetton/Bill Bruford/Robert Fripp are interviewed in this era, and are asked a question regarding Crimson, they always gush about the album Red.

[burlearth]

probably because it's the best album and music they ever recorded and it was kinda ignored at the time.

[jsilence418]

thanks more really good stuff!

[rpcurtiss]

There are 3 parts to the Wetton interview. See my channel for the rest. As previously mentioned, the theme is a track from an Italian band, Arti + Mestieri circa 1975.

[dmanster]

What a very nice video! Do you have more of Wetton? Do you know the name of the theme music used to open the clip? Thank you.

Dennis

[henny320]

(great) but, got any more?

[kaptainkaraoke]

a wonderful interview i wish more was available

[lionlr1]

thankyou, john wetton is the reason why i play the bass, the fender bass that is.

[rpcurtiss]

If you mean the show's theme, it is from an Italian band called Arti + Mestieri circa 1974

[lionlr1]

what is the name of this opening track?

[lionlr1]

the great john wetton!!!!!!!!!!