I saw Asia last night in concert. I have to say this about Steve Howe & Carl Palmer

[LynneSin]

Those 2 artists are so underated when it comes to their skills.

Steve Howe has to be one of the top guitarists of his generation but his style isn't typical of the guitar players that came out of the 70s so he tends to get overlooked. And Carl Palmer was just absolutely AMAZING. He's got 4 beats going on at once and at a very very high pace. He did this most amazing drum solo last night that made me question if Neal Peart is the greatest living drummer today.

They did all the big hits of Asia along with each artist have a few minutes of showcasing their skills. John Wetton (Base/Vocals) and Geoff Downes (Keyboards).

Glad to see Asia is still around!

BTW the 4 members of Asia all come from pretty big bands: Steve Howe - Yes, John Wetton - King Crimson, Carl Pamer - ELP and Geoff Downes - THe Buggles (first video ever played on MTV).

[driver8]

1. I have always been a HUGE Steve Howe fan.

I saw YES on the Tormato tour back in '79 -- one of the my favorite shows, ever!

Also saw Asia in 1982 when they played at my college. I was sitting about twenty feet from Steve Howe and just sat there mesmerized...what a player!

I agree that Carl Palmer is pretty amazing, also.

Geoff Downes and Trevor Horn (the Buggles) became part of YES for the album, "Drama". If you haven't heard it, you should check it out.

[hifiguy]

2. Steve and Carl have been so amazing for so long

that people, even serious music fans,take them for granted. Almost 40 years ago Buddy Rich, one of the most egotistical musicians that ever lived, extravagantly praised Carl Palmer - IIRC on the Johnny Carson show. Palmer and Bill Bruford - who is now semi-retired -are two of the best drummers who have ever lived.

Howe is in a class by himself. The man can play anything - absolutely anything - with total style and grace. His technical skills make grown guitarists - accomplished ones - drop their jaws in awe. Saw him do a solo show once and he also seems like an exceedingly nice guy and he has a good, self-depracating sense of humor, especially about his vocal abilities.

[HopeHoops]

3. Shit - Asia's still together? The last time I saw them was about 1980 at Merriweather.

I got in free for getting the truckers hauling the band gear a pizza. Cool concert. Got the T-Shirt.

[LynneSin]

4. Not only still touring BUT with all 4 original members

For a band that is 30 years old that's pretty rare.

[HopeHoops]

5. Yeah, that's kind of weird.

[ksoze]

10. UK also played there - some same members

[OriginalGeek]

6. I saw them a couple years ago

they did the same thing - all the hits plus something from each members' non-Asia life. It was pretty effin great.

I'd go see them again in a heartbeat.

[whistler162]

7. Okay Governor Palin whatever you say!

[LynneSin]

8. Please don't tell me she's an Asia fan

Oh geez!

[whistler162]

9. So you aren't Gov. Palin and yet

you saw Asia. Did you see it from your house like the governor?

[LynneSin]

12. No but I could see New Jersey

Perhaps I'm Chris Christie

[dawg]

11. Steve is my favorite guitarist of all time.

He's played nearly every style of music that can be played on a guitar.

Lately, Steve has mostly written jazzy guitar parts featuring a high-pitched, ultra-clean tone. I think he needs other band members to goad him into writing anything with more of a hard rock feel, but when he has done so in the past, it has been awesome.

And, of course, Carl's just a monster.

[Zorro]

13. Steve Howe truly is an extraordinary talent

His solo work in the movie "Yessongs" was mesmerizing. He also has the longest bony fingers of any guitar player I have ever seen.

[Systematic Chaos]

14. Asia had a number of personnel changes in the late 80s and 90s, with a couple of hiatus as well.

The three albums they've done since reforming with the original lineup are all great. And John Wetton is looking amazing since sobering up and undergoing heart surgery. He literally makes me proud.

[johnsolaris]

15. great music

Hi,

I saw Asia on their original tour, what a show. All of these musicians have been underrated for far too long.
I have seen Yes in concert more times than I can remember, Emerson, Lake, & Palmer when they did their Quadrophonic tour, the reconstituted King Crimson a couple of times & a couple of solo shows by these guys. Many memories and a lot of great music.