John Wesley

For entries on other people named John Wesley, see John Wesley (disambiguation).

John Wesley
John Wesley (Wes) onstage solo at the 2009 Marillion weekend in Montreal, Canada.
Background information
Origin	Tampa, Florida
Years active	1980–present
Associated acts	Porcupine Tree Fish
Website	http://www.john-wesley.com/

John Wesley (born John Wesley Dearth, III aka Wes Dearth June, 1962)^[1] is an American singer, songwriter and guitar player. John Wesley's professional music career began in the early 80's in the Tampa, Florida area where he founded 1991 Southwestern Music Conference's showcase act Autodrive along with drummer/producer Mark Prator. The following year, Wesley embarked on a solo career and became the opening act for British rockers Marillion on seven consecutive tour legs around the world, especially North and South America, the UK and Europe.

In 1998, Wesley and ex-White Lion frontman Mike Tramp were the opening act for the Peter Frampton/Lynryd Skynyrd tour. Following this was several world tours with Marillion's former singer Fish. In 2001, John Wesley was the primary co-writer of Fish’s Fellini Days album. Most recently, John Wesley has performed as sideman, guitarist/vocalist for Porcupine Tree, during the In Absentia, Deadwing, Fear of a Blank Planet and The Incident world tours.

In 2005, Wesley produced and recorded his fifth studio release, Shiver. The album was co-produced by drummer and co-owner of his Tampa, Florida recording studio, RedRoom Recorders, Mark Prator, and mixed by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree.

Other people Wesley has worked include Sean Malone, Steve Hogarth (Marillion's singer since 1988), and Steve Rothery (Marillion's guitarist). He has also performed as an occasional fill-in bassist and lead guitarist for Florida-based group Sister Hazel.

On August 24, 2007, John Wesley announced that he was making all of his solo material available for free download on his MySpace page. He will still be offering the CDs for purchase at gigs and for order online.

On December 20, 2008, the new incarnation of The John Wesley Trio had its debut performance at Gasoline Alley in Largo, Florida. The new band consists of:

• John Wesley - Guitar and Vocals
• Mark Prator - Drums and Percussion
• Dave Wehner - Bass

Performed were new arrangements of songs off off the album Shiver and new material yet to be released. The new arrangements are extended versions of the songs written for electric rather than acoustic guitar.

The music of John Wesley has been called lyrically sensitive and musically dynamic. Wesley’s brand of guitar-driven acoustic and electric songs represent the cultivation of a diversity of inspirations from alternative, progressive, classic rock and folk genres intertwined with poignant lyrics drawn from the poetry of the common man. Furthermore, his skillful, versatile guitar style complements his soulful emotionally-charged vocals reminiscent of Roger Waters or Bruce Springsteen. But what really appeals to Wesley’s fans worldwide is a spark of sincerity and sensitivity so oft absent in today’s mainstream music.

Discography

Studio Albums

1. 1994 - Under the Red and White Sky
   
2. 1995 - The Closing of the Pale Blue Eyes
   
3. 1997 - The Emperor Falls
   
4. 2001 - Chasing Monsters
   
5. 2005 - Shiver
   

• Fellini Days by Fish (co-writing and performing credits)
• With Porcupine Tree: In Absentia, Arriving Somewhere, Fear of a Blank Planet, The Incident.

CD Singles

1. The Last Light
   
2. John Wesley
   
3. Fly Boy
   

Live/Wesfest Productions Releases

1. Waiting for the Sun to Shine in Paris
   
2. Wesfest 98
   
3. John Wesley Bachelor Party Tour
   
4. Starting the Engine II
   
5. Wesfest 1999
   
6. The Chicago and Frisco Bootlegs
   
7. John Wesley:TEN
   
8. Live at Katie Fitzgerald's
   

• with Fellini Nights (live)
• With Porcupine Tree: XM, XMII, Rockpalast, We Lost The Skyline, Ilosaarirock

Videos

1. Arriving Somewhere...
   September, 2006

External links

• Official site
• John Wesley's Myspace Profile
• John Wesley's Recording Studio
• Online fan newsletter subscription link

References