British rock band Asia brings world tour to NJ

MORRISTOWN — Iconic British rock band Asia's 2014 Gravitas World Tour comes to the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39 to $69.

ASIA, which originally formed in 1982, is known for such rock anthems as "Heat of the Moment" and "Only Time Will Tell."

"It always was a great live band, but this time the dragon has awakened with fresh energy, direction and purpose," says Asia's John Wetton.

"There is a great energy when we step on stage," says keyboardist Geoff Downes. "We can feel it and I know the fans can feel it."

Asia's debut album exploded onto the music scene in April, 1982, with several Top 10 singles. It became the best-selling album in the World in 1982. Featuring Geoff Downes on keyboards, Steve Howe on guitar, Carl Palmer on drums and John Wetton on lead vocal and bass, Asia was the logical successor to their collective bands of the 70s — Yes, ELP, King Crimson, UK and The Buggles.

Asia became one of the most played acts during the first year of MTV. Throughout most of '82, Asia ruled the radio airwaves and MTV, selling out every date on tour as the debut album crushed all the competition in record stores around the world.

As Carl Palmer says, "performing on stage is where this band truly comes into its element. Seeing the fans reacting to our music is what makes it all worthwhile. It is the fuel that drives this train we call Asia."

The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For more information contact the box office at 973-539-8008 or www.mayoarts.org.