Original supergroup Asia ready to play Liverpool at last

Feb 26 2008 by Phil Key, Liverpool Daily Post

ASIA, one of the original supergroups, is back on the road with its original line-up and due to play the Liverpool Carling Academy next Tuesday.

The tour also heralds the group’s first studio album since 1983. The album Phoenix will be released on April 14.

The band first got together in 1981 with John Wetton (vocals and bass), ex-Yes guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Geoff Downes (also from Yes) and drummer Carl Palmer.

Although an initial success, by 1983 Wetton had left the band and although returning two years later, other personnel changes occurred.

In late 2006, however, the original members teamed up for a December tour.

“This is the real Asia,” Howe stated at the time. “There have been other versions of the band, but this original line-up is the one the public truly embraced.”

Last year, they released a live album recorded in Tokyo and now comes the aptly titled studio album Phoenix.

Wetton explains: “Everything that was there 25 years ago is still there and quite simply, if you liked it then you’ll love it now. It does exactly what it says on the tin.”

At the end of last year, Wetton underwent triple bypass heart surgery, forcing the cancellation of a December tour that was to have included the Liverpool Academy date.

“It kind if knocked me sideways on another level,” he says. “You become very aware of your mortality.” His song, An Extraordinary Life, celebrates overcoming the surgery and a long battle with alcohol in 2005.

Guitarist Steve Howe said: “I believe we have all found the team work creatively rewarding and look forward to playing some of the new songs on stage in Liverpool.”

* ASIA at the Carling Academy, Liverpool, March 4.