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Once in a long while, a musical synergy erupts that leaves a mark for generations. Asia’s initial incarnation pooled together the considerable talents of past members of such legendary groups as Emerson, Lake and Palmer (Carl Palmer), Yes (Steve Howe/Geoff Downes, also a member of The Buggles), King Crimson, Roxy Music, and Uriah Heep (John Wetton). Considering such a musical pedigree, the aforementioned debut album was expected by many to be an orgy of self-indulgence. ’Asia’ was released in 1982 and was full of radio-friendly choruses and refreshingly sparse instrumental performances. Asia soon found itself tapping into the lucrative singles market with ’Heat Of The Moment’ and ’Only Time Will Tell’ with an additional radio play onslaught from ’Sole Survivor’. The record turned out to be a smash hit going on to sell over 10 million copies worldwide!
The band’s second release “Alpha” in 1983, continued chart success, giving another top ten hit with “Don’t Cry” and selling two million copies along the way. Late 1983 also saw Asia in the Asia MTV event, a live concert from Japan, featuring Greg Lake on vocals/bass due to the temporary departure of John Wetton. This special drew a US TV audience of over 20 million viewers.
Steve Howe quit the band in 1985 and was replaced by Swiss guitarist Mandy Meyer (previously with Krokus) for Asia’s third album “Astra.” Due to it’s relatively low chart position and their departure from Geffen Records, the next four years saw Asia members kept busy with outside interests. John Wetton created the Phenomena project. Geoff Downes brought forth his first solo album, “The Light Program,” coupled with production duties for the new Steve Howe/Steve Hackett outfit, GTR, and a collaboration with Greg Lake on the ’Ride the Tiger’ project.
A milestone occurred in 1991 after a chance meeting Geoff Downes had with vocalist John Payne. In Payne, Downes not only finds a new writing partner, but an excellent singer worthy of continuing the Asia success, and with Steve Howe and Carl Palmer returning for the sessions. The band’s fourth studio album, ’Aqua,’ is released in 1992. The ensuing years saw Asia continuing to release classic album after classic album including ’Aria,’ “Archiva 1 & 2,” “Aura,” and several others.
2004 kicked off with John & Geoff in the studio working on the follow up to Aura. Entitled “Silent Nation,” the album is a deliberate return to the rock roots from which Asia was born. With solid rock tracks like “Ghost In The Mirror” and “What About Love,” Silent Nation is poised to bring Asia’s distinctive brand of music back to the masses. Silent Nation also heralds the first album released under Asia’s new record label, Inside Out Music. “Inside Out seems like the perfect home for Asia” an enthusiastic John Payne beams, “I can’t wait to play some of these new songs live”. “Silent Nation” was released August 30th 2004.
John Payne (Vocals/Bass) uses Blue Steel ML, Guthrie Govan (Lead Guitar) uses Blue Steel REG, Geoff Downes (Keyboards) and Chris Slade (Drums) don't get to use Dean Markley strings.
Be sure to visit the Asia website at:
www.AsiaWorld.org.
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