True Colors

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as they spin "True Colors" by Asia from their 1983 album Alpha. This track, a standout from the British rock supergroup, carries a polished, radio-friendly sound that marked a shift from their progressive rock roots. According to a 1983 interview with Billboard, keyboardist Geoff Downes described "True Colors" as a song that "captures the emotional intensity of the band’s evolution," reflecting their move toward a more accessible style. Fans on the Asia Fan Group on Facebook often share stories of hearing this track on mainstream rock radio, with one member recalling how its soaring melodies became a staple at high school dances in the mid-80s. The song’s popularity on radio, as noted in a Rolling Stone review, stemmed from its "sweet harmonies and goopy lyrics," making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, feel-good vibe.

Another tidbit about "True Colors" comes from a 2007 interview with lead vocalist John Wetton, shared on the fan site AsiaFans.com. Wetton revealed that the song’s lyrics were inspired by personal struggles within the band, particularly tensions during the recording of Alpha. He described it as "a veiled commentary on staying true to oneself amidst conflict," a sentiment that resonates with the Zoo Freaks’ free-spirited ethos. On Asia’s official X account, a 2020 post celebrated the song’s enduring appeal, sharing a fan’s live concert clip from the 2006 reunion tour where the crowd sang along passionately. The Alpha album, produced by Mike Stone, was recorded at Le Studio in Quebec, and a post on Asia’s Instagram once highlighted a rare behind-the-scenes photo of the band during those sessions, capturing the intensity of their creative process.

Asia formed in London in 1981 as a supergroup, bringing together seasoned musicians from iconic progressive rock bands. John Wetton, formerly of King Crimson and U.K., joined forces with guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Geoff Downes, both ex-members of Yes, and drummer Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake & Palmer. According to a bio on their official website, originalasia.com, the band came together after Wetton and Howe met through a mutual contact at their management company. They aimed to blend their progressive rock expertise with a more commercial sound, a vision that crystallized with their 1982 self-titled debut album, which topped the U.S. charts. A 1982 Cash Box interview quoted Palmer saying, "We wanted to create something fresh, not just a rehash of our past bands." Their debut single, "Heat of the Moment," became a global hit, cementing their place in rock history and setting the stage for Alpha.

The band’s early days were marked by rapid success but also challenges. A post on Asia’s official Facebook page recounts how their 1982 debut tour sold out theaters and arenas across the U.S., driven by MTV’s heavy rotation of their videos. However, as shared in Steve Howe’s 2021 autobiography All My Yesterdays, internal tensions, particularly during the Alpha era, led to Wetton’s brief departure in 1983. Despite these hurdles, the original lineup reunited in 2006, as celebrated in a post on the Asia Fan Group, which has over 5,000 members sharing tour memories and rare vinyl finds. Fans can stay connected through Asia’s official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X, or join discussions on fan sites like AsiaFans.com and the Facebook fan group.