Mike Peters Remembered

Posted by Robert Kinsler

I was so sorry to wake today to the news that singer-songwriter great Mike Peters has passed away after a long battle fighting cancer. He was only 66.

Mike Peters performing at The
Coach House in 2013.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

I first caught Peters back in June 1983 when The Alarm opened for U2. I was blown away and immediately went out and purchased the band's then-newly released EP. A few years later The Alarm actually headlined a show at Cal State University where I caught them as well.

Famed DJ Richard Blade posted the following a few minutes ago on his Facebook page:

"So so sad to learn this morning that our dear friend Mike Peters of The Alarm has passed away. Krista and I spent so many happy times with him, his lovely wife Jules and their children. From concerts to backstage, to hotel rooms, dinner, breakfast, laughs, movies and shared tears over his incredibly brave struggle during his three decades of fearlessly battling cancer, he was one of a kind. To know Mike was to love him. He will be missed by so many as we remember his Strength and pray that he is Marching On."

Geoffrey Downes, left, with Mike Peters
in 2024. Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Downes.

Keyboardist-songwriter Geoffrey Downes of ASIA and YES fame just posted the following on X:

"Very sad to hear of the passing of Mike Peters. A lovely man and a very talented musician who I had the pleasure to meet last summer at one of his gigs in Tenby, South Wales."

Guitarist Billy Duffy of The Cult (seen in the photo on the right with Peters) posted the following earlier today on X:

"No words today can be enough A light has gone out in the world. Sending love to Jules, the boys and all the family.   #RIP Mike"

Peter Hook of New Order posted the following on X today:

"So sad to hear about Mike Peters. The Alarm was a great band & Mike was a great, proud Welshman who loved this crazy business and appreciated that it was all about the fans. God bless you mate. Love Hooky. X RIP X"

Below are links to read some of my articles focusing on Peters, including a memorable 2015 solo show at The Coach House, and a 2013 concert where Peters fronted Big Country.

Mike Peters solo concert at The Coach House in June 2015. Read it HERE

Big Country 2013 concert review. Read it HERE

Review of The Alarm's 2023 album Forwards. Read it HERE

Review of The Alarm's 2018 album Equals. Read it HERE

Finally, here is the official media release from the artist's publicist Rey Roldan about Peters' passing:

Mike Peters, frontman of The Alarm, loses his battle with cancer

APRIL 29, 2025 -- Welsh music icon, Mike Peters MBE, the charismatic frontman of legendary '80s rock band The Alarm and a tireless global advocate for blood cancer patients, has died at the age of 66 following a 30-year battle with the disease. A voice of defiance and hope both on and off the stage, Peters first rose to prominence in the early 1980s with The Alarm, whose powerful anthems like "68 Guns" and "Strength" helped define a generation of alternative rock. Known for their rallying cries and heartfelt lyrics, The Alarm garnered a devoted international following, with Peters' raw vocals and commanding stage presence at the heart of it all. During a music career that spanned five decades, Peters performed with some of music’s greatest artists and bands including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and U2. Diagnosed with lymphoma in 1995 and later with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Peters refused to let his illness silence him. Instead, he turned his fight into a mission to help others. Alongside his wife Jules, he co-founded Love Hope Strength, a music-driven cancer charity that revolutionized awareness and action around stem cell donation. Through its innovative “Get On The List” campaigns—often hosted at rock concerts and even atop mountains—the charity has added over 250,000 people to the global stem cell registry and helped secure thousands of potential life-saving matches for patients worldwide. Last April, just before embarking on a 50-date US tour, he was diagnosed with Richter’s Syndrome, an aggressive form of lymphoma, and despite extensive treatment at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, including a clinical trial and innovative CAR-T therapy, doctors were unable to prevent the cancer progressing.

Mike Peters: 1959-2025 Link: https://youtu.be/XxwcL7Qj20c?si=bcX9Xp5yj7k7de2U

Peters’ journey was one of resilience. He continued to tour and record music through multiple relapses, undergoing experimental treatments while using his platform to raise awareness and funds to help others affected by cancer. His passion for life and belief in the healing power of music inspired countless fans and fellow musicians. Born in Prestatyn, North Wales, Peters never forgot his roots, often performing in support of Welsh causes and championing the community spirit of his homeland. His story and voice transcended music, touching lives far beyond the stage. He is survived by his wife of 39 years and partner in purpose, Jules (58), and their sons, Dylan (20) and Evan (18). Anyone wishing to donate to the Love Hope Strength Foundation can do so via this link Love Hope Strength Foundation - JustGiving   About Love Hope Strength Foundation   Love Hope Strength was co-founded in 2006 by the internationally acclaimed musician and healthcare campaigner Mike Peters after he was diagnosed with leukemia, his fellow musician and wife Jules, who has since undergone treatment for breast cancer, and their friend James Chippendale who had received a life-saving bone marrow transplant.   Led by volunteers, fueled by music and camaraderie, and propelled by a desire to give back and create positive change, Love Hope Strength strives to provide people affected by blood cancer a lifeline.

A last look at 2023 via essential discs from Downes Braide Association, Eightlock, Fireborn, Jimmy Buffett

There were some terrific 2023 studio albums I didn't get to last year, so I wanted to champion them here. Better late than never!

Artist: Downes Braide Association

Title: Celestial Songs (Spirit of Unicorn)

You might like if you enjoy: Geoff Downes, Chris Braide, John Wetton, Asia

Tell me more: Celestial Songs marks the fifth Downes Braide Association (DBA) album featuring the strong team of keyboardist-composer Geoff Downes (Asia, Yes) and award-winning singer-songwriter Chris Braide. There is a genuine depth and ambitious spirit across the 11-track album that draws strong comparisons to the duo's earlier works and the recent Peter Gabriel return i/o. Standouts abound across the masterwork that was released Sept. 8. "Look What You Do" artfully blends spoken word, prog rock mysticism and Beatlesque shadings into its sonic brew that navigates between minor and major keys, all enhanced by the emotion-filled lyrics. "Clear Light" is a soaring melodic progressive rock sortie featuring stellar lead vocals from Braide as well as top-tier guitar work from Dave Bainbridge. The nostalgia-themed "Keep On Moving," probing "Darker Side Of Fame" (the latter bolstered by Marc Almond's vocals), driving "Will To Power," alt dance rock delight "On The Run" and affecting album-closing opus "Beyond The Stars" are among the other terrific originals on the album that collectively delves into everything from love and mortality to fame and spirituality with a commanding touch. Celestial Songs is available via three formats: audio CD, 2LP vinyl and as a box set. Information: https://www.facebook.com/downesbraide/.

Artist: Eightlock

Title: Lions Roaring in Quicksand (Steele Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Boxing Gandhis, Santana, Al Green

Tell me more: Famed guitar-maker/guitarist Paul Reed Smith's terrific collective Eightlock issued their debut Lions Roaring in Quicksand in December 2023. The band brings its strong mix of funk, soul and R&B to the forefront thanks to a solid lineup that includes three drummers (Dennis Chambers, Gregory Grainger, Ju Ju House), a bass player (Gary Grainger), female lead vocalist (Mia Samone Davis) and three guitar players (Paul Reed Smith, Bill Nelson, Mike Ault). Despite the number of players, the masterfully-arranged selections on Lions Roaring in Quicksand are uniformly nuanced. The soulful "Breathe" and "Phoenix In My Blood," blues rockers "Drivin' At Night" and "He's The One," genre-bending "Look At The Moon" and lovely "Echoes" showcase the diversity of the stellar full-length release. In addition to their winning originals, the troupe delivers an irresistible take on the Al Green classic "Love And Happiness," forcefully revisits Edwin Starr's timeless 1970 protest song "War," and shines on a Latin flavored cover of the Maná' track "Ay, Doctor." A marvelous debut. Information: eightlockband.com.

Artist: Fireborn

Title: Reflections (Deko Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Burning Witches, Pänzer, heavy metal

Tell me more: Those listening to German metal band Fireborn's 2023 album Reflections should be prepared for a hard rocking ride. Fronted by singer Jenny Gruber, the rising troupe also includes Dennis Weber, Raphael Singh, Flo Bucher and Chris Lehr. From the speedy opener "Young Heart Dies" and evocative "Done With You" to the amped-up power ballad "Angel in Need" and bewitching "Deep Blue Water," the quintet displays its bona fide musical chops with an equally deft knack for catchy riffs and in-the-pocket grooves. And to be sure, Gruber's powerful soprano impresses during explosive choruses as well as in more scaled back moments across Reflections. Information: https://www.fireborn-official.com.

Artist: Jimmy Buffett

Title: Equal Strain On All Parts (Sun Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Jimmy Buffett, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Emmylou Harris

Tell me more: Jimmy Buffett's posthumous album Equal Strain On All Parts is a wonderful tribute to the late singer-songwriter who sadly passed away on Sept. 1, 2023 at the age of 76 after a four-year battle fighting a rare form of skin cancer. Released on Nov. 3, 2023, Equal Strain On All Parts was Buffett's 32nd studio album and his final album completed prior to his death; it boasts material that spans the artist's beloved musical universe. The playful New Orleans flavored "University of Bourbon Street" features the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Paul McCartney plays bass on the driving tropical rocker "My Gummie Just Kicked In." Legendary country music singer Emmylou Harris adds her signature vocals on the Bob Dylan & Jacques Levy-penned Americana gem "Mozambique." Other inviting originals on the album include the calypso-styled "Audience of One," gorgeous countrified ballad "Columbus," and fun-loving "Nobody Works on Friday." My favorite track on the album is the reflective ballad "Bubbles Up," whose poignant lyrics ultimately chronicle the artist's optimistic attitude even when facing his own death: "So, when the journey gets long / Just know that you are loved / There's light up above / And joy there's always enough / Bubbles up." Information: JimmyBuffett.com.

Robert Kinsler

ASIA to announce 40th Anniversary Tour for early 2023

 Check out this exciting news on the return of ASIA...Robert Kinsler

ASIA ready to announce Anniversary US tour celebrating its ultra-successful debut album and new

ASIA IN ASIA box set  

 

The original lineup of ASIA, from left, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe,
Carl Palmer and John Wetton. Photo courtesy of ASIA

Multi-platinum supergroup ASIA is ready to announce an extensive US tour set for next March, 2023 to promote the 40^th Anniversary of its multi-platinum debut album and the new ASIA IN ASIA box set. The tour, which had originally been set for August  2022 as a co-bill with The Alan Parsons Live Project, has been rescheduled for early 2023 to accommodate a medical procedure needed by Mr. Parsons. Dates will be announced shortly.

Featuring founding members Carl Palmer (drums, percussion); Geoff Downes (keyboards, bkg vocals); along with Billy Sherwood (bass, bkg vocals); and newest member, guitarist and lead vocalist Marc Bonilla,  this will be the ASIA’s first tour since 2019.

“We were hoping to be out this August, however moving the tour to early next year so we can remain on a co-bill with The Alan Parsons Project will be well worth it,” said founding member Carl Palmer. “I am so thrilled that ASIA has finally been able to return to performing after three years off the road due to the  pandemic; we have much to celebrate.”  

 “ASIA has been through a lot during these last four decades,” adds Geoff Downes, “but the music has always endured. The fans have never left us, nor we them.  This tour will be historic.” 

In addition to its 40th Anniversary, the band will be promoting the release of  ASIA In Asia – Live At The Budokan, Tokyo, 1983, a deluxe box set containing: 2LP, 2xCD, 40 page 12” book, Blu-ray video, memorabilia and more, through BMG Records.  Also available are a 2LP Gatefold, 1CD and Digital Format. ASIA IN ASIA BOX SET ORDER HERE ASIA, Geoff Downes (Buggles & YES), Steve Howe (YES) and Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) with special guest vocalist and bassist Greg Lake (ELP), visited Japan to promote their phenomenally successful debut album (1982) and Alpha (1983).  Their  performance at the Budokan arena on December 6th, 1983, made history as first live simulcast on  MTV. Greg Lake stepped in, on short notice, following the sudden departure of John Wetton due to illness.  ASIA was a rock ‘supergroup’ bringing together Wetton, Palmer, Downes and Howe who had already amassed tens of millions in 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 while its debut album spent 9 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and was the biggest selling LP of 1982.

This newly packaged box set includes: • Exclusive new artwork by Roger Dean • Colour vinyl 2LP of original MTV Telecast concert audio, remixed 2022 from the master tapes, with two previously unreleased, post broadcast encore tracks • 2 x audio CD: • Live at The Budokan Arena, Tokyo, Japan, MTV satellite telecast concert (6 December 1983, USA time), remixed 2022 from the master tapes by Matt Wiggins and Rick Nelson • Live at The Budokan Arena, Tokyo, Japan, previous night’s show (6 December 1983, Japanese Time), remixed 2022 from the master tapes by Hiroki Furutani • Audio-visual Blu-ray of restored original broadcast concert with 2022 plus restored original concert laserdisc featuring alternate camera angles (Duration: 1hr). • 40 page, deluxe 12” book with rare and unseen band photos, memorabilia and exten-sive new sleeve notes new quotes from the original band members • New, bespoke metal and enamel ‘ASIA’ logo pin badge • Printed memorabilia: • 2 x exclusive new Roger Dean artwork A3 posters • 2 x reproduced live broadcast original concert tickets • Replicated, matt laminated original AAA backstage pass • Original concert VHS advert • 3 x glossy 8” x 5” rare band photos

ASIA In Asia – Live At The Budokan, Tokyo, 1983 Tracklist (2 x LPs, CD1 & CD2) 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 ASIA In Asia – Live At The Budokan, Tokyo, 1983 is available as a Deluxe box set containing: 2LP, 2xCD, 40 page 12” book, Blu-ray video, printed memorabilia and ‘ASIA’ pin badge, as well as 2LP, 1CD & Digital formats on 10th June 2022 through BMG Records.

Website: https://originalasia.com/ Facebook – Original Asia Twitter - @OriginalAsia- The OInstagram – asiatheband Instagram – asiatheband

'ASIA In Asia – Live At The Budokan, Tokyo, 1983' coming June 10, 2022

Very VERY exciting news that a historic 1983 performance by ASIA is coming out on June 10. Read on for all the details and make plans to pick this title up later this spring...Robert Kinsler

ASIA IN ASIA LIVE AT THE BUDOKAN ARENA, TOKYO, DECEMBER 1983 DELUXE BOX SET, 2LP, 1CD & DIGITAL Released on June 10, 2022   Multi-platinum selling English supergroup ASIA announce they are to release ASIA In Asia – Live At The Budokan, Tokyo, 1983, as a Deluxe box set containing: 2LP, 2xCD, 40 page 12” book, Blu-ray video, printed memorabilia and ‘ASIA’ pin badge, through BMG Records on 10th June 2022. Also available as a 2LP Gatefold, 1CD and Digital Formats. Pre-order here: https://asiaband.lnk.to/budokanPR    ASIA, Geoff Downes (The Buggles & YES, keyboards & backing vocals), Steve Howe (YES, guitars & backing vocals) and Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer, drums) with special guest Greg Lake(Emerson, Lake & Palmer, bass & lead vocals), visited Japan at the end of two years of touring to promote their phenomenally successful eponymous debut album (1982) and the follow-up Alpha (1983).  The second of three shows at the historic Budokan arena in Tokyo, on 6th December 1983, would make history as first live broadcast between Japan and MTV in America, an amazing achievement for its time. This performance has previously only been available on VHS. The concert featured some of ASIA’s biggest and most memorable tracks including, Time Again, Only Time Will Tell, Sole Survivor, Wildest Dreams and the global hit single Heat Of The Moment. Greg Lake stepped in, at short notice, following the sudden departure of ASIA’s founder member John Wetton ahead of the Japanese dates. Despite a short period for Lake to learn the songs, and some changes to the arrangements to accommodate Lake’s different vocal range, the Japanese shows were hailed a great success. Carl Palmer was proud of his former ELP bandmate for performing exceptionally in the situation. “Greg Lake did a great job jumping into John’s shoes. So many songs to sing, he did it so well. It was impressive." Geoff Downes, too, was pleased with the event, especially given the massive undertaking. “It was a grand and sumptuous affair. The stage was the iconic ‘A-frame’ shape we had for the US tour. I think we pulled it off admirably in the end. There were some good people behind us: crew, lighting designers, cameramen and backing singers, it was quite a production." “The show was an important global commitment,” says Steve Howe, “so we had to rise to the occasion, which we did, with Greg’s help. We couldn't have done it without him, for sure."  For Downes, the release stands as a testament to the band’s resilience. “It deserves its place in the Asia catalogue. Aside from its musical strengths, it demonstrates the level of professionalism that we have always striven to bring to the ASIA name.”

“The fans have never left ASIA,” says drummer Carl Palmer. “That first ASIA album with all those radio and MTV hits  weaved the fabric of the music scene in the early 1980s.  Those great songs like ‘ Heat Of The Moment,’ ‘Sole Survivor,’ and ‘Only Time Will Tell,’ still hold up today.  When we play those songs and our other hits, we can see the entire audience singing along.”  In December the multi-platinum selling English supergroup released its most ambitious collection to date:  a 10-CD boxset The Official Live Bootlegs Volume 1 .  Issued through BMG Records on December 3rd., the expansive set chronicles five complete performances of the original line-up captured between 1982 and 2010.  The collection celebrates the huge appeal of the concert tours that followed ASIA’s first two albums in 1982 and 1983. The success continued following ASIA’s 25th anniversary reunion in 2006 and three more highly acclaimed albums. The slipcase boxset features 5 x 2CD concerts from 1982 (Buffalo, NY, USA), 1983 (Worcester, MA, USA), 2007 (São Paulo, Brazil), 2008 (Tokyo, Japan) and 2010 (London, UK). The bootleg collection follows a previous 5 CD box set of studio recordings released in April, 2021. ABOUT ASIA: Geoff Downes (The Buggles, Yes, keyboards), Steve Howe (Yes, guitars), Carl Palmer(Emerson, Lake & Palmer, drums) and John Wetton (King Crimson, UK, bass/vocals), took the world by storm with their eponymous debut album, globally the biggest-selling album of 1982, and the single Heat Of The Moment. ASIA was a true ‘supergroup’ pooling the talents of its four members 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 that, and the new MTV video channel, by storm.  The single Heat Of The Moment was a world-wide monster smash and their eponymous 1982 debut album spent an incredible 9 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard chart as ASIA became the biggest selling album of the year and world tour dates sold out. A second album, Alpha, was released in 1983, followed by Astra in 1985. The four original members reconvened in 2006 for a world tour, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of that incredible success, and the album Phoenix followed. While the members were still heavily involved in other projects, they came together again to record Omega in 2010 and XXX in 2012, both albums were acclaimed by their faithful fans and supported by more world tours. Steve Howe stepped back from ASIA to concentrate on his work with Yes and was absent for 2014’s Gravitas. Following this tour came the news of John Wetton’s treatment for cancer, a fight he sadly lost in 2017.  Asia was special guest of Journey for an extensive US tour in 2017, and in 2019 the band toured with Yes within the Royal Affair tour. “We are planning an extensive tour to celebrate our 40th,” adds Downes, “and the music will feature all the hits the fans have embraced.  Stay tuned! It will be show you won’t want to miss.” This newly packaged box set includes: • Exclusive new artwork by Roger Dean • Colour vinyl 2LP of original MTV Telecast concert audio, remixed 2022 from the master tapes, with two previously unreleased, post broadcast encore tracks • 2 x audio CD: • Live at The Budokan Arena, Tokyo, Japan, MTV satellite telecast concert (6 December 1983, USA time), remixed 2022 from the master tapes by Matt Wiggins and Rick Nelson • Live at The Budokan Arena, Tokyo, Japan, previous night’s show (6 December 1983, Japanese Time), remixed 2022 from the master tapes by Hiroki Furutani • Audio-visual Blu-ray of restored original broadcast concert video with 2022 remixed au-dio by Hiroki Furutani (Duration: 1hr 20 mins), plus restored original concert laserdisc featuring alternate camera angles (Duration: 1hr) and The Road To Budokan pre-concert band documentary • 40 page, deluxe 12” book with rare and unseen band photos, memorabilia and exten-sive new sleeve notes new quotes from the original band members • New, bespoke metal and enamel ‘ASIA’ logo pin badge • Printed memorabilia: • 2 x exclusive new Roger Dean artwork A3 posters • 2 x reproduced live broadcast original concert tickets • Replicated, matt laminated original AAA backstage pass • Original concert VHS advert • 3 x glossy 8” x 5” rare band photos ASIA In Asia – Live At The Budokan, Tokyo, 1983 Tracklist (2 x LPs, CD1 & CD2) 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 ASIA In Asia – Live At The Budokan, Tokyo, 1983 is available as a Deluxe box set containing: 2LP, 2xCD, 40 page 12” book, Blu-ray video, printed memorabilia and ‘ASIA’ pin badge, as well as 2LP, 1CD & Digital formats on 10th June 2022 through BMG Records. About ASIA ASIA was a true rock ‘supergroup’ bringing together the talents of 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 that, and the new MTV video channel, by storm. The single Heat Of The Moment was a world-wide monster smash and their eponymous 1982 debut album spent an incredible 9 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard chart as ASIA became the biggest selling album of the year and world tour dates sold out. A second album, Alpha, was released in 1983. The four original members reconvened in 2006 for a world tour, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of that incredible success, and the album Phoenix followed. While the members were still heavily involved in other projects, they came together again to record Omega in 2010 and XXX in 2012, both albums were acclaimed by their faithful fans and supported by more world tours. Steve Howe stepped back from ASIA to concentrate on his work with YES and was absent for 2014’s Gravitas. Following this tour came the news of John Wetton’s treatment for cancer, a fight he sadly lost in 2017. Website: https://originalasia.com/ Facebook – Original Asia Twitter - @OriginalAsia- The OInstagram – asiatheband Instagram – asiatheband

Sights and Sounds: ASIA to release 'The Official Live Bootlegs Volume 1; elbow's stirring advance track 'Six Words'; new singles / videos from Color Theory and Ryan Levine

This has been a super exciting week for music news. Featured in this update are major announcements and/or new music from forthcoming releases featuring ASIA, elbow, Color Theory and Ryan Levine...Robert Kinsler

The Official Live Bootlegs Volume 1 Out on November 26th   Multi-platinum selling English supergroup ASIA are to release a 10CD boxset The Official Live Bootlegs Volume 1 through BMG Records on November 26, 2021.  There will also be a digital album (also called The Official Live Bootlegs Volume 1) featuring a selection of 24 tracks taken from the full boxset, out on the same day. Pre-order it here: ASIA THE OFFICIAL LIVE BOOTLEGS VOL 1

ASIA: Geoff Downes (The Buggles, YES, keyboards), Steve Howe (YES, guitars), Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer, drums) and John Wetton (King Crimson, UK, bass/vocals), took the world by storm with their eponymous debut album, globally the biggest-selling album of 1982, and the single Heat Of The Moment. The Official Live Bootlegs Volume 1 celebrates the huge appeal of the concert tours that followed ASIA’s first two albums in 1982 and 1983. The success continued following ASIA’s 25th anniversary reunion in 2006 and three more highly acclaimed albums. The slipcase boxset features  5 x 2CD concerts from 1982 (Buffalo, NY, USA), 1983 (Worcester, MA, USA), 2007 (São Paulo, Brazil), 2008 (Tokyo, Japan) and 2010 (London, UK).   “This historical collection represents some of our finest and most defining live moments,” says Geoff Downes, “from the very first ASIA tour in 1982 and the Alpha tour the following year through three of our many ‘Reunion’ shows. It was such a privilege to take ASIA’s music to these different continents and feel the warmth and support from fans all over the world. We hope this brings back great memories and inspires others to appreciate the music of ASIA”.  The sets for ASIA’s original 1980s tours featured only the band’s new music. For the ‘Reunion’ years tours, ASIA included heritage tracks from each of the band member’s pre-ASIA groups. The 2007 and 2008 concerts also feature the Wetton/Howe composition Ride Easy, a song omitted from the debut album that was issued as the B-side of Heat Of The Moment, and included in their later live repertoire as a thank you to their fans for their support over a quarter of a century. This the first time these recordings have been made officially available by ASIA and they are presented together in a superb collector’s edition boxset with original artwork by Roger Dean, who created all of ASIA’s album artwork.  ASIA, The Official Live Bootlegs, Volume 1 is available as a 10CD boxset and Digital Album on 26thNovember 2021 through BMG Records.

About ASIA ASIA was a true ‘supergroup’ pooling the talents of Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton, 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 that, and the new MTV video channel, by storm.  The single Heat Of The Moment was a world-wide monster smash and their eponymous 1982 debut album spent an incredible 9 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard chart as ASIA became the biggest selling album of the year and world tour dates sold out. A second album, Alpha, was released in 1983. The four original members reconvened in 2006 for a world tour, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of that incredible success, and the album Phoenix followed. While the members were still heavily involved in other projects they came together again to record Omega in 2010 and XXX in 2012, both albums were acclaimed by their faithful fans and supported by more world tours. Steve Howe stepped back from ASIA to concentrate on his work with YES and was absent for 2014’s Gravitas. Following this tour came the news of John Wetton’s treatment for cancer, a fight he sadly lost in 2017. FOR ALL THINGS ASIA, please visit:  originalasia.com elbow reveal second studio track titled "Six Words," taken from forthcoming album 'Flying Dream 1,' out Nov. 19, 2021 Watch the music video for "Six Words" HERE PRE-ORDER 'FLYING DREAM 1' OUT 11/19   elbow have shared a second track taken from their forthcoming studio album, ‘Flying Dream 1.’ ‘Six Words’ is a stunning love song and in true elbow tradition, is a complex rhythmical and melodic composition, both lyrically intense with fulsome rumination on the endless power of love to harness souls young and old as Guy Garvey explains:  “I can’t remember the exact genesis of the track, but it is definitely one of Craig’s. In some ways it’s familiar territory lyrically, it has similar sentiments to ‘Mirrorball’ but it draws heavily on my teenage years: the bottle green in the song is the colour of my school uniform and the six lanes is the traffic on the road to school in Prestwich. Though that six lanes line was something I originally wrote back in the early elbow days when I sat in The Cornerhouse people watching so it’s a double reminisce and a return to my love of writing about love. The musical revelation came when we heard the backing singers that now end the track. We had this pyramid of voices making something incredible that reminded me of the early classic Disney soundtracks. It was so powerful that we knew we had to throw the spotlight onto them so that is why they end the track.”   As with ‘The Seldom Seen Kid,’ the first track to be released from the album, ‘Six Words’ is accompanied by a film of the band recording the song, captured during the recording sessions for ‘Flying Dream 1’ at Brighton’s Theatre Royal. You can watch the film here.   ‘Six Words’ is also available on all streaming services   elbow’s ninth studio album, ‘Flying Dream 1’ will be released on November 19. Pre-Order/Save/Add HERE OFFICIAL WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE Color Theory returns with compelling original cut "The Limit" Watch the music video for "The Limit" HERE Listen or download "The Limit" HERE You're in a relationship with someone who wants a rival, an enemy, a fight. You feel like you've been here before, watching the threads of your friendship fray and unravel. You think to yourself, "Just let me go... I'm stretched to the limit." Make sure to listen to the amazing Brian Hazard-penned "The Limit." Ryan Levine releases new single and video, "I Miss The War" WATCH HERE   GOOD THINGS TO REMEMBER EP OUT NOVEMBER 19 October 15, 2021 – Los Angeles, CA – Today, singer and songwriter Ryan LeVineshares his new single and music video, “I Miss The War,” via BMG: LISTEN HEREand WATCH HERE. This is the latest offering from his upcoming debut EP, Good Things To Remember, out November 19.  “’I Miss The War’ feels like a confession,” Ryan shares about the emotive new track. “It admits, almost shamefully, how much power toxic relationships can have over you, even when you think you’ve moved on from them.” The new single arrives on the heels of the previously released tracks “Signs” and “You Don’t Hold The Cards Anymore.” Praising “Signs,” Grimy Goods wrote, “Hot new artist alert…Out of the song’s slowly trodding strums and drums emerges a crescendo of blisteringly woeful riffs that reaches the height of LeVine’s lucidly broken heart.” Glide Magazine said that Ryan “brings a tenaciously soulful approach to folk and root music,” and “showers us with his emotive vocals that spawn the low key experimental mood swings of The National up through Hozier.” At the end of 2018, Ryan LeVine’s life cracked down the center. His band of six years, Wildling, called it quits and his relationship with “the one,” fell apart. Like it always had been, songwriting was the only tool he knew to use as a means of processing the loss and confusion. This time however, he traded elaborate home demos for simple voice memos and focused a lot more on the songwriting rather than the production. Ryan started recording the EP in early 2020 at Boulevard Studios in Los Angeles and then connected with his co-producer Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Ray LaMontagne) to finish the songs at Kevin’s home studio later that spring. The result was an introspective body of work which reveals a songwriter searching for answers. While he may not always find them, there is a resolving sense of peace that comes from the process. Photo credit: Harvey Hale