Asia, the name itself evokes a sense of grandeur and mystique, perfectly fitting for a supergroup that emerged in the 1980s to redefine rock music. This Asia Rock Band wasn’t just a collection of talented musicians; it was a phenomenon, born from the progressive rock pedigree of its members yet destined for mainstream success. At the heart of Asia was John Wetton, the bassist, vocalist, and principal songwriter, whose insights provide a captivating look into the band’s formation, meteoric rise, and enduring legacy. This article delves into an exclusive interview with the late John Wetton, offering a timeline of Asia’s journey, their impact on the 80s music scene, and Wetton’s personal reflections on this iconic asia rock band.
John Wetton in a promotional shot, highlighting his role as the frontman of the asia rock band Asia.
The Genesis of a Supergroup: How Asia Was Forged
Born in 1981, Asia was not just another band; it was a carefully constructed supergroup, bringing together giants of progressive rock. John Wetton, formerly of King Crimson and UK, joined forces with Geoff Downes and Steve Howe from Yes, and Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake & Palmer. This pedigree instantly set Asia apart, creating anticipation and curiosity within the music industry and among fans. Wetton explains the band’s formation, attributing it to John David Kalodner of Geffen Records, who had envisioned a band tailored for Wetton’s talents since 1976. The move to Geffen and a change in management to Brian Lane proved to be the catalyst. Lane himself suggested the name “Asia,” a choice initially met with lukewarm reception from others, but championed by Wetton for its simplicity and symbolic representation of the four band members. This marked the beginning of the asia rock band that would soon dominate the charts.
John Wetton pictured later in his career, reflecting on his journey with the asia rock band and beyond.
When asked about commercializing their progressive roots, Wetton dismisses the notion of a deliberate strategy. He points to his solo album “Caught in the Crossfire,” released prior to Asia’s formation, as a clear indication of his musical direction. This suggests that Asia’s sound was a natural evolution of Wetton’s artistic inclinations, rather than a calculated attempt to chase mainstream pop success. However, the resulting blend of progressive musicianship with more accessible song structures undeniably contributed to the asia rock band’s widespread appeal.
Stratospheric Success: Asia’s Debut Album and Global Domination
1982 witnessed the release of Asia’s self-titled debut album, a landmark moment for the asia rock band. It wasn’t just successful; it was a phenomenon, becoming the number one album of the year globally. Wetton recalls a sense of specialness during the recording process, yet admits no one could have predicted the album’s stratospheric rise. The synergy of radio-friendly singles and the burgeoning influence of MTV, with its promotional music videos, amplified Asia’s reach exponentially. Mike Stone’s production ensured they sounded phenomenal on the radio, and the band’s image resonated perfectly with the MTV generation.
The iconic album cover of Asia’s debut, a symbol of the asia rock band’s breakthrough success in the 80s.
The numbers speak volumes: four times platinum in the U.S., over 10 million copies sold worldwide, and an astounding nine weeks at the top of the Billboard album chart. “Heat of the Moment,” co-written by Wetton and Downes, became an anthem, topping the Mainstream Rock chart and reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Wetton reveals the song’s deeply personal origins, born from an apology to a woman who would later become his wife. He describes its evolution from a country song to the rock classic we know, highlighting how it almost didn’t make the album. This near miss underscores the often unpredictable nature of hit songs and the magic that can emerge in the studio.
“Only Time Will Tell,” another massive hit from the debut album, is also explored. Wetton describes it as a personal reflection on a relationship’s end, with lyrics primarily his and the chorus penned by Downes. He cites Joni Mitchell as an influence, emphasizing the confessional nature of his songwriting. While “Only Time Will Tell” peaked slightly lower than “Heat of the Moment” on the Hot 100, it solidified the asia rock band’s place in the musical landscape and remains a fan favorite.
Navigating the 80s Music Scene and MTV’s Impact
With mega-hits under their belt, Wetton expresses gratitude for the songs that resonated with so many. He views these hits – whether with Asia, King Crimson, or UK – as “tattoos,” permanent marks of his musical journey. This perspective highlights his appreciation for the fans and the lasting impact of his work as part of this influential asia rock band.
John Wetton performing live, showcasing the energy and musicianship of the asia rock band in concert.
The conversation turns to MTV and its revolutionary impact on the music industry. Wetton acknowledges MTV’s pivotal role in transforming the industry into a multi-million selling powerhouse. He notes how music videos became intertwined with movies, creating a synergistic promotional machine that propelled record sales to unprecedented heights. Asia, with its visually appealing videos, was perfectly positioned to benefit from this new medium, further cementing their status as a leading asia rock band of the era.
Turbulence and Transitions: Lineup Changes and Creative Evolution
The interview doesn’t shy away from the less glamorous aspects of the asia rock band’s journey. Wetton addresses his brief expulsion from the band in 1983 and replacement by Greg Lake. He candidly admits to issues with drinking, arrogance, and being a team player, but questions the fairness of his dismissal from the band he helped create. Public reaction seemingly agreed, as Wetton was back in the group by early 1984.
While Asia’s subsequent albums, “Alpha” and “Astra,” achieved some success, they didn’t replicate the phenomenal heights of their debut. This period reflects the challenges many bands face in sustaining initial momentum and navigating the ever-changing music landscape.
Asia in their MTV era, illustrating the visual appeal that contributed to the asia rock band’s 80s success.
A detour into film soundtracks reveals Wetton’s involvement with “Gypsy Soul” for Sylvester Stallone’s “Over the Top.” He clarifies it wasn’t his song, but one he performed, working with Giorgio Moroder. Interestingly, he was initially slated to sing “Winner Takes It All,” a version he preferred over Sammy Hagar’s, though the latter was ultimately chosen for the film.
Embracing the Legacy and the Future of Asia
Wetton expresses genuine appreciation for fans who have followed him since the 80s. He notes the enduring appeal of Asia’s music, even to younger listeners, bridging generational gaps. When discussing his departure from Asia in 1991, he reframes it, stating he never truly left the band, but rather pursued a solo album while Geoff Downes continued with Asia. This led to John Payne joining the band for a significant period, further evolving the asia rock band’s sound and identity.
The emergence of “Asia Featuring John Payne” is addressed with equanimity. Wetton acknowledges the legality of tribute bands performing his songs, stating it doesn’t bother him as long as there’s no pretense of original authorship. This pragmatic approach reflects a seasoned musician’s understanding of the industry and the enduring power of his music.
A more recent image of John Wetton with Asia, highlighting the band’s continued activity and evolution over decades.
Looking back on his four decades in music, Wetton avoids dwelling on the past or future, preferring to remain present. Regarding Asia’s 2010 album “Omega,” he and Downes continue their established formula of “prog/pop,” creating quality material that still resonates with audiences. He concludes by mentioning his solo album “Raised in Captivity” and upcoming tours, showcasing his relentless creativity and passion for music.
John Wetton’s reflections offer invaluable insights into the journey of Asia, a band that truly defined the asia rock band sound of the 1980s. His candid interview provides a personal perspective on the formation, success, challenges, and enduring legacy of a supergroup that continues to captivate music lovers worldwide. To explore more about John Wetton’s remarkable career and Asia’s music, visit JohnWetton.com and OriginalAsia.com.
John Wetton in a recent photo, a testament to his lasting impact on music and the enduring appeal of the asia rock band he fronted.
