Three 1980s supergroups that were fantastic (and one that should have been)

Asia

Asia was formed in 1981. The band brought together four top prog rockers. It combined the talents of John Wetton, from King Crimson and Uriah Heep, on bass and vocals, Steve Howe and Geoff Downes, from Yes, on guitar and keyboards, along with Carl Palmer, of Emerson Lake and Palmer, on drums. Quite a combination.

Asia may be one of the more commercially successful and enduring supergroups. Sales of their albums total over six million worldwide, with their debut album Asia taking four million of those. It was ranked four times platinum in the US and had several gold and silver discs awarded around the world. The album hit number one in the US charts too. “Heat Of The Moment” as a top single was a good indicator of their leaning towards an AOR sound with some prog rock flavors. It sold very well too.

The second album Alpha did pick up sales awards. A platinum in the US for example, and although below the debut album levels, it was their next most successful. But that wasn't quite enough for some of the band. This is where the question mark on that longevity comes in. The answer may depend on your view when a band plays on long after several original members have left.

After Alpha didn't quite match up to Asia commercially, Wetton left and was temporarily replaced by Greg Lake. Flirtations with studio stand-ins also followed including the likes of David Gilmour briefly. Wetton did return in 1984, but on the condition that Howe left. And so the merry-go-round of arrivals and departures went on over many years. 

The original lineup reunited in 2006 through to 2013. A version of the band did tour this summer but with only Downes from the original lineup. With Wetton having passed away in 2017, no further original Asia will be happening. 

Undoubtedly a top band, if supergroups were also full of ego they probably proved that point. But they hit the right mark for their music with those early albums, it may sound slightly dated or of its time now, but you can't argue with the huge success they achieved. 

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