However for fifteen years John Payne was perhaps best know as the vocalist and bassist with British Rock Band Asia. In that time John wrote and produced seven studio albums that found success across the world including the albums Aqua, Aria, Arena, Aura and Silent Nation. He also played countless concerts with the band in Europe America, South America and Asia.

Following the split in Asia he formed a new band featuring Guthrie Govan and Jay Schellen (Also from the last line up of Asia) entitled GPS and the band subsequently released their debut album Window to the Soul. This release was followed up by dates in the UK and Europe and also Japan. In 2007 John Payne joined the cast of Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds playing the part of Parson Nathaniel.

Prior to joining Asia John Payne joined with former Michael Schenker keyboard player Andy Nye and formed the band Passion. The band at the time also included former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr and former Mike Oldfield and Rick Wakeman guitarist Ant Glynne.

The Passion recordings have assumed an almost legendary status amongst fans of Asia and this first official release of the original recordings made by John Payne and Andy Nye will certainly prove to be popular with those rock fans who like the AOR sound of rock performed by John Payne.