ASIA To Issue 2CD Set,

ASIA To Issue 2CD Set, Fantasia: Live In Tokyo, In June

Fantasia: Live In Tokyo by ASIA will be released by Eagle Records on June 26th as a two-CD set chronicling a stunning concert of progressive rock from March ’07 in Tokyo by the original Asia lineup.

This set marks the very first time that drummer Carl Palmer (EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER), guitarist Steve Howe (YES), bassist/vocalist John Wetton (KING CRIMSON, ROXY MUSIC, URIAH HEEP, WISHBONE ASH) and keyboardist Geoff Downes (THE BUGGLES, Yes) have ever released a live album as Asia. It also marks the first time these four have reunited in over 20 years.

Created in 1981, Asia’s 1982 self-titled debut, fueled by mega-hit 'Heat Of The Moment', crossed prog with pop and, in so doing, sold over 15 million copies. Follow-up album Alpha contained the hits 'Don’t Cry' and 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes'. But the hits dried up on album #3, Astra, and the band disbanded in 1985.

In 1990, Asia came back with John Payne replacing John Wetton. This version of Asia - with and without ancillary musicians - recorded five albums: Aqua in ’92, Aria in ’94, Arena in ’96, Aura in ’01 and Silent Nation in ‘04.

It wouldn’t be until 2006 that the original Wetton/Howe/Palmer/Downes lineup would reunite for shows in the U.S. and England. Fans were ecstatic and a fullblown tour commenced in 2007, the Japanese leg of which has been preserved for posterity here. A companion DVD will be released in the fall.

The tracklisting:
CD1 -
'Time Again',
'Wildest Dreams',
'One Step Closer',
'Roundabout',
'Without You',
'Cutting It Fine',
Guitar Solo,
'Fanfare For The Common Man',
'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes'.

CD2 -
'Don’t Cry',
'Court Of The Crimson King',
'Here Comes The Feeling',
'Video Killed The Radio Star',
'The Heat Goes On'/Drum Solo,
'Only Time Will Tell',
'Sole Survivor',
'Ride Easy',
'Heat Of The Moment.