Only Time Will Tell (Live 1990)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as we spin the classic track "Only Time Will Tell (Live 1990)" by Asia from their electrifying album Asia: Live in Moscow 1990. This song, originally a hit from their 1982 debut album, was penned by keyboardist Geoff Downes and lead singer/bassist John Wetton. Wetton once shared in an interview that the lyrics are deeply personal, reflecting the end of a relationship with a Joni Mitchell-inspired confessional style. He described it as a lyrical kiss-off, where the narrator walks away from a deceitful lover, predicting her lonely future with the poignant line, "only time will tell." Some listeners misread it as misogynistic, but Wetton clarified it continues a dialogue started in "Heat of the Moment," where he owns past mistakes.

The live version we’re playing tonight captures Asia in top form during their 1990 Moscow concerts, performed before 40,000 fans over two nights. This performance, featured on the Live in Moscow 1990 DVD, showcases guitarist Pat Thrall, who stepped in for Steve Howe. Fans on Reddit have raved about the song’s cool vibe, with one calling it their favorite over the iconic "Heat of the Moment." The music video for the original track, directed by Godley & Creme, was a visual standout on early MTV, featuring band members on TV screens and a gymnast doing slow-motion flips—a quirky choice that, as director Kevin Godley noted, was more about looking interesting than conveying deep meaning. A fun tidbit: Wetton began crafting this song in late 1980 while with Wishbone Ash, working late nights at Criteria Studios in Miami, a period made vivid by the tragic loss of his hero, John Lennon.

Asia formed in 1981 as a progressive rock supergroup, bringing together giants from the ‘70s prog scene. John Wetton, fresh from King Crimson and UK, joined forces with Yes guitarist Steve Howe, Emerson, Lake & Palmer drummer Carl Palmer, and Geoff Downes, who’d made waves with The Buggles and Yes. Their goal was to blend their prog roots with the commercial FM rock sound dominating US airwaves. Their self-titled debut album in 1982, featuring "Only Time Will Tell" and "Heat of the Moment," was a global smash, hitting #1 in the US and selling over ten million copies worldwide. The iconic album cover, designed by Roger Dean (known for his Yes artwork), became a visual hallmark. Despite some critics, like Robert Christgau, slamming its “pompous schlock,” fans embraced Asia’s polished sound, and their world tour sold out arenas, cementing their status as a defining act of the era.

Stay connected with Asia’s official website for the latest news and tour updates. Follow them on Facebook (via The Publicity Connection), Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes content and throwbacks. Fans can dive deeper at the Asia Fan Club site, which shares updates like the upcoming John Wetton memorial book. Join fellow Zoo Freaks in the Asia (the band) Fan Group on Facebook to swap stories and celebrate this legendary band. Keep it groovy, and let’s see where time takes us!