ASIA***MULTI-MILLION SELLING BRITISH ROCK BAND'S BRAND NEW ‘OMEGA’ STUDIO ALBUM RELEASED APRIL 26th*** |
Asia, the acclaimed British rock super group featuring prominent members of Yes, King Crimson, Emerson Lake and Palmer and The Buggles, will release 'Omega', their highly anticipated new album of original material, on Frontiers Records, distributed by Cargo, on April 26th. When John Wetton (vocals and bass), Steve Howe (guitar), Geoff Downes (keyboards) and Carl Palmer (drums), the four original band members, reformed in 2006 for the first time in 23 years, no one in the group knew how long the reformation would last. They were committed to a tour, but nothing after that was etched in stone. The reunion, originally purely to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band, morphed into an ongoing endeavour and in 2008 Asia returned with their first new album for a quarter of a century, 'Phoenix', predominantly influenced by their earlier classic AOR sound. Now, nearly 5 years on, the band's second album since the reunion, 'Omega', a stunning blend of the classic Asia sound, with a number of compelling and innovative new musical ideas, is about to be unveiled. "We were looking to create something different with Omega," states Geoff Downes, continuing, "Of course, the sound of the 4 band members of Asia will always have a certain hallmark when we play together. That's a given. But we approached the song writing with a mind to getting a degree of variety into these compositions. Hence, you will hear areas of textures where arguably we have never gone before." John Wetton comments that "It's a collection of songs, but from the rocky, strident opening of 'Finger on the Trigger' to the wistful 'Thank You.' As for our audience.... in 'Don't Wanna Lose You Now', it's talking to you, the listener. 'Omega' gives you a sequence of real stories, that actually happened. The stories are set in a fairly lush, sophisticated production of what Asia is known for, concise, mature rock songs without the gratuitous meanderings of our Alma Mater." Steve Howe adds that "the whole recording process has been inspiring and rewarding, and I'm very excited about the result". "I would say these are all strong individual songs" says drummer Carl Palmer. "It was a very smooth experience, and arguably one of our best records." For the first time since their debut album, Asia worked with an outside producer, Mike Paxman (Uriah Heep, Status Quo). "It was very different for me," says Wetton. "...Not in the writing, or construction, of the songs, or even in the method of recording, but for the fact that as well as the band, there was a producer, and a hands-on record company making suggestions about musical direction. This has never been the case before, and made the band take a more aggressive attitude toward the final selection of material." As with the most popular of Asia releases, the cover art was specifically designed for the project by acclaimed artist Roger Dean. The concept of the title 'Omega', and the 'Year of the Tiger' referencing of the cover art underline the fact that this is real Asia. John Wetton explains: "The title 'Omega', as any fan of the band will tell you, is 'very Asia' (as is the album, by the way). It no more means 'final' than 'Alpha' means 'the first' (which it wasn't). It's a great sounding/looking word, and a bookend to 'Alpha'. In many ways, musically and conceptually, the two albums share commonality." Formed at the dawn of the MTV era by ex-members of Yes, ELP, King Crimson and The Buggles, Asia were the logical successor to their collective mega bands of the 70's. Asia's eponymous debut album was the biggest-selling album in the world in the year of its release (1982) and spawned the US top ten singles 'Heat Of The Moment', 'Only Time Will Tell' and 'Sole Survivor'. The follow-up, 'Alpha', produced the top ten singles 'Don't Cry' and 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' and also went multi- platinum, Videos for the singles, made by the ground breaking Godley & Creme team, were a staple part of MTV's initial programming, contributing to 'Asia' selling over 6 million copies in the US alone, staying at the top of the Billboard Chart for an incredible nine weeks. But after the release of the multi platinum follow-up 'Alpha' in 1983, the four musicians went their own various ways. Then in early 2006, the original line-up announced their reformation and a December UK tour. Classic Rock Magazine reviewed Asia's sold out tour at London Shepherds Bush Empire gig on December 3rd 2006. Dave Ling enthused “Reunited to celebrate the quarter-century anniversary of their multi-platinum, self-titled debut, Asia play all of its nine songs tonight, plus 'The Smile Has Left Her Eyes' 'Don't Cry' and 'The Heat Goes On' from successor 'Alpha'. Combining the guilty indulgence of top quality pomp rock with soaring pop sensibilities, all sound absolutely glorious, reminding us why Asia were called a supergroup when they formed. The grins on stage and off tell us that the chemistry between these four exceptional musicians remains undimmed.” Asia then recorded 'Phoenix', released in April 2008 on Frontiers. Record Collector's Ian Abrahams stated “Regrouping for their first studio album since 1983, the original Asia line-up has produced a really pleasing twist on their early AOR sound. 'Phoenix' is a smart mixture of Epic rockers, power ballads and touching intimacy. At its core reside thoughtful reflections on love, vulnerability and mortality, while its exterior glistens with an unexpected contemporary sheen. Bassist and vocalist John Wetton recently underwent emergency heart surgery, which, in its turn, seems to have fuelled his passion for the work. The closing track, 'An Extraordinary Life', is his summing up of this and other health battles and resonates with the joy of four musicians rediscovering their passion for creating music together. A well described resurrection from the ashes.” (Record Collector, June 2008). The original members of Asia - who have now been together longer than when they originally burst onto the music scene at the beginning of the 80's!!! head out on the road through Europe in April / May, Japan in June, and the USA in the late summer of 2010. 'Omega', crammed with exquisitely performed, “Accessible, melodic, anthemic songs luxuriating in a bed of lush orchestration, with lyrics that strike a sympathetic chord in even the most cynical heart” (Wetton) more than marks a new renaissance and joie-de-vivre for Asia. |
| Final Word - Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 8th March 2010 |
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ASIA*REUNITED ORIGINAL LINE-UP OF MULTI-MILLION SELLING BRITISH ROCK GROUP'S APRIL UK TOUR FOLLOWS PACKED-OUT EUROPEAN ARENA DATES IN MARCH * |
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Asia, the rock super group featuring prominent members of 1970’s best selling British Rock acts Yes, King Crimson, Emerson Lake and Palmer and The Buggles, return from their triumphant European Re-Union tour to play the following UK Tour dates:- April 16 Harrogate - The Royal Hall Asia, whose combined album sales count in the hundreds of millions, comprise John Wetton (vocals & bass), Steve Howe (guitar), Geoff Downes (keyboards) and Carl Palmer (drums). Originally formed in 1981, Asia’s eponymous debut album was the biggest-selling album in the world in the year of its release in 1982 and the follow up, ‘Alpha’ also went multi-platinum before the original line-up imploded in 1983. The group will be playing select songs from their highly acclaimed 25th Anniversary re-union studio album ‘Phoenix’, released in April 2008, as well as classic hits such as ‘Heat Of The Moment’, ‘Only Time Will Tell’ and ‘Sole Survivor’ from their debut album, plus ‘Don’t Cry’ and ‘The Smile Has Left Your Eyes’ from ‘Alpha’. Asia also promise to unveil new live versions of previously unaired classic tracks from each members’ illustrious heritage in Yes, ELP, King Crimson and The Buggles. In these troubled times it is reassuring to discover that these British musicians are still entertaining worldwide audiences. It may not be widely known just how much the British music industry contributes to the British economy; the real figures of those employed from recording / promotion / touring / crew / distribution, and the foreign earnings brought back, are staggering. |
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| 4moreinfo / interviews / review tickets etc contact Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 8769 6713 3rd April 09 |
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ASIA***MARCH UK TOUR TO PREVIEW SONGS FROM 'PHOENIX', FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM FOR 25 YEARS, RELEASED APRIL 14TH ON FRONTIERS / CARGO*** |
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The reunited original line-up of multi-million selling British rock group Asia, comprising John Wetton (vocals & bass), Steve Howe (guitar), Geoff Downes (keyboards) and Carl Palmer (drums), have confirmed the release of 'Phoenix', their first studio album since 1983, on Frontiers Records, distributed by Cargo, on April 14th. 'Phoenix', recorded over a period of five months in the Liscombe Park Studio in the Buckinghamshire countryside, marks a return to the classic Asia sound, with some surprising, contemporary twists. “Everything that was there 25 years ago is still there, and quite simply - if you liked it then, you'll love it now,” says John Wetton, continuing, “It does exactly what it says on the tin.” 'Phoenix' includes rockers such as 'Never Again' and 'Nothing's Forever', power ballads such as ''Heroine' and 'I Will Remember You', plus several mini-epics among the dozen original compositions. 'Phoenix'has a very poignant underlying theme placed at the intersection of love, discovery and reflection, no doubt due, at least partly, to Wetton's triple bypass heart surgery last August, which forced the postponement of Asia's December 2007 UK tour until March 2008. “It kind of knocked me sideways on another level. You tend to become very aware of your mortality and your vulnerability” says John, who was inspired to write 'An Extraordinary Life', a song which celebrates overcoming his emergency heart surgery in 2007, let alone a long battle with alcohol in June 2005. 'Carpe Diem' he notes wryly. Carl Palmer states that “I think the lyrical themes on this record are some of the best John has ever developed. 'Extraordinary Life,' is among the best tracks we've ever recorded, and I believe could go on to be another ASIA classic.” “The recording has gone very well, especially since John is writing, singing and playing great,” adds guitarist Steve Howe. “I believe we've all found the team work creatively rewarding and we look forward to playing some new songs, on stage.” Asia will preview select new songs from 'Phoenix' on the following rescheduled UK tour dates:-
Asia, formed at the dawn of the MTV era by ex-members of Yes, ELP, King Crimson and The Buggles, were the logical successor to their collective mega bands of the 70's. Asia's eponymous debut album was the biggest-selling album in the world in the year of its release (1982) and spawned the US top ten singles 'Heat Of The Moment', 'Only Time Will Tell' and 'Sole Survivor'. The follow-up, 'Alpha', produced the top ten singles 'Don't Cry' and 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' and also went multi- platinum, Videos for the singles, made by the ground breaking Godley & Creme team, were a staple part of MTV's initial programming, contributing to 'Asia' selling over 6 million copies in the US alone, and staying at the top of the Billboard Chart for an incredible nine weeks. After the release of 'Alpha', the four musicians went their own various ways. Then in early 2006, the original line-up announced their reformation and a December UK tour. "This is the REAL ASIA," stated Steve Howe. "There have been other versions of the band, but this original line-up is the one that the public truly embraced. Since we only toured for a couple of years, it will be nice to finally play for audiences all over the world, many of whom never had a chance to see the group in concert." Classic Rock Magazine reviewed Asia's sold out tour at London Shepherds Bush Empire gig on December 3rd 2006. Dave Ling enthused “Reunited to celebrate the quarter-century anniversary of their multi-platinum, self-titled debut, Asia play all of its nine songs tonight, plus 'The Smile Has Left Her Eyes' 'Don't Cry' and 'The Heat Goes On' from successor 'Alpha'. Combining the guilty indulgence of top quality pomp rock with soaring pop sensibilities, all sound absolutely glorious, reminding us why Asia were called a supergroup when they formed. The grins on stage and off tell us that the chemistry between these four exceptional musicians remains undimmed.” Asia then recorded 'Fantasia; Live In Tokyo', a double album and DVD which was released on Eagle Records in the latter part of 2007. Record Collector's Tim Jones awarded it 5/5 in September 2007's issue, proclaimed a 'Triumphant live set from this returning supergroup… The original 1982 line-up returned in 2006 in fine pomp rock form, and this 18-track collection captures the essence of their very fine craft.' With all four members firing on all cylinders, Wetton in particular buoyed by his rehabilitation from heart surgery, Asia recorded 'Phoenix'. Geoff Downes reflects, “1982. Feels only like yesterday. Four guys in the studio, making music together - John, Steve, Carl and me. Fast forward 2007. Once again, here we are. The same four guys doing the same things. Maybe we're all a bit older now, but nothing's really changed that much over the years - that's the beauty of ASIA and what we set out to achieve way back then. Timeless music that only sounds like the four who created it, and yet it still remains contemporary and refreshing to us all. Nothing more, nothing less. This is the ASIA story, and it remains the same today - so listen on, and enjoy” |
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| Rising from the ashes - Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 8769 6713 and for more info check www.originalasia.com 14th February 2008 |
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ASIA***DECEMBER UK TOUR DATES POSTPONED UNTIL MARCH 2008 AFTER SINGER JOHN WETTON’S TRIPLE BY-PASS HEART SURGERY*** |
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The reunited original line-up of multi-million selling British rock group Asia have had to postpone their December UK tour until March 2008, after singer John Wetton underwent triple bypass heart surgery. John is expected to make a full recovery and is looking forward to going into the studio to work on Asia's next studio album while recuperating. John is philosophical and confident about the situation and wants it to be known that he will be back on stage as soon as possible. “God didn't save me from drowning only to beat me up on the beach. I look forward to getting back on tour.” The rescheduled dates are:-
Asia's 'Fantasia; Live In Tokyo' double album has just been released on Eagle Records. Record Collector's Tim Jones, who awarded it 5/5 in September 2007's issue, proclaimed a 'Triumphant live set from this returning supergroup… The original 1982 line-up returned in 2006 in fine pomp rock form, and this 18-track collection captures the essence of their very fine craft.' The DVD of the concert is set to be released on Eagle Vision on October 2nd. Asia, formed by bassist/vocalist John Wetton, drummer Carl Palmer, keyboardist Geoff Downes, and guitarist Steve Howe, was the logical successor to their collective bands of the 70s - Yes, ELP, King Crimson and The Buggles. The band's eponymous debut album was the biggest-selling album in the world in the year of its release (1982) and spawned the US top ten singles 'Heat Of The Moment', 'Only Time Will Tell' and 'Sole Survivor'. After the release of the 1984 follow-up, 'Alpha', which produced the top ten singles 'Don't Cry' and 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' and also went platinum, the four musicians went their own various ways. Then in early 2006, the original line-up announced their reformation. "This is the REAL ASIA," stated guitarist Steve Howe. "There have been other versions of the band, but this original line-up is the one that the public truly embraced. Since we only toured for a couple of years, it will be nice to finally play for audiences all over the world, many of whom never had a chance to see the group in concert." Asia sold out their London Shepherds Bush Empire gig on December 3rd 2006. Classic Rock's Dave Ling enthused “Reunited to celebrate the quarter-century anniversary of their multi-platinum, self-titled debut, Asia play all of its nine songs tonight, plus 'The Smile Has Left Her Eyes' 'Don't Cry' and 'The Heat Goes On' from successor 'Alpha'. Combining the guilty indulgence of top quality pomp rock with soaring pop sensibilities, all sound absolutely glorious, reminding us why Asia were called a supergroup when they formed. The grins on stage and off tell us that the chemistry between these four exceptional musicians remains undimmed.” Tickets for Asia's December shows are valid for their rescheduled tour in March. |
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| For interviews, jpegs, guest list etc contact Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 8769 6713 and for more info check www.originalasia.com 11th September 2007 |
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