Asia is an English progressive rock supergroup formed in London in 1981, originally featuring lead vocalist and bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, U.K.), guitarist Steve Howe (Yes), keyboardist Geoff Downes (Yes, The Buggles), and drummer Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer). Their self-titled debut album, released in 1982, became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and producing iconic hits like "Heat of the Moment," "Only Time Will Tell," and "Sole Survivor," with the album spending nine weeks at number one in the United States and selling over ten million copies globally. Known for blending the virtuosity of progressive rock with accessible, radio-friendly album-oriented rock (AOR), Asia's early success was driven by MTV-fueled singles and arena tours, though subsequent albums never matched their debut's commercial impact. The band has undergone numerous lineup changes, with various incarnations continuing to perform and record, including the parallel group Asia Featuring John Payne, but Geoff Downes has remained a consistent presence, and the band's legacy is defined by their blend of technical musicianship and melodic rock anthems.