A live recording by the 80’s supergroup Asia will be the latest release from Rainman Records’ British Live Performance Series. The release marks the series’ eighth installment, with previous live sets from Ten Years After, Rick Wakeman, Glen Campbell, Joe Jackson, Uriah Heep and more. Due out June 24, the album celebrates the legacy of the band which debuted in 1982 with their 4x Platinum self-titled LP.
Asia was formed by musicians who were already established stars in their own right. Each member came with a proven pedigree: singer/bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, among others), drummer Carl Palmer (Emerson Lake and Palmer), guitarist Steve Howe (Yes) and keyboardist Geoff Downes (Yes, Buggles). But it was the excellence of their music that sold millions of records worldwide.
Asia sold more than six million copies worldwide of its first album in little more than a year thanks to a combination of classic radio-friendly songs and virtuoso musicianship. Recorded in 1990 in Nottingham, England, founding members Wetton, Palmer and Downes are joined by guitarist Pat Thrall (subbing for Howe) to perform the debut album’s three major singles – “Heat Of The Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell” and “Sole Survivor” – plus “Don’t Cry,” a top 10 single from their follow-up album, on the live collection’s 13 tracks.
Asia remain classic rock staples. As Carl Palmer put it, this was – and is – “English rock with a technical side – sophisticated rock mixed in with melodies and singles.”
Related: Our interview with Carl Palmer
The Asia: British Live Performance Series track list:
Wildest Dreams
Sole Survivor
Don’t Cry
Voice of America
Time Again
Praying For A Miracle
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
Only Time Will Tell
Days Like These
The Heat Goes On
Go
Heat Of The Moment
Open Your Eyes
