ASIA have moved quickly to replace guitarist Steve Howe, whose departure from the band was only announced this morning.

John Wetton, Geoff Downes and Carl Palmer are joined by newcomer Sam Coulson, who they describe as “a wonderful player, world-renowned among guitar virtuosos”.

Coulson has played globally alongside legends such as Paul Gilbert, Guthrie Govan, Tony MacAlpine among others.

He is well respected in the instrumental guitar scene and is also considered a world-class guitar instructor.

A fresh-faced young talent from Bromsgrove in the English midlands, you can check out Coulson’s playing via his dedicated YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/coulsonsam87.

ASIA, who have just been confirmed to play Sweden Rock 2013, will also release a new album called Valkyrie later this year.

Watch Coulson jamming with Walter Trout, one of his heroes, below: