Package will be available in multiple configurations
Multi-platinum selling English supergroup Asia is set to release Asia In Asia – Live At The Budokan, Tokyo, 1983, as a deluxe box set containing 2 CD, 2 LP, 40 page 12-inch book, Blu-ray, printed memorabilia and more, through BMG Records on June 10th. The audio will also be available for the first time on CD, 2 LP and digital.
Asia, Geoff Downes (Buggles & Yes, keyboards & vocals), Steve Howe (Yes, guitars & vocals) and Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer, drums) with special guest Greg Lake (ELP bass & lead vocals), visited Japan to promote their phenomenally successful debut self-titled album (1982) and Alpha (1983). The second of three shows at the Budokan arena on December 6, 1983, would make history as first live broadcast between Japan and MTV. Featured are some of Asia’s most memorable hits like “Time Again,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “Sole Survivor,” “Wildest Dreams” and “Heat Of The Moment.”
Greg Lake stepped in, on short notice, following the sudden departure of Asia’s John Wetton ahead of the Japanese dates. Despite a short period for Lake to learn the songs the Japanese shows were hailed a great success.
Carl Palmer was proud of his former ELP bandmate for performing exceptionally. “Greg Lake did a great job jumping into John’s shoes. So many songs to sing, he did it so well.” For Downes, the release stands as a testament to Asia’s resilience. “It deserves its place in the Asia catalogue. It demonstrates the level of professionalism that we have always striven to bring to the Asia name.”
All audio is remixed and remastered in 2022 from the original MTV telecast concert audio and includes previously unreleased, post broadcast encore tracks. The Blu-ray includes a restored original broadcast concert video with 2022 remixed audio, and a restored original concert laserdisc edition featuring alternate camera angles.
The 40 page, deluxe 12-inch book features rare and unseen band photos, memorabilia and extensive new sleeve notes new quotes from the original band members.
The deluxe box also includes printed memorabilia, such as concert posters, tickets and band photos; two exclusive new Roger Dean artwork A3 posters; two reproduced live broadcast original concert tickets; replicated, matt laminated original AAA backstage pass; original concert VHS advert; three glossy 8×5-inch rare band photos; new, bespoke metal and enamel ‘Asia’ logo pin badge; and an with exclusive signed Roger Dean postcard.
Asia was a true rock “supergroup” bringing together John Wetton, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes and Steve Howe who had already amassed tens of millions of record sales with their collective bands of the 70s. Leaving behind their progressive roots, Asia embraced the commercial FM rock sound that dominated US airwaves and took the new MTV video channel, by storm. The single “Heat Of The Moment” was a world-wide monster smash and their 1982 debut spent an incredible nine weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
CD 1: Matt Wiggins & Rick Nelson 2022 Remix
1. Introduction From Mark Goodman (MTV)
2. Time Again
3. The Heat Goes On
4. Here Comes The Feeling
5. Eye To Eye
6. Steve Howe Solo (Sketches In The Sun)
7. Only Time Will Tell
8. Open Your Eyes
9. Geoffrey Downes Solo (Ihiri – The Setting Sun / Bolero)
10. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
11. Wildest Dreams
12. Carl Palmer Solo
13. Heat Of The Moment
14. Sole Survivor
15. Cutting It Fine
16. Daylight
CD 2: Hiroki Furutani 2022 Remix
1. Introduction From Mark Goodman (MTV)
2. Time Again
3. The Heat Goes On
4. Here Comes The Feeling
5. Eye To Eye
6. Steve Howe Solo (Sketches In The Sun)
7. Only Time Will Tell
8. Open Your Eyes
9. Geoffrey Downes Solo (Ihiri – The Setting Sun / Bolero)
10. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
11. Wildest Dreams
12. Carl Palmer Solo
13. Heat Of The Moment
14. Sole Survivor
15. Cutting It Fine
16. Daylight
Blu-ray: Hiroki Furutani 2022 Remix
1. MTV Satellite Telecast To America – The Concert
2. MTV Satellite Telecast To America – Original Concert Laserdisc Release