Asia (band) Lake's voice and he read most of the lyrics from a teleprompter; Lake had commented in interviews that he was asked to cover Wetton's parts at very short notice. Lake left in early 1984 and Asia reunited with Wetton that same year to start work on their next album. But Howe soon left to be replaced by Krokus guitarist Mandy Meyer. Howe then enjoyed brief success with GTR, another supergroup, formed with Steve Hackett, formerly of Genesis, and produced by Downes. The third Asia album was tentatively titled "Arcadia", but during production it was discovered that that name was being
GTR (band) jump ship with GTR, and I think the possibility of it being an on-going entity was mooted ... At the time, I saw GTR as becoming more of a project than a band. Perhaps the idea of a number of guitarists all getting together." With this in mind, Hackett approached guitarist Brian May of Queen with the suggestion that he join the project. Despite May's initial enthusiasm, the potential collaboration only extended to three tracks demoed with Hackett, and it is unclear whether Hackett ultimately intended May to replace himself or replace Howe. The band's debt situation had not improved