Only Time Will Tell (Live 1996)

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Only Time Will Tell (Live 1996)" by John Wetton from the album Live in Akustika, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this acoustic gem. This track, originally from Asia's 1982 debut album, was reimagined as a stripped-down performance showcasing Wetton’s emotive vocals and guitar work. In a 2012 interview with Rediscover the 80s, Wetton revealed that the song’s lyrics were deeply personal, reflecting the end of a relationship. He noted, “It’s my verse, Geoff’s chorus,” referring to his collaboration with Geoff Downes, and cited Joni Mitchell as an inspiration for its confessional style. The live 1996 version, recorded during Wetton’s solo tour, captures a raw intimacy, with Wetton alone on stage, letting the melody shine without the bombast of the original. Fans on Facebook often share how this rendition feels like a heartfelt conversation, a testament to Wetton’s ability to connect emotionally.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s music video for the original 1982 release, directed by Godley & Creme. As described on Wikipedia, it featured a female gymnast flipping over rows of TVs, with the band appearing only as images on the screens—a bold, surreal choice for MTV’s early days. Wetton’s acoustic take in 1996, however, flips this grandeur into something minimalist, emphasizing the song’s core melody. The 2017 remaster of Akustika, released via Cherry Red Records, includes a booklet with fan stories from a 2005 performance, where Wetton’s humor and warmth shone through, making the live experience unforgettable. A fan on X once posted about hearing Wetton dedicate the song to a lost love during a 1995 show, adding a poignant context that still resonates with listeners.

John Wetton’s journey to becoming a prog rock legend began in Willington, Derbyshire, born on June 12, 1949. Growing up in Bournemouth, Dorset, he was steeped in music from a young age, influenced by his brother Robert, a classical organist. As noted in his Wikipedia bio, Wetton learned piano from age six and played bass parts on the piano during his brother’s organ practices, sparking his love for bass lines, especially those in Bach’s compositions. Despite his classical roots, he gravitated toward rock to carve his own path, avoiding comparisons to his brother. His early bands, like the Corvettes and the Palmer-James Group, were formative, with friend Peter Viney recalling meeting Wetton at 14 when he joined these groups. Wetton’s first major break came in 1972 when Robert Fripp invited him to join King Crimson, where he honed his skills as a bassist, vocalist, and songwriter during the iconic Red era.

After King Crimson disbanded in 1974, Wetton’s career flourished with stints in Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, and U.K., showcasing his versatility. In 1981, he co-founded Asia, the supergroup that catapulted him to global fame with hits like "Only Time Will Tell" and "Heat of the Moment". His solo career, including albums like Battle Lines, further cemented his legacy. Wetton passed away in 2017, but his music lives on through tributes like johnwettonlegacy.co.uk, his official website, which shares updates and stories. Connect with fans on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X. Join the vibrant John Wetton Music Facebook group or visit fan sites like Peter Viney’s blog for heartfelt stories and tributes to this extraordinary artist.