Asia performed its first correct live performance since 2019 on Wednesday night (July 3) in Ridgefield, Connecticut. The efficiency launched the band’s summer tour and unveiled a brand new lineup who shortly revealed they had been well-equipped for the duty.
The British group’s eponymous 1982 debut, now over 40 years faraway from its unique launch, figured closely within the night time’s set listing with seven of its 9 tracks getting characteristic time. It is hardly stunning seeing because the album went to No. 1 on Billboard’s album charts, pushed by the success of three main singles. Songs just like the now-signature “Heat of the Moment,” plus “Only Time Will Tell” and “Sole Survivor” helped Asia promote greater than 4 million copies.
However it caught the members themselves off guard on the time. “After we completed the album, none of us knew how profitable it was going to be,” co-founder and keyboardist Geoff Downes advised UCR previous to the tour begin. “All of us felt we would made album, however you by no means know till you begin getting performed on each single radio station in America. The entire sudden, the album is flying up the charts.”
Who’s In Asia Now?
The present lineup of Asia was born out of the Extraordinary Life Memorial Live performance, a 2023 tribute to late frontman John Wetton, who died in 2017 after a most cancers battle. Vocalist Harry Whitley had the tough process of getting into Wetton’s place that day, one thing he dealt with admirably, in accordance with Downes, who famous that “he actually, actually raised some eyebrows.” Guitarist John Mitchell labored with each Wetton and Downes in Icon and the John Wetton Band. Drummer Virgil Donati, well-known within the progressive rock circles, additionally has ties to Wetton, having been a part of a profitable reunion for ’70s prog rockers U.Ok. Authentic guitarist Steve Howe, nonetheless at present with Yes, has been out of the Asia combine since 2013, whereas drummer Carl Palmer was unavailable for the dates because of commitments along with his Emerson, Lake and Palmer tribute.
Whereas some followers pushed again relating to the legitimacy of the brand new lineup previous to the tour, Lisa Wetton, the singer’s widow, shortly launched a statement of support. “John himself would have endorsed this tour, as a result of he needed the music to dwell on.”
READ MORE: John Wetton’s Widow Responds to Fan Complaints Over Reformed Asia
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As Downes relates, Whitley was the essential lacking piece. “The wonderful factor was, when everybody began taking part in, it simply sounded so alive. Harry is a useless ringer for John in some ways by way of his vocal supply and his normal presentation,” he defined. He was an actual discover.”
“It appeared like a really, very good approach of paying tribute to John as a lot as the rest. You realize, the concept we might put collectively this group of musicians that may actually do justice to Asia’s music,” he added. “John’s at all times in my thoughts. Clearly, I had a unbelievable friendship and writing relationship with John. We broke down some partitions with our writing. It was at all times a really inspirational day spent writing with John. I cherish these reminiscences.”
The Heat of the Moment trek continues on Saturday in Medford, Massachusetts.
Watch Asia Carry out ‘Warmth of the Second’ in Ridgefield, Connecticut
Asia, 7/3/2024 Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, Connecticut, Set Listing
1. “Wildest Goals”
2. “Right here Comes The Feeling”
3. “Don’t Cry”
4. “An Extraordinary Life”
5. “Voice Of America”
6. “Time Once more”
7. “Slicing It Effective / Bolero”
8. “Video Killed The Radio Star”
9. “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” (acoustic)
10. “Solely Time Will Inform”
11. “Go”
12. “Sole Survivor”
13. “Warmth of the Second”
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Gallery Credit score: Nick DeRiso