Asia

Wed

Apr

ASIA Announce New 2019 Lineup & Tour With YES

Artist:

Asia

Categories:

News Feed

The new ASIA set to embark on 2019 “Royal Affair” Tour with Yes, John Lodge Band, and Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy.

Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal joins line-up as new singer/ guitarist. Original guitarist and former member STEVE HOWE to make guest appearance each night.

The dragon has risen again.

Two years after the band’s critically acclaimed and successful US trek opening for Journey, an all-new ASIA line-up will return to concert stages across North America as special guests of the YES “ROYAL AFFAIR” tour. The influential British Rock band that rose to the top of the charts with its initial albums and a number of hits including “Only Time Will Tell,” “Heat Of The Moment,” “Don’t Cry,” and “Sole Survivor,” returns with a new line-up that includes founding members Carl Palmer on drums, Geoff Downes on keyboards and backing vocals, and current Yes bassist Billy Sherwood.

Joining the band for the first time is lead guitarist and vocalist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, an acclaimed solo artist and former member of Guns N Roses for eight years. Thal is also in the prog-rock band Sons Of Apollo.

The invitation to join the band came from both Palmer and Downes, after Geoff had worked with him in a project called The Platinum Rock All Stars. “Ron is a remarkably innovative guitarist,” says Downes, “with a multi-range lead vocal ability. I believe it will give our material a whole new dimension.”

Also appearing on the tour with YES and ASIA, will be Moody Blues member John Lodge and his band and Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy, with special guest vocalist, Arthur Brown. Founding member and original guitarist Steve Howe will join ASIA on stage each night on the Royal Affair tour to play on a few of the band’s biggest hits and honor the memory of his friend, John Wetton. It will mark the first time Howe has performed with the band since his departure in 2013.

Asia’s debut album exploded onto the music scene in April 1982, featuring Billboard top 10 classics amongst six radio hits. It became the best-selling album in the World in 1982. Featuring Geoff Downes on keyboards, Steve Howe on guitar, Carl Palmer on drums and John Wetton on lead vocal and bass, Asia was the logical successor to their collective bands of the 70s - Yes, ELP, King Crimson, UK and The Buggles.

Asia became one of the most played acts during the first year of MTV. Throughout most of '82, Asia ruled the radio airwaves and MTV, selling out every date on tour as the debut album crushed all the competition in record stores around the World.

The original line-up of ASIA reformed in 2006. It was the first time the four original members had worked together in 23 years. After Howe’s departure, the band regrouped in 2013, with guitarist Sam Coulson and a new studio album, Gravitas, followed. Tragedy struck in January 2017, when John Wetton lost a valiant battle against cancer, just as the band was about to embark on a 43 date tour opening arena shows for JOURNEY. Despite this huge loss, the band recruited old friend bassist Billy Sherwood from YES and completed the tour, triumphantly. In 2018, Coulson left the line-up to concentrate on solo projects, with sincere gratitude from ASIA for his five years of contributions.
“"The original members of Asia were progressive musical heroes of mine,” says Ron Thal. “ It's a great honor to be asked to play with these legendary musicians with a legacy of great songs, and also contribute some of my own musical ideas. Very much looking forward to our time on the road together."

“There is a great energy when we step on stage,” says Geoff Downes. “We can feel it and I know the fans can feel it.” For ASIA's long-devoted fans, the band’s return to the concert stage cannot come soon enough.” And Downes confirms: “It is what John would have wanted”.

As Carl Palmer has said in the past: "Performing on stage is where this band truly comes into its element. Seeing the fans reacting to our music is what makes it all worthwhile. It is the fuel that drives this train we call ASIA."

ASIA on THE 2019 “ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR”
with Yes, The John Lodge Band, and
Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy with Arthur Brown.
Wed. 6/12/19 Bethlehem PA - Bethlehem Event Center Event Center
Fri.6/14/19 Farmingville, NY Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater
Sat. 6/15/19 Atlantic City, NY -Mark Etess Arena at Hard Rock Casino
Sun.6/16/19 Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
Thu. 6/20/19 Westchester, NY - Westchester County Center
Fri. 6/21/19 Pittsburgh, PA- Stage AE
Sat.6/22/19 Baltimore, MD- MECU Pavilion
Mon.6/24/19 Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage
Tue.6/25/19 Lewiston, NY - Artpark Amphitheater
Thur. 6/27/19 Bethel, NY - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Sat. 6/29/19 Gifford, NH - Bank of NH Pavilion
Sun.6/30/19 E. Providence, RI - Bold Point Park
Wed.7/3/19 Rochester Hills, MI - Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
Fri. 7/5/19 Columbus OH- Express Live
Sat. 7/6/19 Aurora, IL - River Edge Park
Mon.7/8/19 Nashville, TN - Opry House
Wed.7/10/19 Cary NC - Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Fri. 7/12/19 Clearwater, FL. - Ruth Eckerd Hall
Sat. 7/13/19 Hollywood, Fl - Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Thu.7/18/19 St. Augustine, FL - St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Sat. 7/20/19 Irving, TX - Toyota Music Factory
Sun.7/21/19 Rogers, AR - Wal-Mart Amphitheater
Wed.7/24/19 Phoenix AZ - Comerica Theatre
Fri. 7/26/19 Las Vegas, CA- Hard Rock Casino
Sat.7/27/19 Irvine, CA - Five Points Amphitheatre
Sun.7/28/19 Saratoga, CA - The Mountain Winery
TO PURCHASE TICKETS: www.yesworld.com/live

MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED!

To see the promotional film about the ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR please visit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkN5R1Gh7Po

For all things ASIA, please visit:www.originalasia.com

Tags:

Asia

Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal

Yes

Fri

Jun

ASIA - Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII (Review)

information persons:

content:

82%

Produced By:

Asia

Release Date:

2015

Released:

Worldwide

Musical Style:

Melodic Rock

Links:

Frontiers Records

Label:

Frontiers

Artist:

Asia

Score:

Release Year:

2015

Categories:

Reviews

A new live Asia album/DVD is right up there with those other fan-craved items such as another Styx DVD, a Bret Michaels country album and a new vocalist in Red Dragon Cartel.

But here it is anyway – their 5th live release since reforming and following the quite turgid High Voltage Live release.

Thankfully this is a far superior release. Everything that was wrong with High Voltage is corrected here.

The band is awake, the audio is pro-recorded and the set list an expanded full-show experience.

Naturally it’s die-hards only that are going to be remotely interested in this, especially as it is live album number 5, but the longer set list and the far better production quality has put this release well ahead of the other competing titles.

The enthusiastic San Francisco audience laps up all the usual fan favourites such as Heat of The Moment, Only Time Will Tell, Wildest Dreams, Don’t Cry and The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.

Thrown into the mix are some of the better new tracks, which form a seamless bond with the classics. Face On The Bridge and Extraordinary Life faring the best.

I could well do without the 10 minute drums solo, thankfully the acoustic guitar solo is but one third that length. Definitely better value watching the DVD than on the CD for those two.

Great musicians these guys, but not the most mobile or visually enthralling act around. But with this value for money set, you can tune in with your ears or eyes depending on mood and appreciate the best songs of this classic rock act.

If you have the other 4 live releases, this won’t surprise, but it will impress.

Tags:

Asia

John Wetton

Tue

May

JOHN WETTON Undergoes Surgery

Artist:

John Wetton

Release Year:

2015

Categories:

News Feed

NEWS from John Wetton/ASIA's management:

May 25th 2015 --- JOHN WETTON STATEMENT - On May 16, John Wetton underwent surgery for the successful removal of a 1 kilo [2.2lb] malignant mass. John wishes to extend his thanks to Dr. Chan and his team. John is also beyond grateful for the wonderful wishes and prayers received. John is recuperating. Messages can be sent via the management office to jw@qedg.co.uk

Tags:

Asia

John Wetton

Sat

May

ASIA 'Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII' Out on Frontiers July 3

Artist:

Asia

Friday, July 3, 2015

Categories:

News Feed

ASIA to release officially their historic performance

at the San Francisco Regency Ballroom

Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII out on Frontiers in June

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of ASIA’s new live audio visual release Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII in 2cd/dvd and blu-ray formats on July 3rd in Europe and July 10th in North America.

Recorded on November 7, 2012 at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, this new ASIA live CD / DVD and Blu Ray captures once again the band, in the original line-up, in front of an ecstatic audience during one of the shows that ASIA performed in support of the “XXX” album and which was broadcasted by AXS TV in the USA.

With HD recording this new live album is truly a rewarding experience for all ASIA fans. After the recent DVD releases, this is Asia performing one of the very last shows featuring the original line up with: Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton live on the road, in-your face and for your viewing pleasure.

The set list features songs from their first two albums and selected cuts from the reunion albums, including the single from the “XXX” album, “Face on the Bridge”. This is a historical document of where the band was at the time and a snapshot of their musicianship, camaraderie and passion. This live CD - DVD or Blu-ray is an irreplaceable companion to the “XXX” studio album.

According to John Wetton, AXIS is “A journey through ASIA's history, from 'Alpha to Omega' and more, in the beautiful setting of the Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, California. Much newer material is aired, plus the band's vintage hit songs performed by all four original members of ASIA. A stunning recording, an unmissable treat for any ASIA fan, new or old."

Formed at the dawn of the MTV era, Asia’s first release was the best selling album in the world in 1982 and sat at the number 1 spot in the USA for 9 weeks, powered by the classic rock anthem, “Heat Of The Moment,” and four other radio hits. Asia’s 1983 sophomore album, Alpha, also went multi-platinum and enjoyed several hit singles, including the #1 smash, “Don’t Cry”. During the recording of its third disc, the band splintered, and by the 1990s, only Geoff Downes remained from the original line-up.

"Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII” tracklisting includes:

CD1 - Introduction; Only Time Will Tell; Wildest Dreams; Face On The Bridge; Time Again; Tomorrow The World; Ride Easy; Pyramidology; The Golden Mean; I Know How You Feel; Don't Cry; The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.

CD2 - Cutting It Fine; Holy War/Drum Solo; An Extraordinary Life; Here Comes The Feeling; Open Your Eyes; Sole Survivor; Heat Of The Moment.

Dvd // BLU RAY - Introduction; Only Time Will Tell; Wildest Dreams; Face On The Bridge; Time Again; Tomorrow The World; Ride Easy; Pyramidology; The Golden Mean; I Know How You Feel; Don’t Cry; The Smile Has Left Your Eyes; Cutting It Fine; Holy War/Drum Solo; An Extraordinary Life; Here Comes The Feeling; Open Your Eyes; Sole Survivor; Heat Of The Moment.

Sample “Face on the Bridge” now:

ASIA:

John Wetton: bass and vocals

Carl Palmer: drums

Steve Howe: guitars

Geoff Downes: keyboards

Tags:

Asia

Tue

Aug

ASIA - High Voltage Live (Review)

information persons:

section name:

TRACK LISTING

content:

· Only Time Will Tell

· Wildest Dreams
· One Step Closer
· An Extraordinary Life
· Time Again
· Cutting it Fine
· Without You
· I Believe
· Here Comes the Feeling
· Sole Survivor
· Heat of the Moment

section name:

RATING

content:

40%

Produced By:

Asia

Running Time:

Release Date:

2014

Released:

Worldwide

Musical Style:

AOR / Melodic Rock

Links:

Frontiers

Label:

Frontiers Records

Artist:

Asia

Score:

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Categories:

Reviews

The world does not need another live Asia album. Not even the most hardened Asia lovers need another live album. But, if we must….as least make it one that’s half listenable.

This is not the best live recording, which at times sounds like an audience recorded bootleg. The vocals are hollow and the bass thumps along above the guitars and drums. A dreadful mix.

The band sadly sounds its age here. John Wetton’s once silky smooth vocals are pretty raspy in places.

The band has some incredible songs – several from the debut album here and mixed with a few from recent years, but this is not an advert for the band at its best.

The accompanying DVD adds a little more value, but this is not the most visually active band around. Drummer Carl Palmer is the most animated on stage throughout the show. Guitarist Steve Howe continues to give Stones drummer Charlie Watts a run for his money in the ‘awkward skinny old white dudes in rock’ race.

I can’t be sure, but I think the guys are having fun on stage…I think I saw a smile during Heat Of The Moment.

Avoid unless you desperately need to make up your CD quota for the month or you are a card carrying member of the Asia-Forever fan club.

Tags:

Asia

Tue

Jun

ASIA RELEASE HIGH VOLTAGE LIVE SET ON FRONTIERS

Artist:

Asia

Friday, August 22, 2014

Categories:

News Feed

ASIA to release a unique live document of the original line-up’s performance of the debut album in full - Out in August on Frontiers!

World Tour announced in support of the new Gravitas album!

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of ASIA newest live CD/DVD package entitled “High Voltage” on August 22nd in Europe and August 26th in North America.

Recorded on the 24th July 2010 at the inaugural High Voltage Festival in Victoria Park, London, this ASIA live CD / DVD captures the band, in the original line-up (featuring Steve Howe on guitar), performing classic material from the 80’s, plus songs from the first two albums of its reunion, “Phoenix” and “Omega”.

The show was performed to an enthusiastic festival crowd, ready to hear ASIA’s eponymous debut album - the world’s biggest selling album of 1982 - performed in its entirety for the first time in Europe. In fact, this remains the only video document of the original line-up performing the debut album in full.

This live CD / DVD is an irreplaceable companion to the original studio album and the reunion that saw the original members of ASIA return to and stay at the top of their game, this time in front of a ‘home audience’.

“High Voltage” will be released in a glossy digi-pack CD / DVD digi-pack format with Roger Dean artwork and the track listing includes:

CD: Only Time Will Tell, Wildest Dreams, One Step Closer, An Extraordinary Life, Time Again, Cutting it Fine, Without You, I Believe, Here Comes the Feeling, Sole Survivor, Heat of the Moment.

DVD: Only Time Will Tell, Wildest Dreams, One Step Closer, An Extraordinary Life, Time Again, Cutting it Fine, Without You, I Believe, Here Comes the Feeling, Sole Survivor, Heat of the Moment.

In related news ASIA has also announced a world tour in support of the release of the brand new album GRAVITAS, introducing its newest member, guitarist Sam Coulson.

ASIA 2014 GRAVITAS WORLD TOUR

Wed 6/11 Malvern UK Malvern Theatre

Thu 6/12 Holmfirth, UK Picturedrome

JAPAN

Tue 6/17 Nagoya, Japan Zepp

Wed 6/18 Osaka, Japan Sankei Hall Breeze

Thu 6/19 Tokyo, Japan Shibuya Kokaido

Fri 6/20 Tokyo, Japan Shibuya Kokaido

NORTH AMERICA

Thu 9/11 Norfolk, CT Infinity Hall

Fri 9/12 Shirley, MA Bull Run

Sat 9/13 Verona, NY Turning Stone Casino

Sun 9/14 Hartford, CT Infinity Hall

Wed 9/17 York, PA Pullo Center

Thu 9/18 State College, PA State Theater

Fri 9/19 Akron, NY Brauns Concert Cove

Sat 9/20 New York, NY BB Kings

Mon 9/22 Warrendale, PA Jergel's

Wed 9/24 Newark, OH Midland Theater

Thu 9/25 Morristown, NJ Mayo Performing Arts Center

Fri 9/26 New Hope, PA (Phil) Havana (Rosh Hashanah)

Sat 9/27 Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Center

Sun 9/28 Wilkes-Barre, PA Mohegan Sun Casino - Poconos

Tue 9/30 Annapolis, MD Rams Head

Wed 10/1 Annapolis, MD Rams Head

Fri 10/3 Atlanta, GA Variety Theater

Sat 10/4 Biloxi, MS Hard Rock Casino

Sun 10/5 Franklin TN Franklin Theater

Tue 10/7 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Theater

Wed 10/8 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theater

Thu 10/9 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre

Sat 10/11 Dallas, TX Granada Theater

Mon 10/13 Tucson, AZ Fox Theater

Tue 10/14 Phoenix, AZ The Press Room

Thu 10/16 Agoura Hills, CA The Canyon

Fri 10/17 Las Vegas, NV Red Rock Casino - Rocks

Sat 10/18 Beverly Hills, CA Saban Theater

Sun 10/19 San Juan Capistrano Coach House

Mon 10/20 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern

Tue 10/28 Gateshead, Sage H2

Wed 10/29 Manchester, RNCM,

Thu 10/30 Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall

Fri 10/31 Christchurch The Regent Centre

Sun 11/2 London Shepherds Bush Empire

MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED!

For all things ASIA, please visit: www.originalasia.com

Follow ASIA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/asiatheband

Tags:

Asia

Frontiers Records

Mon

Jun

ASIA - Gravitas (Review)

information persons:

section name:

BOTTOM LINE

content:

This is a really painfully slow album to get through. I spoke of the occasional joys of a nice mellow album, but in this case, the songs are simply frightfully dull and lacking any enthusiasm by those performing them. The production and style of the album is as close to classic 80s Asia as you could imagine, but it's wasted on some tepid pacing and dull songs.

section name:

SCORE

content:

70%

Produced By:

Asia

Running Time:

Release Date:

2014

Released:

Worldwide

Musical Style:

AOR, Classic Rock

Links:

Frontiers

Label:

Frontiers Records

Artist:

Asia

Score:

Monday, June 16, 2014

Categories:

Reviews

Asia delivers another new album in pretty quick time following their acclaimed XXX album in 2012. Gone is guitarist Steve Howe and in his place is young gun Sam Coulson.

The band has stuck to its mantra of slick, polished AOR, staying true to their original early 80s style.

Unfortunately the band seems to have slipped back into the slow to mid-tempo slumber that has been an issue in recent albums. The brief sojourn into a more uptempo realm on XXX is once again abandoned in favor of a moped in first gear here.
The production of course is super smooth and multi-layered, but the songs….dull I'm afraid.
Kicking off with what is possible the most annoying chorus in at least a decade, Valkyrie has a nice laid back verse reminiscent of the band's debut album, but that chorus makes you want to stick cacti in your ear.
Then comes 8 minute title track, where there's no sign of life until near the 3 minute mark. Followed of course by an ultra-slow ballad, a painfully slow song followed by the mid-tempo quirk of Nyctophobia which is kind of annoying also.
Russian Dolls is then another slow song before Heaven Help Me Now finally hits second gear.
That's followed by the album's best track – the slightly anthemic (in a mellow way) I Would Die For You.
That's followed by the horribly slow and dull Joe Di Maggio's Glove and the slightly more dramatic Till We Meet Again to close the album.

Tags:

Asia

70%

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Asia

ASIA Announce New 2019 Lineup & Tour With YES

ASIA - Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII (Review)

JOHN WETTON Undergoes Surgery

ASIA 'Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII' Out on Frontiers July 3

ASIA - High Voltage Live (Review)

ASIA RELEASE HIGH VOLTAGE LIVE SET ON FRONTIERS

ASIA - Gravitas (Review)

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