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.

But in late 1981, Steve Howe and Geoff Downs (who'd remained friendly since YES broke up) were introduced by their manager to ex-Emerson, Lake and Palmer drummer Carl Palmer and ex-UK front man John Wetton. On paper it seemed like a match made in Heaven. A rock and roll lover's wet dream come true. The success of each of the musician's respective group's was still fresh in the minds of many fans. Thus, the quartet formed ASIA ("Quite a refreshing change", quipped guitarist Steve Howe, "after spending so many years in the "Y" section of the record bins!").

Their debut album completed, the group embarked on a modest tour supporting the new album, self-titled "ASIA". And the magic began to happen. The debut single "Heat of the Moment" exploded on the charts, and their debut album started climbing the charts. Eventually "ASIA" hit number one on the AOR (album oriented rock) charts and yielded hit after hit including Sole Survivor and Only Time Will Tell.

The group's modest little jaunt in small venues evolved into an extensive world tour that sold out arenas wherever they played.
Certainly life couldn't get much better than this! But already cracks were starting to surface. Creative friction between Wetton and Howe led to Wetton temporarily leaving the group and his role being temporarily filled by Greg Lake of ELP. Here we go again!

ASIA managed to patch things up. Wetton came back and the boys headed off to produce Their second album "Alpha". With 9 million in sales the result of their debut effort, Geffen records obviously wanted similar results. Alpha hit the streets and was certified Gold and had minor hits in "Don't Cry" and "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes."

But it was apparent that ASIA was having problems. By the time their third album "Astra" was produced in 1985, Wetton and Howe were gone, and Downs was left with the thread of a group and had some serious shoes to fill. How he managed to regroup ASIA and keep performing over the years is a testament to his dedication and talent. Along the way there were a few attempts at reforming the original line-up. Downs always got "this close" but it never came to pass.

Fast forward to 2005.

YES - having reformed in 1984, and again with Steve Howe as their axe man since 1996 - - wrapped up their 35th anniversary world tour in early 2005. The band took a much needed break. YES drummer Alan White recruits Geoff Downs to play on his new album, and a tour is organized that will include a guest performance and solo set by Steve Howe and a set by Chris Squire's new band The Syn. The tour fails to materialize. So what happens? Geoff and Howe get back together. Carl Palmer just happens to be free, and John Wetton says "let bygones be bygones!" The result? ASIA is back!

At least long enough to ride the wave of their 25th anniversary.