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 is famous for being in the new wave group The Buggles, the progressive rock band Yes, and the supergroup Asia. A supergroup is a band made of musicians who are already famous from other bands.
Born in Stockport, England, Downes moved to London to start his music career. In 1977, he and Trevor Horn formed The Buggles. Their first album, The Age of Plastic (1980), had the worldwide hit song "Video Killed the Radio Star".
In 1980, Downes and Horn both joined the famous rock band Yes. They recorded the album Drama together. After Yes broke up in 1981, Downes co-founded the band Asia with another former Yes member, Steve Howe. He has been a key member of Asia ever since.
Downes has also released solo albums and worked as a producer for other artists. In 2011, he rejoined Yes and is currently a member of both Yes and Asia. He even holds a Guinness Book of Records award for playing 28 keyboards on stage in one show.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Start
Geoff Downes was born in Stockport, Cheshire. His parents were both musicians. His father played the church organ, and his mother was a pianist. Downes learned to play keyboards and joined local bands as a teenager.
After studying at the Leeds College of Music, he moved to London. There, he worked as a session musician, playing for other artists. He also wrote short songs for commercials, called jingles.
Career Highlights
The Buggles and Joining Yes
In 1976, Downes met Trevor Horn while trying out for pop singer Tina Charles's band. They started working together and formed The Buggles. In 1979, they released "Video Killed the Radio Star". The song was a huge hit all over the world. Its music video was the very first one ever played on MTV when the channel launched in 1981.
Because of their success, Downes and Horn were invited to join the band Yes in 1980. They recorded the album Drama and went on tour with the band. Downes was the first member of Yes to have a degree in music.
Founding Asia and Other Projects
When Yes split up in early 1981, Downes started a new band. He teamed up with guitarist Steve Howe from Yes, singer and bassist John Wetton from King Crimson, and drummer Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake & Palmer. They called their new supergroup Asia.
Asia became successful right away. Their first album, Asia (1982), was number 1 on the U.S. charts for nine weeks. It included the famous song "Heat of the Moment". Downes is the only member to have played on every Asia album.
Over the years, Downes has also worked on many other projects. He has recorded solo albums and produced music for artists like Mike Oldfield and the Thompson Twins. He also toured with the band Trapeze and worked with musicians like Greg Lake and Glenn Hughes.
Reuniting with Asia and Returning to Yes
In 2006, the original members of Asia got back together for a tour. They released a new album, Phoenix, in 2008. The band continued to tour and record, releasing the album Omega in 2010.
In 2011, Downes officially rejoined Yes. He helped record their album Fly from Here (2011), his first studio album with them since 1980. Since then, he has been a full-time member of both Yes and Asia, recording and touring with both bands.
Downes also started a project with singer Chris Braide called Downes Braide Association (DBA). They have released several albums together, including Pictures of You (2012) and Celestial Songs (2023).
Musical Style and Influences
Downes has said that his biggest inspirations are keyboard players Rick Wakeman of Yes and Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. He also admires the band King Crimson.
When asked which album he is most proud of in his career, Downes said it was Drama with Yes. His favorite Asia songs include "Only Time Will Tell" and "Voice of America."
Personal Life
Downes has been married three times. He has two daughters from his first marriage. Today, he lives in South Wales with his wife Martine. He is a fan of the Cardiff City football team.
Discography
Here are some of the most important albums Geoff Downes has worked on.
Solo Albums
- The Light Program (1987)
- Vox Humana (1992)
- Shadows & Reflections (2003)
With The Buggles
- The Age of Plastic (1980)
- Adventures in Modern Recording (1981)
With Yes
- Drama (1980)
- Fly from Here (2011)
- Heaven & Earth (2014)
- The Quest (2021)
- Mirror to the Sky (2023)
With Asia
- Asia (1982)
- Alpha (1983)
- Astra (1985)
- Phoenix (2008)
- Omega (2010)
- XXX (2012)
- Gravitas (2014)
With John Wetton (as Icon)
- Icon (2005)
- Icon II: Rubicon (2006)
- Icon 3 (2009)
With Downes Braide Association (DBA)
- Pictures of You (2012)
- Suburban Ghosts (2015)
- Skyscraper Souls (2017)
- Halcyon Hymns (2021)
- Celestial Songs (2023)
See also
In Spanish: Geoff Downes para niños
