A supergroup formed by the cream of the 1970s British prog rock scene, Asia took
on more of a pop sound and attempted to take their highbrow, skilled
musicianship to a more mainstream audience in the 1980s. With the progressive
rock scene effectively torn to shreds by the onset of punk, Geoff Downes
(formerly of Yes), John Wetton (King Crimson), Steve Howe (Yes) and Carl Palmer
(Emerson, Lake & Palmer) joined forces under the keen eye of Geffen Records boss
David Geffen with the aim of crafting something for the AOR (Adult Orientated
Rock) market. And with debut album Asia (1982)...