Where are they now?

Where are they now? - Asia
and related projects

This page last updated: 28 Jan 2012

YES and projects with several Yesmen Jon
Anderson Chris
Squire Steve
Howe Alan
White

Geoff
Downes Trevor
Horn Tony
Kaye Peter
Banks Patrick
Moraz

Bill
Bruford Rick
Wakeman Trevor
Rabin Billy
Sherwood Igor Khoroshev
Oliver Wakeman

Benoît David Asia CIRCA: Anderson & Wakeman Others associated with the band

On this page: Reunion - Touring - Asia Featuring John Payne

Asia Official website; MySpace page; Twitter; Facebook; authorised fan club
Asia consist of Geoff Downes (Yes; keys), Steve Howe (Yes; guitar), John Wetton (MySpace page; ex-King Crimson, UK; bass, vocals) and Carl Palmer (ex-Emerson, Lake & Palmer; drums). Management is by Martin Darvill.

The band are marking the 30th anniversary of their debut album this year with a new studio album, to be entitled XXX, a live release, a special re-release of their eponymous debut, touring and (to quote Wetton in Dec 2011 on his website Guestbook) "a fly-on-the-wall rockumentary" (largely filmed in 2011). Work started on their new album on 9 Jan 2012, although this appears to be prior to the recording sessions and initially only involved Wetton, Downes and producer Mike Paxman (ex-Judie Tzuke, worked with Uriah Heep, Status Quo); Wetton said 21 Jan that the album is "not fully written yet". He also said in Jan 2012 that he expects the album to be finished at the end or Mar. Palmer said in a May interview:

we're planning a new [album] to coincide with the 30th anniversary of our first album next year, along with a re-release of that album. [...] we look at this seriously. We always give Asia the creme de la creme of the year, as it were.

In a Jan 2012 interview, Howe plotted out Yes activity in April and possibly in the summer and "then certainly Asia are going to pick up September onwards". He then spoke of the release of the new album (which he describes as "untitled"), touring and the anniversary release. "That's, in other words, the last quarter of the year: September, October, November, Asia will be kind of active. [...] we like doing these new albums, it's been good for Asia, it's been good for Yes to do a new album."

In Jan 2012, Roger Dean finished a painting of a red dragon (referencing the first album cover and how 2012 is again the Chinese Year of the Dragon) for XXX, which was shown before a Wetton solo show that month. Wetton, asked about plans for the next Asia album on his Guestbook in May 2011, said, "I have material----even fresh,new material jotted down from this last tour." Asked about his plans now the Yes tour is over in an Aug 2011 interview, Downes said he would, "Probably do some stuff with John Wetton." In another Aug 2011 interview, asked about Asia's plans for the 30th anniversary, he said, "We're looking at doing a tour. We're looking at putting out the original album with a sort of box set of out-takes and, y'know, interesting bits of memorabilia. I think that's going to come out pretty much the middle of [2012]." In a Sep 2011 interview, Palmer described a box set of "goodies" to accompany the re-release of Asia, with involvement from Roger Dean.

The band have now announced that they are headlining at the Weyfest Festival, Farnham, Surrey (31 Aug-2 Sep 2012).

In the Jun 2011 issue of Classic Rock Presents... Prog, Wetton says of Downes' new involvement in Yes:

As far as I know he's not jumped ship [from Asia], he's just on loan [...] We have a priority rule - we can both do anything we want, as long as it doesn't impinge on what we do together and we return to the mothership. And I believe that Geoff does consider Asia to be the mothership, not Yes.

Asia's previous studio album, Omega (12 tracks, ~60 min.s duration), is out in Europe (Frontiers Records), the US and Japan (on King Records, KICP1470); produced by Mike Paxman with Steve Rispin returning as engineer and Roger and Martyn Dean returning to do art. Tracks:

"Finger on the Trigger" (remake of the Icon song on Rubicon; free download available)
"Through My Veins"
"Holy War"
"Ever Yours"
"Listen Children"
"End of the World"
"Light the Way"
"Emily" (bonus track with first pressing DigiPak only)
"Still the Same"
"There was a Time"
"I Believe"
"I Don't Wanna Lose You Now"

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The Japanese release omits "Emily", but has an additional piece, "Drop a Stone", after "There was a Time". "Through My Veins" and "Light the Way" are by Howe/Wetton and "Drop a Stone" is by all four members, with the rest of the album by Wetton/Downes. Details in the Yescography. Note the digital versions of the album all appear to mistakenly move "I Don't Wanna Lose You Now" to the beginning of the album. The album entered the Japanese chart at #29 (#8, foreign albums chart), the German chart at #56 and the Swedish chart at #47. It made #158 in France. It entered the top 60 in Switzerland and entered the Norwegian chart too. It made #13 in the UK indie chart.

Touring & live releases
Asia continued to tour in the first half of 2011. They played 14 North American dates (largely in the north-east) Apr/May, with the 1 (~500 audience) and 6 May (~1000) shows sold out. The set list was similar to last year, and lasted about two hours, ten minutes, including a 15 minute interval. Usual set: "I Believe", "Only Time will Tell", "Holy War", "Never Again", "Through My Veins", Howe solo, "Don't Cry" (quasi-acoustic by Wetton/Downes), "The Smile has Left Your Eyes" (part accoustic/part full band), "Open Your Eyes", interval, "Wildest Dreams", "Time Again", "An Extraordinary Life", "End of the World", "The Heat Goes on" (with Palmer solo), "Sole Survivor", encore: "Days Like These", "Heat of the Moment". 5 dates in May then followed in South America, one show apiece in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Panama and Venezuela (with an audience of ~1600). There were then two Mexican shows in May opening for Yes (Asia played for 65 minutes). The audience was around 4000 on 28 May. The band then played 11 European dates in Jun 2011.

A short Dec 2010 tour was to consist of a show in Petersburg, Russia and then 5 UK dates. However, due to a back problem affecting Howe, 3 of the UK shows were cancelled; the cancelled 12 Dec Holmfirth show was sold out. The band again linked up with Concert Live and three more shows are available: 17 May 2010 Osaka, Japan; 10 Dec 2010 Edinburgh, UK; and 14 Dec 2010 London, UK. Live at the London Forum received a subsequent general release in Apr 2011.

Asia played the first High Voltage Festival (London, Jul 2010). Their set was introduced by Roger Dean, had an audience of ~8000 and is again available as a ConcertLive release. "I Believe" and "Heat of the Moment" from the show were shown within the High Voltage broadcast on Sky Arts (UK TV). Set: "Only Time will Tell", "Wildest Dreams", "One Step Closer", "An Extraordinary Life", "Time Again", "Cutting It Fine/Bolero", "Without You", "I Believe", "Here Comes the Feeling", "Sole Survivor", "Heat of the Moment". They also played three German festival dates that month (first had an audience of ~1500; the second, 6500), and played 29 US dates Aug/Sep, with a similar set to earlier European dates: "I Believe", "Only Time will Tell", "Holy War", "Never Again", "Through My Veins", "Don't Cry", Howe solo, "The Smile has Left Your Eyes" (acoustic), "Open Your Eyes", intermission, "Go", "Time Again", "An Extraordinary Life", "End of the World", "The Heat Goes on", Palmer drum solo, "Sole Survivor"; encore: "Days Like These", "Heat of the Moment".

Previously, Asia had played European and Japanese in Apr/May 2010. Asia's website announced the set list as "Finger on the Trigger", "Only Time will Tell", "Holy War", "Never Again", "Through My Veins", "Don't Cry", Howe solo, "The Smile has Left Your Eyes" (parts 1 and 2, including a Howe/Palmer instrumental jam), "Open Your Eyes", "I Believe", "Time Again", "An Extraordinary Life", "The Heat Goes on", "End of the World", "Here Comes the Feeling", "Sole Survivor", "Go", "Heat of the Moment", as was played at their first German date (2 May). The set has had slight modifications elsewhere, e.g. 24 Apr in Rome: "I Believe", "Only Time will Tell", "Holy War", "Never Again", "Through My Veins", "Don't Cry" (Wetton and Downes only), Howe solo (including "Mood for a Day"), "The Smile has Left Your Eyes", "Open Your Eyes", intermission, "Wildest Dreams", "Finger on the Trigger", "Time Again", "An Extraordinary Life", "The Heat Goes on" (including Palmer solo), "End of the World", "Here Comes the Feeling", "Sole Survivor"; encore: "Go", "Heat of the Moment". The show's intro music was the final part of Saint-Saëns' 3rd Symphony. "Days Like These" was considered, but not ultimately performed. The 4 May show in Basel, Switzerland was recorded in HD for international broadcast; a DVD is planned for 2012 under the title "Resonance".

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Asia headlined the Cambridge Rock Festival in Aug 2009. Set: "Wildest Dreams", "Only Time will Tell", "Time Again", "An Extraordinary Life", "My Own Time", "Open Your Eyes", "Fanfare for the Common Man", "Here Comes the Feeling", "Never Again", "The Heat Goes On", "Sole Survivor", "Don't Cry" (normal, electric version), "Heat of the Moment". The show was recorded in HD 5.1. A double CD, a DVD and a 2CD/DVD combo live release is out on Frontiers Records in Europe, with a US release in 2011, entitled Spirit of the Night Live in Cambridge 2009. CD tracks: "Only Time will Tell", "Time Again", "An Extraordinary Life", "My Own Time", "Open Your Eyes", "Fanfare for the Common Man" (CD exclusive), "Here Comes that Feeling" (sic), "Never Again", "The Heat Goes On", "Sole Survivor", "Don't Cry", "Heat of the Moment", "Midnight Sun" (bonus track). The Japanese release (King Records/Melodious Frontier, KICP 1471) has a different bonus track of "Starless" (from the 13 June 2007 Sarasota, FL show). The DVD excludes "Fanfare...", but has a bonus track of "In the Court of the Crimson King". This was filmed at one of three shows from 28-31 Jul at which Ian McDonald (ex-King Crimson, ex-Foreigner, 21st Century Schizoid Band) joined the band on flute and backing vocals for this song. Project manager for the releases was Daniel Earnshaw.

About touring, manager Martin Darvill said this to Wetton's website in Jun 2009:

In response to disappointment from certain areas in the fan base, Asia has no boundaries as to where it will visit to play. [...]

The only limits are imposed by promoters who decide whether or not they are sufficiently financially comfortable to offer a deal to Asia's agents.

Asia employs one of the world's largest agencies, messrs William Morris, to negotiate with promoters. The band is travelling many thousands of miles from home to the venues, and between venues, and it is a precondition that promoters are financially robust, have status, and are capable of delivering upon commitments to enable us to bring an Asia production from the UK to USA, Europe, Japan, South America or anywhere else in the world.

We are sorry that some territories have been omitted from the forthcoming Yes Asia tour. This is because promoters have been unable to reach agreement with our agents, or because the timing was unfortunate regarding availability of venues, or feasibility of routing.

Other news
Wetton guests singing on two tracks of Alan Simon's Excalibur III, due 2012. Further Asia members may appear. On his guestbook in May 2010, referring to a first song, Wetton said, "I believe that one or two of my band-mates would also be welcome to also, er,.... jouer, if they are so inclined. Nous voyerons, n'est-ce pas?"

Wetton and Downes' iCon has been on hold given their other commitments—see details under Downes.

"Heat of the Moment" is included (intertwined with Joan Jett's "I Hate Myself for Loving You") in the Tony-nominated stage musical "Rock of Ages", currently playing in London and touring the US. "I Hate Myself for Loving You/Heat of the Moment" (2:17) is included on the 2CD Rock of Ages: Original Broadway Cast Recording, released 2009. The album made #118 on the US album chart (#43 in Rock; #16 in Independent). A film version (Warner Bros./New Line Cinema) is due 1 Jun 2012.

Wetton has played some Asia material at solo shows in Jan 2012.

Asia Featuring John Payne
The prior Asia line-up had consisted of Geoff Downes (keys), John Payne (bass, vocals, guitars), Guthrie Govan (guitars) and Jay Schellen (CIRCA:, AKA, ex-Conspiracy, Billy Sherwood, ex-World Trade, ex-Peter Banks; drums, backing vocals). In early 2006, Downes and Payne dissolved their partnership, and Payne/Govan/Schellen formed GPS, with Ryo Okumoto (Spock's Beard) on keys. GPS released Window to the Soul, all music credited to Payne/Schellen/Govan. In May 2007, Payne/Govan/Schellen announced the formation of Asia Featuring John Payne (MySpace page), with Erik Norlander (ex-Ayreon) later announced on keys. The Asia Featuring John Payne name was contractually agreed with the reunion band in May 2006.

In late 2005/early 2006, Downes/Payne/Govan/Schellen had been working on a new Asia album for InsideOut to be called Architect of Time, with tracks including "City of Lost Angels", "Written on the Wind", "I Believe in Yesterday" and "Since You've Been Gone". Some of this material was recycled for Window to the Soul, although Downes was not credited on that album. For example, the last three of those songs appear on the GPS debut. In an Apr 2007 interview, Payne said:

Interviewer: Were some of the songs on ‘Window To The Soul’ originally planned as Asia songs?
Payne: Yes, some of the songs were originally written for Asia. If they had been recorded as Asia songs, they would have been shorter with bigger harmonies and smoother production. We decided that, with a few days rehearsal, these songs could be made to sound very different to Asia songs. About 50% of the songs were actually written for ‘Architect Of Time’.

Interviewer: If it had been completed, how would ‘Architect Of Time’ have sounded?

Payne: It would have been basically in the style of previous Asia albums but we had made an attempt to stretch the songs a bit longer and to make the sound more retro, a bit more seventies. The actual track ‘Architect Of Time’ was completed with Ryo playing keyboards, though I don’t know if it will ever be released. It’s a very long track, about eight or nine minutes long. Maybe one day it will be released.

[...] [Schellen] was very keen to play in different time signatures. Jay is very influenced by UK, so I imagine ‘Architect Of Time’ would have been a mixture of classic Asia and UK.

Payne has since used the "Architect of Time" name for an unrelated release. Asia Featuring John Payne have been working on a new album, to be called Americana, but it is unclear whether it will use any material from the 2005/6 sessions. The band play live with a set list covering both the Payne and Wetton-eras of Asia. Their first ever show under this name was in Jun 2008. Govan left the band in 2009 to be replaced by Mitch Perry (worked with Aerosmith, Cher). Summer 2010 North American dates followed. A May show had an audience of ~300, while an Aug show had an audience of ~400. The set was: "Long Way from Home", "Only Time will Tell", "Who will Stop the Rain?", "Silent Nation", "Days Like These", "Desire", "Go", "Neurosaur"/Schellen drum solo, "Time Again", "Don't Cry", "Different Worlds", "Military Man", "Heat of the Moment", "Sole Survivor", very close to 2009 shows. Further US dates followed in 2011, but with Perry now replaced by Bruce Bouillet (ex-The Scream, ex-Epidemic, worked with Motörhead), who will appear on Americana.

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YES and projects with several Yesmen	Jon Anderson	Chris Squire	Steve Howe	Alan White
Geoff Downes	Trevor Horn	Tony Kaye	Peter Banks	Patrick Moraz
Bill Bruford	Rick Wakeman	Trevor Rabin	Billy Sherwood	Igor Khoroshev Oliver Wakeman
Benoît David	Asia	CIRCA:	Anderson & Wakeman	Others associated with the band

Any news, additions or corrections, please e-mail Henry Potts. Thanks.