While once known as the singer of Asia, John Payne eventually left the group when original member John Wetton returned in 2006. Loving what he produced during his time with Asia, Payne decided to start his own version of the band called Asia Featuring John Payne. The new group consisted of Ryo Okumoto, Thomas Lang, Aaron Olsen, and Francis Dunnery. Kicking off their new tour just a few days ago, it appeared that after just one performance, Dunnery announced his exit from the band.
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Having a member of a band leave isn’t a new idea. But having one leave after just one concert might be a record. With fans of the group wondering exactly what happened for Dunnery to leave, the musician decided to set the record straight.
Knowing how quickly rumors can spread online, Dunnery didn’t want rumors to put stress on Payne or the band. Posting a picture of himself on Instagram, the guitarist said, “John needs a guitar player who can come in and play all the styles and all the sounds that are on the records and unfortunately that’s not what I do. There are much better people at doing that than me.”
[RELATED: How Asia Solidified Their Massive Success With “Only Time Will Tell”]
Francis Dunnery Promises “No Weird Or Hard Feelings” Toward John Payne
Although apologizing to fans for having to leave, Dunnery’s decision didn’t surround drama or pride. He admitted, “It is impossible for me to adapt to that role, I don’t have the personality or the playing style to fulfill what he needs. And I understand fully because it’s what I ask my band to do with it bites.” Dunnery continued, “I can’t fulfill what he needs musically and he can’t afford to carry someone who isn’t 100% at this stage of the game.”
For those who still might think there was more to the story, the musician concluded, “I love old John. He’s a good lad. There are absolutely no weird or hard feelings and I wish him and the band all the success in the world.”
While looking ahead to the future of Asia Featuring John Payne, the band will travel to Texas for a show on August 12th. The tour will run throughout the rest of 2025, ending in London on November 11th.
(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for IEBA)
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