UAWIL #133: Asia - Alpha
The 80s Supergroup's sophomore effort turns 40 & we go track x track, talk to Carl Palmer & Geoff Downes and revisit the historic live broadcast of Asia in Asia on MTV
1982 saw the birth of the 80s first supergroup with Asia made of prog legends John Wetton (King Crimson, Uriah Heep, UK), Steve Howe (Yes), Geoff Downes (Buggles, Yes) and Carl Palmer (ELP). They achieved great success with their eponymous first album thanks to the worldwide sensation Heat of the Moment and some Godley & Creme videos that ruled MTV. Asia was the #1 selling record in the US that year and to capitalize on that momentum, the band were rushed back to the studio to crank out a follow up for 1983.
While 1983's Alpha did contain some of the magic from the first record, the band were disappointed in the process and the end result. Despite a big budget video with an Indiana Jones theme and a radio hit in Don't Cry, Alpha didn't achieve the same success as it's predecessor. However, Geffen pushed the band forward and coordinated the first ever live satellite concert on MTV with the historic Asia in Asia event broadcast from Japan in December, 1983 with VJ Mark Goodman hosting. Last year we were fortunate enough to speak with both Carl Palmer and Geoff Downes about their time in Asia and the stage and setup for that historic concert. It may not quite have the same magic of the first album but it still holds a special place in our hearts so listen with an open mind and hear from the musicians that made the album and history via MTV.
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