Arena sound from original Asia

Asia
Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton

It must be strange for musicians who have played some of the biggest arenas in the world and sold millions of records to find themselves sqeezed into the Wulfrun in front of hundreds instead of thousands of fans.

But the fact that Asia easily sold out this gig helped create a mini arena atmosphere in the venue as the band, featuring the original virtuoso line-up from 1981, celebrated its 25th anniversary, supporting the new Definitive Collection best of Asia CD.

When they released their first, self-titled, album in 1982, Asia were hailed as the new progressive rock supergroup. Guitarist Steve Howe was from Yes, singer/bassist John Wetton from King Crimson, drummer Carl Palmer from ELP and keyboard player Geoff Downes from, er, Buggles.

In fact, as last night’s gig showed, Asia were always more a melodic rock band than prog rockers, with a sound geared for 80s American rock radio.

Having been through a bewildering set of line-up changes, the four original members took to the stage last night looking like the elder statesmen of rock.

But they turned back the years with a vibrant performance as they played the whole of that first album, with highlights of the show including Heat Of The Moment, Sole Survivor and a gorgeous acoustic treatment of Don’t Cry. Another treat was an airing of the ultra-rare B-side Ride Easy.

But the great masterstroke was a nod to the band members’ illustrious pasts, with run throughs of Yes’s Roundabout, ELP’s Fanfare For The Common Man and King Crimson’s Court Of The Crimson King.

What really got the crowd singing and clapping along though was Buggles’ Video Killed The Radio Star, with Geoff Downes resplendent in black shades and a shiny, silver jacket as the original MTV video played on the screens behind the stage.

By Ian Harvey