ASIA'S ORIGINAL LINE-UP RETURNS

[The Pagemeister]

ASIA'S ORIGINAL LINE-UP RETURNS WITH FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM IN 25 YEARS:

Phoenix to be issued by Frontiers Records label / Release Will Coincide With Asia's 2008 World Tour

Frontiers Records, the Italian-based record label, announced today acclaimed British progressive rock group Asia, will release Phoenix, its first studio album since 1983. The new album, recorded by all four original members following singer/bassist John Wetton's emergency heart surgery last August, marks a return to the classic Asia sound, with some surprising contemporary twists.

“Everything that was there 25 years ago is still there, and quite simply if you liked it then, you'll love it now,” says Wetton. “It does exactly what it says on the tin.” “The recording has gone very well, especially since John is writing, singing and playing great,” adds guitarist Steve Howe. “I believe we've all found the team work creatively rewarding and we look forward to playing some new songs, on stage.”

Phoenix is a collection of songs that speak to the millions of core Asia fans who, like the group, have come a long way since the dawn of the MTV age in 1982. “We're older now, and our audience has grown up with us,” says drummer Carl Palmer. “I think the lyrical themes on this record are some of the best John has ever developed. One track in particular, 'Extraordinary Life,' is among the best tracks we've ever recorded, and I believe could go on to be another Asia classic.”

Phoenix has a very poignant underlying theme placed at the intersection of love, discovery and reflection, no doubt due, at least partly, to Wetton's unexpected serious health issues (which included open heart surgery), and forced the cancellation of Asia's 2007 West Coast North American tour and a sold-out tour of the United Kingdom. “It kind of knocked me sideways on another level,” said Wetton of his recent surgery and physical rehabilitation, in an interview with journalist Jeb Wright. “You tend to become very aware of your mortality and your vulnerability.” Fortunately for his fans, Wetton has recovered fully and his bandmates say he is singing and playing better than ever.

“John is a survivor,” adds Asia keyboardist Geoff Downes. “He has proved that a few times, now. There was never any doubt in our minds that he would recover and be better than ever. We all look forward to hitting the road once again.” Adds Carl Palmer: “The last few years since we reunited have been a very natural process. The recording started and ended on a big high with the sense that Asia now was truly reborn and ready to move forward once again - onto the global stage where we all feel it justly belongs."

Coinciding with the release of Phoenix, Asia, will return to the stage for an extensive World Tour that kick off on March 1, 2008, in Falmouth, UK. It will be the first show by the band since Wetton was sidelined last August.

[Mattmc1973]

Kind of a guilty pleasure, but I dig Asia.

[Styrbjorn]

God help us.

[lzatlanta73]

I like Asia the foods great!

No really, Asia is a good band, but I would rather see Steve Howe with YES.

[Rock Action]

Sorry fans, but this is a question I must ask.

WHY?????

[Babs]

Sorry fans, but this is a question I must ask.

WHY?????

I guess it was decided in the heat of the moment.

[JethroTull]

Sorry fans, but this is a question I must ask.

WHY?????

There are a bunch of bands out there that I enjoy hearing now, but didn't back in their heyday. Asia is one of them.....You ask why?.....reread the original post with the paragraph beginning with....."Phoenix has a very poignant underlying theme"