Asia – Live at the Budokan, Tokyo, 1983 (12-Inch Double-LP on 180g Vinyl)

Presented in a gatefold sleeve, with a four-page insert, this double album showcases Asia’s stunning concert at the Nippon Budokan, in Tokyo, on 6 December 1983. This performance from the Alpha Tour made history as first live broadcast between Japan and MTV in America.

Featured here are 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.

The band featuring Geoff Downes, Steve Howe and Carl Palmer, with special guest Greg Lake, 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).

Lake had stepped in, at short notice, following the sudden departure of Asia’s founding 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.”

Track Listing

Side One

1. Time Again
2. The Heat Goes On
3. Here Comes the Feeling

Side Two

1. Eye to Eye
2. Steve Howe Solo (Sketches in the Sun)
3. Only Time Will Tell

Side Three

1. Open Your Eyes
2. Geoffrey Downes Solo (Ihiri – The Setting Sun / Bolero)
3. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes

Side Four

1. Wildest Dreams
2. Carl Palmer Solo
3. Heat of the Moment
4. Sole Survivor

Format: Vinyl / 12” Album

No of Discs: 2

Label: BMG Rights Management

Catalogue No: BMGCAT527DLP

Barcode: 4050538690033

Release Date: 10 Jun 2022