And perhaps what he has become most famous for is his work as the lead singer, bassist, composer and producer for the multi-platinum rock band ASIA (1992-2006) and ASIA FEATURING JOHN PAYNE (2006-presnt). With them, he has released over 15 albums and toured the world several times. He is also the lead vocalist, bassist, composer and producer for US-based rock band GPS.
I had the opportunity to have a verbal cup of tea with England’s Renaissance man recently and despite John’s musical pedigree he was incredibly humble and quite fun to have a nice chat with on a Friday afternoon. Welcome to the world of John Payne…
AAM (Kim Thore): So, let’s go back to the beginning, word has it that when Geoff asked you to join the band you had to learn the bass guitar fast, including all of Asia's hits. Tell us about your process for taking on this task?
John Payne, JP: When I was a kid I started as a guitarist, I also played bass, and I had worked with ELO and Roger Daltry… but then I concentrated on my singing for several years, and I still played in the studio, when I was asked to join Asia, the bass is doing different thing from the vocals..it’s kind of like a drumming thing- and it was very daunting, playing w/ people I had looked up to - It eventually came through - but even up to a couple of days before the first gig I was still cramming! <laughing>… Now, with the bass I’m on auto pilot in a way and the singing is more of a concentrated focus.
AAM: Whenever a band changes members it’s tough, a lead singer switch can be even more demanding, how do you make “it” your own? Kind of like AC/DC...
JP: I think AC/DC is a good analogy, I know Brian reasonably well, even though there were similar styles, he still gave it his own thing - when I joined Asia, I came from more of a rock background, but I was given the freedom to sing in a more rock power way… I’ve been influenced by Graham Bonnet, Lou Graham, Steve Perry rather than the King Crimson style - Geoff let me write my own melodies and sing more edgy which was great especially at the time I joined with the rock scene being so good. Often if you’re not careful you can become a covers version - For example, I think it’s cool that Paul Rodgers is singing for Queen. You couldn’t get another Freddy Mercury clone, it would be wrong.
AAM: While you’ve been in the band, you’ve released over 15 albums. You are also a guitarist, composer and record producer. Tell us about this work.
JP: I’m very lucky to work with the people I’ve worked with, members have changed so consequently, I have been able to work with several different players. - I enjoy all aspects of it - when touring, I don’t like to produce, and when I’m producing, I don’t like to tour! I enjoy the production side very much… I enjoy all aspects… recording wise I’ve recorded with some really great players which is exciting vs. the drudgery of just doing one thing. Plus, I really enjoy working out the harmonies which is what we’re known for.
AAM: In June 2008, the band announced the release of an EP entitled "Military Man" with a royalties being donated to the USO. The band is also planning to release a completed Architect of Time, with all songs written by you and Norlander. Tell us about these new releases.
JP: We’re working on it now – we will release it late spring of next year. It’s a full studio album, and then we decided with the new lineup, to also do an ep for the USO. I think it’s such a great cause, and a great organization, plus they have always been synonymous with entertainment; we’re also planning to see the troops and tour overseas.
AAM: So you are an actor as well, tell us about that?
JP: Last Christmas, I did Jeff Waynes touring production of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds - in ‘73 an album came out as a music adaptation of the book and the album sold 15 million copies, it had a full orchestra-with Phil Lynott and others. When the tour came about last Christmas I was asked to play Phil Lynott’s part. I actually worked on stage with a Richard Burton holograph which wasn’t easy! - It was interesting for me to do - I had to learn very quickly - I played a deranged parson - the deranged part was easy though!
AAM: You’ve toured extensively, with everyone from Peter Frampton to Ted Nugent, what’s your most memorable war story?
JP: I managed to get to work with all three of my favorite performers - Paul Rodgers, for example, I just love his voice and think he is the best singer, I looked up to him and still do- Ronnie James Dio, I became friends with him - I toured with Uriah Heep and Dio-again a great experience. I did a festival with the Ian Gillian band and Ian came into our trailer and was so personable - but somehow a food fight broke out backstage, and a large piece of fruit hit Ian’s head and he joined in... <laughing> I guess you had to be there! But, touring is a wonderful experience. Different countries with different cultures - We were the 1st rock band to play in Romania after Ceauşescu was deposed - I’m a big animal person, and once we played a private concert- the owner had a huge vineyard with zebras , and other exotic animals and I got to stroke a tiger which was amazing. We were once in St Petersburg and witnessed bear wrestling! But whatever I have experienced, I love meeting people all over the world and that’s the most memorable.
AAM: The ASIA legacy endures, what keeps it going after the initial heat of the moment? (pardon the pun)
JP: Well, I think it is a combination of a resurgence in 80s music, in the US, Journey and Foreigner are touring, it was an era of song writing that is timeless, and I think people love the nostalgia part, it was a time of less bills,etc and it is nice to remember those carefree days. We’ve constantly kept going- from 1992 onwards we toured consistently and put out cds. Sting once told me the worse thing about being successful is where do you go from there… Our 1st album sold 10 million, 2nd sold 3million and it was registered as a disappointment! - Music was very important then, people like looking back to when music was one of their very favorite things- it’s a time warp really-plus we’ve picked up new and younger fans as well.
AAM: Who has influenced you the most as a singer and as a performer?
JP: Growing up as a kid my Dad played a lot of Nat King Cole and Brook Benton - not an influence per se but I was drawn to the vocals, I listened to R and B and soul, I was also big Santana fan, my vocal influence is a cross between soul singers and Steve Perry, Ronnie James Dio, Paul Rodgers and Lou Graham.
AAM: With such an extensive career what advice would you give to someone today?
JP: You know I’ve been asked this? by parents… sometimes it comes from the wrong angle as in about making lots of money… but my advice is always be true to what you do, being creative and enjoy that, if that then becomes a form of earning a living great, but unless you look at it that way, it won’t work - be yourself and enjoy what you’re doing if it doesn’t make you rich, you don’t stop doing it… you’re still learning. I’m still trying to work on my craft. I’m always trying to push myself a little…
AAM: Any final thoughts for our readers?
JP: We have a show at the Canyon Club November 14 - doors open at 7pm. We’re playing songs from the 1st album to the last studio album - it should be an enjoyable show for fans and those that love the genre. We also try to make it a very personal show - we try to explain some of the song’s backgrounds, and the Canyon Club is one of the nicer clubs I’ve played. I’m very much looking forward it. Come out and see the show!
For more info on John or Asia Featuring John Payne go to www.myspace.com/asiafeaturingjohnpayne, www.theasiaband.com, or www.johnpaynemusic.com
Performing in Agoura @ The Canyon Club, Friday November 14th
SPECIALLY PRICED TICKETS DAY OF THE SHOW for
ASIA FAN CLUB MEMBERS and the MILITARY
HOLLYWOOD (November 5, 2008) - Classic rock band ASIA Featuring John Payne will perform at the Canyon Club in Agoura, CA Friday November, 14th. If you are military or part of the fan club, get your tickets the day of the show at a special discount. Asia Featuring John Payne fan club members will get tickets for $20. USO/Military will be $16.25.
