Classic Rock Revisited founder Jeb Wright recently caught up with British singer/songwriter JOHN WETTON to discuss his new album, Raised In Captivity. An excerpt from the interview is available below:

Jeb: Before we talk about the new CD, how is your health? The last time we talked you were going through a hard time with your heart.

John: "The last four years have given me a different philosophy on life. I only have today, in fact, I really only have now because anything can happen. I may not be around tomorrow. It has really given me a Carpe Diem philosophy, which is great. As far as my health goes, I’m getting blood to places that I wasn’t getting blood to before, if you know what I mean (laughter). So, that makes it a win-win all the way around."

Jeb: Isn’t that what rock n’ roll is really about? That said, let's talk Raised in Captivity.

John: "The great thing about solo albums is that I can talk about stuff that is personal. I can do that on an ASIA record but I don’t feel that I can go too deep. Some of Raised in Captivity is pretty brutal. It’s about my upbringing in Britain, just after the war. The Victorian values were still hanging over us. In my school, you would get beaten within an inch of your life for having your hair slightly over your collar. It was really brutal stuff.

Suddenly, when I got to my late teens, I was thrown into the ‘60’s where it was like, 'Lets have a party.' I was a very screwed up individual. I had been told one thing by my parents, one thing by my school, and one thing by my peers. It led to a major revolt.

When I left home at age 18, it was 1968, and London was in full swing and in a musical revolution. I wanted to be a part of that. There was a time in the ‘60’s where you could, for the price of a beer; you could see KING CRIMSON, JETHRO TULL and PINK FLOYD. All of these bands were coming out and it was quite amazing. I think there is still a closeness between people who grew up in that generation. Most of the guys that are guests on my album are all guys from that period. There is a bond. Although, when I look back to my childhood, I really was a screwed up individual. I really didn’t know what day it was."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Raised In Captivity celebrates yet another milestone in an extraordinary life, a stunning collection of songs reinforcing a career of over 40 years during which John Wetton has created a legacy as one of the greatest singers, musicians and songwriters ever. Respected worldwide by fans and musical peers alike, Wetton's career included a significant period of time in the early eighties when he was the biggest selling singer in the world. Once again characterized by the emotional impact of the material, a necessary component in all Wetton's creativity, Raised In Captivity continues an unrivalled career which has brought inspiration to millions worldwide.

Of the new album and choice of producer, Wetton commented, "The decision to record in Los Angeles with Billy Sherwood was entirely mine. I wanted the chaotic urban inspiration, edge and energy to juxtapose the natural beauty that California provides. I also knew that Billy Sherwood would provide the musical and technical ability to record quickly, with ultra high energy and superb production quality."

The material was written in a variety of ways, such as 'Goodbye Elsinore' was written on the Denmark-Sweden sea ferry en route to a Vilde Frang concert and 'The Devil And The Opera House' is co-written with King Crimson collaborator Richard Palmer-James. The album's finale is 'Mighty Rivers', featuring the enigmatic Dutch soprano ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.

John Wetton has been a member of several prominent British bands. After two albums with FAMILY he joined King Crimson from 1972 to 1974, before working with ROXY MUSIC and URIAH HEEP. In 1977, with former Crimson band mate and drummer Bill Bruford, he co-founded U.K., which also featured guitarist Allan Holdsworth and keyboardist/violinist Eddie Jobson. After U.K.'s demise, Wetton turned his attentions to a solo career.

In 1982, Wetton became part of the supergroup ASIA, together with Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and Geoff Downes. This "fab four" of progressive pop would rule radio and record sales, with their debut album becoming the biggest selling album of the year and yielding the worldwide hit 'Heat Of The Moment'. Wetton remained prolific with more solo studio albums and several collaborative efforts over the years. In 2002 at a John Wetton fan convention held in Allentown, PA, he started working with Geoff Downes again. This collaboration ultimately resulted in a series of iCon studio and live albums and in the highly-anticipated reunion of Asia's original lineup, bringing about two successful new studio albums: Phoenix in 2008 and Omega in 2010.

Raised In Captivity tracklisting:

'Lost For Words' (featuring Steve Morse)

'Lost For Words'

'Raised In Captivity' (featuring Robert Fripp)

'Raised In Captivity'

'Goodbye Elsinore' (featuring Steve Hackett)

'The Last Night Of My Life' (featuring Alex Machacek)

'We Stay Together' (bonus track)

'The Human Condition' (featuring Tony Kaye)

'Steffi's Ring' (featuring Geoff Downes)

'The Devil And The Opera House' (featuring Eddie Jobson)

'New Star Rising' (featuring Mick Box)

'Don't Misunderstand Me' (featuring Tony Kaye)

'Mighty Rivers' (featuring Anneke Van Giersbergen)

'Mighty Rivers'