‘Asia featuring John Payne’ continues legacy of 80s UK supergroup

Asia featuring John Payne. Left to right: Jay Schellen, Erik Norlander, John Payne, Bruce Bouillet. (Photo provided by BIS Management)

By Todd Kaufman

Posted Aug 6, 2025 1:30 pm.

Asia is a band that emerged in the early 80s as a UK rock supergroup.

The initial lineup featured John Wetton of Uriah Heep and King Crimson fame, Yes’s Steve Howe and Geoff Downes from Yes and The Buggles as well as Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake And Palmer.

The band’s roster continued to evolve up until 1991 when John Payne took over as bassist and lead singer, a position he held until 2006.

Then in 2007, with the blessing of the original members, the band splintered off into two groups, one of those became ‘Asia Featuring John Payne’ and he’s been going strong ever since including an upcoming date at August’s Rock the River in Saskatoon.

660’s Todd Kaufman spoke with Payne prior to the show…

660 NewsRadio’s Todd Kaufman chats with John Payne

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