Stereo Embers The Podcast 0093: Geoff Downes (Yes, Asia, The Buggles)

Geoff Downes Always Knew He Wasn’t Going To Be A Concert Pianist”

Although Geoff Downes is a staggering keyboard player who is truly one of modern music’s great composers and innovators, as a young man, he came to terms with the fact that he wasn’t going to be a concert pianist. Taking an alternative path through music, Downes formed The Buggles with Trevor Horn, then joined Yes for their Drama album. Teaming up with John Wetton of King Crimson, Steve Howe of Yes and Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Downes formed Asia and the band’s debut hit #1 in America for 9 straight weeks.
In this conversation Downes talks to Alex about the rare gifts of John Wetton, his own discipline as a player and whether or not he ever felt intimidated playing alongside such powerful and gifted musicians. He also talks about the state of the keyboard in the current cultural landscape, his joy of playing live and whether or not The Buggles will be putting out new music.