Harry Whitley

Born in 1995 near Wrexham in North Wales, Harry Whitley is a singer and multi-instrumentalist. Whitley’s love affair with music began at the tender age of 5 when he started piano lessons. His prodigious talent soon became clear, and he went on to pass all grades of classical and jazz piano with flying colors. As his love of music grew, he began to master a variety of other instruments, including guitar, bass, and drums.

His teenage years saw Whitley gig with a variety of semi-professional bands around his local area and further afield in Wales, culminating in him playing keyboards for a Deep Purple tribute band at the age of just 16!

In the wake of the 2020 pandemic, Whitley established his own YouTube channel and began uploading his performances as a way of promoting his music. After receiving a positive response from viewers, he was inspired to explore a variety of different musical genres. To do this, he leaned on the artists who have inspired him since he first stepped up to a keyboard: Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson, Randy Newman, Steve Lukather, Tony Banks, and, of course, John Wetton and Geoff Downes.

Whitley was first introduced to the music of Asia and John Wetton by his former tutor and friend, Timothy Jones. It was love at first listen. Whitley says, “I always enjoyed the dramatic feel of Asia’s music. To an aspiring musician, Geoff Downes was the bee's knees – so much energy, so many ideas, so many keyboards!” He continues, “I soon realized just how great the Asia songs were and of course there was that voice. John Wetton’s voice was like everything I loved about Greg Lake and Phil Collins combined, accompanied by his monstrous, driving bass playing.”

Whitley uploaded a number of Asia covers to his YouTube channel and soon noticed how these videos were performing far better than any others. It didn’t take long for Harry’s performances to come to the attention of Geoff Downes – and at that moment, the die was cast.

In 2023, a charity tribute concert was planned to celebrate the life of John Wetton, Downes invited Whitley to step up and take charge of the Asia lead vocals. Alongside Billy Sherwood (YES) on bass, Jay Schellen (YES) on drums, and John Mitchell (It Bites, Frost*, Cort Artist) on guitar, Whitley took his place on stage next to Geoff Downes.

Downes commented:

“Harry Whitley is an extraordinarily talented musician. He is most definitely up there with the best of the many great artists that I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. A rare jewel in the crown of the music world.”

The wonderful dynamic between the musicians was clear for all to see, each displaying such passion, energy, and fun. The response to their performance has been equally effusive, with fans across the globe remarking on Whitley’s exceptional performance. A new-look Asia for the 21st Century has been born.

Of the event, Whitley commented:

“I am deeply honored and humbled to have had the incredible opportunity to perform alongside prog-rock royalty as we came together to celebrate the life and legacy of the incomparable John Wetton. Being a part of this event has been an extraordinary experience, and I am grateful for the chance to pay tribute to a musical icon while contributing to a meaningful cause. This is a moment that will forever hold a special place in my heart and my musical career.”

For Whitley, the future looks bright, and even at his young age, he would agree with his idol Wetton: this really is an extraordinary life.