CD/DVD Releases: Asia Announce Tour Dates, New Album
Asia have announced the resumption of their tour with several dates in the US throughout April and into May of 2008 and a handful of dates in Japan in the middle of May.
In addition, a press release was issued regarding a new studio album! The complete release follows:
Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer & John Wetton announce the release of a brand new studio album on Frontiers Records. World tour announced.
Asia, the first legendary super group to emerge with the dawn of the MTV-age, reunited in 2006 with its original line-up. The founding members Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton all had experiences in Classic Rock icons such as Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson and The Buggles, and released one of the most enduring and commercially successful debuts of all time. Simply entitled ASIA, the album stayed at the #1 spot on the Billboard Top 100 album chart for an astounding 9 weeks in 1982. Only a handful of albums such as Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon and Michael Jackson?s Thriller have been #1 on the Billboard charts for a longer time.
Asia celebrated the 25th anniversary of the debut album?s release with a world tour that brought more than 70 successful dates. During their time and work together, the four musicians started to write new songs and, in the summer 2007, they started working on the recording of a brand new all original studio album. The natural choice for the band was to sign a worldwide deal with Frontiers Records, the Italian label which has a solid trademark for quality, enthusiasm and professionalism in Classic Rock Music.
"Our initial optimism was more than rewarded by the enthusiasm of our fans," says John Wetton. Adds Geoff Downes: "It's great finally to give some new music to those Asia fans who have remained with us patiently all these years."
"There is a certain chemistry and energy that comes out when the four of us are working together and the new material reflects this," says drummer Carl Palmer. "This is the REAL ASIA," states guitarist Steve Howe "and the new album will be the landmark of our enthusiasm and pleasure to work together again."
Geoffrey Downes concludes: "We've all remained dedicated to our craft of making compelling and powerful music. After many years apart, I think we all have a new and very fresh attitude to the music. I am looking forward to playing the new songs on stage."
Recording is well underway with a commercial release scheduled for April 2008. The new album will also see the return of Roger Dean who will provide one of his paintings for the cover art. Asia has already announced a new UK Tour in March 2008, where they will be showcasing the songs from the yet untitled album for the first time. More tour dates are being settled in the USA and Japan for the rest of the spring 2008, with a full European tour to follow.
Weblinks: www.originalasia.com / www.frontiers.it / www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
