John posted this note to his Twitter account:

I start chemo 2moro–I urge everyone to be checked for cancer regularly, ’cause cancer growth is rapid–and before you know it–agonising

On the16th May, John underwent surgery for the successful removal of a 1 kilo [2.2lb] malignant mass. 

John wishes to extend his thanks to Mr Chan and his team. 

John is also beyond grateful for the wonderful wishes and prayers received.

John is recuperating.

ASIA to release officially their historic performance
at the San Francisco Regency Ballroom
Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII out on Frontiers in June

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of ASIA’s new live audio visual release “Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII” in 2CD/DVD and blu-ray formats on July 3rd in Europe and July 10th in North America.

Recorded on November 7th, 2012 at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, this new ASIA live CD / DVD and Blu Ray captures once again the band, in the original line-up, in front of an ecstatic audience during one of the shows that ASIA performed in support of the “XXX” album and which was broadcasted by AXS TV in the USA.

With HD recording this new live album is truly a rewarding experience for all ASIA fans. After the recent DVD releases, this is Asia performing one of the very last shows featuring the original line up with: Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton live on the road, in-your face and for your viewing pleasure.

The set list features songs from their first two albums and selected cuts from the reunion albums, including the single from the “XXX” album, “Face on the Bridge”. This is a historical document of where the band was at the time and a snapshot of their musicianship, camaraderie and passion. This live CD – DVD or Blu-ray is an irreplaceable companion to the “XXX” studio album.

According to John Wetton, AXIS is “A journey through ASIA’s history, from ‘Alpha to Omega’ and more, in the beautiful setting of the Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, California. Much newer material is aired, plus the band’s vintage hit songs performed by all four original members of ASIA. A stunning recording, an unmissable treat for any ASIA fan, new or old.”

Formed at the dawn of the MTV era, Asia’s first release was the best selling album in the world in 1982 and sat at the number 1 spot in the USA for 9 weeks, powered by the classic rock anthem, “Heat Of The Moment,” and four other radio hits. Asia’s 1983 sophomore album, Alpha, also went multi-platinum and enjoyed several hit singles, including the #1 smash, “Don’t Cry”. During the recording of its third disc, the band splintered, and by the 1990s, only Geoff Downes remained from the original line-up.

“Axis XXX Live in San Francisco MMXII” tracklisting includes:
CD1 – Introduction; Only Time Will Tell; Wildest Dreams; Face On The Bridge; Time Again; Tomorrow The World; Ride Easy; Pyramidology; The Golden Mean; I Know How You Feel; Don’t Cry; The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.
CD2 – Cutting It Fine; Holy War/Drum Solo; An Extraordinary Life; Here Comes The Feeling; Open Your Eyes; Sole Survivor; Heat Of The Moment.

DVD // BLU RAY – Introduction; Only Time Will Tell; Wildest Dreams; Face On The Bridge; Time Again; Tomorrow The World; Ride Easy; Pyramidology; The Golden Mean; I Know How You Feel; Don’t Cry; The Smile Has Left Your Eyes; Cutting It Fine; Holy War/Drum Solo; An Extraordinary Life; Here Comes The Feeling; Open Your Eyes; Sole Survivor; Heat Of The Moment.

Sample “Face on the Bridge” via YouTube now:

Best wishes to all this holiday from our family to yours, and thank you for your support in 2014!

From John Wetton: “Asia thanks all who have made the Gravitas tour a success—management, agency, crew, and of course the ticket-buyers, without whom there simply would be no live dates. Au revoir, not goodbye.”

ASIA and its critically acclaimed Gravitas album have made the lists to be considered for a possible Grammy nomination in these 5 categories:

• Album of the Year
• Best Rock Performance
• Best Song
• Record of the Year
• Best Rock Album

The final Grammy nominations in each category will be announced December 5th.

Japanese laminates are now out of stock. An alternative will be offered on the night.

ASIA ₤69 SILVER VIP PACKAGE

• Access to Soundcheck
• Meet and Greet with Members of ASIA
• Photo with Members of ASIA
• Full colour Gravitas poster signed by ASIA
• Litho – Fine art print Asia band image and logos
• Japanese 2014 tour laminates
• Gravitas Personalised tour poster
• VIP Laminate

NOTE: YOU MUST PURCHASE A TICKET TO SHOW ON YOUR OWN. ONLY TICKETED FANS ALLOWED

ASIA ₤249 GOLD VIP PACKAGE  – maximum 4 per venue.

• Watch the band from a seat on the side of the stage – terms
• Access to Soundcheck
• Meet and Greet with Members of ASIA
• Photo with Members of ASIA
• Full colour Gravitas poster signed by ASIA
• Collectors’ selection of reunion era posters, stickies, stickers, candles.
• Litho – Asia band image and logos
• Japanese 2014 tour laminates
• VIP Laminate
• £30 worth of merchandise at merch desk.
• Asia Dragon [first album artwork] Love Rug (worth $85) – [72” x 52”]
• Bundle of CDs – choose 3 from selection
• Sign personal memorabilia [2 items] plus CDs
• VIP entrance into the venue

For more info regarding these pacakges, please contact Asia’s management.

VIP Experience Reviews

Brad Chait – Thank you for offering the VIP Meet and Greet Packages. Attended the event and concert last night in St Charles, Illinois at the Arcada and it was AMAZING!! Would highly recommend the Meet and Greet Package – got to hear the Sound Check, meet the band, get pictures with them and get autographs. Please consider a stop in St Louis, Missouri for the next tour.

Michael Brown – What a great show last night in Atlanta!!! The guys were very nice during the meet & greet. My 10 yr old is now a huge fan. His autographed drumstick and poster were hung on his wall as soon as we got home last night. Thanks for a great evening and God bless!! ATLANTA

Renee N Joe – Amazing show at Rams Head on 1 October. Meet and greet experience was fantastic. Everyone was just awesome and kind!!!!!

Brian Hughes – Can’t wait for the show tonight at Havana? This is my 44th birthday present to myself after seeing the original band back in the early 80’s when I was 12. Got my VIP and will be taking a half day off from work in order to head down to New Hope a little early to meet the band.

In just over two weeks, Asia will begin the UK leg of the Gravitas tour.

Some thumbnails of the different colors lighting the Gravitas backdrop.