After studying at Leeds School Of Music, Geoff Downes moved to London where he joined the Tina Charles Band and began a successful writing partnership with Trevor Horn. In 1979, as 'The Buggles' the duo had a major hit single with 'Video Killed The Radio Star'.

The following year they were asked to join Yes, replacing Rick Wakeman and Jon Anderson and from this collaboration came the first incarnation of Asia, with Yes-man Steve Howe on guitar and Carl Palmer and John Wetton on drums and bass respectively.

As with Yes, Asia was to have a chequered history with much coming-and-going in terms of band personnel. John Wetton left, and was briefly replaced by Greg Lake, formerly with ELP and King Crimson.

Commercially too, Asia went through a somewhat shaky period and the album 'Astra' although an artistic success received poor sales.

It was during this period that Geoff embarked on the first of a series of solo albums. 'The Light Program'  (1986) reflected his vision of 'an alternative form of music designed to bring tone and colour...and to stimulate the listener in his or her own personal domain'. 'Vox Humana' (1995) featured a selection of songs and featured vocalists including Max Bacon, Glenn Hughes and John Payne.

In the late eighties, Geoff Downes teamed up again with Steve Howe and ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett to form GTR and collaborated further with Greg Lake. He also revived Asia, with the addition of guitarist Pat Thrall (who introduced him to vocalist Glenn Hughes which led to 'The Work Tapes' project).

In 1991 Geoff started his successful songwriting partnership with John Payne whom he selected at rehearsals to replace John Wetton as bassist and vocalist in Asia. The first album from this new line-up of the band was 'Aqua', followed by 'Aria' (1994) and 'Arena' (1996).

In 1999 there was the third album credited to the 'New Dance Orchestra' Geoff Downes' continuing solo project. 'The World Service' was inspired by his early fascination with radio and the exotic places it offered up to the listener.

Geoff Downes and Asia have subsequently consolidated their reputation for melodic classic rock, latterly with the well received 'Aura' album. Geoff is currently working on a new solo album for future release.

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