The Heat Goes On

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "The Heat Goes On" by Asia from their 1983 album Alpha. This track, a staple of the band's progressive rock sound, has a fascinating backstory. While not as widely celebrated as their smash hit "Heat of the Moment," this song was a fan favorite on mainstream rock radio stations during the early '80s. According to trivia from music archives, "The Heat Goes On" was one of the tracks that showcased Asia's shift toward a more polished, radio-friendly sound on Alpha, moving away from the heavier progressive elements of their debut album. The song's lyrical themes, penned by John Wetton, touch on resilience and determination, with lines like "You walk tall, got your heads in the clouds / You talk soft but you're thinking aloud," capturing a dreamy yet defiant spirit perfect for the Zoo Crew's vibe.

Delving into the song's production, Alpha was recorded at Le Studio in Morin-Heights, Quebec, and Manta Sound in Toronto between February and May 1983, with producer Mike Stone at the helm. Stone, known for his work with Journey, gave the album a slick, commercial edge, which some band members, particularly guitarist Steve Howe, felt diluted their progressive roots. In a retrospective interview, Howe described the album's mix as a "wall of sound," expressing disappointment with its overly commercial tone. Despite this, "The Heat Goes On" resonated with fans, its driving rhythm and soaring melodies making it a standout track for airplay. The Zoo Crew's choice to spin this song is a nod to its enduring appeal among rock enthusiasts who crave that '80s supergroup energy.

Asia was formed in 1981 as a supergroup, bringing together prog-rock royalty: John Wetton (vocals/bass, formerly of King Crimson and U.K.), Steve Howe (guitar, from Yes), Geoff Downes (keyboards, from Yes and The Buggles), and Carl Palmer (drums, from Emerson, Lake & Palmer). The band was assembled with the goal of creating a commercially viable prog-rock album, a vision driven by their record label, Geffen. Their self-titled debut album in 1982 was a massive success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide, largely thanks to "Heat of the Moment." However, the seeds of Asia were planted earlier when Wetton, after the breakup of U.K., sought to collaborate with Howe. Downes and Palmer were later brought in, and the chemistry among these seasoned musicians created a sound that blended intricate instrumentation with accessible melodies, perfect for the Zoo Freaks' eclectic tastes.

The band's formation wasn't without challenges. According to music historian accounts, Wetton and Howe had differing visions for the band's direction, with Wetton leaning toward pop sensibilities and Howe favoring progressive complexity. Despite these tensions, their debut album topped the U.S. charts for nine weeks, and their videos, including "Heat of the Moment," were in heavy rotation on MTV. By the time Alpha was released, internal conflicts were evident, particularly during the recording process in isolated studios, which exacerbated band dynamics. Wetton briefly left the band during the 1983 tour, with Greg Lake stepping in for some dates, but he returned for later projects. The Zoo Crew's spin of "The Heat Goes On" is a reminder of Asia's ability to craft songs that endure despite behind-the-scenes struggles.

For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with Asia, the band’s official website is originalasia.com, where you can find tour dates, including their upcoming performance at Frontiers Rock Festival VII in April 2025. Their official Facebook page keeps fans updated with news and nostalgic posts, while their Instagram (@asiaband) shares behind-the-scenes glimpses and throwbacks. On X, keyboardist Geoff Downes (@asiageoff) is active, occasionally sharing tidbits like how "Heat of the Moment" was written in a rush. Fan communities are also thriving: check out the Asia Fan Group on Facebook for discussions and rare memorabilia. Another fan hub is the Asia Fans website, which offers detailed discographies and fan stories, perfect for Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Asia’s legacy.