The idea came from a recent residency in Las Vegas, where Payne delivered a show called Raiding The Rock Vault. It started as a solo project but soon included the members of his band (not to be confused with Asia).

The frontman says: "It seemed logical in the end to be an Asia Featuring John Payne record. This band has always been about talented and inventive players.

"The focus is on great musicianship with songs that have real hooks, and that's why it was such a refreshing challenge. We'd add slight twists so we could do our own thing without ruining the originals. We wanted to show that respect."