Steve Howe Quits Asia
Legendary guitarist Steve Howe has quit the classic rock supergroup Asia, the band have confirmed.
The group teamed the Yes guitarist with his former bandmate Geoff Downes, ELP drummer Carl Palmer and former King Crimson and U.K. front man John Wetton for a multi-platinum debut album in 1982 that was an amalgam of well-written pop songs and top-flight musicianship. Asia reunited in 2006.
“Myself and the band wish to thank the fans for the enthusiasm shown during the original members’ reunion," Howe says in a press release (quote via Classic Rock magazine). "I will continue with Yes, and with my trio and solo guitar work. I wish my friends continued success.”
Brave Words reports that guitarist Sam Coulson will take Howe's place in Asia. The newcomer is slated to make his live debut with the group at Sweden Rock 2013, and Asia will record a new album titled 'Valkyrie' for Frontiers Records. Last month, they canceled a slate of U.K. shows due to Palmer's bout with E. coli.
“Asia is ready to take its next steps along this remarkable road," Wetton says. "We cannot wait to perform again for the fans and also to unveil some of the new material, of which we are very proud."
Howe is set to tour with Yes beginning in March, performing three of the group's most important albums in their entirety. The group are also considering a new studio album.