Asia Featuring John Payne Announces New Tour Dates and Lineup Changes
Asia, featuring John Payne, recently unveiled their new lineup for upcoming live performances in the US, Japan, and the UK. However, It Bites frontman Francis Dunnery has decided to part ways with the band after just one show. Dunnery expressed his inability to adapt to the role required by the band, leading to his departure. Despite his friendship with John Payne, Dunnery acknowledged that he couldn't meet the musical demands of the position and wished the band success in their future endeavors.
Following Dunnery's exit, Asia featuring John Payne has not yet announced any changes to their scheduled live dates or a replacement for Dunnery. The band, which also includes Spock's Beard keyboard player Ryo Okumoto and drummer Aaron Olson, is currently working on a new studio album titled Aviana. The band's upcoming tour includes performances in the US starting in August and UK dates in November, with their next show scheduled in Tomball, TX on August 12.
The band's tour dates include stops in various locations such as Arlington, Plymouth, Saskatoon, Macarthur, Jacksonville, Ashland, and New York City, among others. The tour will also extend to Japan in October before returning to the US for shows in New York and Pennsylvania. The UK leg of the tour will conclude with performances at the Great Yarmouth HRH Prog Festival and London's Shepherd's Bush Empire in November. Fans can purchase tickets for the upcoming shows to experience Asia featuring John Payne's new lineup in action.