The British rock group, ASIA, announced today that the second leg of its North American tour has been postponed due to a recently discovered heart condition, likely to require surgery, for lead singer John Wetton. Mr. Wetton is expected to make a full recovery and looks forward to returning to his work with ASIA, as well as his other musical endeavours, at the earliest possible time.

The postponed shows, which were in Western Canada and the US West Coast, are expected to be re-scheduled around the 2008 US concert itinerary. John recently had a routine medical which returned a clean bill of health. John’s consultant suggested a comprehensive check up, during which adverse heart readings were discovered, indicating advanced coronary disease. The routine medical check had included conventional procedures from blood pressure to ECG tests, none of which suggested the presence of heart disease.

John now has to undertake an angiogram in the immediate future. This will determine whether the condition can be treated with drugs, or whether immediate open heart surgery is needed.

John is philosophical and confident about the situation and wants it to be known that he will be back on stage as soon as possible. “God didn’t save me from drowning only to beat me up on the beach. I look forward to getting back on tour.”

Fans are encouraged to monitor the originalasia.com website for updates and further information.