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Okay, I must admit, I've seen Asia live on stage at least around 5 or 6 times so far. But..... I've never seen Asia in the Original Line up, the way, they have risen up like Phoenix from the ashes with their selftitled album in the beginning of the Eighties. Which is, mind me, still their biggest success they have had 'till this very day today. Whereby so many brilliant musicians have also worked with this band since then. And there have been some really good products inbetween as well. But none of all these records ever reached the commercial status and success of 'Heat Of The Moment' and 'Soul Survivor'. No clue, why these fantastic musicians of the original line up here - Howe, Palmer, Whetton and Downes have now decided to give it another try. I presume there are no financial reasons for that. And last year's new album 'Phoenix'... yeah well.... didn't do that well, did it?! But despite many other activities, the foursome decided now, to go for yet another reunion tour. I call it nostalgic journey. To be honest, I was a bit suspicious beforehead. Because thanks to all these influences of Yes, Emerson,Lake & Palmer or King Crimson, I thought that might be a rather complicated, difficult musical experiment or something like that, where every single guy can show once again his musical skills. And - the venue is seated this time. And such a thing usually always means, that a concert is rather ment for concentrated listening instead of rocking along with it. However, there are aprox. 500 visitors tonight. And a big sign says, absolutely no smoking, no mobiles, no photographing or filming, - otherwise of we go here... So at the entrance, security is very busy to collect all items, which look like those mentioned things.
No Supportband and the performance starts at strike 8 p.m. Apart from the four legendary musicians, there ain't much stage show apart from two large screens in the back, showing the guys playing, the band logo, or some videos during the show. The event starts off with an intro followed by one of these past smashhits from the first album - 'Only Time will Tell'. Dun' know, whether the band has put a second meaning in this first song, or it's rather been chosen by coincident. However, my fears, this could be an excentric musical orgie are not confirmed. As you can see on the setlist, one hit is performed after the next. And because this original line up of Asia hasn't really recorded that many albums together (only 'Asia' from 1982, and 'Alpha' from 1983 and last year's reunion album 'Phoenix'), they have put together a great mixture of Asia songs, and the biggest hits of Yes 'Roundabout', 'Fanfare of a Common Man' from ELP and King Crimson's 'In The Court Of The Crimson King'. Every musician gets his solostint. But those are great and not too extended or stretched out or even boring. this is just alright and simply great. You can actually feel the fun, these guys have by playing. Not a single boring second - no kiddin'....
And as we all know, the average fan just wants to hear his favorite songs to sing along with. By the way, a real great tune is the Buggles Classics ‚Video Killed the Radiostar“, whereby Geoff Downes shows up with a sparkling suit and sunglasses. Not to forget, it was him, who wrote this song. And even Mr. 'Exentric' Steve Howe, shows an unusual good mood. Long live the past, which comes back to life tonight, more than ever....
The average age of the
audiance is about 35 to 55. And at the last song of the official set, of
course - 'Heat Of The Moment', nobody is sitting anymore on his chair
and jumps along, whatever the venue floor can bear. For one encore,
Steve Howe, John Whetton, Carl Palmer and Geoffrey Downes come back
again... - of course 'Soul Survivor'-
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