ASIA Is Hitting The Road To Honor John Wetton
ASIA has announced a new US tour. Founding Member Geoff Downes will be joined by John Mitchell, Virgil Donati and Harry Whitley. I’m excited to go to a show and I’m urging you to join me and experience John Wetton and Geoff’s songs performed with love and honor.
ASIA burst on the scene in 1982 with their explosive debut album featuring the hits “Heat of the Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell”. The album went on to sell over 10 Million copies. ASIA were all over MTV and John Wetton (King Crimson, UK, Roxy Music), Geoff Downes (The Buggles, Yes), Steve Howe (Yes) and Carl Palmer (Emerson Lake & Palmer) went from stars to mega stars.
The record company saw the mega success and rushed the band to produce a follow up album. Alpha contained the hits “Don’t Cry” and “The Smile Left Your Eyes”. Alpha didn’t reach the success of the debut album, but 40 years later, fans still talk about their love for this album. John Wetton was dealing with issues with alcohol and was removed from the band shortly before MTV’s ASIA in ASIA live concert special. Carl Palmer got his buddy Greg Lake to step in.
Wetton rejoined the band for Astra and Steve Howe departed. “Go” was a hit and the album rocked with Mandy Meyer on guitar. The band went their sports ways until 1990 and the hit “Days Like These” hit the airwaves from the “Then and Now” album. Steve Lukather from Toto played guitar on the track. Guitarist Pat Thrall joined Wetton, Downes & Palmer for a tour, which produced a couple of great live albums. Downes formed a new ASIA and made several albums with the new band from 1992-2004.
And then something truly magical happened. The original four ASIA members Wetton, Downes, Howe & Palmer reunited. The band toured and subsequently recorded three amazing studio albums Phoenix (2008), Omega (2010) and XXX (2012]. Howe left the band to concentrate on his work with Yes and talented guitarist Sam Cookson came onboard for the fantastic Gravitas album in 2014.
John Wetton publicly and bravely fought cancer until his passing in 2017. ASIA have gone on tour with John’s friend Billy Sherwood and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thai taking over for John. John’s music lived on. A book with memories and tributes along with a Box Set of John’s solo work are now available for fans to enjoy.
As a young teenager I fell in love with ASIA. I played their first two albums so much, I wore cassettes out. John Wetton was my hero. So cool with a voice of an angel. When I was an adult, I discovered John’s official website which featured a guestbook. John would interact with fans like me and it was a special place. John’s sense of humor was always present. When I called into a radio show in 2006, I was able to talk to John, Geoff, Steve and Carl, who were promoting their reunion tour. “Geno!! I know who you are!” John greeted me so warmly. MY HERO KNEW WHO I WAS!! It was a fun moment that I’ll never forget.
With the invention of Twitter, John interacted with fans there. John would repost my ASIA posts with always a kind word. When I battled cancer, John was in my corner cheering me on. When John was diagnosed with cancer years later, my hero became my friend. We connected on a personal level and would exchange private messages. I would give John advice and encouragement, when he needed it. He was brave and never lost that amazing sense of humor. When John passed away, I was devastated. I asked permission from John’s wonderful wife Lisa and John’s manager Martin to start an Official Twitter Account to honor John daily. I later started an Instagram Account to help keep John’s spirit alive.
I’m thrilled that Geoff has formed this new ASIA and I get to watch them perform my favorite songs live. John Mitchell overflows with talent, I always enjoy all of his projects. I can’t wait to see him live! Virgil is a powerhouse and Harry is a talented young man who can sing and play 1,999 instruments.. He will be playing one of John’s old Bass guitars gifted by John’s family. A truly beautiful gesture.
Life is short. Go see ASIA live.
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Geno
❤️