Geoff Downes talks about Asia in Asia 83 and Yes in Europe 22 - 534

Just as I was preparing this week’s episode the news broke that Vangelis has died. A giant of the music world in so many different spheres, it’s a terrible loss. Most music fans will know that Jon and Vangelis was a highly significant collaboration but I am sure fewer know about the possibility of Vangelis becoming Yes’ keyboardist after Rick Wakeman left in 1974. He rehearsed with the band but it didn’t work out. However, he left his keyboard setup in place and Patrick Moraz used it to improvise the opening keyboards for Sound Chaser and this is the version used on the actual record, or so the story goes. Vangelis also has writing credits on Children of Light from Keys To Assension 2 which was originally written by Jon Anderson and him in 1986 as, 'Distant Thunder'.

His music will live on but he will certainly be missed.

It’s always a pleasure to speak to Geoff Downes and this time we took in Asia, Yes and the Downes Braide Association. As always, Geoff has been very busy with different musical activities and, as you’ll hear, is looking forward to getting out on the road again with the world’s greatest progressive rock band.

Geoff also sets a question for you to answer to win the wonderful Asia in Asia box set so after you’ve heard what the question is, please send your answer to [e-mail] before Friday 27th May 2022 to be in with a chance of winning that collector’s item.

Unfortunately, Mark was unable to join us for the interview but he will be back next week.