Band's new guitarist departs following a singular performance in classic rock supergroup's latest lineup
After just one show, Asia Featuring John Payne has announced that they have parted ways with their electric guitar player, Francis Dunnery. The split comes after a reported mismatch in musical styles between Dunnery and the band.
Dunnery, known for his stints in It Bites and as Robert Plant's foil, was recruited by John Payne for their latest string of dates. However, it seems that the two were "trying to hammer a round peg into a square hole," as Payne and Dunnery realised after their New York show.
The band, originally formed by prog rock luminaries John Wetton, Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, and Carl Palmer, reformed in 2007. Steve Howe and Geoff Downes, along with Carl Palmer, were original members of Asia when the band was formed in 1981. Guthrie Govan joined the reformed line-up when it was resurrected.
John Payne took over from Wetton a decade later and has fronted the band across a suite of studio albums. Payne and Jeff Kollman, the band's new electric guitar player, have a 20-year-long relationship. Kollman, an experienced American guitarist who has worked with Glenn Hughes and UFO offshoot Mogg/Way, will take over for Dunnery in the upcoming performances.
Brian May and Steve Lukather reportedly turned down the gig to join Asia Featuring John Payne. Kollman's first show with the band will be on August 12. The band's shows have focused on Payne-era material, charting his stay in the band between 1991 and 2006.
Payne calls Dunnery a "superb" player, but admits that it wasn't the right fit for the band. Asia Featuring John Payne is fronted by the supergroup's second frontman and was formed in 2007.
[1] Source: Asia Featuring John Payne Announce New Guitarist Jeff Kollman
[4] Source: Asia Featuring John Payne Part Ways with Guitarist Francis Dunnery
[5] Source: Asia Featuring John Payne's Francis Dunnery Departs After One Show
Fans of Asia Featuring John Payne may be interested to know that the band has a new electric guitar player, Jeff Kollman, who will be joining them for upcoming performances. This comes after the departure of Francis Dunnery, who was known for his contributions to It Bites and as Robert Plant's foil. Dunnery and John Payne reportedly had different musical styles, leading to their split after a New York show. Guitar enthusiasts might also be familiar with Ibanez guitars, a brand that is likely to be used by both Dunnery and Kollman, talented electric guitarists in their respective careers. Music and entertainment continue to thrive as Asia Featuring John Payne moves forward with their performances and new lineup.
