the other side of Asia: John Payne
For those that can’t make it to see 80’s supergroup Asia open for Yes on tour this summer, there’s still an alternative. Many fans of the original Asia lineup may not be aware that there’s another version of Asia touring the U.S. this summer: Asia Featuring John Payne. Yes, I know some may feel that this configuration of the band is the inferior of the two but whatever the case may be, Payne was responsible for a number of decent tunes in the Asia back catalog. As a matter of fact, Payne (along with original member Geoff Downes) released eight studio albums as “Asia” between 1992 and 2004. I personally thought that Asia “mark II” hit their stride when they released Silent Nation
But things went south for Payne’s band when Downes decided to reunite with John Wetton, Steve Howe and Carl Palmer to tour as “Original Asia” in 2006. I’m not really clear on who owns the rights to the name “Asia” but there seems to be an agreement that Payne can still use the name “Asia” as long as it’s followed by “featuring John Payne”. Personally, I’d rather see Payne break free of the Asia name altogether and just focus on his other band GPS (which includes Guvan and Jay Schellen) but it seems that concert promoters are more willing to put up the money for a band called “Asia” than the lesser known “GPS” even though Payne, Guvan and Schellen play in both bands.
So anyway, for those that aren’t familiar with John Payne’s work with Asia, I thought I’d post one of my favorites by Payne titled “Long Way From Home”.
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There’s a black Siberian
Look a white guy in the sun
Miles away from where the quest begun
From the ice to the sand
Nations moved across the land
Ever since time designed the man
Someday to return to the place of my birth
I’m a long way from home but I know where I belong
It’s a long way I know
But the heart will still carry me home
Firewater in the blood took away the livelihood
Giving thanks every single year
Who the hell owns this land?
Is it God or is it man?
With the blood we draw the line again
I’m called to return to the place of my birth
I’m a long way from home but I know where I belong
It’s a long way I know
But the heart will still carry me home…
-”Long Way From Home” written by John Payne and Geoff Downes
from the 2004 album Silent Nation
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download Long Way from Home for a limited time via mediafire
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Catch Asia Featuring John Payne
Jun 13 2009 Isle Casino (Isle of Capri) Biloxi, Mississippi
Jul 5 2009 American Music Festival Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Jul 12 2009 Tupelo Music Hall Londonderry, New Hampshire
Jul 14 2009 Mohegan Sun Casino Uncasville, Connecticut
Jul 16 2009 The Boogie Festival Springville, Indiana
Jul 18 2009 Rock N Resort Music Festival North Lawrence, Ohio
Aug 7 2009 Crestwood Fest Crestwood, Illinois
Aug 9 2009 Valley Cultural Arts Woodland Hills, California
Aug 12 2009 Trocaderos Event Center Minneapolis, Minnesota
Aug 13 2009 Waterfest Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Aug 15 2009 Wisconsin State Fair West Allis, Wisconsin
Sep 12 2009 Sky City Casino Acoma, New Mexico
Asia Featuring John Payne includes:
John Payne – Bass, Vocals
Guthrie Guvan – guitar
Jay Schellen – Drums
Erik Norlander – Keyboards
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Asia featuring John Payne – Long Way From Home (soundcheck, Scranton PA, 08Jun08)
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**UPDATE: 22Jun09** – according to a recent press release from the band, Mitch Perry will be filling in for Guthrie Guvan on guitar for the 2009 summer tour. It’s a bit of a downer for me personally since Guvan is SO amazing to watch on guitar! 
Related posts:
An update from Mr. John Payne himself. via his email list (25Jun09):
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Dear all,
Ive been following the posts with interest but found it time to step in.
ASIA FJP want to tour all over the world but where we play is not under my control. I would be happy touring 11 months of the year. However touring is really expensive, flights alone for the band and crew can cost thousands and then agents, management and promoters need paying. Also gone are the days where record companies gave tour support money, in fact they now try to get a percentage of the concert fee.
Since the split of GD and myself there have been legal issues that are now resolved but it has taken a while to get back up to speed and thankfully we have a run of exciting dates this summer. We are about to sign a worldwide deal with an incredible record company run by a very famous switched on guy and I wont announce it until pen hits paper.
Perhaps at some stage we may also do a string of dates similar to ASIA ACROSS AMERICA arranged by fans but frankly my priority is for the whole band at the moment. From July on our profile will steadily increase and I promise you if we can make a gig work anywhere in the world we will be there.
Also records will come out as soon as they are finished and when we feel it is a piece of work worthy of your continued support.
Regards
John
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I wouldn’t see this group perform if they paid me to see them.
They should just go tour in clubs as a tribute band,cause thats what it is.
personally, I’m a fan of both incarnations of the band. if either one ever comes close to my neck of the woods, I’d definitely go see ‘em.
keep an open mind dude.
don’t miss this show people! this band is legit.
here’s the setlist for all of you.
Long Way From Home
Only Time Will Tell
Who Will Stop The Rain
Silent Nation
Days Like These
Desire
Go
Neurosaur (Erik Norlander and Jay Schellen)
Time Again
*Guitar Solo (Mitch Perry)*
Don’t Cry
Different Worlds
Military Man
Heat Of The Moment
Soul Survivor