Asia is a rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a supergroup and included former members of veteran progressive rock bands Yes, King Crimson, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Uriah Heep, U.K., Roxy Music, Wishbone Ash and The Buggles. As of 2008, there are two distinct groups using the Asia name: a reunion of the band's original line-up performing as Asia, and Asia Featuring John Payne featuring three members from later incarnations of Asia. For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the genre. ... For the Swedish political music movement, see progg. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Album-oriented rock. ... In the music industry, a record label can be a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. ... Geffen Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as one third of UMGs Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Voiceprint Records is a record label based in England, founded by Rob Ayling. ... Snapper Music is an independent record label founded in 1996. ... InsideOut Music and its American counterpart, InsideOut Music America are record labels specialising in the progressive rock and progressive metal genres. ... Frontiers Records is an Italian record label that produces melodic hard rock. ... EMI America Records was started in 1978 by EMI as a second US label next to Capitol Records. ... Japanese King Record King Records ) is a Japanese record company, founded in 1931 as a division of the Japanese music publishing house Kodansha. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the musical group. ... ELP can also stand for Extra Long Play, a format for the VCR tape. ... Uriah Heep are an English rock band, formed in December 1969 when record producer Gerry Bron invited keyboardist Ken Hensley (previously a member of The Gods and Toe Fat) to join Spice, a band signed to his own Bronze Records label. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Buggles (the official version of the band name, used on their albums, singles, and publicity material, omits the prefix The) were a New Wave band formed in 1977 consisting of Trevor Horn, born 1949 in Durham (bass guitar, guitar, percussion, and vocals), Geoff Downes, born 1952 in Stockport, Cheshire (percussion... Geoff Downes Geoffrey Downes (born August 25, 1952 in Stockport, Cheshire, England) is a rock keyboard player. ... John Kenneth Wetton (born 12 June 1949, Willington, Derby, Derbyshire, England) is an English singer, bassist and guitarist. ... Stephen James Steve Howe (born April 8, 1947 in Holloway, North London, England) is a guitarist best known for his work with the progressive rock group Yes. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the genre. ... For the Swedish political music movement, see progg. ... In the music industry, a record label can be a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. ... GPS is a progressive rock group formed in 2006 by John Payne (vocals, bass), Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (drums). ... John Payne is currently the lead singer of Asia_(band). ... Jay Schellen (born 20 May 1960, Albuquerque, New Mexico) is a drummer who has worked with a number of heavy rock and progressive rock bands, including with several members of Yes. ... Guthrie Govan Guthrie Govan (born December 27, 1971 in Chelmsford, Essex, England) is a guitarist known for his work with the bands Asia (2001-2006), GPS, The Young Punx and The Fellowship as well as Erotic Cakes (a vehicle for his own music). ... Erik Norlander is an American musical producer, singer and keyboard player. ... This article is about the genre. ... See also: Musical groups established in 1981 Record labels established in 1981 list of years in music // January 10 - Revival of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta The Pirates of Penzance opens at Broadways Uris Theatre, starring Linda Ronstadt and Rex Smith February 14 - Billy Idol leaves the band Generation... “Supergroup” redirects here. ... For the Swedish political music movement, see progg. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the musical group. ... Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) were an English progressive rock group. ... Uriah Heep are an English rock band, formed in December 1969 when record producer Gerry Bron invited keyboardist Ken Hensley (previously a member of The Gods and Toe Fat) to join Spice, a band signed to his own Bronze Records label. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Roxy Music are an English art rock group founded in the early 1970s by art school graduate Bryan Ferry (vocals and keyboards). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Buggles (the official version of the band name, used on their albums, singles, and publicity material, omits the prefix The) were a New Wave band formed in 1977 consisting of Trevor Horn, born 1949 in Durham (bass guitar, guitar, percussion, and vocals), Geoff Downes, born 1952 in Stockport, Cheshire (percussion...

History

Formation

Asia began with the apparent demise of Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, two of the flagship bands of British progressive rock. After the break-up of King Crimson in 1974, various plans for a super group involving bassist John Wetton had been mooted, including the abortive British Bulldog project with Bill Bruford and Rick Wakeman in 1976. In 1977, Bruford and Wetton were reunited in UK, along with guitarist Allan Holdsworth and keyboardist/violinist Eddie Jobson. Their eponymous debut was released in 1978. By 1980, after UK's demise, a new super group project was suggested involving Wetton, Wakeman, drummer Carl Palmer and (then little known) guitarist Trevor Rabin, but Wakeman walked out of the project shortly before they were due to sign to Geffen and before they had ever played together. Rabin, in a filmed interview from 1984 and included in the recently released and updated DVD 9012Live, said that his involvement with this project never went anywhere because "there was no chemistry" among the participants. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) were an English progressive rock group. ... For the Swedish political music movement, see progg. ... This article is about the musical group. ... John Kenneth Wetton (born 12 June 1949, Willington, Derby, Derbyshire, England) is an English singer, bassist and guitarist. ... William Scott Bruford (born May 17, 1949 in Sevenoaks, Kent, England), better known as Bill Bruford, is an influential British drummer who is recognised for his forceful, highly precise, polyrhythmic style. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Allan Holdsworth (born August 6, 1946 in Bradford, West Yorkshire) is a British jazz guitarist and composer. ... Eddie Jobson is a British keyboardist noted for his use of synthesizers. ... An eponym is a person (real or fictitious) whose name has become identified with a particular object or activity. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Trevor Rabin onstage with Yes, 1995 Trevor Rabin (born Trevor Charles Rabin on January 13, 1954) is a South African guitarist and film composer, best known for being the guitarist and songwriter for the progressive rock band Yes from 1983 - 1995, and since then, as a film composer. ... DVD (also known as Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc - see Etymology) is a popular optical disc storage media format. ... 9012Live: The Solos is the third live album by Yes, albeit one with a difference. ...

In early 1981, Wetton and Yes guitarist Steve Howe were brought together by A&R man John Kalodner and Geffen Records to start working and writing. They were eventually joined by Carl Palmer , and finally by Howe's recent Yes cohort, keyboardist Geoff Downes. The band's early offerings, under the auspices of Geffen record label head David Geffen and Kalodner, were considered disappointing by music critics^[1] and fans of traditional progressive rock, who found the music closer to radio-friendly AOR pop-rock. However, Asia clicked with fans of arena acts such as Journey, Boston, and Styx. Rolling Stone gave Asia an indifferent review^[2], while still acknowledging the band's musicianship was a cut above the usual AOR expectations. Stephen James Steve Howe (born April 8, 1947 in Holloway, North London, England) is a guitarist best known for his work with the progressive rock group Yes. ... In the music industry, Artists and Repertoire (A&R) is the division of a record label company that is responsible for scouting and artist development. ... John Kalodner is a legendary A&R man, whose merits include signing Foreigner, AC/DC, Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins to Atlantic Records in the seventies. ... Geffen Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as one third of UMGs Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Geoff Downes Geoffrey Downes (born August 25, 1952 in Stockport, Cheshire, England) is a rock keyboard player. ... David Geffen (born February 21, 1943) is an American record executive, film producer, theatrical producer, philanthropist. ... Album Oriented Rock, abbreviated AOR, was originally an American FM radio format focusing on album tracks by rock music artists rather than singles releases. ... Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco, California. ... Boston is an American rock band from Boston, Massachusetts that achieved its most notable successes during the 1970s and 1980s. ... Styx may refer to: Styx (band), an American rock band popular in the 1970s and 1980s Styx (album), the first album released by the band Styx in 1972 Styx forest, a forest in Tasmania, Australia Styx (Game), a 1983 game by Windmill Software Styx (MUD), a text-based game Styx...

Early years

Asia's eponymous debut album, released in March 1982, enjoyed considerable commercial success, spending nine weeks at number one in the U.S. album chart and selling over 4 million copies in the US alone. The album sold over 10 million worldwide. The singles "Only Time Will Tell" (#17) and "Heat of the Moment" (#4) became huge Top 40 hits, with the latter cracking the Top Five, and remaining a stadium favourite at U.S. sporting events. Top 40 is a radio format based on frequent repetition of songs from a constantly-updated list of the forty best-selling singles. ...

"Sole Survivor" also received heavy air play on rock stations across the US.

In the US the band did extremely well, selling out every date on their debut tour, which began in theaters but quickly expanded into arenas because of high ticket demand. Asia would go on to receive a Grammy nomination as Best New Artist Of The Year. MTV also played Asia videos on heavy rotation....as many as 5 times a day. Billboard named the Asia debut as album of the year. Asia's logo and cover art was handled by famed illustrator Roger Dean of Yes and Uriah Heep fame. This article is about the original U.S. music television channel. ... An illustrator is a graphic artist who specializes in enhancing writing by providing a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text. ... Freyjas Castle, 1987 Roger Dean (born August 31, 1944, in Ashford, Kent) is a contemporary English artist best known for his work on album covers, which he began painting in the late 1960s. ...

Asia became known as pioneers of phase two of the progressive rock era by avoiding long-winded forays, and by including (to at least a greater extent than phase one) enough commercial polish to attract radio airplay outside of album-rock circles. Yes' 90125 and Big Generator, ELPowell's Emerson, Lake & Powell in 1986, and the GTR album would all follow in the Asia debut album's footsteps. 90125 is a rock album by Yes released in 1983 (see 1983 in music). ... Big Generator is the twelfth studio album by progressive rock band Yes. ... Emerson, Lake & Powell, pictured in that order, left to right, on the cover of Live in Concert (2003) Emerson, Lake & Powell, sometimes abbreviated as ELPowell, were an English rock band, an offshoot or variant lineup of Emerson, Lake & Palmer that released one official studio album in 1986. ... Emerson, Lake & Powell, pictured in that order, left to right, on the cover of Live in Concert (2003) Emerson, Lake & Powell, sometimes abbreviated as ELPowell, were an English rock band, an offshoot or variant lineup of Emerson, Lake & Palmer that released one official studio album in 1986. ... GTR was a supergroup founded in 1986 by ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett and Yes and Asia guitarist Steve Howe. ...

However, neither the second nor any following Asia album repeated the chart success of the first. "Don't Cry" was a Top Ten single in the summer of 1983 and the video was played non-stop on MTV, while "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes," a fan favourite for John Wetton's vocal performance, charted inside of Billboard's top 40. The video for "Smile" also scored heavy MTV play. But Rolling Stone panned Alpha as an over-produced commercial album^[3], while others lamented that Howe and Palmer were effectively reduced to session musicians. The tracks "Eye To Eye" and "My Own Time" became huge fan favourites. "Open Your Eyes" and "The Heat Goes On" became concert staples. Alpha received indifferent reviews from various critics, while still attaining platinum status. Alpha reached #6 on the USA Billboard album chart. Alpha is a 1983 album by rock quartet Asia. ... General Name, Symbol, Number platinum, Pt, 78 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 10, 6, d Appearance grayish white Standard atomic weight 195. ...

In October 1983, Wetton was forced out of the group on the heels of the comparatively disappointing sales of Alpha. The band stated that Wetton quit and it remains debatable to this day what really happened. In any event, the next leg of their 1983 US tour (which had begun in the summer but shut down suddenly on September 10th after a performance at Pine Knob in Detroit), scheduled for the fall, was abruptly cancelled, reportedly because of low ticket sales. Ex-King Crimson and ELP front man Greg Lake replaced Wetton for the highly publicised "Asia in Asia" concert at the Nippon Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan on Dec. 6, 1983, which was the first concert broadcast over satellite to MTV in the US and later made into a home video. The songs had to be played in a different key to suit Lake's voice and he read most of the lyrics from a teleprompter. The Japanese dates were successful financially but not musically. Lake left in early 1984 and Asia reunited with Wetton that same year to start work on their next album. But Steve Howe soon left to be replaced by Krokus guitarist Mandy Meyer. Howe then enjoyed brief success with GTR, another supergroup, formed with Steve Hackett of Genesis and produced by Downes. Pine Knob is a downhill ski area in Clarkston, Michigan. ... Motto: Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus (We Hope For Better Things; It Shall Rise From the Ashes - this motto was adopted after the disastrous 1805 fire that devastated the city) Nickname: The Motor City and Motown Location in Wayne County, Michigan Founded Incorporated July 24, 1701 1815  County Wayne County Mayor... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... For the computer game Budokan, see Budokan: The Martial Spirit For the style of Karate, see Budokan Karate-do The Nippon Budokan ), often shortened to just Budokan, is an arena in central Tokyo. ... Tokyo (東京; Tōkyō, lit. ... The home video business rents and sells videocassettes and DVDs to the public. ... Krokus is a hard rock/heavy metal band from Switzerland. ... Armand Mandy Meyer is a Swiss guitar player for Asia, Cobra, Stealin Horses, Gotthard, Katmandu, and Krokus. ... GTR was a supergroup founded in 1986 by ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett and Yes and Asia guitarist Steve Howe. ... Steve Hackett (born Stephen Richard Hackett on February 12, 1950, in Pimlico, England) is a writer and guitarist. ... Genesis are an English rock band formed in 1967. ... Geoff Downes Geoffrey Downes (born August 25, 1952 in Stockport, Cheshire, England) is a rock keyboard player. ...

Astra to the USSR

The third Asia album, Astra, released in November 1985, was not as commercially successful as the first two. Geffen cancelled the projected tour because of lack of interest. Howe's replacement, Mandy Meyer of Krokus, provided more of a hard-rock guitar approach. The band enjoyed a modest charting single, "Go," (#46) with Meyer's guitar heroics centre stage. The music video was another hit with MTV. In 1986 this Asia line-up folded, bringing the group to an end for the time being. Wetton resurfaced with a 1987 album with guitarist Phil Manzanera, Wetton-Manzanera, based on material that had been originally intended for Asia. Asia were also credited with a contribution to the Sylvester Stallone film soundtrack to Over the Top, although Wetton was the only original band member involved. Wetton and Downes' attempt to restart the group in 1987 with guitarist Scott Gorham (formerly of Thin Lizzy) and drummer Michael Sturgis (ex-A-ha) fizzled when they were unable to land a recording deal. Wetton and Palmer were more successful in reuniting the band for a few tours of Europe in 1989. Downes (who was working on a project with Greg Lake) was not available at this time, so keys were played by John Young. Guitars on this tour were handled by Alan Darby (who was replaced shortly after by German guitarist Holger Larish) and Zoe Nicholas and Susie Webb were brought aboard to provide back up vocals. Unlike Wetton's later anger at Asia continuing without him in the 1990s, this lineup was viewed favourably by other Asia band members. Krokus is a hard rock/heavy metal band from Switzerland. ... Phil Manzanera (born Philip Geoffrey Targett-Adams, 31 January 1951, in London, England), is an English guitarist. ... Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone[1] (born July 6, 1946) is an American actor, director, producer and screenwriter. ... For articles with similar titles, see Over the top (disambiguation). ... Scott Gorham was the co-lead guitarist in the rock band Thin Lizzy from Eric Bells departure and Gary Moores temporary stint in 1974 until its breakup in 1983. ... Thin Lizzy are a hard rock band who formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1969. ... a-ha is a Grammy Award-nominated band from Norway. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Asia returned to the studio in 1990 with Toto guitarist Steve Lukather and other musicians (see discography below) and released Then & Now, a best-of with 4 new tracks. Pat Thrall joined Downes, Palmer, and Wetton, on tour and they performed classic material, including King Crimson and UK songs. The band toured the former Soviet Union in November 1990 to play in front of 20,000 fans, two sold out nights. "Days Like These" charted at #64 in 1990 and climbed all the way to #2 on the Album Rock Tracks chart. A video was planned but was scrapped because various problems hampered the single's chance at the Top 40. Asia received the RIAA gold album award for Then and Now many years later, but the initial response was poor as the album failed to dent the Top 100. The decision not to tour the US for this album did not help any. A DVD and CD can be bought of the Asia concert in the USSR. John Wetton left in 1991 after a South American tour, disgusted by Asia's lack of success in the States. He went on to focus on recording solo albums, none of which would yield any hits. Steve Luke Lukather (born Steven Lee Lukather on October 21, 1957 in San Fernando Valley, California, USA) is an American Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, arranger, producer and guitar player, best known for his work with the rock band Toto. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... This article is about the musical group. ...

The Payne era

In 1991, vocalist/bassist John Payne joined the band, and together with Geoff Downes, enlisted new musicians and led Asia through to 2005. The first album with this line-up, Aqua (1992), also featuring Steve Howe and Carl Palmer and new guitarist Al Pitrelli (ex-Alice Cooper), was released on Great Pyramid/JRS Records in the US. Howe returned during the sessions having just left Yes again, but Palmer would leave soon, committing to an ELP reunion, and was able to play on just three songs. Session men then completed the drumming. Downes' environmentalist single "Who Will Stop The Rain?" (originally written for Max Bacon and the aborted Rain project, later appearing on Bacon's album From the Banks of the River Irwell) attracted some radio attention. The Aqua club tour featured Howe (whose presence was heavily promoted), who took the stage after the fifth song. The tour was successful enough to warrant the band's continuation. The 1992-93 tour featured Downes, Howe, Payne, guitarist Vinny Burns and drummer Trevor Thornton. Before a European festival tour in late 1993, Howe and Burns left replaced by guitarist Keith More. Payne acquitted himself on the tour, but many fans refused to support an Asia lineup without Wetton. John Payne is currently the lead singer of Asia_(band). ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Alice Cooper (born Vincent Furnier February 4, 1948) is an American rock singer, songwriter and musician whose career spans five decades. ... Max Bacon (born Maxwell Chilicothe Bacon) was the lead singer for 1980s pomp rock supergroup GTR, as well as the frontman for lesser known bands like Moby Dick, Nightwing, and Bronz. ... Vinny Burns (born April 4th, 1965 in Oldham, Lancashire) is an English hard rock guitarist best known for his work in the bands Dare and Ten . ... Trevor Thornton is a British drummer best known for his work in the rock group Asia. ...

The group released Aria in 1994 and Arena in 1996. Aria featured former Danger Danger and then future Megadeth lead guitarist Al Pitrelli once again who would leave Asia during the short Aria tour. This illustrates how the keyboard-driven band often faced trouble keeping a regular guitarist. Aria did not fair well commercially and the ensuing tour was limited to four concerts. Ex-Simply Red guitarist Aziz Ibrahim took over during the tour. Aria also introduced new drummer Michael Sturgis, who had been involved during the band's aborted 1987 reunion and had appeared on some of the sessions for Aqua. In 1992, Geoffrey Downes, Carl Palmer and Steve Howe reformed Asia, with John Payne as the new singer and Al Pitrelli as the second guitarist. ... As Asia continued on, with members coming and going, the tone of the group changed. ... Danger Danger is a glam metal/rock band formed in 1987 in Queens, New York. ... Megadeth is an American thrash metal band led by founder, frontman, guitarist, and songwriter Dave Mustaine. ... Al Pitrelli (born September 29, 1962 in New York, NY) is a guitarist, best known for his work with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Megadeth, Savatage, Blue Öyster Cult and O2L. // Al Pitrelli attended Berklee School of Music in Boston in the early 80s where he studied with other notable... Simply Red is an English pop band. ... Guitarist Aziz Ibrahim was born in Longsight, Manchester to Pakistani parents. ...

Over New Year's Eve in 1996 a broken pipe inundated the control room in Downes and Payne's recording studio, Electric Palace, in London. Amid the lost equipment, a vault containing unreleased material was found intact. The band decided to release the double-disc Archiva, a collection of unreleased tracks recorded during the first three Downes/Payne albums. Next, Arena featured Downes, Payne, Sturgis, Ibrahim and guest guitarist Elliot Randall (ex-Steely Dan, Randy Crawford). The album featured Asia's longest track ever in "The Day Before The War". The album was released on Resurgence Records but there was no tour because of lack of interest. 2001's Aura featured three different session guitarists, including Ian Crichton (of Canadian progressive rock band Saga) who'd briefly joined Asia in 1998-1999. An all acoustic album, Live at the Town & Country Club, was recorded by the group in September 1997 (and released in 1999) that featured a lineup of Downes, Payne, Ibrahim and Bob Richards on drums. Steely Dan is a Grammy-Award winning American jazz rock band centered on core members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. ... Randy Crawford (born Veronica Crawford, February 18, 1952, in Macon, Georgia), is a jazz and R&B singer. ... for other uses of Aura see Aura (disambiguation) Aura is an album by the progressive rock band Asia, first released in 2000. ... Saga is a progressive rock quintet, formed in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. ...

In 1999 there was talk of a reunion of the original lineup (minus Howe). The original proposition included Dave Kilminster on guitar, who had previously toured and recorded with John Wetton. While Howe was interested in participating, he was unable because of his busy schedule with Yes. This reunion did not take place and John Payne continued to carry on Asia with Downes uninterrupted. Wetton and Palmer did, however, get together to form Qango, which included Dave Kilminster and John Young, although the band was short-lived. Dave Kilminster went on to work with Keith Emerson and Roger Waters. In 2000, Geffen/Universal released a best-of entitled "The Very Best Of Asia: Heat Of The Moment (1982-1990)" which also included three rare b-sides from the early days. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Qango was a short-lived progressive rock band, a spin-off from Asia. ... Keith Noel Emerson (born 2 November 1944 in Todmorden, Yorkshire) is a British keyboard player and composer. ... George Roger Waters (born 6 September 1943) is an English rock musician; singer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter, and composer. ...

Aura (2001) took a more progressive rock form, but still did not recapture the commercial success of the first album. Former members Howe, Thrall, Sturgis and guitarist Elliot Randall all made guest appearances. The single "Ready To Go Home" was barely distributed. Asia then signed with Recognition. 2001 did see the band with a stable lineup, achieved during the Aura sessions featuring Downes, Payne, guitarist Guthrie Govan and ex-Manfred Mann's Earth Band/The Firm/Uriah Heep/Gary Numan/AC/DC drummer Chris Slade (who had first joined Asia in 1999, briefly). Asia would tour for the first time since 1994, including the first US dates since 1993. A live album and DVD "Asia: Live In The USA" was released in 2003, recorded at the Classic Rock Festival in Trenton, NJ in October 2002 which they co-headlined with Uriah Heep. For the Swedish political music movement, see progg. ... Guthrie Govan Guthrie Govan (born December 27, 1971 in Chelmsford, Essex, England) is a guitarist known for his work with the bands Asia (2001-2006), GPS, The Young Punx and The Fellowship as well as Erotic Cakes (a vehicle for his own music). ... Manfred Manns Earth Band are a rock group formed by Manfred Mann, in 1971, following the demise of Manns former group Manfred Mann. ... For the hip hop group, see Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Nature Present The Firm: The Album. ... Uriah Heep can refer to: Uriah Heep (David Copperfield), a character in the Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield Uriah Heep (band), a British rock band active since 1969 This is a disambiguation page: a list of articles associated with the same title. ... For the video game programmer Garry Newman, see Garrys Mod. ... This article is about the band. ... To see the American football player see Chris Slade (football player) Chris Slade (born Christopher Rees, 30 October 1946) is a British rock drummer who has enjoyed a long and varied career. ...

In the summer of 2003, Downes and Payne did the "Asia Across America Tour" which got some national media attention. Performing "unplugged", the duo would reportedly play anywhere in the US that fans requested, provided there was a venue and the fans put up $3,000 to cover costs. From New Jersey to Alaska gigs took place and the fans were treated to "meet and greet" sessions after each show as well and given a rare chance to see Downes in an intimate setting.

Marking a departure from convention, for the first time, a studio release was not titled as a single word starting and ending with the letter A. Released on Asia's newly signed label SPV/Inside Out Records, 2004's Silent Nation (name influenced by the Howard Stern vs. FCC incident) picked up some unexpected exposure on the Internet. zxcxcccvcz ... This article is a biography of Howard Stern as an individual; for information regarding his radio show see The Howard Stern Show. ... The abbreviation FCC can refer to: Face-centered cubic (usually fcc), a crystallographic structure Federal Communications Commission, a US government organization Farm Credit Corporation/Farm Credit Canada, a Canadian government organization Families with Children from China, an adoption support organization Florida Christian College, a college in central Florida Fresno City...

In 2004 an acoustic Asia toured featuring only Downes and Payne. In 2005 the full band toured in Europe and the Americas playing settings ranging from small clubs to medium-sized theatres. Again, in the US, attendance was poor at best. Meanwhile, Wetton and Downes released some archival Asia material under the name Wetton/Downes and they then reunited to record a full-length album (Icon, released in 2005), and an accompanying EP and DVD. Icon is a studio album recorded by British band Paradise Lost. ...

In August 2005, Chris Slade left the group to be replaced by Jay Schellen. The new band started work on an album, tentatively entitled Architect of Time, which was originally planned for release in 2006, though later developments would cause this project to be shelved for the time being. Jay Schellen (born 20 May 1960, Albuquerque, New Mexico) is a drummer who has worked with a number of heavy rock and progressive rock bands, including with several members of Yes. ...

Two bands

In early 2006, the partnership between Downes and Payne was dissolved when Downes left for a reunion of the original band line-up under the Asia name - a breakup which Payne describes as "painful" ^[4]. The existing line-up (minus Downes) continued for a short while before morphing into GPS. Payne, Govan and Schellen subsequently launched the Asia Featuring John Payne name in 2007 with a new line-up. The official websites of each band reflect a split between the shared history of Payne's tenure with the band, as the reunited Asia acknowledge only pre- and post-Payne albums, whereas "Asia Featuring John Payne" claim Payne-era albums Aqua through Silent Nation as part of their own discography. Although Asia's live set lists reflect this, Asia Featuring John Payne has stated that they will perform songs from the entire history of Asia. ^[5] GPS is a progressive rock group formed in 2006 by John Payne (vocals, bass), Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (drums). ...

The Four Original Members of Asia

Geoff Downes and the other three original members (Wetton, Palmer, and Howe) convened a group meeting in England in early 2006 in anticipation of formally reforming for work that year. And after a slew of rumours, they announced that this original line-up of Asia were planning a CD, DVD and world tour to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary. The band appeared in October 2006 on U.S. cable channel VH-1 Classic and began a world tour largely focused on the U.S. The band secured ownership of the Asia name and toured under the description of the Four Original Members of Asia. The setlist featured most of the first album as well as a couple of songs from the second, along with one selection each from Yes, ELP, King Crimson and the Buggles to acknowledge the history of each member of the band.

The tour began on Aug. 31st, 2006 in Atlantic City, NJ. "The Definitive Collection" was released by Geffen/Universal to tie into the tour in September and peaked at #183 on the US album charts--—the first time Asia had made the charts since 1990. A limited edition release available only at Best Buy stores also included a DVD of all the band's music videos.

The reunion tour continued into 2007 with venue size based on the success of the 2006 shows where the band was mainly playing in clubs and theatres, many of which sold out, including all 7 dates in Japan. Also in 2007, the band released Fantasia: Live In Tokyo on CD and DVD through Eagle Records, commemorating the 25th Anniversary and documenting the success of the 2006-2007 tour.

In mid-2007, all four original members (Wetton, Downes, Howe and Palmer) went into the studio to record a new album, marking the first recorded material from all four original members since 1983's Alpha.^[6] The band continued to tour until major heart surgery for Wetton in the second half of the year saw remaining tour dates rescheduled for 2008. The new studio album, entitled Phoenix, was released on Frontiers Records on 14 April 2008 (via EMI/Capitol on April 15 in North America^[7]), along with a world tour to promote it. The 12-track album includes "An Extraordinary Life", based on Wetton's experience of ill health; rockers such as "Never Again" and "Nothing's Forever"; and power ballads such as "Heroine" and "I Will Remember You". The world tour features a couple of the new songs. The album cover features Roger Dean's illustration and design.^[6] Frontiers Records is an Italian record label that produces melodic hard rock. ... Capitol Records is a major United States-based record label owned by EMI and located in Hollywood, California. ... An album cover is a cover used to package commercial audio recordings such as the printed cardboard covers that were typically used to package 12 gramophone records from the 1960s through to the 1980s when the 12 record was the major format for distribution of popular music. ... Freyjas Castle, 1987 Roger Dean (born August 31, 1944, in Ashford, Kent) is a contemporary English artist best known for his work on album covers, which he began painting in the late 1960s. ... Look up illustration in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Graphics are often utilitarian and anonymous,[1] as these pictographs from the US National Park Service illustrate. ...

Asia Featuring John Payne

Payne, Govan and Schellen continued working together after Downes' departure for the aforementioned reunion. This included continuing work on what had been planned as the next Asia album, Architect of Time. They began to work under the name GPS with Ryo Okumoto of Spock's Beard on keys. Their debut release, Window to the Soul (2006), included material developed for Architect of Time.^[8] GPS is a progressive rock group formed in 2006 by John Payne (vocals, bass), Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (drums). ... Ryo Okumoto (born in Osaka, Japan) is a keyboardist, best known for his work with progressive rock group Spocks Beard. ... Spocks Beard is a progressive rock band formed in 1992 in Los Angeles by brothers Neal and Alan Morse. ...

In May 2007, Payne, Govan and Schellen announced the new band name, "Asia Featuring John Payne", adding Erik Norlander on keys. The first release under this name at the end of 2007 was a live recording of the late 2005 Asia line-up of Downes, Payne, Govan and Schellen, entitled Extended Versions in the US and Scandinavia in the UK. Erik Norlander is an American musical producer, singer and keyboard player. ...

The band is planning to release a completed Architect of Time and tour in 2008 under the Asia Featuring John Payne name ^[9], with all songs written by Payne and Norlander. The band is currently playing festivals and small venues, performing songs from the entire history of Asia, including "Heat of the Moment". ^[10] Meanwhile, Payne, Govan, and Schellen are also continuing work as GPS.

Personnel

Many musicians participated through the years, especially during the 1990s, when the band consisted essentially of Geoff Downes and John Payne plus an ever-changing set of guests.

Current Members of "Asia" are:

• Geoff Downes - keyboards, backing vocals (former member of Yes and The Buggles) - founding member
• John Wetton - lead vocals, bass, guitar (former member of King Crimson, UK, Uriah Heep , Roxy Music and Family) - founding member
• Steve Howe - guitar, mandolin, backing vocals (also a member of Yes and GTR) - founding member
• Carl Palmer - drums, percussion (former member of Emerson, Lake and Palmer) - founding member

Current members of "Asia Featuring John Payne" are: Geoff Downes Geoffrey Downes (born August 25, 1952 in Stockport, Cheshire, England) is a rock keyboard player. ... Piano, a well-known instance of keyboard instruments A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument played using a musical keyboard. ... A backup vocalist or background singer (or, especially in the U.S., backup singer or sometimes background singer) is a singer who sings in harmony with the lead vocalist, other backing vocalists, or alone but not singing the lead. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Buggles (the official version of the band name, used on their albums, singles, and publicity material, omits the prefix The) were a New Wave band formed in 1977 consisting of Trevor Horn, born 1949 in Durham (bass guitar, guitar, percussion, and vocals), Geoff Downes, born 1952 in Stockport, Cheshire (percussion... John Kenneth Wetton (born 12 June 1949, Willington, Derby, Derbyshire, England) is an English singer, bassist and guitarist. ... Harry Belafonte singing, photograph by C. van Vechten Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, which is often contrasted with speech. ... A sunburst-colored Fender Precision Bass The electric bass guitar (or electric bass[1][2]; pronounced , as in base) is a bass stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers (either by plucking, slapping, popping, or tapping) or using a pick. ... For other uses, see Guitar (disambiguation). ... This article is about the musical group. ... Uriah Heep are an English rock band, formed in December 1969 when record producer Gerry Bron invited keyboardist Ken Hensley (previously a member of The Gods and Toe Fat) to join Spice, a band signed to his own Bronze Records label. ... Roxy Music are an English art rock group founded in the early 1970s by art school graduate Bryan Ferry (vocals and keyboards). ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Stephen James Steve Howe (born April 8, 1947 in Holloway, North London, England) is a guitarist best known for his work with the progressive rock group Yes. ... This article is about the musical instrument. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... GTR, a TLA, can refer to: Gran Turismo Racer, Gran Tourer Racing or similar, used on sports cars such as Ultima GTR and Nissan Skyline GT-R. GTR - FIA GT Racing Game - FIA GT Racing Game, which is developed by Simbin. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... A drum kit (or drum set or trap set) is a collection of drums, cymbals and sometimes other percussion instruments, such as a cowbell, wood block, chimes or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single drummer. ... Percussion redirects here. ... ELP can also stand for Extra Long Play, a format for the VCR tape. ...

• John Payne - lead vocals, bass, guitar (also in GPS)
• Guthrie Govan - guitar (also in GPS)
• Jay Schellen - drums and percussion (also in GPS)
• Erik Norlander - keyboards

Previous members of "Asia" are: John Payne is currently the lead singer of Asia_(band). ... GPS is a progressive rock group formed in 2006 by John Payne (vocals, bass), Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (drums). ... Guthrie Govan Guthrie Govan (born December 27, 1971 in Chelmsford, Essex, England) is a guitarist known for his work with the bands Asia (2001-2006), GPS, The Young Punx and The Fellowship as well as Erotic Cakes (a vehicle for his own music). ... GPS is a progressive rock group formed in 2006 by John Payne (vocals, bass), Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (drums). ... Jay Schellen (born 20 May 1960, Albuquerque, New Mexico) is a drummer who has worked with a number of heavy rock and progressive rock bands, including with several members of Yes. ... GPS is a progressive rock group formed in 2006 by John Payne (vocals, bass), Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (drums). ... Erik Norlander is an American musical producer, singer and keyboard player. ...

• John Payne - lead vocals, bass, guitar (now in GPS and "Asia Featuring John Payne")
• Guthrie Govan - guitar , backing vocals (now in GPS and "Asia Featuring John Payne")
• Jay Schellen - drums, percussion (former member of Hurricane, World Trade and Conspiracy, now in GPS and "Asia Featuring John Payne")
• Greg Lake - lead vocals, bass (former member of King Crimson and Emerson, Lake and Palmer). Heard on Asia in Asia and "Heat of the Moment" (live) is on Lake's From the Underground... the Official Bootleg album (1998).
• Mandy Meyer - guitar, backing vocals
• Pat Thrall - guitar, backing vocals
• Al Pitrelli - guitar (former member of Savatage and Megadeth and current member of Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
• Mike Sturgis - drums, percussion (former member of 21 Guns, later a member of Wishbone Ash, The Untouchables and Psycho Motel)
• John Young - keyboards, backing vocals
• Alan Darby - guitar
• Zoe Nicholas - backing vocals
• Susie Webb - backing vocals
• Vinny Burns - guitar, backing vocals
• Trevor Thornton - drums
• Keith More - guitar, backing vocals
• Aziz Ibrahim - guitar, backing vocals
• Holger Larish - guitar
• Bob Richards - drums
• Ian Crichton - guitar
• Chris Slade - drums, percussion (former member of AC/DC, Uriah Heep, and The Firm)

Certain musicians have joined and left after a short time without recording any studio material with the group. The most notable collaboration of this kind was the participation of Greg Lake in the "Asia in Asia" concert in bass guitar and lead vocals. Yet more musicians have played as session or guest artists without formally joining Asia. Some of these names include: Simon Phillips , Steve Lukather , Elliot Randall , Luis Jardim , Ant Glynne , Tomoyasu Hotei , Ron Komie , Scott Gorham , Tony Levin and Vinnie Colaiuta. John Payne is currently the lead singer of Asia_(band). ... GPS is a progressive rock group formed in 2006 by John Payne (vocals, bass), Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (drums). ... Guthrie Govan Guthrie Govan (born December 27, 1971 in Chelmsford, Essex, England) is a guitarist known for his work with the bands Asia (2001-2006), GPS, The Young Punx and The Fellowship as well as Erotic Cakes (a vehicle for his own music). ... GPS is a progressive rock group formed in 2006 by John Payne (vocals, bass), Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (drums). ... Jay Schellen (born 20 May 1960, Albuquerque, New Mexico) is a drummer who has worked with a number of heavy rock and progressive rock bands, including with several members of Yes. ... This article is about weather phenomena. ... Conspiracy is a progressive rock band founded by Billy Sherwood (formerly of Yes) and Chris Squire (bassist in Yes). ... GPS is a progressive rock group formed in 2006 by John Payne (vocals, bass), Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (drums). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article is about the musical group. ... ELP can also stand for Extra Long Play, a format for the VCR tape. ... Armand Mandy Meyer is a Swiss guitar player for Asia, Cobra, Stealin Horses, Gotthard, Katmandu, and Krokus. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Al Pitrelli (born September 29, 1962 in New York, NY) is a guitarist, best known for his work with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Megadeth, Savatage, Blue Öyster Cult and O2L. // Al Pitrelli attended Berklee School of Music in Boston in the early 80s where he studied with other notable... Savatage is a progressive heavy metal band founded by the brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979. ... Megadeth is an American thrash metal band led by founder, frontman, guitarist, and songwriter Dave Mustaine. ... Trans-Siberian Orchestra (often abbreviated as TSO) is a rock orchestra founded by Paul ONeill, Robert Kinkel, and Jon Oliva in 1996. ... Mike Sturgis was the drummer for the band 21 Guns and later Psycho Motel, where he played on both State of Mind and Welcome to the World albums. ... 21 Guns is the band Scott Gorham set up after Thin Lizzy broke up. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Untouchables was a British progressive rock band, formed by Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith. ... Psycho Motel was a British progressive rock band, formed by Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith. ... John Young might refer to the following people: John Young, Royal Advisor to Kamehameha I, Kingdom of Hawaii John Young, 1st Baron Lisgar, Governor of New South Wales (1861-1867) and Governor General of Canada (1869-1872) John Andrew Young, Congressman from Texas John Young, 19th century United States Governor... Vinny Burns (born April 4th, 1965 in Oldham, Lancashire) is an English hard rock guitarist best known for his work in the bands Dare and Ten . ... Trevor Thornton is a British drummer best known for his work in the rock group Asia. ... Guitarist Aziz Ibrahim was born in Longsight, Manchester to Pakistani parents. ... The Vaulting Vicar as he was known in his competitive days, the Rev. ... To see the American football player see Chris Slade (football player) Chris Slade (born Christopher Rees, 30 October 1946) is a British rock drummer who has enjoyed a long and varied career. ... This article is about the band. ... Uriah Heep are an English rock band, formed in December 1969 when record producer Gerry Bron invited keyboardist Ken Hensley (previously a member of The Gods and Toe Fat) to join Spice, a band signed to his own Bronze Records label. ... For the hip hop group, see Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Nature Present The Firm: The Album. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... For other persons named Simon Phillips, see Simon Phillips (disambiguation). ... Steve Luke Lukather (born Steven Lee Lukather on October 21, 1957 in San Fernando Valley, California, USA) is an American Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, arranger, producer and guitar player, best known for his work with the rock band Toto. ... Luis Jardim (sometimes credited as Louis Jardim) is a Portuguese percussionist, born in the Madeira Island, best known for his work with producer Trevor Horn. ... Tomoyasu Hotei (布袋寅泰 Hotei Tomoyasu, born on February 1, 1962 in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture) is a Japanese musician, guitarist and actor. ... Scott Gorham was the co-lead guitarist in the rock band Thin Lizzy from Eric Bells departure and Gary Moores temporary stint in 1974 until its breakup in 1983. ... Tony Levin (born June 6, 1946, Boston, Massachusetts) is an influential American bass player. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Discography

Main article: Asia discography

Cultural references

• Although Asia has not recaptured the success from the early Eighties in its later years, the band's legacy endures, and occasionally Asia references are found in the media. Some of these references are not altogether flattering. The Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode "Overdrawn at the Memory Bank" features Professor Bobo (played by Kevin W. Murphy) singing part of verse two from "Heat of the Moment". In an episode of the animated TV series South Park, Eric Cartman and the United States Congress sing "Heat Of The Moment" a cappella. In the Supernatural episode "Mystery Spot", Sam Winchester is reliving a day over and over again. Every time he wakes up to relive the day, the song playing on the radio that wakes him up is "Heat of the Moment". Dean tells him to admit that he loves the song. He says he'll kill himself if he ever hears it again, and Dean proceeds to dance around and lip sync to it.

• Asia's hits and some deep tracks from the debut can be heard today on various classic rock stations around the world and on Satellite radio like XM's channels 46 and 8. In 2005, DJ Manian's dance remix of "Heat Of The Moment" was released to nightclubs.

• "Heat of the Moment" is also featured in the film The Matador in the scene in which Pierce Brosnan's character must commit an assassination at a horse race. Since horse races are run in "heats," this usage could be considered a musical pun.

• In reference to Korean scientists successfully cloning an Afghan hound, Comedy Central's the Colbert Report held a special Bring 'em Back or Leave 'em Dead: Asian Edition offering the studio audience the chance to decide which deceased Asians should be brought back to life. After clamouring to bring back military strategist Sun Tzu and China's first emperor Qin Shi Huang, the studio audience decided to leave the 80's super group Asia dead.

• THX certified videos play a distinctive audio logo called Deep Note. Apart from the key in which it is played (differing by as much as a whole step), it is identical to the synthesized crescendo played during the intro to Countdown to Zero on the 1985 album Astra.

• A cover of the song "Heat Of The Moment" is playable in the Playstation 2 game Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s.

• In the film The 40 Year-Old Virgin, main character Andy Stitzer is mocked for having a framed Asia poster in his apartment. Also, Heat Of The Moment is played during the scene in which Andy chases Trish's car after she leaves his home.

• In the Mexican Soap Opera Alcanzar una Estrella (1991) starring singers Ricky Martin and Sasha the intros of all four new songs from the album Then and Now were used at the closing of each scene before a commercial break.

Mystery Science Theater 3000 (often abbreviated MST3K, sometimes MST 3000 or MST 3K or just MST) is an American cult television comedy series created by Joel Hodgson and produced by Best Brains, Inc. ... Overdrawn at the Memory Bank was a 1983 television movie. ... This article is about the TV series. ... Eric Theodore Cartman, commonly referred to by his family name, Cartman, is one of the four main characters in the animated series South Park (the others being Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Kenny McCormick). ... Heat of the Moment is the first single released by progressive rock band Asia from their 1982 eponymous debut. ... This article is about the vocal technique. ... This article is about the US TV series. ... Samuel Sam Winchester is a fictional character in The CW Television Networks Supernatural, played by Jared Padalecki. ... Dean Winchester is a fictional character on The CW Television Networks Supernatural, portrayed by Jensen Ackles. ... The Matador is a 2005 black comedy film written and directed by Richard Shepard and starring Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear. ... For other uses, see Pun (disambiguation). ... Comedy Central is an American cable television and satellite television channel in the United States. ... The Colbert Report (—the Ts are silent in Colbert and Report) is an American satirical television program that airs from 11:30 p. ... Sun Tzu (孫子 also commonly written in pinyin: Sūn Zǐ) was the author of The Art of War, an influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy (for the most part not dealing directly with tactics). ... The monarch known now as Qin Shi Huang (Chinese: ; pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Chin Shih-huang) (259 BCE – September 10, 210 BCE),[1] personal name Yíng Zhèng, was king of the Chinese State of Qin from 247 BCE to 221 BCE (officially still under the Zhou Dynasty), and... For other uses, see THX (disambiguation). ... Deep Note in Audacity in Ubuntu Linux Deep Note in Baudline in Linux Deep Note in Baudline in Linux(zoomed to 5kHz) Deep Note is the name of THXs audio logo, a distinctive synthesized crescendo sound. ... The 40 Year-Old Virgin is a 2005 American comedy film, written by Judd Apatow and co-written by Steve Carell, though it featured a great deal of improvised dialogue. ... Heat of the Moment is the first single released by progressive rock band Asia from their 1982 eponymous debut. ... Enrique Martín Morales (born December 24, 1971), better known by his stage name Ricky Martin, is a Grammy Award and Latin Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican pop singer who rose to fame, first as a member of the Latin boy band Menudo, then as a solo artist since 1991. ... Sasha can refer to several things: Sasha (name) Sasha, a character from the Bratz line of fashion dolls Sasha (deejay), a female dancehall deejay Sasha (DJ), (Alexander Coe) a Welsh DJ and record producer Sasha Gabor, a Hungarian porn actor Sasha Sokol, Mexican singer Sascha Schmitz, known as Sasha - German...

See also

• List of bands named after places
• Progressive rock
• Qango (band) - spin-off band
• GPS (band) - spin-off band
• Roger Dean (artist) - graphic artist, responsible for most of the Asia and Yes album covers.
• Rodney Matthews - fantasy artist responsible for some of the album covers during the 1990s.

This is a list of notable bands named after real or fictional places. ... For the Swedish political music movement, see progg. ... Qango was a short-lived progressive rock band, a spin-off from Asia. ... GPS is a progressive rock group formed in 2006 by John Payne (vocals, bass), Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (drums). ... Freyjas Castle, 1987 Roger Dean (born August 31, 1944, in Ashford, Kent) is a contemporary English artist best known for his work on album covers, which he began painting in the late 1960s. ... Rodney Matthews (born July 6th 1945 in Paulton, North Somerset, England) is a fantasy artist and illustrator. ...

References

PDF is an abbreviation with several meanings: Portable Document Format Post-doctoral fellowship Probability density function There also is an electronic design automation company named PDF Solutions. ... PDF is an abbreviation with several meanings: Portable Document Format Post-doctoral fellowship Probability density function There also is an electronic design automation company named PDF Solutions. ...

External links

• Asia Reunion - Official site
• Asia Featuring John Payne - Official site
• Asia Reunion - Official Myspace site
• Asia featuring John Payne - Official MySpace site