Asia members release album with side project

Just out is Rubicon, the new record from Asia singer-bassist John Wetton and keyboardist Geoff Downes. The album was released under the name Icon, which is what they call their side project that started back in 2004, after Downes joined Wetton onstage in 2002 and guested on Wetton's 2003 album Rock Of Faith. Downes told us that he and Wetton have a lot of fun as Icon: "We really enjoy doing it. It's a different style to our songwriting, in some ways -- I mean, that it's not written specifically for Asia, like we did in the, in the early days. It's a nice project for us to do, I think -- it keeps us busy, and it's very enjoyable."

Wetton, Downes, drummer Carl Palmer, and guitarist Steve Howe reformed as Asia this year and mounted a successful U.S. tour. The band is currently playing dates in the U.K., and gigs in Japan will follow in March. The group is expected back next summer for more North American shows.