Geoff Downes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geoff Downes
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Downes performing with Yes in 2024
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Geoffrey Downes |
| Born | 25 August 1952 Stockport, Cheshire, England |
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| Instruments | Keyboards |
| Years active | 1974–present |
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Geoffrey Downes (born August 25, 1952) is an English keyboard player. He became famous as a member of three important bands: The Buggles, Yes, and Asia.
Geoff Downes moved to London to start his music career. In 1977, he formed The Buggles with Trevor Horn. They had a huge hit song called "Video Killed the Radio Star" in 1979. This song's video was the very first one played on MTV when it launched in 1981.
In 1980, Geoff joined the band Yes and recorded the album Drama. After Yes broke up in 1981, he helped Trevor Horn with a second Buggles album. Then, he helped create the supergroup Asia with Steve Howe, another musician from Yes. Asia quickly became very popular around the world.
Geoff Downes has released many solo albums and worked as a producer for other artists. Since 2011, he has been a member of both Yes and Asia. He even holds a record in the Guinness Book of Records for playing with 28 keyboards on stage at once!
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Geoff's Early Life and Music
Geoff Downes was born in Stockport, England. His parents were both musicians; his father played the organ and his mother was a pianist. Geoff started playing keyboards too and joined local bands.
He studied music at Leeds College of Music. After finishing school, he moved to London. There, he played music for recordings and wrote short songs for advertisements.
Music Career: The Buggles and Yes
In the mid-1970s, Geoff played keyboards in a band called She's French. He also played for a theater show called The Wombles in 1975.
In 1976, Geoff met Trevor Horn. They formed a band called Chromium, then later created The Buggles. Their song "Video Killed the Radio Star" was a massive hit. It was the first song from Island Records to reach number one in the UK.
Because The Buggles were so successful, Geoff and Trevor joined the famous band Yes in 1980. They recorded the album Drama and went on tour. Geoff was the first member of Yes to have a music degree.
Asia and Other Music Projects
Yes split up in early 1981. Geoff then joined forces with other talented musicians: Steve Howe (from Yes), John Wetton (from King Crimson), and Carl Palmer (from Emerson, Lake & Palmer). Together, they formed the band Asia.
Asia became an instant worldwide success. Their first album, Asia (1982), stayed at number one on the Billboard charts for nine weeks! Geoff is the longest-serving member of Asia and has played on all their albums.
In 1989, Geoff helped remake the song "Smoke on the Water" to raise money for victims of an earthquake in Armenia. Years later, he received a medal from the President of Armenia for his help.
Besides Asia, Geoff has made many solo albums. He has also worked with other artists like John Wetton and Glenn Hughes. He even played on a song for Kate Bush. His solo albums are often released under the name The New Dance Orchestra.
Geoff has also worked as a producer for bands like Thompson Twins and GTR. He has written songs for singers like Agnetha Fältskog from ABBA.
He also formed a project called Icon with John Wetton. They released several albums together.
Asia, Yes, and New Projects
In 2006, Geoff reunited with the original members of Asia for tours and new albums like Phoenix (2008). In 2009, Asia toured with Yes, and Geoff played with both bands every night!
In 2010, Asia released another album called Omega. Since 2011, Geoff has been a full-time member of both Yes and Asia, touring and recording with both groups.
In 2012, Geoff started a new project with Chris Braide called DBA (Downes Braide Association). They have released several albums, including Pictures of You and Suburban Ghosts.
On September 28, 2010, Geoff reunited with Trevor Horn as The Buggles for a special concert. This show raised money for a hospital. In 2011, he played another charity concert with Trevor Horn and other musicians, raising a lot of money for children's music programs.
On March 31, 2011, it was confirmed that Geoff would record with Yes again. He formally rejoined the band in May 2011. They released new albums like Fly from Here (2011) and Heaven & Earth (2014).
Musical Influences and Style
Geoff Downes has said that three keyboard players inspired him: Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson, and especially Dave Sinclair.
When asked about his favorite Asia songs, he mentioned "Only Time Will Tell" and "Heat of the Moment". He also said his favorite British band is King Crimson. His favorite American bands are Journey, Kansas, and Foreigner.
Geoff is most proud of the Yes album Drama, which he recorded with the band in 1980.
Geoff's Personal Life
Geoff Downes lives in South Wales with his wife, Martine, and his step-son, Louis. He is a big fan of the football team Cardiff City.
Discography
Solo Albums
With The Buggles
With Yes
With Asia
With John Wetton (Icon)
With Downes Braide Association (DBA)
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Other Albums
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See also
In Spanish: Geoff Downes para niños
