yaah said:
These results surprise me. I thought we had more IMGs.
Im asking the ABP to incorporate a culture component to the boards, one section will be devoted entirely to recognition, history and general appreciation of the great musical ensemble known as ASIA!
When Asias debut album exploded onto the music scene in February 1982 with several Top 10 singles and sales exceeding 7 million, many believed the supergroup featuring bassist/vocalist John Wetton, drummer Carl Palmer, keyboardist Geoff Downes, and guitarist Steve Howe were the logical next musical step for fans of the great bands of the 70s. After all, the four members had been members in Yes, King Crimson, ELP, UK, Roxy Music, and Uriah Heep.
The group came together in the spring of 1981, when John Wetton's acclaimed progressive band UK fell apart. He had decided to form a new group with guitarist Steve Howe, best known as the axeman for British Prog superstars, Yes. Drummer Carl Palmer came into the band next, having just completed a decade of platinum releases and sold out tours with Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Keyboardist Geoff Downes, who had replaced Rick Wakeman in the 1979 version of Yes and previously, had been half of the pop duo, The Buggles (remember, "Video Killed The Radio Star"?).
Despite having to overcome the stigma of being labeled a "supergroup" from the onset, Asia's music (and rocknroll charisma) developed organically, - and almost-, effortlessly. Though all had seen chart topping success in their previous bands, Asia had a special chemistry that fans and music industry insiders were quick to recognize.
" The band sort of came together naturally," says Carl Palmer. " It wasn't something which was kind of forced. We all wanted to play together. We had a great time doing it. Those first six years were a wonderful experience overall."
The band was signed in the summer of 1981 by Geffen Records A&R whiz John Kalodner, fresh out of a long affiliation at Atlantic Records where he worked with the various Asia members as he oversaw the making of albums for Yes, King Crimson, ELP and Roxy Music.
The first Asia album went into production in June of 1981 with producer Mike Stone at Marcus Studios and Virgin Townhouse in London. Stone, who had worked on hits for Journey, Queen and Foreigner, also knew the band had an amazing musical ability. The band spent five months writing, arranging, and recording nine songs for its debut that included such classics as " Heat Of The Moment", "Only Time Will Tell", and "Sole Survivor."
