Wikipedia: An Invaluable Resource for Clarifying “Just Who are The Current Members of Asia?”

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.

Tags: Asia • Asia Featuring John Payne • Carl Palmer • Geoff Downes • humor • John Wetton • Music • Steve Howe • Wikipedia