ASIA: The Return of Corporate Rock!

The birth and success of Asia in 1982 was sudden, swift and unbelievably successful. Thanks to a slew of mega hits such as "Heat of the Moment", "Only Time Will Tell" and "Sole Survivor," in a span of less than three years; lead singer John Wetton, drummer Carl Palmer, Guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Geoff Downs mined a mother load of Platinum and Gold CD’s, sold out arenas all over the world, made mountains of cash, and then just as quickly went their separate ways. 

It wasn’t completely over. Asia soldiered on in a variety of different line-ups, but the original group splintered and went on to other projects and followed a different muse.

So who would have thought that 25 years later - the original line-up of ASIA would be back together in the studio recording a new CD, and gearing up to embark on their “25th Anniversary Tour!” The old saying “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over” was never more appropriate than it is now.

But before we take a look at ASIA’s present, let’s recap a few highlights in ASIA’s past. The destiny that brought ASIA together contains a family tree that has more roots than the late Alex Haley could have ever come up with, that’s for sure.

Our story starts out with superstar British progressive-rock group YES. In 1979, YES found themselves without lead singer Jon Anderson and keyboard player Rick Wakeman. As fate would have it, the remainder of YES recruited the duo known as the Buggles. 

Lead singer Trevor Horn and keyboardist Geoff Downs (who had just produced the world-spanning, MTV nurturing hit “Video Killed the Radio Star”) were tapped to fill the void. With Horn and Downs in tow, YES produced the aptly named album “Drama”, went on a world tour and then broke up shortly after.