Turn On The Radio

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Turn On The Radio" by John Wetton from his debut solo album Caught In The Crossfire! This track, a punchy pop-rock anthem, kicks off the 1980 record with a burst of energy, showcasing Wetton's knack for catchy hooks. In a review from Cun Cun Revival, the song is noted for echoing the taut sound of Wetton's earlier work with the band U.K., hinting at the direction he’d later take with the supergroup Asia. Fans on Rate Your Music have called it a bridge between U.K.'s prog intensity and Asia’s radio-friendly polish, though some felt the album’s songwriting leaned too heavily on repetitive choruses. Despite mixed reviews, the track’s lively rhythm, driven by Simon Kirke’s drumming and Martin Barre’s guitar riffs, makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic vibe.

Behind the scenes, "Turn On The Radio" emerged during a pivotal moment in Wetton’s career. After U.K. disbanded in 1980, Wetton was eager to carve his own path. According to johnwettonlegacy.co.uk, he parted ways with his old management and teamed up with Brian Lane, who’d worked with Yes, setting the stage for this solo venture. The album, recorded with a stellar lineup including Phil Manzanera on guitar, was a bold step toward a more commercial sound. A post on the John Wetton Official Facebook page in 2020 celebrated the album’s 40th anniversary, sharing an animated album cover and sparking fan discussions about its underrated gems. One fan on the John Wetton Fan Group shared a story of discovering the song in a used record shop, calling it a “hidden treasure” that captured Wetton’s raw vocal power.

John Wetton’s journey to rock stardom began in Bournemouth, England, where he was born on June 12, 1949. Raised in a musical family, his older brother Robert, a classical organist, introduced him to bass lines through Bach’s compositions, as Wetton recalled in a bio on Wikipedia. Playing bass parts on the piano during Robert’s organ practice sparked his love for the instrument’s melodic interplay. Though drawn to classical music, Wetton chose rock to avoid comparison with his brother, picking up the bass guitar in his teens. He honed his skills in local bands like The Corvettes and the Palmer-James Group, as noted in a tribute on Peter Viney’s Blog. His early gig with the jazzy Mogul Thrash set the stage for a career that would see him join progressive rock giants like Family, King Crimson, and Roxy Music before launching his solo career.

Wetton’s legacy lives on through his official channels and fan communities. Visit johnwettonlegacy.co.uk for updates on his music and tributes, including details about the 2023 book John Wetton: An Extraordinary Life. Follow John Wetton Official on Facebook for archival posts and fan interactions, or check out johnwettonlegacy on Instagram for photos and memories. On X, @JohnWettonMusic shares updates about reissues and events. Fans can connect on the John Wetton Fan Group on Facebook, a lively hub for sharing stories and rare finds. For more fan-driven content, ProgArchives offers detailed discussions and reviews of Wetton’s discography, perfect for Zoo Freaks diving deeper into his work.