Well, that didn’t last long! Just two weeks after Asia featuring John Payne unveiled their brand-new line-up, guitar maestro Francis Dunnery has already exited stage left—after playing just one show with the band. The former It Bites frontman chalked it up to clashing creative visions, stating candidly that he couldn’t give Payne what was needed “musically.” Oof! Talk about a short-lived supergroup moment.
The revamped line-up was gearing up for an ambitious run of U.S., Japanese, and UK dates later this year, sparking fresh excitement among prog-rock devotees and ’80s arena rock veterans alike. Dunnery’s explosive arrival had fans buzzing, but the rapid departure comes as a jolt—especially with live dates on the horizon.
While the sudden split may surprise some, it’s a reminder of just how much chemistry matters when it comes to assembling prog royalty. Dunnery’s statement suggests no hard feelings, just a mismatch of musical mojo. No word yet on who will fill the empty guitar slot, but knowing Payne’s track record for assembling stellar lineups, we can expect another heavy-hitter to make their entrance soon. Stay tuned, classic rockers—the saga continues!
Source: Original source
