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Yes/Asia 2009 summer tour setlist

retroDan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:22:33 +0000

Well, it appears that Yes’ summer tour (with Asia) kicked off this past weekend without a hitch. Hopefully the tour will be successfully enough for them to book dates beyond the Pennsylvania date on August 2nd. I’m personally hoping the next leg of the tour will make a stop in the southeast region of the U.S. so that I won’t have to commit to a long road trip just to see the show. come on, this middle-aged man can’t handle those long treks out on the road anymore!
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*Warning – spoiler alert* – don’t read any further if you don’t want to know the current Yes/Asia tour setlists…
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Yes/Asia setlists (from the June 27th show in Las Vegas) *spoiler alert*

Asia (approximately 1 hour set)
Wildest Dreams
Only Time will Tell
An Extraordinary Life
Video killed the Radio Star (Buggles)
In the Court of the Crimson King (King Crimson)
The Smile has left your Eyes
Don’t Cry
Fanfare for the Common Man (Emerson, Lake and Palmer)
Soul Survivor
Heat of the Moment

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Yes (approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes)
Firebird Suite
Siberian Khatru
I’ve Seen All Good People
Tempus Fugit
Astral Traveller
And You and I
Steve Solo/Clap
Owner of a Lonely Heart
Machine Messiah
Roundabout
Heart of the Sunrise
Starship Trooper (encore)
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Asia: John Wetton, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes
Yes: Benoit David, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Oliver Wakeman, Alan White

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purchase Yes music at CDUniverse
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the other side of Asia: John Payne

retroDan — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:40:34 +0000

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 in 2004 featuring the talents of Guthrie Guvan on guitar and Chris Slade on drums.

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 live this summer -

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!

It's official! – Yes – Asia – Tour Dates – 2009

retroDan — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:35:03 +0000

It’s now official! Prog-rock legends Yes will be touring the U.S. with Asia as their special guests. With Benoit David fronting Yes though, it’s a toss-up to me on who should be headlining. I mean, if Jon Anderson was involved, it’d be obviously Yes as the show-closer but with Asia having all original members and Yes without Anderson, it’s a tough call in my mind. I guess the promoters feel that Yes EVEN WITHOUT Jon is still a bigger draw than an all original Asia band. I’m a bit disappointed that they are NOT coming close to where I live but maybe they’ll add a second leg later on depending on ticket sales?

Here’s the official press release:
YES THEY CAN! LEGENDARY BAND BEGINS 24-DATE U.S. TOUR JUNE 26 IN INDIO, CA THROUGH AUGUST 2 IN BETHLEHEM, PA, WITH SPECIAL GUEST ASIA
North American Tour Will See YES’ Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Alan White joined by singer Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, with Howe doing double duty in both bands

LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2009—It’s a prog-rock fan’s dream come true, with two of the legendary British bands of all time on the same stage, playing hits like “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Roundabout” and “Heat of the Moment.”

Acclaimed British band YES launch their 24-city U.S. tour on June 26 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA, featuring the classic line-up of guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White with new vocalist Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, son of the group’s Rick Wakeman. The tour runs through August 2 at Bethlehem, PA and includes stops at San Francisco’s Warfield Theatre (July 2), L.A.’s Gibson Amphitheatre at City Walk (July 7) and Philadelphia’s Tower Theater (July 28). The new dates come after this year’s West Coast tour was postponed when Chris Squire was hospitalized for leg surgery.

For this tour, YES will be joined by Special Guest Asia, with Howe, a cornerstone member of both groups, performing as part of each band’s set, alongside original Asia members, including ex-YES and Buggles keyboardist Geoff Downes, ELP’s Carl Palmer on drums and former King Crimson and UK bassist/guitarist/vocalist John Wetton.

Said Howe: “This is a monumental event and even though it will be a challenge, I am up for it.”

Rolling Stone raved that YES’ performance at New York City’s Hammersmith Ballroom last year “sounded as majestic as ever,” adding that the band’s stand-in vocalist Benoit David was able to “expertly mimic the impossibly high-pitched vocals of original singer Jon Anderson.” This may not be exactly the traditional YES line-up… “But it’s close enough,” the magazine declared.

YES concerts have always been very special events, and this spring’s U.S. jaunt will be no different. The group will perform selections from hit albums like Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales from Topographic Oceans and 90125 along with audience favorites like “Roundabout,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “I’ve Seen All Good People” and “Yours Is No Disgrace,” just some of the enduring classics that have made YES one of the most influential and groundbreaking groups in rock & roll.

This time around, Howe, Squire and White are also pulling out some rarely performed chestnuts, like 1980’s “Machine Messiah” and “Siberian Khatru,” expertly sung by David, a Montreal, Quebec, native and vocalist in several YES tribute groups, discovered by the band on the Internet. His ability to channel Anderson’s distinctive singing voice has added an extra treat for true fans.

Asia’s performance will feature many songs from their historic first album, the world’s best-selling release of 1982. The supergroup’s debut effort was #1 at Billboard for nine weeks and included such smashes as “Heat of the Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell” and “Sole Survivor.” The original line-up of ASIA reformed after 23 years apart in 2006, and has since conducted four successful world tours. In addition, the band released the critically acclaimed Phoenix album on EMI Records. Collectively and individually, the four original members of ASIA have sold over 120 million records.

“People have been waiting for this for decades,” adds Asia’s John Wetton. “Since America was so important to the success of both bands, we feel it was the right time and place to launch it.”

Over the course of a remarkable 40-year career that has continually redefined the boundaries of rock, YES has become renowned for their live performances since being formed in 1968 by Chris Squire and Jon Anderson. With drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Peter Banks and keyboardist Tony Kaye, they metamorphosed into YES, earning a residency at the famed London venue The Marquee Club, where they played with Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, releasing their self-titled debut album in July 1969.

Guitarist Steve Howe, who continues to release acclaimed solo albums and tour, brought an experimental cutting edge to YES for 1970’s The Yes Album, their first to top the UK charts. Drummer Alan White, who had been hand-picked to play on John Lennon’s Imagine and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, came aboard in 1972. YES then went on to conquer America and played at some of the largest paid attendance concerts of all time, including JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in 1976 to a crowd of over 130,000 people.

As a dominant force for more than four decades, YES has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, stretching the boundaries of progressive art-rock with their dynamic instrumental contrasts and abstract lyrics. Their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical styles continues to make them one of the most successful and long-standing groups in rock history as they continue to add new, young fans to their following.

Added Squire: “This has turned out to be one of the best performing line-ups in YES’ storied history. It feels like we’re rediscovering these songs all over again.”

Summer Tour Dates 2009:
June 26: Indio, CA (Fantasy Springs Casino)
June 27: Las Vegas, NV (Thomas & Mack Center)
June 30: Snoqualmie, WA (Snoqualmie Casino)
July 2: San Francisco, CA (Warfield)
July 3: Saratoga, CA (The Mountain Winery)
July 7: Los Angeles (Gibson Amphitheatre at City Walk)
July 8: San Diego (Humphrey’s)
July 9: Phoenix (Dodge)
July 12: Denver (Paramount Theatre)
July 14: Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)
July 15: Ft. Worth, TX (Bass Music Center)
July 16: Muskegee, OK (Civic Center)
July 18: Walker, MN (Moondance Jam)
July 20: Detroit (DTE Energy Music Theatre)
July 21: Pittsburgh (Chevrolet Amphitheatre)
July 22: Glen Allen, VA (Insbrook Pavilion)
July 23: National Harbour, MD (Sunset Concerts)
July 25: Cohassett, MA (South Shore Music Circus)
July 26: Jackson, NJ (Great Adventure Amphitheatre)
July 28: Philadelphia (Tower Theatre)
July 29: Montclair, NJ (Wellmont Theatre)
July 31: Westbury, NY (Theatre at Westbury)
Aug. 1: Jamestown, NY (Savings Bank Arena)
Aug. 2: Bethlehem, PA (Muskfest)
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Yes – Asia – summer tour dates – so far

retroDan — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:43:42 +0000

So the rumors turned out to be true! Legendary prog-rock group Yes will indeed be touring the U.S. this summer with Asia. I was personally pulling for a triple bill with ELP but apparently that didn’t pan out. And maybe that’s a blessing in disguise since a triple bill would require a severely shortened setlist for all the groups involved which concert goers probably wouldn’t want anyway. An official announcement is imminent but in the meantime dates are slowly trickling in.

here are the dates so far -
July 2, 2009 San Francisco, CA
July 3, 2009 Saratoga, CA
July 18, 2009 Minneapolis, MN
July 29, 2009 Montclair, NJ
August 2, 2009 Bethlehem, PA
~~August 9, 2009 Dallas, TX~~

I’ll probably post again once I get the official announcement. If they end up in my neck of the woods, I would definitely see this show!

The only downer is that Jon Anderson won’t be fronting Yes on this tour. Benoit David will still be singing for them. Oh and the interesting twist is Steve Howe doing double duty performing with both groups!!! So, hopefully he’ll be able to stay healthy for the duration of the tour!!

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Update: 16Apr09 -
The tour is now official! You can find the press release on this page.

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check out Asia performing a cover of Yes’ “Roundabout” (from the 2007 tour)

Wetton – Downes – Icon 3 – review

retroDan — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:44:11 +0000

It’s great to see John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes continue their partnership outside their work from Asia. Asia has been touring steadily for the last couple years but Wetton and Downes still managed to find time to write, perform and record as “Wetton/Downes”. With the recently released third album titled, Icon 3, I’d have to say that it is their strongest effort yet. I’m not sure if it had anything to do with Wetton’s health problems back in 2007 but the project seems to have a purpose and drive that wasn’t really present on their lackluster debut album back in 2004. With nicely developed melodies and instrumental arrangements, Icon 3 is chock full of big choruses the writing duo has been known for since their first big hit with Asia’s Heat of the Moment back in 1982. Highlights on the album include the tracks – “Destiny”, “Raven”, “Anna’s Kiss”, and “Never Thought I’d See You Again”. Unfortunately, there are some clunkers on the album most likely due to their tight recording schedule. The song “Sex, Power and Money” just doesn’t go anywhere. Other songs like “Don’t Go Out Tonight” and “Peace in Our Time” feel incomplete with interesting verses that lead into weakly constructed choruses. I don’t know about you but the line “don’t go out tonight, stay at home and watch some TV..” sounds kinda lame to me. I’m pretty sure if they had more time to work on some of these songs in between their Asia commitments, the album would have been a whole lot stronger.

retroGrade: B-

Wetton/Downes
Icon 3
label: Frontiers Records
released: April 2009

TrackList:
1 Twice the Man I Was 4:42
2 Destiny 5:22
3 Green Lights and Blue Skies 4:25
4 Raven 3:57
5 My Life Is in Your Hands 6:21
6 Sex, Power and Money 4:28
7 Anna’s Kiss [instrumental] 4:30
8 Under the Sky 4:54
9 Don’t Go out Tonight 4:05
10 Never Thought I’d See You Again 5:04
11 Peace in Our Time 5:39

all songs written by John Wetton and Geoff Downes

musicians:
John Wetton: Vocals, Basses
Geoffrey Downes: Keyboards, Vocoder
Dave Kilminster: Guitars
Peter Riley: Drums
Hugh McDowell: Cello
Ann-Marie Helder: additional vocals
Andreas Vollenweider: Harp

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upcoming Wetton Downes dates

retroDan — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:04:53 +0000

Hot on the heels of Asia’s successful comeback album Phoenix, keyboardist Geoff Downes and bassist/vocalist John Wetton are gearing up for the launch of their third Wetton/Downes studio album. But first, they’re planning on some live dates in Japan to debut some of the new material. In addition to those dates, they are also scheduled to record a special show in the UK for an upcoming DVD release. I’m personally surprised Wetton and Downes (as well as Asia/Yes guitarist Steve Howe) continue to dilute their audience base like this. If it were up to me, I’d capitalize on the success of Phoenix and extend the tour under the Asia moniker or use the time to record a followup album. That way, the momentum isn’t lost. Instead, we have Howe touring as “Yes” without Jon Anderson and Wetton/Downes releasing material that most likely could have been material for another Asia album. But knowing the convoluted history of two bands, I guess it’s just more of the same.

The Wetton/Downes touring band includes – John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Dave Kilminster and Pete Riley.

upcoming dates:
February 7, 2009 Fukuoka
February 9, 2009 Osaka
February 11, 2009 Tokyo
February 12, 2009 Tokyo
February 21, 2009 St. Mary-Le-Bow Church, London

music vault – Heat of the Moment

retroDan — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:27:15 +0000

For today’s selection from deep within Retroblog’s music vault, I present to you – the Heat of the Moment by Asia! Yes, that’s right, the band that ended up as a punch line to the 40 Year Old Virgin joke that reaffirms to people that you are indeed gay. har, har. But no matter what Judd Apatow thinks, the song written by John Wetton and Geoff Downes *IS* a classic in my book. To celebrate the song, I thought I’d post some of the many versions of the song that have been released over the years.

1) Heat of the Moment by Asia (Fantasia – Live in Tokyo) : The original lineup sounding a bit fatigued in this live version recorded in 2007. I could imagine the band in deep conversation over whether to play this song or not:
Carl: Do we have to play this darn song again for the umpteenth time?
Steve: I’m sick of playing that opening riff. It makes me sound like a hack!
John: I know what you mean, Steve. I wrote those lyrics in 5 minutes while I was taking a crap back in 1981.
Geoff: Don’t make me call up John Payne, you guys. He’ll be willing to sing it, no problem.
The concert promoter: Need I remind you all that your contract clearly states that this song WILL BE played at every concert! Or do you not need this big check that I have right here in my hands?
ALL: oh, right.
John: I guess we’ll get right back on stage and play the darn thing.

2) Heat of the Moment by Asia with John Payne (Archives – Best of Asia 1988-1997) : Here’s a studio remake featuring John Payne on vocals. Wetton’s original vocals played such an integral part in the song that without Wetton, it just doesn’t sound right in my opinion. What do you think?

3) Heat of the Moment by Wetton/Downes (bonus track from Wetton/Downes – Icon) : Another studio remake of HoTM but this time by the original songwriters, Wetton and Downes. Again, the remakes lack the spark that the original recording captured. Also the lack of Steve Howe’s trademark guitar leads don’t help matters here either.

4) Heat of the Moment by Asia (Live in Moscow) : This was recorded during the 3/4 reunion of the band back in 1990. Filling in for Steve Howe was Pat Thrall. I never thought Thrall’s over-processed metal sound was that complimentary to Asia’s style of music. and as it so happened, Thrall never came back after the 1990 tour.

5) Heat of the Moment by John Wetton (Chasing the Dragon) : Probably one of my favorite live renditions of this song. Wetton stripes the song down to the basics here. lovely.

NOTE: all files are hosted on savefile for a limited time. enjoy.

Purchase albums by Asia via Amazon:

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Wetton/Downes – back in the studio

retroDan — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:29:43 +0000

It’s great to hear that John Wetton and Geoff Downes aren’t spending ALL of their downtime lounging around on holiday in the Caribbean or something. Now that work with Asia is on hold, Wetton and Downes are back in the studio working on their third “Icon” release. Their first two releases were a bit spotty in terms of songwriting quality so hopefully the third time’s the charm!

read further for the official press release…

A THIRD ICON RELEASE ANNOUNCED:
Following the extraordinary success of the Reunion of the Original Members of Asia and their acclaimed all-new album Phoenix, songwriting duo John Wetton and Geoff Downes have announced they will be recording the third Wetton-Downes’ iCon studio album in September 2008. The album will be released and supported with a tour in early 2009.
Fans and critics alike have clamored for more from Wetton and Downes, whose songwriting formed much of the fabric of the successful Asia reunion release Phoenix. Joining the duo are guitar virtuoso Dave Kilminster, fresh from successful tours with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson, and Cellist Hugh McDowell, whose unique sound helped frame the first two iCon releases. Rounding out the band is Pete Riley, considered one of the “best drummers in the world”, whose work with Keith Emerson, Kilminster and extensive live and session work shows an extraordinary breadth and depth of style.
John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes formed an extraordinary songwriting partnership – their work has fuelled lists of legendary rock and roll music since 1981. Fans have been delighted to see them tour with Carl Palmer and Steve Howe in the Reunion of the Original Members of Asia. The all-new album Phoenix was a special treat to fans, generating the performance of fresh and memorable hits written by the duo.
While Asia is on hiatus (the band will be back in 2009 for more dates), fans have demanded more from Wetton and Downes; the two enjoy each other’s company and love writing together. They are happy to oblige.
This album will see Wetton reunite with guitarist Dave Kilminster. The two worked together in the John Wetton band during the nineties, as well as in the short-lived, but highly distinguished band Qango. Kilminster is a renowned guitarist whose own reputation as a singer and songwriter has grown. He has performed with legends of rock such as Wetton, Keith Emerson and Roger Waters. Kilminster has just completed a 2 year stint on lead guitar and vocals with Waters’ celebrated global staging of Dark Side of the Moon, which played to millions. That tour featured a highlighted appearance at the Giants’ Stadium Live Earth Show in 2007, viewed by almost 2 billion people (approximately a third the world population) . Dave is much in demand and his guitar work is simply stunning. Wetton and Kilminster are very much looking forward to working together again.
Cellist Hugh McDowell once again joins the iCon family. He appeared on both prior albums, although 2009 marks the first time he will tour with the band. Well-known for having helped construct and develop the unique sound of the ELO (Electric Light Orchestra), an ever-present in that band’s enormous and lengthy success, he also adds a special flavour to iCon.
Wetton says, “Hugh McDowell is an integral part of iCon’s organic personality. His presence in the music adds more than sonic embellishment – it changes the essential fingerprint of the music.”
Drummer Pete Riley has long been considered “one of the best drummers in rock” by those legends of rock who have worked with him … and those who’ve simply watched him on stage. Riley is featured on Kilminster’s solo album and has toured with Kilminster as part of the Keith Emerson Band. He is well known throughout the world as an extraordinary musician in live and session work. Riley’s skills span all types of music from rock to complex fusion and jazz.
Wetton and Downes are pleased to be able to respond to fan and critical demand by returning to the studio to create this new album and then to tour it with these outstanding players.
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YES tour canceled

retroDan — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:17:21 +0000

got some sad news for YES fans. due to Jon Anderson’s respiratory problems, the 2008 Yes tour has been canceled. hhmmm, does this mean, Steve Howe will be free to do more shows with Asia? stay tuned…

get well soon Jon!

official press release about the canceled tour:

YES Cancels 40th Anniversary Tour
NEW YORK, NY, JUNE 4, 2008 -â€“ Legendary rock band Yes announced today that the group will unfortunately be canceling their 2008 40th Anniversary Tour. The 26-city tour was scheduled to kick off in Quebec next month and run through the summer.

Said Jon Anderson, â€œIn the wake of my recent respiratory attack, doctors have advised me to spend the coming months resting and recovering. Unfortunately, this means I won’t be able to tour with Yes this summer as originally planned. I’d like everyone know how deeply disappointed I am by this turn of events. I was looking forward to celebrating our music with the amazing family of Yes fans once again; but as we all know, health must come before anything else. Wishing you all the very best…â€

Said Chris Squire, â€œWe were all looking forward to performing for our fans after a prolonged leave of absence from touring. I am especially regretful of the fact that I know many of our fans and friends have probably laid out non-refundable airfares and hotels, etc. in order to enjoy the Yes shows this summer. Please join me in wishing Jon a speedy return to health, which at this point in time is our main concern.â€

Yes frontman and founding member Jon Anderson was admitted to the hospital last month after suffering a severe asthma attack. He has now been diagnosed with acute respiratory failure and was told by doctors this weekend that he needs to rest and not work for a period of at least six months or suffer further health complications. Upon receiving this news the band has determined that their tour plans need to be put on hold.

Ticket refunds will be available at the point of purchase.

Phoenix by Asia

retroDan — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:30:03 +0000

It’s a bit of a shame that Asia had only a limited amount of time to spend on creating their latest album Phoenix. What could have been a spectacular comeback for this 80’s supergroup unfortunately turned out a tad half-baked. After the unexpected downtime due to John Wetton’s heart surgery in 2007, the group found themselves with some extra time on hand before guitarist extraordinaire Steve Howe had to return to his other meal ticket, Yes. So, Asia had to work fast in order to fit the whole process of recording, releasing and marketing a new album before giving Howe over to Yes in July 2008. but they managed to do just that plus squeeze in a worldwide tour to support the new album. It’s truly remarkable that they were able to put the album together so quickly but the results are a bit scattershot with moments of brilliance mixed in with utter crap. the album closer – An Extraordinary Life is a prime example. The verses are done perfectly with a nice minor key chord progression and some interesting lyrics. But when the song hits the chorus, they modulate to a major key and lose the momentum built by the verses. It could have been a great song but the chorus is totally weak and filled with bland cliches that sound to me like a coffee commercial: Go seize the day, wake up and say This is an extraordinary life, enjoy today, come what may, This is an extraordinary life. and that’s how it is throughout the album – shining moments marred by awful ones. some shining moments include a great drum solo at the end of a great instrumental section in the track Parallel Worlds/Vortex/Deya, the two Howe penned tracks (Over and Over, Wish I’d Known All Along) and a great cover of a song originally done by Globus (Orchard of Mines). what we’re left with are bland ballads (Nothing’s Forever, I Will Remember You) and others that just needed more time to develop like the song I mentioned earlier – An Extraordinary Life. another mis-step is when the band inserts knowing-nods to the past such as starting off Never Again with power chords (a la Heat of the Moment), or cloning the opening to Don’t Cry in Shadow of a Doubt. ultimately making references to their past serves no purpose except to make the listener go grab Asia’s previous albums. when they’re not trying so hard to sound like the 80’s version of the band, the songs are less “gimmicky” and sound more natural like in Parallel Worlds and Wish I’d Known All Along.
you know, I totally understand the need to strike when the iron is hot and keeping the momentum going right after the successful reunion tour in 2006. but I just feel that the album could have turned out a whole lot better if they spent more time on the material.

Phoenix tracklist:

1 Never Again (Downes, Wetton) 4:54
2 Nothing’s Forever (Wetton) 5:46
3 Heroine (Downes, Wetton) 4:52
4 Sleeping Giant/No Way Back/Reprise (Downes, Wetton) 8:10
5 Alibis (Downes, Howe, Palmer, Wetton) 5:39
6 I Will Remember You (Downes, Wetton) 5:10
7 Shadow of a Doubt (Downes, Wetton) 4:18
8 Parallel Worlds/Vortex/Deya (Downes, Wetton) 8:11
9 Wish I’d Known All Along (Howe) 4:05
10 Orchard of Mines (Fayman, Pursey) 5:11
11 Over and Over (Howe) 3:33
12 An Extraordinary Life (Downes, Wetton) 4:56

purchase Asia related CDs at Amazon: