Ep. 305: Geoff Downes discusses Asia’s “Heat of the Moment”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music, Music History, Music Commentary, Music Interviews

4.9 • 957 Ratings

🗓️ 25 May 2026

⏱️ 71 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

This week, Chris is joined by legendary keyboardist Geoff Downes to discuss the writing and recording of the hit 1982 single from Asia, “Heat of the Moment.” Considering that the band was a supergroup of progressive musicians, the song showcased a bit of tasteful restraint during its creation, which ultimately paid off with its massive mainstream success. Geoff not only brought his signature, cutting-edge synth contributions to the band, but he also served as the most pop-oriented writer in the group, having been a founding member of The Buggles (of “Video Killed the Radio Star” fame.) Tune in for a thoughtful and fun conversation about the creation of a timeless song that set the stage for what was to come throughout the rest of the 80s. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:47.0	Hey everyone.
0:48.4	Today's guest is Jeff Downs.
0:50.7	Keyboard us for the London, England rock band, Asia.
0:54.0	Together we take a deep dive into the
0:56.2	writing, recording, and inspiration behind the breakout smash hit single. Heed of the moment.
1:02.3	I wasn't sure where to begin with Jeff. He's a legendary musician who started out writing
1:07.4	30-second commercial jingles, to forming the Buggles, yes, the band that
1:12.5	wrote Video Killed the Radio Star, to which Jeff has a co-write.
1:16.1	Then shortly thereafter, he stepped into the band, Yes, and recorded and toured their album
1:20.7	Drama, and not long after that, formed the Supergroup Asia, alongside John Whetton from
1:26.9	King Crimson,
1:28.1	Steve Howe from Yes, and Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
1:32.6	A&R Guru John Kaloddner signed the band,
1:35.3	and it was he who in the 11th hour asked the band for one more song to round out the record.
1:41.5	That's when Jeff and lead vocalist John Wetton excused themselves and came back
1:46.0	20 minutes later with heat of the moment. And the rest is history. So for all this, in an instrument
1:52.4	named a Kodo, don't touch that dial. Hey, hey, have you heard, Christa makes a podcast?
	...

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