Baby Come Back

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Baby Come Back from John Wetton’s 1980 solo debut Caught in the Crossfire, spinning on THE ZOO! This track is a soulful plea with a pop-rock edge, showcasing Wetton’s booming baritone and knack for crafting catchy hooks. Trivia about the song reveals its place as a bridge between Wetton’s progressive rock past and the AOR sound he’d later perfect with Asia. In a 1980 interview with Sounds magazine, Wetton described Baby Come Back as a “personal song about longing,” written during a period of transition after leaving the prog supergroup U.K.. The song’s lyrics, like “You went away leaving me on my own / Went out there with somebody new,” reflect a raw emotional core, which Wetton later said was inspired by a fleeting romance during his time in London.

Another cool tidbit comes from a 2015 fan Q&A on the John Wetton Legacy website, where Wetton shared that the song’s recording featured Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre, whose plaintive guitar leads added a distinctive texture. Barre, moonlighting from his main gig, reportedly nailed his solo in just two takes, bringing a bluesy feel that Wetton loved. The track also includes saxophone by Malcolm Duncan, a nod to Wetton’s early days with the jazzy Mogul Thrash. Fans on the John Wetton Fans Facebook Group often cite Baby Come Back as a standout for its compact, radio-friendly vibe, though some prog purists on ProgArchives felt it leaned too pop compared to his King Crimson work.

John Wetton, born on June 12, 1949, in Willington, Derbyshire, and raised in Bournemouth, Dorset, was a musical force whose career spanned decades and genres. His start came from a childhood steeped in music, thanks to his older brother Robert, a classical organist. As a kid, Wetton played bass lines on the piano to help Robert practice, since their home organ lacked a pedalboard. This sparked his love for bass melodies, which he later channeled into rock. Ditching classical to avoid comparison with his brother, Wetton picked up the bass guitar and joined local Bournemouth bands like The Corvettes and The Palmer-James Group in his teens. His early break came with Mogul Thrash, a jazzy outfit that honed his stage presence, followed by stints with Renaissance and Family in 1971.

Wetton’s big leap came in 1972 when he joined King Crimson, playing on iconic albums like Larks’ Tongues in Aspic and Red. His left-handed bass prowess, played right-handed, and powerful vocals made him a standout. After Crimson’s 1974 hiatus, he gigged with Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, and U.K., before launching his solo career with Caught in the Crossfire. In 1981, he co-founded Asia, whose debut album sold over 10 million copies, cementing his legacy. Wetton passed away in 2017, but his music lives on through tributes like the John Wetton Legacy site.

Connect with Wetton’s world via his official website, which offers updates on his legacy projects like the An Extraordinary Life box set. Follow the official John Wetton Legacy Facebook for fan stories and rare photos, or check out the John Wetton Legacy Instagram for visual tributes. The John Wetton Music X account shares updates on releases and memorials. Join the John Wetton Fans Facebook Group for lively discussions, or visit fan sites like ProgArchives and Peter Viney’s Blog for deep dives into his career. Zoo Freaks, keep those vibes high and let Baby Come Back take you on a nostalgic ride!