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| ASIA 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:- March 1st Falmouth Princes Pavilion 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. For interviews, jpegs,
guest list etc contact Roland Hyams on 020 8677 8466 / 8769 6713.
11th September 2007
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