ASIA Featuring John Payne

John Payne became the frontman of the supergroup ASIA in 1992 at the invitation of keyboardist Geoff Downes, replacing vocalist/bassist John Wetton. ASIA extensively toured the world for the next 14 years performing new classics and old favorites. With John Payne fronting the band, ASIA released 8 stunning studio albums and several live recordings. In 2006, Geoff Downes left the band to reform the 1982 line up for their 25th anniversary. On the 9th of May 2006, John Payne, Geoff Downes, John Wetton, Carl Palmer and Steve Howe contractually agreed that John Payne would continue his 14 year legacy with ASIA as "ASIA Featuring John Payne". ASIA Featuring John Payne have commenced touring in North America and a new studio album is planned for release in late 2009.

JOHN PAYNE - Vocals, Bass

Vocalist/bassist John Payne fronted ASIA for 14 years replacing John Wetton in 1992. 8 studio albums and 6 live albums followed including extensive world touring with the band. In 2006, John formed "ASIA Featuring John Payne" and is performing shows with his current lineup. Previous to ASIA, John sang with Roger Daltrey, CCCP, ELO Part 2 and more recently GPS plus being chosen as the Parson in Jeff Wayne's The War Of The Worlds stadium tour.

http://www.johnpaynemusic.com

photo by Josh Krause

ERIK NORLANDER - Keyboards

Keyboardist Erik Norlander joined ASIA Featuring John Payne in November of 2007. Erik's evocative synthesizer technique is reminiscent of the legendary Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson and Jon Lord while still very unique made him an obvious choice for the band. His works include over 25 releases with Lana Lane, Rocket Scientists and solo titles.

http://www.eriknorlander.com

photo by Neal Hamilton

JAY SCHELLEN - Drums

Drummer Jay Schellen joined as ASIA's premiere drummer in 2005, toured in Europe with the band and recording the album ASIA Featuring John Payne EXTENDED VERSIONS for Sony in 2006 when he remained with ASIA Featuring John Payne. Before joining ASIA, Jay played drums for Hurricane, Unruly Child, Badfinger and Conspiracy with Chris Squire from Yes.

http://www.jayschellen.com

photo by Mark Waterbury

MITCH PERRY - Guitar

Guitarist Mitch Perry joins ASIA Featuring John Payne for the 2009 summer tour. Gold records, sold out concert tours, MTV video and network TV appearances, numerous magazine features and recognition in the form of several guitar awards, over the last 25 years Mitch Perry has accomplished all of the above in a career working alongside some of the most renowned and popular musicians in the world. Mitch's discography and touring experience reads like a who's who of rock ranging from Aerosmith to Michael Schenker Group to Cher and Edgar Winter. His performances both live and in the studio show him to be a truly world class guitarist.

www.myspace.com/mitchperry

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		JOHN PAYNE - Vocals, Bass Vocalist/bassist John Payne fronted ASIA for 14 years replacing John Wetton in 1992. 8 studio albums and 6 live albums followed including extensive world touring with the band. In 2006, John formed "ASIA Featuring John Payne" and is performing shows with his current lineup. Previous to ASIA, John sang with Roger Daltrey, CCCP, ELO Part 2 and more recently GPS plus being chosen as the Parson in Jeff Wayne's The War Of The Worlds stadium tour. http://www.johnpaynemusic.com photo by Josh Krause
		ERIK NORLANDER - Keyboards Keyboardist Erik Norlander joined ASIA Featuring John Payne in November of 2007. Erik's evocative synthesizer technique is reminiscent of the legendary Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson and Jon Lord while still very unique made him an obvious choice for the band. His works include over 25 releases with Lana Lane, Rocket Scientists and solo titles. http://www.eriknorlander.com photo by Neal Hamilton
		JAY SCHELLEN - Drums Drummer Jay Schellen joined as ASIA's premiere drummer in 2005, toured in Europe with the band and recording the album ASIA Featuring John Payne EXTENDED VERSIONS for Sony in 2006 when he remained with ASIA Featuring John Payne. Before joining ASIA, Jay played drums for Hurricane, Unruly Child, Badfinger and Conspiracy with Chris Squire from Yes. http://www.jayschellen.com photo by Mark Waterbury
		MITCH PERRY - Guitar Guitarist Mitch Perry joins ASIA Featuring John Payne for the 2009 summer tour. Gold records, sold out concert tours, MTV video and network TV appearances, numerous magazine features and recognition in the form of several guitar awards, over the last 25 years Mitch Perry has accomplished all of the above in a career working alongside some of the most renowned and popular musicians in the world. Mitch's discography and touring experience reads like a who's who of rock ranging from Aerosmith to Michael Schenker Group to Cher and Edgar Winter. His performances both live and in the studio show him to be a truly world class guitarist. www.myspace.com/mitchperry