John Wesley

John Wesley (born John Wesley Dearth, III aka Wes Dearth June, 1962) 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 and Fear of a Blank Planet 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.