Biography

The music of John Wesley has been called lyrically sensitive and musically dynamic. Wesley's current 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 and energetic guitar style complements with fury 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.

Most recently, John Wesley has performed as sideman, guitarist/vocalist for critically acclaimed Lava/Warner Brothers UK based recording act Porcupine Tree, during the In Absentia and Deadwing world tours. In recent years he as performed lead guitars and background vocals for White Lion frontman Mike Tramp, subbed on lead guitar and bass for Gainesville's Sister Hazel, and as lead guitarist for Scottish neo-prog legend Fish on many lengthy European, American and South American Tours and on several US and European Solo dates.

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. The following year Wesley embarked on a solo career and became the premier opening act for British rockers Marillion on seven consecutive tour legs around the world -- especially North and South America, the UK and Europe -- where he played for hundreds of thousands of fans. In 1998, Wesley embarked with ex-White Lion front-man Mike Tramp on an extensive tour as premier opening act for the prestigious Peter Frampton/Lynryd Skynyrd tour. Following this was several world Tours with Scottish artist Fish. In 2001, John Wesley was the primary co-writer of Fish’s Fellini Days album. He began touring as guitarist and backing vocalist for Porcupine tree in 2002, and has is currently touring in support of the bands recent release, Fear of a Blank Planet.

Wesley's 1994 first album, Under the Red & White Sky, released on Racket Records quickly sold out it's first pressing of 10,000 copies and has been repressed in 1998 quickly selling another 10,000 plus copies. His second release, The Closing of the Pale Blue Eyes, also quickly sold out and has been re-released as a bonus disc on the NEW re-mastered Under the Read and White Sky disc. Wesley's third solo effort, The Emperor Falls, for former Music for Nations label magnate Martin Hooker's new venture, Dream Catcher Records in Europe, quickly sold out it's first printing. In 2002, Wesley released his fourth solo album, Chasing Monsters, in Europe on Dreamcatcher Records to great acclaim in the Euro Indy circles. In 2005, Wes produced and recorded his fifth studio release, Shiver, co-produced by Mark Prator, and mixed by Steven Wilson of Porcupine tree. Wesley has toured the U.S. and Europe extensively to support his independent European releases – performing as opening act for Marillion, Fish, Porcupine Tree, Sister Hazel, and Blackfield.

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A Brief Chronology

1991	Autodrive showcases SMC concert.
1992	Solo artist, John Wesley wows that year's SMC crowd.
1992	Wesley becomes Marillion's premier opening act and performs to packed venues worldwide on seven consecutive legs of Marillion tours from 1993 to 1998.
1992	Tour with Marillion on "Holidays Eden" Tour -- two legs worldwide.
1993	Tour with Marillion on "Brave" Tour worldwide.
1994	Wesley releases his first solo studio album, Under The Red And White Sky on Racket records. The album soon sells out over 10,000 copies and is repressed in 1995 to quickly sell another 10,000.
1995	Wesley releases The Closing Of The Pale Blue Eyes on France's CNR and quickly sells thousands of discs in France, Belgium, Holland and other European countries.
1995	Tours with Marillion on worldwide "Afraid of Sunlight" Tour.
1996	Tours with Marillion on "Made Again" Tour.
1997	Completes worldwide tour with Marillion's "This Strange Engine" Tour, invited on several occasions to play onstage with Marillion.
1998	Joins ex-White Lion frontman Mike tramp as the premier North-American opening act for Peter Frampton/Lynryd Skynyrd Tour.
1998	Signs UK/European record contract with newly formed Dream Catcher Records. Records new album, The Emperor Falls, in the UK. October 1998 - Releases The Emperor Falls and performs a successful two-day fan convention in New York.
1998	Performs several European/UK gigs supporting his new album. The fanbase grows!
1999	Joins ex-marillion frontman FISH's band. Performs at Haddington fan convention, and tours most of Europe and the UK as opening act and lead guitarist for Fish.
1999	Performs a second Annual WESFEST fan convention in New York. Rave reviews follow.
2000	Embarks on a Fish Tour up the Eastern US as lead guitarist. Brings his band as opening act and wins over legions of new fans.
2000	Wes heads out to Scotland to write and record on Fish's next release - Fellini Days, October 2000.
2001	Tours the Fellini Days Album with Fish throughout Europe and South America.
2002	Releases new album Chasing Monsters.
2002	Joins Porcupine tree as touring guitarist.
2003	Completes five legs of US and European touring with Porcupine tree, including an arena tour with Yes and co-headlining a theater tour with Opeth.
2004	Began writing his fifth studio album.
2004	Reunites with Marillion to support their North American Tour through Mexico, US and Canada.
2005	Releases new album, Shiver.
2005	Completes nine months of US and European touring with Porcupine tree to support the Deadwing album, including festivals with Robert Plant and Iron Maiden.
2006	Continues to tour throughout the US, Europe, and Japan with Porcupine Tree to support the Deadwing album. Performs at major Japanese and European festivals with artists such as Roger Waters, Queensryche, and Alice in Chains.
2006	Completes tour to support Porcupine Tree's live DVD, Arriving Somewhere.
2006	Co-produces guitars for Porcupine Tree's new album, Fear of a Blank Planet.
2007	Completes 3 month intensive guitar and vocal performance program at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.
2007	Begins writing his sixth studio album.
2007	Completes four legs of touring to support Porcupine Tree's Fear of a Blank Planet album throughout U.S. Canada, Europe, and Mexico.
2007	Offers entire back catalog of music to fans for free download; Over 15,000 albums downloaded within the first 10 days.

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