Category Archives: Geoff Downes

The Heat Of The Moment Tour Featuring Rock Legends Asia, Focus, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash, Curved Air and MC’d by Artist Roger Dean – Summer 2024

For Immediate Release

The Heat Of The Moment Tour Featuring Rock Legends Asia, Focus, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash, Curved Air and MC’d by Artist Roger Dean – Summer 2024

Asia is absolutely delighted to announce The Heat of The Moment Tour, headlined by Asia and also featuring Focus, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash and Curved Air and MC’d by artist Roger Dean.

The tour will commence on 3rd July 2024 and will incorporate 21 dates across the USA and Canada.

The tour has been masterminded by rock music keyboard legend and original Asia member, Geoff Downes (Buggles, Asia, Yes).

Asia was the biggest selling album of 1982, number 1 on Billboard for 9 weeks and pioneers of the MTV era! Downes’ brand new iteration of Asia first began to evolve last Summer, at the concert held in memory of late lead singer, songwriter and bassist, John Wetton (King Crimson, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, UK, Asia, John Wetton Band, Icon). Downes invited old friend John Mitchell (It Bites, Frost*, Lonely Robot, Kino, John Wetton Band, Icon) and new-comer Harry Whitley to join him on stage to celebrate Wetton’s life by performing some of the classic Asia hits. Such was the uproarious reception to their set, that Downes wondered if something magical was beginning to take shape.

“And so it was that the John Wetton tribute last August really reminded me how much Asia’s music belongs on the stage. The response to it all was literally…spine-tingling.”

Downes’ new-look Asia will once again feature Mitchell on guitars and Whitley on lead vocal and bass. The quartet will be made complete by the addition of Virgil Donati (UK, Southern Sons, Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth) on drums.

Downes continues, “With the addition of Virgil Donati & John Mitchell, two of the finest musicians in the world in their respective classes, this is almost going full circle bearing in mind their previous close collaborations with John W. Completing this circle is also the amazing Harry Whitley who absolutely floored the audience with his incredible vocal interpretation of the Asia songs that John W and I so lovingly wrote over the years.”

The tour will also feature sets from other classic acts, Focus, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash and Curved Air. All three support acts boast their founder bandleaders and have deservedly attained the status of legend.

Focus will be releasing a brand new studio album later in 2024. Led by the indomitable Sir Thijs van Leer, featuring original 1970’s drummer Pierre Van Der Linden, plus the virtuoso talents of Menno Gootjes on guitar and Udo Pannekeet on bass.

Martin Turner was lead vocalist, bassist, founding member and creative force behind 70’s rock music behemoth Wishbone Ash, best known for such classic albums as Argus and Pilgrimage.

Formed in 1970, Curved Air are one of the founders of progressive rock and a retrospective collection of their most influential and ground-breaking material is currently in the planning stages. Sonja Kristina (vocals) and Kirby Gregory (guitar) will treat audiences to an acoustic set featuring some of the band’s most memorable musical moments. They will be joined by violinist Grzegorz Gadziomski.

Each performance on the tour will be MC’d by legendary artist Roger Dean. For so many, Dean’s artwork is synonymous with the music of the time and stands to represent the very best of British rock music.

The final word goes to Geoff Downes, “I am convinced that John (Wetton’s) spirit is with us as we set out on this new adventure. After all, it is the Year of the Dragon – just as it was in 1982, when we released our first Asia album. It’s as though it was meant to be. Looking forward to seeing you there, my friends – bring it on!”

Heat Of The Moment 2024 Tour Dates:

Wednesday, July 3: Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT
Thursday, July 4: Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, ON
Saturday, July 6: Chevalier Theatre, Medford, MA
Sunday, July 7: The Paramount, Huntingdon, NY
Tuesday, July 9: Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ
Wednesday, July 10: Count Basie Center, Red Bank, NJ
Friday, July 12: Tropicana Showroom, Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday, July 13: Wind Creek Event Center, Bethlehem, PA
Sunday, July 14: American Music Theatre, Lancaster, PA
Tuesday, July 16: Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg, SC
Wednesday, July 17: Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
Thursday, July 18: Columbia County Performing Arts Center, Evans, GA
Saturday, July 20: Hard Rock Live, Orlando, FL
Sunday, July 21: Pompano Beach Amphitheater, Pompano Beach, FL
Monday, July 22: Seminole Hard Rock, Tampa, FL
Wednesday, July 24: North Charleston PAC, North Charleston, SC
Thursday, July 25: Macon City Auditorium, Macon, GA
Friday, July 26: Saenger Theatre, Mobile, AL
Sunday, July 28: VBC Mark Smith Concert Hall, Huntsville, AL
Tuesday, July 30: The Arcada Theatre, St Charles, IL
Wednesday, July 31: The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee, WI

ASIA
Geoffrey Downes – Keyboards, Vocals
John Mitchell – Guitars, Vocals
Harry Whitley – Bass Guitar, Lead Vocal
Virgil Donati – Drums

FOCUS
Thijs van Leer – Hammond Organ, Flute, Vocals
Menno Gootjes – Guitars
Udo Pannekeet – Bass Guitar
Pierre van der Linden – Drums

MARTIN TURNER ex Wishbone Ash
Martin Turner – Bass guitar,Vocals
Danny Willson – Guitars, Vocals
Misha Nikolic – Guitars, Vocals
Sonny Flint – Drums

CURVED AIR
Sonja Kristina – Vocals
Kirby Gregory – Guitars
Grzegorz Gadziomski – Violin

For more information, please contact:
Sarah Ewing at TASK Agency, for QEDG Music Management
sarah@taskagency.co.uk

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com


DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION Release New Album Celestial Songs & Video For ‘Look What You Do’

For Immediate Release

DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION Release New Album Celestial Songs & Video For “Look What You Do”

The fifth Downes Braide Association (DBA) album Celestial Songs is out today.  DBA are also launching a video for “Look What You Do” from the album. DBA are Geoff Downes world-renowned musician (keyboards) and multi award-winning songwriter Chris Braide (vocals). The album is available in 3 formats:  CD, 2LP and Box Set.

Watch the video for “Look What You Do” here: https://youtu.be/gAnF6w1Tcqw

And check out the video for “Keep On Moving” here: https://youtu.be/dEV_fIvDSpI

I am super excited about the release of our forthcoming new album,” said Geoff Downes. “Chris and I worked really hard to create something that was special to both of us, and the result – ‘Celestial Songs’. We are certain that if you liked our previous albums, then you are going to love this one. Please sit back, listen and enjoy the DBA journey. All best, Geoff.”

Chris Braide adds “It took a few years to make this new DBA album, through the various trials and tribulations of life, and Geoff and I are excited to finally share it with the world. It’s tempting to say that we think it’s our best album yet, but we will let the listener decide. Hope you enjoy the journey.”

‘Look What You Do’ is the opening track for Celestial Songs, Chris talks about the song: “It starts with a lovely minor key piano piece, written by Geoff and has a mournful, yearning guitar part. It then opens up into the major key of the song which is like the dawn after the darkness.

“I started the idea in Los Angeles at the piano and just sang a phonetic kind of lyric on the mic, one take. I thought I’d go back and re-sing it with a more structured lyric, but I just loved the emotion of the (original) vocal. Plus, the lyric ‘Give me time, that’s all I want ‘cause nobody knows’ seems to mean so much to me. I couldn’t better it really. It says what I wanted to say without me even realising it. It’s quite Beatley, I suppose. The second verse has those big Abbey Road-type strings blocking out the chords. I wanted to write a’ Something’ or a ‘Let It Be’ – no small ambition then! The song returns to Geoff’s piano motif, but this time it’s major. It’s like the sun has risen and we are looking back at a life with love.”

You can order all formats of Celestial Songs here:
CD version: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/downes-braide-association-celestial-songs-cd-edition/
2LP version: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/downes-braide-association-celestial-songs-vinyl-edition/
Box set version: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/downes-braide-association-celestial-songs-deluxe-12-box-set-edition/

Celestial Songs Track Listing:
1. Look What You Do (6.17)
2. Clear Light (5.00)
3. Keep On Moving (6.36)
4. Darker Side Of Fame (3.56)
5. Hey Kid (3.28)
6. Will To Power (6.23)
7. Heart Shaped Hole (9.06)
8. Dear Petra (3.56)
9. On The Run (5.09)
10. Goodbye To You (Sister Shame) (7.30)
11. Beyond The Stars (10.19)
(Total running time: 67.40)

All tracks written by Chris Braide and Geoff Downes except “Keep On Moving” (Chris Braide/Francis Dunnery/ Geoff Downes) and “Goodbye To You (Sister Shame)” (Chris Braide/Andy Partridge/Geoff Downes)
Produced by Chris Braide and Geoff Downes

About Downes Braide Association

Downes Braide Association was formed as a studio-based project by Geoff Downes and Chris Braide and has previously produced four studio albums: Pictures Of You (2012), Suburban Ghosts (2015), Skyscraper Souls (2017) and Halcyon Hymns (2021) and a live album Live In England (2019). The project draws on Downes’ and Braide’s rich musical heritage to create a delightfully accessible brand of progressive rock.

Keyboard wizard Geoff Downes was thrust into the limelight with the worldwide success of Video Killed The Radio Star in 1979. The single topped the charts in 16 countries for The Buggles duo of Geoff and Trevor Horn (vocals, bass guitar). They briefly joined prog legends YES before Downes became a founder member of the supergroup Asia with YES guitarist Steve Howe, ELP drummer Carl Palmer and the late John Wetton (vocals, bass guitar).

The Wetton-Downes composition “Heat Of The Moment” became a world-wide hit in 1982 heralding many years of success for Asia with their FM radio-friendly brand of rock. Downes later rejoined YES in 2011 and remains with the band alongside Steve Howe.

British singer-songwriter-pianist Chris Braide has recently returned to UK shores after many years based in California. He enjoys enormous success writing and producing music for film scores, advertising campaigns and working closely with artists including Sia, Lana Del Rey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Paloma Faith, Britney Spears and Marc Almond.

An Ivor Novello award-winner and Grammy-nominated, Braide has recently won a BMI Pop Award in Los Angeles for co-writing Sia’s Unstoppable, her eighth US Top 40 hit after making a surprise, and long, rise to the top having been released in 2016, becoming the biggest selling single in the USA.

For more information:
Twitter: Downes Braide Association.  @TheRealDBAMusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downesbraide/
www.christopherbraide.com
www.geoffdownes.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com


DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION Launch Second Video “Keep On Moving” From New Album Celestial Songs

For Immediate Release

DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION Launch Second Video “Keep On Moving” From New Album Celestial Songs

Downes Braide Association (DBA) announce the release of the second single and video “Keep On Moving” from their long-awaited new album Celestial Songs (released on 8th September). Following their previous critically acclaimed studio albums, Celestial Songs will be the fifth DBA studio collaboration for Geoff Downes (keyboards) and multi award-winning songwriter Chris Braide (vocals). The album will be released in 3 formats: CD, 2LP and Box Set.

Watch the video for “Keep On Moving” here: https://youtu.be/dEV_fIvDSpI

“Keep On Moving” is an uplifting track that picks up on the themes of DBA’s previous album, Halcyon Hymns, as songwriter and vocalist Chris Braide explains: “It’s a nostalgic song in that it’s looking back at a kind of formative period in time, a love letter to the past, really. There’s a reference to Prefab Sprout’s ‘Cars and Girls’ which is one of my favourite songs.”

The mood for “Keep On Moving” is set by Francis Dunnery’s sensitive guitar work before multi-instrumentalist Dave Bainbridge (guitarist for the remainder of the album) shows his prowess on keyboards.

“The track has a great guitar riff,” says Chris, “and an arpeggio guitar picking out the riff, played by Francis. It gives it that kind of shimmery, summery feeling and the keyboard solo is wonderful. Dave Bainbridge played that solo and, I think, it’s one of the finest moments on the album.”

While “Keep On Moving” forms a bridge of continuity to DBA’s previous output, Celestial Songs includes a lot of variety and, generally, leans more towards classic rock.

“We were aiming to get quite a bit more dynamics into this album,” says keyboardist Geoff Downes, “because there were some very quiet pastoral moments. I think it makes it a more interesting listen for people to get their heads around and enjoy. I hope people will appreciate it and get behind it, not just the songwriting and vocals but the overall instrumentation and musicianship is very high on this album. I know that Chris really likes the depth of chord sequences that I put together. This particular collection just really grabbed him and he got it up and running very, very quickly, so I was really pleased about that.”

You can pre-order all formats of Celestial Songs here:
CD version: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/downes-braide-association-celestial-songs-cd-edition/
2LP version: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/downes-braide-association-celestial-songs-vinyl-edition/
Box set version: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/downes-braide-association-celestial-songs-deluxe-12-box-set-edition/

Celestial Songs Track Listing:
1. Look What You Do (6.17)
2. Clear Light (5.00)
3. Keep On Moving (6.36)
4. Darker Side Of Fame (3.56)
5. Hey Kid (3.28)
6. Will To Power (6.23)
7. Heart Shaped Hole (9.06)
8. Dear Petra (3.56)
9. On The Run (5.09)
10. Goodbye To You (Sister Shame) (7.30)
11. Beyond The Stars (10.19)
(Total running time: 67.40)

All tracks written by Chris Braide and Geoff Downes except “Keep On Moving” (Chris Braide/Francis Dunnery/ Geoff Downes) and “Goodbye To You (Sister Shame)” (Chris Braide/Andy Partridge/Geoff Downes)
Produced by Chris Braide and Geoff Downes

About Downes Braide Association

Downes Braide Association was formed as a studio-based project by Geoff Downes and Chris Braide and has previously produced four studio albums: Pictures Of You (2012), Suburban Ghosts (2015), Skyscraper Souls (2017) and Halcyon Hymns (2021) and a live album Live In England (2019). The project draws on Downes’ and Braide’s rich musical heritage to create a delightfully accessible brand of progressive rock.

Keyboard wizard Geoff Downes was thrust into the limelight with the worldwide success of Video Killed The Radio Star in 1979. The single topped the charts in 16 countries for The Buggles duo of Geoff and Trevor Horn (vocals, bass guitar). They briefly joined prog legends YES before Downes became a founder member of the supergroup Asia with YES guitarist Steve Howe, ELP drummer Carl Palmer and the late John Wetton (vocals, bass guitar).

The Wetton-Downes composition “Heat Of The Moment” became a world-wide hit in 1982 heralding many years of success for Asia with their FM radio-friendly brand of rock. Downes later rejoined YES in 2011 and remains with the band alongside Steve Howe.

British singer-songwriter-pianist Chris Braide has recently returned to UK shores after many years based in California. He enjoys enormous success writing and producing music for film scores, advertising campaigns and working closely with artists including Sia, Lana Del Rey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Paloma Faith, Britney Spears and Marc Almond.

An Ivor Novello award-winner and Grammy-nominated, Braide has recently won a BMI Pop Award in Los Angeles for co-writing Sia’s Unstoppable, her eighth US Top 40 hit after making a surprise, and long, rise to the top having been released in 2016, becoming the biggest selling single in the USA.

For more information:
Twitter: Downes Braide Association.  @TheRealDBAMusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downesbraide/
www.christopherbraide.com
www.geoffdownes.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com


DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION Announce Release of New Album ‘Celestial Songs’ on Sept. 8, 2023

For Immediate Release

DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION Announce Release of New Album Celestial Songs on Sept. 8, 2023

Downes Braide Association (DBA) announce the release of their long-awaited new album Celestial Songs on 8th September. Following their previous critically acclaimed studio albums, Celestial Songs will be the fifth DBA studio collaboration for Geoff Downes (keyboards) and multi award-winning songwriter Chris Braide (vocals). The album will be released in 3 formats: CD, 2LP and Box Set.

DBA also launched the first single from the album “Clear Light” – listen to the song and watch the video here:  https://youtu.be/FvV6p35GOnU

Celestial Songs marks another musical leap forward for DBA. “As we were writing the songs for the album, they started to become thematic in emotion and feeling,” says Chris Braide, “more classic rock than the predecessor ‘Halcyon Hymns’. The songs were about life and death, time, love, nostalgia, spirituality. Very DBA in fact.”

“I know that Chris really likes the depth of chord sequences that I put together,” Geoff Downes explains. “This particular collection just really grabbed him and he got it up and running very, very quickly, so I was really pleased about that. There’s a lot of variety on the album, too. We were aiming to get quite a bit more dynamics into this album because there were some very quiet pastoral moments. I think it makes it a more interesting listen for people to get their heads around and enjoy. I hope people will appreciate it and get behind it, not just the songwriting and vocals but the overall instrumentation and musicianship is very high on this album.”

The high quality of musicianship is because of the exceptional core of musicians with which DBA have surrounded themselves including Andy Hodge (bass), Dave Bainbridge (former Iona guitarist and keyboardist), and Marc Almond who adds a brief vocal appearance.

“It’s very useful having this core of musicians that are ready to enhance our music,” agrees Geoff Downes. “Andy Hodge is very much an integral part of this unit. When we send him stuff to play, he has incredible feeling and creates a more interesting bass part than we could have thought of ourselves. Having Dave Bainbridge with us has added another dimension to the DBA-sound and I’m very happy with that. Dave’s got his own stamp and that’s something that we appreciate having on board. Marc Almond makes a cameo appearance on ‘The Darker Side Of Fame’ and Marc and Chris’s voices blend really well. It tells a story, a theme that a lot of people, and a lot of musicians, can relate to – certainly musicians that have had any kind of success. The lyric is very poignant, whilst you have all the glory, the accolades and the adulation, it can go away and you’re left with nothing. It reflects life in general, I think, as people go through all kinds of ups and downs throughout their careers and throughout their lives.”

The closing track cements DBA’s prog credentials as Chris Braide explains, “What happens to love when we die? ‘Beyond The Stars’ was a tune that began in 2015 and really shaped the way the artwork was to develop. Something bigger than us, something astral and heavenly, it grew from a 3-minute ditty to an 11-minute epic. That’s what the song ‘Beyond The Stars’ is really asking. ‘Celestial Songs’ was a title we came up with in 2020 and Roger (Dean) made it manifest in his wonderful sleeve painting. A beautiful, heavenly, rainbow sky full of stars. DBA’s music has always been about the big questions, the beauty of love and the tragedy of loss, but always with hope, I suppose. ‘Celestial Songs’ is the latest chapter in that series. I hope people enjoy listening to the album as much as we enjoyed writing it and making it.”

You can pre-order all formats of Celestial Songs here:
CD version: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/downes-braide-association-celestial-songs-cd-edition/
2LP version: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/downes-braide-association-celestial-songs-vinyl-edition/
Box set version: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/downes-braide-association-celestial-songs-deluxe-12-box-set-edition/

Celestial Songs Track Listing:
1. Look What You Do (6.17)
2. Clear Light (5.00)
3. Keep On Moving (6.36)
4. Darker Side Of Fame (3.56)
5. Hey Kid (3.28)
6. Will To Power (6.23)
7. Heart Shaped Hole (9.06)
8. Dear Petra (3.56)
9. On The Run (5.09)
10. Goodbye To You (Sister Shame) (7.30)
11. Beyond The Stars (10.19)
(Total running time: 67.40)

All tracks written by Chris Braide and Geoff Downes except “Keep On Moving” (Chris Braide/Francis Dunnery/ Geoff Downes) and “Goodbye To You (Sister Shame)” (Chris Braide/Andy Partridge/Geoff Downes)
Produced by Chris Braide and Geoff Downes

About Downes Braide Association

Downes Braide Association was formed as a studio-based project by Geoff Downes and Chris Braide and has previously produced four studio albums: Pictures Of You (2012), Suburban Ghosts (2015), Skyscraper Souls (2017) and Halcyon Hymns (2021) and a live album Live In England (2019). The project draws on Downes’ and Braide’s rich musical heritage to create a delightfully accessible brand of progressive rock.

Keyboard wizard Geoff Downes was thrust into the limelight with the worldwide success of Video Killed The Radio Star in 1979. The single topped the charts in 16 countries for The Buggles duo of Geoff and Trevor Horn (vocals, bass guitar). They briefly joined prog legends YES before Downes became a founder member of the supergroup Asia with YES guitarist Steve Howe, ELP drummer Carl Palmer and the late John Wetton (vocals, bass guitar).

The Wetton-Downes composition “Heat Of The Moment” became a world-wide hit in 1982 heralding many years of success for Asia with their FM radio-friendly brand of rock. Downes later rejoined YES in 2011 and remains with the band alongside Steve Howe.

British singer-songwriter-pianist Chris Braide has recently returned to UK shores after many years based in California. He enjoys enormous success writing and producing music for film scores, advertising campaigns and working closely with artists including Sia, Lana Del Rey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Paloma Faith, Britney Spears and Marc Almond.

An Ivor Novello award-winner and Grammy-nominated, Braide has recently won a BMI Pop Award in Los Angeles for co-writing Sia’s Unstoppable, her eighth US Top 40 hit after making a surprise, and long, rise to the top having been released in 2016, becoming the biggest selling single in the USA.

For more information:
Twitter: Downes Braide Association.  @TheRealDBAMusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downesbraide/
www.christopherbraide.com
www.geoffdownes.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com


The Wetton Family & QEDG Management Announce Line-up of Legends to Play Exclusive John Wetton Memorial Concert on August 3, 2023!

For Immediate Release

The Wetton Family & QEDG Management Announce Line-up of Legends to Play Exclusive John Wetton Memorial Concert on August 3, 2023!

In aid of charity who cared for John – Streaming Tickets On Sale Now!

Lisa Wetton, (wife) Dylan Wetton, (son) and QEDG Management are delighted to announce that a memorial concert will be held in memory of JOHN WETTON (King Crimson, Family, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, UK, Asia) on August 3rd, 2023 at Trading Boundaries in East Sussex.  The event will see friends and family of the late lead singer and guitarist gather together to celebrate the life of this extraordinary musician.  An all-star line-up of legends, who were friends and collaborators of Wetton’s, will perform songs from throughout his incredible career.

The memorial event will be hosted by Prog Magazine’s editor, Jerry Ewing, alongside Geoff Downes (The Buggles, Asia, YES), Steve Hackett (Genesis, GTR)  and artist Roger Dean.  The list of performers who wish to pay tribute to the legendary Wetton is growing by the day, but so far boasts (in alphabetical order):

Chris Braide (Downes Braide Association), Roger Chapman (Family), Jim Cregan (Family, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel), David Cross (King Crimson), Chris Difford (Squeeze), Geoff Downes, Steve Hackett, Annie Haslam (Renaissance), Dave Kilminster (John Wetton, Keith Emerson, Steven Wilson, Roger Waters), Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music), John Mitchell (John Wetton, Icon, It Bites, Fr*st), Martin Orford (John Wetton, IQ, Jadis), Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd, Roxy Music) , Jay Schellen (YES, Asia), Billy Sherwood (YES, Asia) and Rick Wakeman (YES, Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe) – all of whom will be supported by The Paul Green Rock Academy.

Geoff Downes commented “I am very excited to be a part of the upcoming John Wetton Tribute.  As you all know, I had a very close and unique writing partnership with John, and we were dear friends, brothers and band mates for many years.”

Wetton died on 31st January 2017, as a result of complications due to cancer.  He spent his last days being cared for by the charity Macmillan Caring Locally, at the Macmillan Unit, Christchurch Hospital in Dorset.  As a gesture of recognition towards his fans who supported Wetton right up until his death, John’s family and management have decided to allow this unique event to be live streamed so that it can be enjoyed across the globe.  They have also identified the memorial as being the perfect opportunity to highlight the fantastic work done by Macmillan Caring Locally and to raise much-needed funds for the creation of a special hospice suite dedicated to the star.

Lin Sharp, Fundraising and Communications Director for the charity commented “It was a privilege to care for John in the final days of his life and we are so grateful to his wife, Lisa, for her continued support.  All monies raised will go to fund a room as a legacy to John, named The John Wetton Suite. A massive thank you to you all for making this possible.”

John’s son Dylan went on to say “I am delighted and humbled that so many legendary artists who worked with my Dad over the years have agreed to come together both to honour him and raise vital funds for the charity which supported him during his last days.”

Tickets for the live stream can be purchased now with all proceeds going to Macmillan Caring Locally.  In an effort to raise further funds, a special online auction will run alongside the evening’s proceedings boasting some unique lots, including a guitar owned by Wetton himself.

This promises to be an incredible, once-in-a-life time event and it is hoped that fans will support it generously by buying live stream memorial tickets as well as bidding on the various auction lots.

Dylan Wetton went on to say “I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my Dad’s life and the incredible musical legacy he has left behind.  It’s going to be an amazing night, a unique event – which is exactly what my Dad deserves.”   Downes agrees “To honour John’s legacy in this way with so many of his former musicians, colleagues and family gather together, shows just what an enormous amount of love, gratitude and respect so many of us held for John and his music.  It’s going to be a wonderful celebration spanning the whole of John’s amazing career. I am very much looking forward to it. See you all there.”

Live Stream Tickets can be purchased from: www.tradingboundaries.com/concert

CONFIRMED PERFORMERS (in alphabetical order)
CHRIS BRAIDE
ROGER CHAPMAN
JIM CREGAN
DAVID CROSS
ROGER DEAN
CHRIS DIFFORD
GEOFF DOWNES
STEVE HACKETT
ANNIE HASLAM
DAVIE KILMINSTER
PHIL MANZANERA
JOHN MITCHELL
MARTIN ORFORD
GUT PRATT
JAY SCHELLEN
BILLY SHERWOOD
RICK WAKEMAN
HARRY WHITLEY
With THE PAUL GREEN ROCK ACADEMY
Hosted by JERRY EWING

EVENT DETAILS
AUGUST 3RD, 2023
TRADING BOUNDARIES, nr Uckfield, East Sussex

For further information, please contact:
Sarah Ewing or Steve Cadman, Task Agency UK for QEDG Management
sarah@taskagency.co,uk 07947 400 510
steve@taskagency.co.uk 07521 272 397
OR
Samrah Ashworth, QEDG Management
sam@qedg.co.uk. 07966 752 432

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com


JYRKI 69 Lends His Voice To A Psychedelic Melding Of Minds Between STEVE STEVENS, BOOTSY COLLINS, GEOFF DOWNES, and CARMINE APPICE On A Brand New Version Of PINK FLOYD’S “ONE OF THESE DAYS”

For Immediate Release

JYRKI 69 Lends His Voice To A Psychedelic Melding Of Minds Between STEVE STEVENS, BOOTSY COLLINS, GEOFF DOWNES, and CARMINE APPICE On A Brand New Version Of PINK FLOYD’S “ONE OF THESE DAYS”

Los Angeles, CA – Pink Floyd’s sixth studio album, Meddle, marked the dawn of a new era for the British quartet. Still reeling from the departure of former front man, Syd Barrett, and struggling to find their feet, Meddle pushed the remaining members to new heights of collaboration and novel experimentation, as heard most forcefully on the album’s opening track, “One Of These Days.” Today, a brand-new version of the song carries forth this collaborative spirit as an eclectic group of stellar musicians and boldly creative artists offer their take on this psychedelic masterpiece.

This star-studded single features a pulsating bassline from rhinestone rockstar and Parliament-Funkadelic icon, Bootsy Collins, the wailing guitar licks and shredding reverberations of Grammy Award winning guitarist, Steve Stevens, accompanied by the aggressive, hard-hitting cymbal crashes and snare hits of legendary percussionist, Carmine Appice, and all sewn together by the scintillating treble musings from keyboard commander and prog rock superstar, Geoff Downes. Providing the song’s only vocal moment, the surreal spoken word bit, is none other than the voice of Finland’s finest goth metal band, The 69 Eyes, baritone vocal god, Jyrki 69.

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/j69_collins_stevens_downes_appice_oneofthesedays

“One Of These Days” is the second single to be released from the forthcoming full-length recreation of the entirety of Meddle. Dubbed Meddle Reimagined – A Tribute To Pink Floyd, the album features a host of stellar guests such as Graham Bonnet (Rainbow), Rick Wakeman (Yes), Chris Poland (Megadeth), Dave Lombardo (Slayer), James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Frank DiMino (Angel), Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Helios Creed (Chrome), Rat Scabies (The Damned) and more! Watch for the full album to be released on CD and digital September 1st with the vinyl version following on September 22nd!

Pre-order the physical:
https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/meddle-reimagined-a-tribute-to-pink-floyd-cd/
https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/meddle-reimagined-a-tribute-to-pink-floyd-haze-vinyl/

Pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/variousartists_meddlereimaingedatributetopinkfloyd

TRACK LIST:
1. One Of These Days – Jyrki 69 (The 69 Eyes), Geoff Downes (Asia/Yes), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Bootsy Collins, Carmine Appice (Cactus, Vanilla Fudge)
2. A Pillow Of Winds – James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater), Alan Davey (Hawkwind)
3. Fearless – Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), Helios Creed (Chrome), Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne), Rat Scabies (The Damned)
4. San Tropez – Graham Bonnet (Rainbow), Chris Poland (Megadeth), Rick Wakeman (Yes), Joe Bouchard (Blue Öyster Cult), Dave Lombardo (Slayer)
5. Seamus – Terry Reid, Brian Auger
6. Echoes – Frank DiMino (Angel)

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com


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King Crimson/Asia Legend John Wetton “An Extraordinary Life” Official Book Now Available For Pre-order

For Immediate Release

King Crimson/Asia Legend John Wetton “An Extraordinary Life” Official Book Now Available For Pre-order

Announcing the launch of the official book about the legendary singer and bassist at www.johnwettonbook.com

The sign-up is now open for people to be a part of this much anticipated book created with John’s family and management. Some seventy-plus people who knew and worked with John, from his school days through Family, King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Roxy Music, U.K., Asia, the John Wetton solo band and beyond, pay witness and tribute to his life and work. Among those quoted along with his family are Steve Howe, Phil Manzanera, Bill Bruford, Robert Fripp, Carl Palmer, Rick Wakeman, Dave Kilminster, Geoff Downes (who also wrote the preface) and many, many more.

Among the stories of friendship, music and sometimes craziness are reflections on what made John Wetton such an unforgettable musician and prog rock legend.

Along with stories of John’s musical success are those from friends and family who do not steer clear of his problems, but rather explain the why, the how, and eventual triumph over them in honest and touching recollections. Along with the stories are personal and classic photos of John at work and play in two extensive photo sections of An Extraordinary Life.

He had a love for fast cars, fine food, coffee, the Rams (that’s Derby County for non-football followers), films, books, crosswords, current affairs, sport, languages, classical music – anything that would stimulate his mind that he could use to great effect in his music and lyrics.” – Geoff Downes.
https://youtu.be/OciWUvrMenk

Signing up for news and special offers at www.johnwettonbook.com will ensure a special discount when pre-order begins, allow people to have a name printed in the book and be a part of this unique project.

For more information: www.johnwettonbook.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com


RICK WAKEMAN, GEOFF DOWNES, L. SHANKAR & More Join FERNANDO PERDOMO On Soundtrack For Chilling New Thriller FROST!

For Immediate Release

RICK WAKEMAN, GEOFF DOWNES, L. SHANKAR & More Join FERNANDO PERDOMO On Soundtrack For Chilling New Thriller FROST!

Los Angeles, CA – Superstar musician/producer Fernando Perdomo is following up last year’s blockbuster collaboration with drum legend Carmine Appice, “Energy Overload,” with not one but two exciting new projects. First, Perdomo produced the high-profile single “Lucifer Sam” for theatrical rock legend Arthur Brown, which was released on Tuesday, and today marks the release of the first single from Perdomo’s film score for the new theatrical thriller Frost!

“The Crash” is a haunting piece that scores the Frost film’s central incident, an auto accident that leaves the two main characters, a father and daughter, stranded in an icy mountain wilderness where they have to fight for their survival. Joining Perdomo on the track is none other than keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman, just one of the many guests featured on the Frost soundtrack alongside Asia/Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes, electric violinist L. Shankar (Peter Gabriel/Frank Zappa), guitarist Terry Reid.

Listen to the single: https://orcd.co/fernando_perdomo_rick_wakeman_the_crash

The soundtrack is being released on vinyl on September 23 while the CD will be part of the special Blu-ray package released on October 11.

Pre-order the vinyl soundtrack: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/frost-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-white-vinyl/

Pre-order the Blu-ray: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/frost-blu-ray-cd/

Pre-order the DVD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/frost-dvd/

Pre-order/pre-save the digital soundtrack: https://orcd.co/frost_soundtrack

Track List:
1. The Crash feat. Rick Wakeman
2. Fading Heartbeat feat. Terry Reid
3. Helicopter Rescue feat. L. Shankar
4. First Sign Of Impending Snowstorm feat. L. Shankar
5. Orchid Dreaming – Big Electric Cat
6. Photo Album feat. Terry Reid
7. Hoodoo Man Blues – Junior Wells feat. Joe Louis Walker
8. Desperation feat. Geoff Downes
9. The Bonening – Front Line Assembly
10. Not Alone feat. Rick Wakeman
11. Snowy Landscape feat. Geoff Downes
12. Dad Finally Answers The Walkie feat. L. Shankar
13. Family Tragedy feat. Terry Reid
14. Frosted Blonde feat. Rick Wakeman
15. Intruder – Front Line Assembly [CD/DIGITAL ONLY]

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com


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Modern Keyboard Wizard JORDAN RUDESS Recreates GIORGIO MORODER’s Epic “Chase” Theme From MIDNIGHT EXPRESS On Collection Of New Recordings By Leading Synth Masters!

For Immediate Release

Modern Keyboard Wizard JORDAN RUDESS Recreates GIORGIO MORODER’s Epic “Chase” Theme From MIDNIGHT EXPRESS On Collection Of New Recordings By Leading Synth Masters!

Features performances by Rick Wakeman, Derek Sherinian, Geoff Downes, Patrick Moraz, Thijs Van Leer, Larry Fast & Nite Jewel!

Los Angeles, CA – Some of the most heralded and widely-respected keyboardists on the planet have gathered together on a unique collection to offer their fresh new takes on some of the tracks that laid the foundation of electronic music and influenced thousands of synth-sational artists and players! Ever wonder what Mike Oldfield’s groundbreaking “Tubular Bells” might sound like in the hands of Dream Theater keyboardist Derek Sherinian? Or think that Moody Blues/Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz would do a fantastic version of Jean-Michel Jarre’s superb “Oxygene?” Well, wonder no more as Synthesizer Classics has come to answer all of your synth-related prayers!

The new collection features all exclusive and brand new recordings by such world-renowned pros as Rick Wakeman, Asia’s Geoff Downes, Focus’s Thijs Van Leer, and Larry Fast, who along with several others, have reached back into the past and recreated classics by Kraftwerk, John Carpenter, and lots more! Check out the first single to be released from the collection, Jordan Rudess’s tantalizing take on Giorgio Moroder’s award-winning score for the 1978 prison drama Midnight Express!

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/jordan_rudess_chase

Synthesizer Classics will be available everywhere starting August 12. Pick up your copy on CD or vinyl or stream the album on all the major digital music platforms!

Order the CD/vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=Synthesizer+Classics&post_type=product

Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/synthesizer_classics

TRACK LIST:
1. Tubular Bells – Derek Sherinian
2. Magic Fly – Rick Wakeman
3. Pulstar – Geoff Downes
4. Chase – Jordan Rudess
5. Oxygene (Part 4) – Patrick Moraz
6. Escape From New York – Thijs Van Leer
7. Tour De France – Nyte Jewel
8. Visitors – Larry Fast

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

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DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION Launch “Your Heart Will Find The Way” – The Second Track From Upcoming Album ‘Halcyon Hymns’

For Immediate Release

DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION Launch “Your Heart Will Find The Way” – The Second Track From Upcoming Album
Halcyon Hymns

Downes Braide Association (DBA) have announced the release of “Your Heart Will Find The Way” – the second track to be taken from their forthcoming album Halcyon Hymns. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/FsoojN-2fJ8

Chris Braide says: “Your Heart Will Find The Way has an almost YES like quality of all the songs from Halcyon Hymns I feel, in that it’s very up and direct. It’s also a great example of how Geoff and I will sometimes write. Geoff sent me the verse chord progression and the riff and then I added the chorus chord progression and the melody just fell out on top of those two elements. The brooding verse and majestic riff coupled with the uplift of the chorus dictated the lyric which is about listening to your inner voice and trusting your gut instinct to navigate you out of adversity…It’s a positive self-affirmation of a song.”

A few words from Geoff: “It was such a joy to hear the basic idea I sent Chris for ‘Your Heart Will Find A Way’ turn into something of a mini-epic. The masterful development of the rhythm section of Ash & Andy really enhances the track and brings it to life. It has become something of a feature of mine and Chris’s songwriting where the verse (in the minor key) sets the mood of the piece only to climax into an upbeat chorus (in the major). Here is a good example I believe of how we mix pathos with positivity – but ultimately delivering the overall message as one of hope and promise. It could be about a relationship, or indeed about having a belief and confidence in yourself that will eventually succeed. It’s for the listener to relate to and hopefully feel the strength of the message contained within.

Halcyon Hymns is the fifth DBA collaboration and follows their previous critically-acclaimed studio albums Pictures of You (2012), Suburban Ghosts (2015) and Skyscraper Souls (2017). The duo also released Live In England (2019) recorded at their first ever concert at Trading Boundaries, East Sussex, in 2018.

Here’s the video to the first track that was released in December, “Love Among The Ruins”: https://youtu.be/vNrrQo5-L0Q

About Downes Braide Association

Downes Braide Association was formed as a studio-based project by Geoff Downes and Chris Braide and has now produced three studio albums: Pictures Of You (2012), Suburban Ghosts (2015) and Skyscraper Souls (2017) and a live album Live In England (2019). The project draws on Downes’ and Braide’s rich musical heritage to create a delightfully accessible brand of classic rock.

Keyboard wizard Geoff Downes was thrust into the limelight with the worldwide success of “Video Killed The Radio Star” in 1979. The single topped the charts chart in 16 countries for The Buggles duo of Geoff and Trevor Horn (vocals, bass guitar). They briefly joined prog legends YES before Downes became a founder member of the supergroup Asia with YES guitarist Steve Howe, ELP drummer Carl Palmer and the late John Wetton (vocals, bass guitar). The Wetton-Downes composition “Heat Of The Moment” became a world-wide hit in 1982 heralding many years of success for Asia with their FM radio-friendly brand of rock. Downes later rejoined YES in 2011 and remains with the band alongside Steve Howe.

British singer-songwriter-pianist Chris Braide has recently returned to UK shores after many years based in California. He enjoys enormous success writing and producing music for film scores, advertising campaigns and working closely with artists including Sia, Lana Del Rey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Paloma Faith, Britney Spears and Marc Almond.

Downes Braide Association: “Your Heart Will Find A Way” on Halcyon Hymns is released on 15th January 2021 and is now available to order from Cherry Red Records:
CD/DVD https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/downes-braide-association-halcyon-hymns-cd-dvd-edition/
2LP White Vinyl:  https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/downes-braide-association-halcyon-hymns-limited-edition-2lp-white-vinyl/

For more information:
Twitter: @TheRealDBAMusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downesbraide
www.downesbraide.co.uk
www.christopherbraide.com
www.geoffdownes.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com