Thursday, July 4 saw The Heat of the Moment Tour featuring Asia, Focus, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash and Curved Air makes its way to the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino. A package tour featuring artists all represented by QEDG Management, the lead-up to the tour had some progressive rock fans talking.
In this case, it was because headliners Asia would feature a new line-up. While bandleader Geoff Downes, the only constant in the band’s 40+ year history, would be present, original drummer Carl Palmer wouldn’t be; neither would original guitarist Steve Howe (who left the reunited band in the 2013). Sadly, bassist/vocalist John Wetton passed away in January 2017. In their steads, the new Asia now includes guitarist John Mitchell and drummer extraordinaire Virgil Donati, both of whom had played with Wetton previously. To fill Wetton’s illustrious shoes would be a youngster named Harry Whitley. What was once viewed as Original Asia had morphed into something else, and many prickly prog fans were vocally upset.
They shouldn’t have been.
Onstage at OLG Stage, this new version of Asia were a legitimate band, clearly loving the music they were playing, while celebrating the memory of John Wetton, which Downes has said is the main impetus for this tour. The band leaned heavily on Asia’s 1982 self-titled debut album, as it should, seeing as it was the number one album in North America that year and has endured as one of rock’s classic debuts. Songs like “Sole Survivor,” “Here Comes The Feeling” and “Only Time Will Tell” have, well, stood the test of time, as has the band’s massive hit single, “The Heat of the Moment,” which was the crowd-pleasing encore.
As for newcomer Harry Whitley, he was, in a word, extraordinary. His bass playing was outstanding, as was his singing. Downes obviously was impressed with Whitley’s talents to put him front and center in a legacy band, and his instincts were spot on. At 29 years old, Whitley is a generation (or two) removed from his bandmates, but the musician absolutely held his own and then some. While John Wetton was a singular, irreplaceable talent, Harry Whitley does a stellar job honouring his legacy. Judging by the constant smiles exchanged between all the musicians, Asia were having a great time performing, and absolutely justified their continued existence.
As for the other bands on the bill, all of them were unique and extremely enjoyable in their own right. I found myself thinking a lot about John Wetton during Curved Air’s short set, mainly because of the performance of violinist Grzegorz Gadziomski, who gave me some serious King Crimson circa Larks Tongue in Aspic/David Cross vibes. Focus, best known for their 1971 hit single “Hocus Pocus,” had a stand out performance from long-time drummer Pierre van der Linden, who, at the age of 78, was absolutely astounding.
The highlight of the openers for me, though, was Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash. I had never heard a single note of Wishbone Ash music before the show, and by the time the band’s set was finished, I knew I’d be searching out Turner’s catalogue. Harmony guitars, two and three part harmony vocals, a thunderous bass, and great songs is what Turner and company delivered. I’m thrilled that at 47 years old I can still discover music and artists that impress me, and that’s what Martin Turner and his band did last night.
The Heat of the Moment tour rolls on across the U.S. for 19 more dates. For classic rock fans, it’s well worth checking out. All the musicians are delivering the goods.
