JOHN PAYNE

Asia was formed in 1981 by John Wetton (formerly of King Crimson and U.K.), Steve Howe (formerly of Yes), Carl Palmer (formerly of Emerson, Lake & Palmer) and Geoff Downes (formerly of Yes and the Buggles). The group had a successful career with their eponymous debut album, released in March 1982, receiving considerable commercial success, spending nine weeks at number one in the U.S. album chart and selling over 4 million copies in the U.S. alone.

In 1991, Downes invited singer and bassist John Payne to join a new lineup of the band as the band’s frontman. Downes and Payne continued as Asia, releasing multiple albums.