Early 1980s supergroup Asia, formed by veteran progressive rock musicians including members of Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Yes, considered several singers before confirming John Wetton in the frontman role. Drummer Carl Palmer suggested an unconventional choice: Roy Wood, the Birmingham-born hitmaker known for The Move, Electric Light Orchestra and Wizzard. Despite Wood's impressive musical credentials and talent, the band ultimately rejected him as his flamboyant personality and eccentric style conflicted with their intention to pursue a more commercially accessible, mainstream direction.

Wood, who had achieved 15 UK top ten hits and performed impressively during his semi-audition with an unreleased song called 'Aerial Pictures', failed to secure the role because the chemistry was lacking. Palmer noted that whilst Wood's credentials were impeccable, "the connection was missing" and "it either works or it doesn't." Asia proceeded with Wetton on vocals and achieved extraordinary commercial success, with their 1982 self-titled debut album spending nine consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 and becoming that year's best-selling album in the United States.