Asia is an English rock band formed in London in 1981 by four musicians already well known for their work with major progressive rock groups: John Wetton of King Crimson and U.K., Steve Howe of Yes, Geoff Downes of Yes and the Buggles, and Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Bringing together progressive rock musicianship with a more streamlined, radio-friendly sound, Asia quickly became one of the biggest new rock acts of the early 1980s. Their self-titled debut album arrived in 1982 and produced enduring songs such as Heat of the Moment, Only Time Will Tell, and Sole Survivor.

Asia became a major commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spending nine weeks at the top of the chart. The band followed it with Alpha in 1983, which included Don’t Cry and The Smile Has Left Your Eyes. Despite their early success, lineup changes soon reshaped the group, beginning with Steve Howe’s departure after Alpha. Asia continued recording and performing through numerous incarnations over the following decades, with Geoff Downes becoming the most consistent presence in the band’s history.

A major chapter began in 2006 when the original lineup of Wetton, Howe, Downes, and Palmer reunited for the first time in more than two decades. The reunion led to extensive touring and new studio albums, including Phoenix, Omega, and XXX. Steve Howe eventually stepped away again, while John Wetton remained active with Asia until his death in 2017. The band’s long history, from its early arena-rock success through later reunions and touring, has kept Asia’s music in front of generations of progressive and classic rock fans.

Asia’s decades of concerts and tours have also produced collectible guitar picks, backstage passes, tour laminates, promotional pieces, and other memorabilia associated with different lineups and eras of the band. For collectors, these items offer a tangible connection to a group that brought together musicians from some of progressive rock’s most important bands and created a distinctive chapter of early 1980s rock. Browse our collection of authentic Asia guitar picks and memorabilia below.