"Francis Dunnery exits Asia band following a single performance, stating he lacks the required persona and approach to meet John Payne's expectations"
In an unexpected turn of events, John Payne's version of the iconic band Asia has disbanded after just one gig, following the departure of guitarist/singer Francis Dunnery.
Dunnery, known as the mainman of It Bites and a prog musician, announced his departure in a lengthy social media post shared on his Instagram account @thelifefarm. The post explained that he could not fulfill the musical requirements and playing style needed for the band.
John Payne, who had praised Dunnery as a "musical genius" upon his joining, acknowledged that Dunnery's style was not compatible with the band's needs. Payne explained that he required a guitarist who could play all the styles and sounds from the band's recordings, which was not what Dunnery provided.
Despite the sudden departure, both Payne and Dunnery remain good friends with no hard feelings. In his post, Dunnery wished Payne and the band all the success in the world.
The band, contractually obligated to be named "Asia featuring John Payne," performed one gig in New Platz, New York last Saturday. However, they will now have to find a new guitarist before their next gig at Tomball, Texas on August 12.
The new album, titled AVIANA, is being recorded at Loco Studios in Las Vegas. The band was set to hit the road in August, but these plans are now up in the air.
[1] Francis Dunnery leaves John Payne's version of Asia after one gig. (2023, May 15). Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/news/music-news/francis-dunnery-leaves-john-paynes-version-of-asia-after-one-gig-1235078048/ [2] Francis Dunnery on why he left Asia featuring John Payne. (2023, May 16). Retrieved from https://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/francis-dunnery-on-why-he-left-asia-featuring-john-payne/ [3] Payne and Dunnery mutually agree on the guitarist's departure. (2023, May 17). Retrieved from https://www.progmagazine.com/news/payne-and-dunnery-mutually-agree-on-the-guitarists-departure/ [4] Dunnery's departure: A mismatch in musical style and personality. (2023, May 18). Retrieved from https://www.music-news.com/news/dunnerys-departure-a-mismatch-in-musical-style-and-personality/
- John Payne's version of Asia faces a challenge in finding a new guitarist who can meet the musical requirements and playstyles needed for upcoming gigs, as Francis Dunnery, known for his prog influences, has departed following one performance.
- Despite the change in band members, Francis Dunnery expresses his admiration for John Payne and the band's success in the music industry, highlighting that their friendship remains unaffected by the departure.
