Classic Rock fans gathered at Wind Creek Event Center Saturday night for Asia’s ‘Heat of The Moment’ summer tour.  Along with Asia, they brought along three opening acts that would fill any progressive rock fan’s heart with happiness, and we have Geoff Downes, rock music keyboard legend and original Asia member to thank for that.

The first band to hit the stage was Curved Air, a trio, with Sonja Kristina (vocals), Kirby Gregory (acoustic guitar), and violinist, Grzegorz Gadziomski. This band formed in 1970 as a five piece, but over the years the members have changed considerably. Kristina remains as the original member, Gregory joined in 1975, and Gadziomski was added in 2019. Their music steps over several genres that include classical, folk, and electronic fusion. On stage, Kristina added her soulful interpretation to the music, as she swayed to the beat.

Next up was Martin Turner, former founding member, bassist, and lead vocalist for Wishbone Ash. This band formed in 1969, and also featured many artists who over time have played with the band, which would include the late John Wetton. Wishbone Ash was an extremely influential band of it’s time, a band that still exists and tours today in a reincarnated form.  Turner brought his band, plugged in and presented an amazing progressive rock set.  Still an incredible musician with a powerful vocal strength with a dash of humor thrown in the banter. One of my favorite songs he performed was “Doctor”, highlighting the double lead guitar lines that Wishbone Ash created. A couple of Wishbone Ash classics that were performed were “Warrior” and “Throw Down the Sword”.

The last opening act to take the stage was Focus, another progressive rock band formed in 1969 in Amsterdam.  This band featured two of the original members, Thijs van Leer, on organ, flute, and vocals, and Pierre van der Linden on drums. Focus seemed like they had the longest set time, and saved their most well known song, “Hocus Pocus” for last, complete with that zany yodeling. Focus is in the process of releasing a new album this year.

After a brief intermission, it was time for Asia and the crowd was ready. Asia represents a collaboration creative group. Today, we have Hollywood Vampires also filling this genre, back in the 80’s there was also Power Station who also achieved musical success.  Asia pulled it’s original members from British progressive rock bands, there was John Wetton, from King Crimson (as well as a host of other bands), Geoff Downes from Yes, Steve Howe from Yes, and Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. On this tour, the only founding member is Geoff Downes, who in fact, was compelled to create an Asia tour based on a John Wetton tribute last year, celebrating his life.

Harry Whitley, bass and vocals, took center stage with ease, his vocals fit like a glove, and it looked like he really enjoyed himself. John Mitchell covered lead guitar and accompanying vocals, and Virgil Donati pounded away on the drums.  Geoff Downes, played along on keyboards, pretty much tucked away behind the keyboards and computer monitors, except for the moments after a song he would pop out and take the stage.

The set list hovered around their 1982 album release.  The concert opened with “Wildest Dreams”, while many people in the audience whipped out their cell phones to record the song. “Here Comes the Feeling” followed, with many fans singing along to this peppy pop tune. They covered “Video Killed the Radio Star” (The Buggles), keeping it light, and a nice addition to the set. They held out as long as they could, saving their three singles to the end, “Only Time Will Tell”, and “Sole Survivor” closed the set.  They returned for an encore of the one song everyone wanted to hear, “Heat of The Moment”. And  literally, it was just that.

Asia’s Heat of The Moment tour is brief, as dates are only set for July.  For any music lover who enjoys the Progressive rock, this concert is a must see.  Buried somewhere in a box of old concert shirt lies my Asia concert tee, which was well worn from the Summer of 1982 when the original members of Asia played in Philadelphia. It was great to relive those memories in present day, as Asia played on.