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Geoffrey DownsEnglish rock pianist, songwriter and producer
Date of Birth: 25.08.1952
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Geoffrey Downes
Geoffrey Downes, an English rock-style pianist, songwriter, and producer, is best known as a keyboardist for the bands Asia and The Buggles, as well as his brief stint with Yes in 1980. Downes is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the musician who played the most different keyboard instruments in a single concert - 28.
Early Life
Geoffrey Downes was born on August 25, 1952, in the English town of Stockport, into a musical family. His father played the church organ, and his mother was a pianist. As a child, Downes also began learning to play the piano and later played in local bands. After completing school, Downes moved to Leeds to study at a music college. After receiving his diploma, he relocated to London, where he participated in concerts as a session musician and composed music for commercials.
The Buggles and Yes
In 1976, at an audition organized by popular singer Tina Charles, Downes met Trevor Horn. The musicians began working together and eventually formed the band The Buggles. In 1979, they recorded the single "Video Killed the Radio Star," which became an international hit. Released on the Island Records label, the song topped the UK charts. The music video for "Video Killed the Radio Star" was the first to be shown on the launch day of the MTV channel in August 1981. Riding the wave of success with The Buggles, Downes and Horn were invited to collaborate on one album with the band Yes, called Drama, and follow it up with a tour in 1980. Thus, Downes became the first member in the group's history to have a higher musical education.
Asia
After Yes disbanded in 1981, Downes joined forces with former Yes members Steve Howe, Carl Palmer (from Emerson, Lake & Palmer), and John Wetton (from King Crimson) to form the band Asia. Releasing their self-titled album in 1982, the group immediately gained worldwide recognition and remained at the top of the Billboard charts for a record-breaking nine weeks. This success became a pillar in Downes' career. In the mid-2000s, Geoffrey Downes once again collaborated with John Wetton to create a joint project called Icon. The group released three albums: Icon (2005), Icon 2: Rubicon (2006), and Icon 3 (2009). In early 2006, other original Asia band members joined the two musicians to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary with a series of concerts.
Other Projects
In addition to recording albums with Asia and several solo releases, Geoffrey Downes has worked with other bands and artists, including Glenn Hughes, Ride The Tiger with Greg Lake, and Trapeze.
