AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Asia

Artist:Asia
Song:Heat Of The Moment
Album:The Definitive Collection





Asia was a British progressive rock group that emerged in the early 80s at the height of the popularity of New Wave and scored a top five hit in 1982 with Heat Of The Moment. They are frequently described as a supergroup because the members came from other prominent bands. The band started with bassist John Wetton from the group Family. He was a member of King Crimson when they split up in 1974. In 1976, he attempted to form British Bulldog with Bill Bruford of King Crimson and Rick Wakeman of Yes. When Wakeman walked away, Wetton and Bruford formed UK with guitarist Alan Holdsworth and keyboard player and violinist Eddie Jobson from Roxy Music. UK had some success with three albums and split up in 1980. Then Wetton attempted to form another group with Wakeman, drummer Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake & Palmer and guitarist Trevor Rabin. They were going to sign with Geffen Records when Wakeman walked away again. Geffen A & R man John Kalodner brought in Yes guitarist Steve Howe to work with Wetton. Then Palmer joined and Howe brought in keyboard player Geoff Downes who was in Yes but is probably best known for The Buggles' hit Video Killed The Radio Star. Wetton was lead singer and he wrote the songs with Downes. Asia's debut album was released in 1982 and it sold four million copies. Heat Of The Moment reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their second album Alpha reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 200 and was certified 2XPlatinum. But it was considered a disappointment and Wetton was having alcohol problems and he was fired and replaced temporarily by Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. By the time their 1985 album Astra was released, Howe was replaced by Mandy Meyer of Krokus. Asia continued to record with modest success but obviously it was a different band. They're still around today. John Payne joined in 1991 and he's now the leader of Asia. This comp is a good intro to their music. The original members of Asia have worked on various projects over the years. Downes reunited them for a tour in 2006 and now there are two bands touring under the name Asia. Here's the video for Heat Of The Moment by Asia.