OT-The Name Asia

[Abitaman]

Was reading on the other board here on MR, they were talking about Wetton and Asia getting back together, for a tour, or something next year. And they brought up a point that Payne (the bassist singer who replaced wetton), owns the name Asia. And plans for a tour may not include Payne.
First question
How can Payne who is not a original member own the name or trade mark to Asia.
second
How can he not bee included in the 25th aniv tour (unless he ok'ed it)-ERIC

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Monker would probably know. He can explain about the Little River Band, it might be the same situation.

I thought Styx was the only band that sued each other and had problems (LOL) . YIKES how wrong was I???

My gosh, it's almost every band out there.

[DarrenUK]

I just read the book the Asia story.....Geoff Downes sold the rites to the Asia name to John Payne for contractual reasons....... something to do with record companies and former management problems.....sort of if none of the original members had the name a certain amount of money would not be due to John Kalodner and others from future sales...........all complicated i know....

[SuiteMadameBlue]

From ClassicRockNews:

Superb news –
Message from John Wetton
"It is the intention of all 4 original members, Geoff Downes, Steve
Howe, Carl Palmer, and John Wetton, to celebrate the 25th
anniversary of the creation of "ASIA" .
All four wish to convey their heartfelt thanks for the global
support, love and enthusiasm that has made this possible".
31 January 2006

[swwskj]

Since Wetton's interest in Asia seems to come and go, and since he doesn't get along with Howe at all, any kind of Asia reunion featuring the four original members is remote.

Payne has been in Asia longer than Wetton was, has been on more albums and has earned veto power in my opinion. Payne does seem to be the kind of guy that would get along with most anyone and would share the stage, but Wetton has already demonstrated that it is him and only him as lead singer.

There was a failed attempt at a reunion tour in 1999 that included Wetton/Palmer/Downes at this time Wetton tried to pay Payne to 'disappear' for the duration of the tour. So this is the kind of ego's involved.

Although I prefer Wetton as a singer, he seems to latch onto Asia when it suits him and abandons it when it doesn't serve him anymore. If people are interested in a recent Wetton/Downes collaboration, check out their Icon album released last year.

Whatever happens 'reunion' wise I hope it is nothing to drive Payne away. He in my opinion along with Downes are the stewards of the Asia franchise.

[Angiekay]

From ClassicRockNews:

Superb news –
Message from John Wetton
"It is the intention of all 4 original members, Geoff Downes, Steve
Howe, Carl Palmer, and John Wetton, to celebrate the 25th
anniversary of the creation of "ASIA" .
All four wish to convey their heartfelt thanks for the global
support, love and enthusiasm that has made this possible".
31 January 2006

THAT would be SWEET!

[Angiekay]

Here is a little more info that I found:

Is there a reunion of the original Asia lineup in the works to mark their 25th anniversary? Well, that depends who you ask. Singer-bassist John Wetton wrote on his official johnwetton.com website, "We can now confirm that the original four Asia members will indeed be recording a CD and DVD as well as planning a world tour to celebrate this milestone with their fans." Guitarist Steve Howe posted what was basically the same message on stevehowe.com.

But drummer Carl Palmer isn't so sure. On the official carlplamer.com site, he posted this message: "I must make it clear that the current statements about a reunion of the original members of Asia circulating within the music and concert industries are somewhat premature. All four original members have met and discussed a reunion to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary. However, at this time, no specific time frame for tours and recordings has been established, and no shows have been booked. At present, I am giving my complete focus to a North American tour of the Carl Palmer Band, which will run from May through early July. Ironically, 'Only Time Will Tell' when the original Asia can once again return...."

And just to make it more interesting, a representative for the management of the current Asia lineup has said that this is a reunion of the original members, but that they would NOT be working as Asia. The current group is finishing up their new studio album, which is called Architect Of Time, and they hope to release it in the spring.
Keyboardist Geoff Downes, the only original member who's still in the band, hasn't commented about the reunion.

[jimmy19029]

Back in 1992 when Carl Palmer left Asia to concentrate on the ELP reunion, he sold his one third share of Asia which Downes encouraged John Payne to assume. That's why Payne owns the majority(two thirds) of the name Asia. In 1999 Payne was offered alot of money to stand aside and let a reunion tour(minus Howe, who was busy with Yes) go forth. Payne refused. And, upon further investigation, it appeared that promoters were not all that eager to book an Asia reunion anyway. They would've ended up playing in clubs or on a multi-bill of "80s artists" like Howard Jones or whomever else. Not seeing the options as all that lucrative, Downes pulled out rather than risk potentially ruining his current partnership with Payne.
I did hear of the new Carl Palmer band touring this year. Looks like it's mostly an ELP tribute band. If this goes on as planned, I guess a full Asia reunion won't happen this year either.

[DarrenUK]

Asia will tour this year with all the original members back in the fold...John Wetton, Steve Howe, Geoff Downes and Carl Palmer will also record a new CD and a live DVD of the tour will also be released.

The Payne version of Asia will take 18 months off before returning in late 2007 early 2008.

The original members of Asia have been offered mega bucks to do this and personally i cant wait as i have always been a big Wetton fan and have never seen Asia fronted by him....... also the name of the band being used contrary to what may have been said is ASIA.

John Payne who owns the Asia name has given this tour and CD his full backing..... so he must be getting a financial cut from it.

[jimmy19029]

Me too Darren! Can't wait! If they're actually being offered big bucks I can see all involved, including Payne, setting aside their differences and current projects and doing it. Especially since the current version, although putting out great material, have struggled to stay afloat.

[jimmy19029]

Me too Darren! Can't wait! If they're actually being offered big bucks I can see all involved, including Payne, setting aside their differences and current projects and doing it. Especially since the current version, although putting out great material, have struggled to stay afloat.

[jimmy19029]

Me too Darren! Can't wait! If they're actually being offered big bucks I can see all involved, including Payne, setting aside their differences and current projects and doing it. Especially since the current version, although putting out great material, have struggled to stay afloat.

[jimmy19029]

GEEZ! Sorry for the triple post. I'm about to take this network I'm on and pitch it out the window! Nothing but problematic today!

[NealIsGod]

Sounds like they're doing it for all the wrong reasons.

[Abitaman]

Sounds like they're doing it for all the wrong reasons.

Sure does!! As much as I like the orginal Asia first 3 cds, The Paune area is my favorite-ERIC

[DarrenUK]

Wrong reasons ?

Money ?

If DDY and JY/Tommy etc buried the hatchet and did a tour what reasons would you think would make them do it ? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

So the original Asia is no different.......I seen Asia last year and while I like Payne he cannot compare to Wetton vocally........ sounds familier with another band eh ?

And the first 3 Asia albums especially the debut is a classic...thats why people crave the songs from it when they go and see Asia play live....

John Wetton is one of my hereoes in music....have his solo CD's and they oooze class.

[jimmy19029]

I was lucky enough to see them on the debut tour with Wetton in 1982. The last time I saw Wetton(in 1995) he was still sounding great but had to perform to backing tapes since he couldn't afford to bring the band over.

[thebook]

Wrong reasons ?

Money ?

If DDY and JY/Tommy etc buried the hatchet and did a tour what reasons would you think would make them do it ? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

So the original Asia is no different.......I seen Asia last year and while I like Payne he cannot compare to Wetton vocally........ sounds familier with another band eh ?

And the first 3 Asia albums especially the debut is a classic...thats why people crave the songs from it when they go and see Asia play live....

John Wetton is one of my hereoes in music....have his solo CD's and they oooze class.

should be a great show, i plan on attending this one. i think this show will do quite well, and it will be great to see all the members that made a band famous on stage. i got the first 2 albums and some songs from the third. first one is a classic.

[Leesa]

Darrenfl and I had the great opportunity to see John Payne, & the brilliant Geoffrey Downes, Chris Slade (omg what a drummer never seen anything better IMO) and Guthrie G, perform in England last year,I have never seen the original Asia with Wetton, and now that I am more educated on the voices, I feel Wetton does have a better voice, but John Payne has a great voice too and put on a fantastic concert, I have killer pic's and great memories!! I felt the tour in England was a huge success, the added bonus being DARE (wooohooo) opening for them and John asking them at the end of the night to do the finale with them singing..."Heat of the Moment" and what a moment that was....so friggen cool!! Just a great bunch of guys all around, both bands hung out with us, drinking and talking music, I have never heard of a band mingling with the fans, Dare stayed out with all of us the entire time Asia were on stage,both bands...VERY down to earth.
We will definately be seeing the 25th anniv concert, keeping fingers crossed they are touring Florida

~Leesa~

[Abitaman]

Of the boots I have on both Asia groups, Wetton saided the worst vocally.
Even the studio cd with Wetton, it was poor, but the dvd with Payne was better.-ERIC

[swwskj]

I really hope this reunion doesn't destroy what Geoffrey and John Payne built over the last 14 years. I guess we can kiss Guthrie goodbye now. Too bad, he's a great talent. Yes I know Steve Howe is better, but this reunion will only be temporary and once the year or so of it is over I just hope John Payne is still around.

As sure as I am that I will see the reunited original Asia, I still can't help but feel that Payne should have been involved in some way. Heck, just have him play Bass and let John Wetton sing. He could even handle electric lead guitar while Steve Howe does the acoustic material, much like when Al Pitrelli was on board during the 'Aqua' tour.

[DarrenUK]

John Payne sounds a lot rougher than Wetton live.......... Wetton is by far a superior singer and if you think Payne has a better voice you must have a wax build up....

[Abitaman]

you must have a wax build up....

Yea they are called records-ERIC

[jimmy19029]

I'm sure his ears are fine. He's probably speaking of recent boots of Wetton from the 90s. I did hear some of them and he's definitely not at his best(He did sound fine at our 1995 show though) Back in the 90s I heard rumors that he was having a bit of a problem with his over consumption of alcohol(this, reportedly, was also an issue on Asia's 1983 tour). Hopefully all that's in the past.
I like Payne, but only on the newer stuff. I've never quite warmed to his readings of the Wetton era stuff. Like apples and oranges or the difference between, say, Frank Sinatra to Rod Stewart.....

[RoyalOakRoadie]

Here is a little more info that I found:

Is there a reunion of the original Asia lineup in the works to mark their 25th anniversary? Well, that depends who you ask. Singer-bassist John Wetton wrote on his official johnwetton.com website, "We can now confirm that the original four Asia members will indeed be recording a CD and DVD as well as planning a world tour to celebrate this milestone with their fans." Guitarist Steve Howe posted what was basically the same message on stevehowe.com.

But drummer Carl Palmer isn't so sure. On the official carlplamer.com site, he posted this message: "I must make it clear that the current statements about a reunion of the original members of Asia circulating within the music and concert industries are somewhat premature. All four original members have met and discussed a reunion to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary. However, at this time, no specific time frame for tours and recordings has been established, and no shows have been booked. At present, I am giving my complete focus to a North American tour of the Carl Palmer Band, which will run from May through early July. Ironically, 'Only Time Will Tell' when the original Asia can once again return...."

And just to make it more interesting, a representative for the management of the current Asia lineup has said that this is a reunion of the original members, but that they would NOT be working as Asia. The current group is finishing up their new studio album, which is called Architect Of Time, and they hope to release it in the spring.
Keyboardist Geoff Downes, the only original member who's still in the band, hasn't commented about the reunion.

Actually, Geoff's Official Site has confirmed this:

" The original four members of the supergroup "Asia"--Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton--are planning to reunite for a series of summer 2006 shows in the U.S. to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the formation of the band. Please keep checking this site for further updates."

[jimmy19029]

Yikes, what a mess! Here's the latest!

ASIA SQUARES THE LEDGER – THE OFFICIAL WORD:
A big update from the Asia camp, which no doubt will see fans debating the merits of recent events. It seems the John Payne era of Asia is well and truly over. Read on...
From the updates at: www.asiaworld.org.
1. In order to allay recent speculation, it is confirmed that Geoffrey Downes and John Payne have dissolved their partnership. John and Geoff wish to make it clear that they disapprove of negativity in the public domain, and trust that they can both receive support in their future career choices - Adam Parsons, Siren Management, on behalf of John Payne Martin Darvill, Qedg Management, on behalf of Geoffrey Downes.
2. Asia are planning to play two European festivals this summer -- Sweden Rock Festival on 10th June and Rock of Ages in Germany on 28th July. The band will consist of John Payne, Guthrie Govan, Jay Schellen and a guest keyboardist. These dates were booked some time ago and the band wishes to honor their obligation. At this moment, plans are to release Architect of Time at some point in 2006. Details will be forthcoming as they are available(Looks like this will block any attempts to do a tour of the original four members. Payne still owns two thirds of the group name to Downes' one third)
3. John Payne, Guthrie Govan, and Jay Schellen of Asia have announced the formation of a new band called One. A deal has been signed with InsideOut Records and the band's self-titled debut album will be released on 23rd May in North America and 26th May in Europe. Keyboard duties on the album were handled by Ryo Okumoto from Spock's Beard. The band plans to play select shows during the summer with a full European tour in the fall of 2006. One will be unveiling their new web site in the near future.


And it looks like Wetton & Downes are touring this year as...Wetton & Downes.

[swwskj]

Isn't that just great! Hate to say I told you so...

I guess I am going to have to start listening to One after Wetton cuts and runs again.

Fanfreakin'tastic!

Sorry Payne, you deserved better.

[jimmy19029]

Yeah, I agree. Payne was a helluva nice guy when I spoke to him and I said he had every right to be proud of the recent CDs he'd done with the group, particularly Aura. It was his bad fortune to end up in a group who was better known to the public at large for its original line up.

[DarrenUK]

I seen Asia with Payne 3 times last year and thought he was really good but i have to say i am thrilled to see Mr Asia return to vocal duties.......the man who wrote the hits and arranged along with Downes the bands most memorable moments.

maybe DDY will get back with Styx and we will have a reunion summer jaunt together.....

ONLY TIME WILL TELL


Regards

Darren

The voice of America ooooooooooooooooooooo America

[jimmy19029]

I've gotta say I'm with you Darren. I enjoyed Payne very much on the newer albums but really missed Wetton's touch on the older stuff. Two completely different sounds.