STEVE HOWE has left ASIA, the band have confirmed.

The guitarist has decided to concentrate fully on other projects, departing the band he co-founded in 1981 with John Wetton, Geoff Downes and Carl Palmer.

Howe says in a statement:

“Myself and the band wish to thank their fans for the enthusiasm shown during the original members’ reunion. I will continue with Yes, and with my trio and solo guitar work. I wish my friends continued success.”

The band will announce their future plans in due course.

The original lineup reunited in 2006. Last month they were forced to cancel a UK tour after drummer Palmer suffered a severe attack of E.coli.

YES recently announced they’d perform three classic albums in full during their upcoming US tour.