While the popular open content, online encyclopedia has both critics and fans alike, no one can question Wikipedia’s flawless ability to clarify in great detail the often-asked questions, “Is Steve Howe still in Asia?”, “Hey man, are they still touring?” and “Is that John Wetton singing, it really doesn’t sound like him, especially on Sole Survivor ?”

Without Wikipedia and a hard-working team of 40-something-year-old record store clerks, software developers and that weird guy in Accounting; this debate would rage and create a miasma of uncertainty that would eventually lead to unhappy fans attending an Asia show at their state fair featuring Jay Schellen behind the the kit and not fan favorite Carl Palmer.

No one wants that, especially these skilled wikipedians who manage and update the Asia (band) page on their on time with meticulous care and clarity. Not a fan of reading, but still want your Asia info? You’re in luck. There’s a user-friendly side box with a concise breakdown of the two , yes I said two, distinct groups currently using the Asia name!

There’s a reunion of the band’s original line-up performing as Asia, and Asia Featuring John Payne featuring several members from later incarnations. Confusing, I know, but only for people who have not yet visited Asia (band) at Wikipedia.

Here’s a sampling from the page:

Current Members of “Asia” are:

• Geoff Downes – keyboards and vocals (former member of Yes and The Buggles ) – founding member
• John Wetton – vocals , bass , guitar (former member of King Crimson , UK , Uriah Heep , Roxy Music and Family ) – founding member
• Steve Howe – guitar , mandolin and vocals (also a member of Yes and GTR ) – founding member
• Carl Palmer – drums and percussion (former member of Emerson, Lake and Palmer ) – founding member

Current members of “Asia Featuring John Payne” are:

• John Payne – vocals , bass , guitar (also in GPS )
• Guthrie Govan – guitar (also in GPS )
• Jay Schellen – drums and percussion (also in GPS )
• Erik Norlander – keyboards

While updating this site with accurate info does take a good amount of blood, sweat and tears; page manager Russ Hoy is considering expanding his team’s efforts and tackling the great “Deep Purple/Rainbow/Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow” conundrum that has been perplexing fans for years.

“The guy at the tattoo shop told me this means brave and proud warrior in English,” said beaming Beijing teenager Hao Tsang as he pointed to the letters GARF freshly inked onto his left bicep. “It’s perfect for me because I am very bold and confident, yet spiritual.”

Tsang’s friend Yuan Chi Hao also went under the needle for some English language characters. “Mine simply says FRUNK. The letters are so beautiful and flow so smoothly into each other. The word actually means old soul with young spirit in English. How cool is that?”

Apparently, very cool.

Throngs of Chinese youths are flocking to tattoo parlors looking to colorfully emboss their bodies with “meaningful” English language words.

“I couldn’t decide between CRYMPH or DLECH,” said Chengdu high school student Mingmei Lee. “I know they both mean beautiful flower dancing in the wind in American, but I can’t decide what looks prettier.”

This strange trend mirrors a popular body art movement in the US where many Americans — especially professional basketball players and young celebrities — get Chinese language characters tattooed on their bodies. Many believe the Chinese characters add an air of spirituality to their beings and help present them as enlightened individuals who respect and admire foreign cultures.

A.J. McLean of the man-band Backstreet Boys proudly displayed his fresh ink after leaving a popular LA tattoo parlor. “Check it out,” said the very excited singer as he pointed to the characters on his left forearm. “My man just hooked me up with some mad asian ink! He says it means wise wolf that guards the pack. That’s totally me dawg… I take care of my boys. Cool dat!”

Upon further investigation, the characters were found to actaully mean dog ass.

“Listen, these Hollywood hotshots come in here every night wanting something foreign and deep. I only know how to do about twenty Chinese characters and I have no idea what they mean. But who the hell cares? They just look neat. I make up meanings like precious gem floating in pond. Dumb chicks hopped up on ex really go for that one,” said burly ex-marine tattoo artist Jake McNaughton with a hearty laugh.

Beijing tattoo artist Johnny Chang echoed the sentiments of his American counterpart, “Kids are stupid. Funny nonsense tattoos make me laugh ha ha. I take letters from American soda cans and candy wrappers and rearrange them into words. GWIPO is my number one favorite. TWARP is also pretty lucky good!”

Jeff Lyons
International Culture Reporter

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