The Incredible Connection Between Yes and Asia

What do Yes, Asia, The Buggles, MTV, and one of the biggest albums of the 1980s all have in common? In this fascinating rock-history deep dive, Robert John Hadfield traces the surprising connections between some of progressive rock's most important musicians and the unexpected path that led from Yes's final pre-breakup album to the formation of Asia and eventually back to Yes's biggest commercial success. The journey begins with Drama, the last Yes album before the band temporarily dissolved. Robert explores the striking Roger Dean artwork shared by both Yes and Asia albums, highlighting visual themes that connect these iconic covers. From there, the story takes an unexpected turn through The Buggles, whose members Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes joined Yes and helped bridge the gap between progressive rock and mainstream success. Along the way, viewers discover how the creators of "Video Killed the Radio Star" became intertwined with Yes, how Geoff Downes eventually joined Asia alongside John Wetton, Steve Howe, and Carl Palmer, and how Trevor Horn later returned to produce Yes's blockbuster album 90125. It's a remarkable story of interconnected musicians, changing musical landscapes, and how some of the biggest hits of the 1980s emerged from the progressive rock world. Chapters 0:00 The Last Yes Album Before Asia 0:07 Roger Dean's Signature Album Art Style 0:24 Why Drama Was Different 0:33 The Connection Between Yes and Asia 0:45 The Symbolism Behind Asia's Famous Logo 0:59 Hidden Design Elements in the Asia Covers 1:12 Roger Dean's Continuing Visual Themes 1:29 Meet Geoff Downes and Trevor Horn 1:45 The Buggles Connection 1:53 "Video Killed the Radio Star" and MTV History 2:11 How Asia Was Formed 2:21 Trevor Horn Returns to Yes 2:25 The Story Behind 90125 2:32 Why 90125 Divided Yes Fans 2:38 The Hit Songs That Changed Everything 2:54 Trevor Horn's Secret Role in Yes's Biggest Success 3:12 Geoff Downes: Prog Rocker or Hitmaker? 3:29 Why Asia Connected With the Mainstream 3:36 Progressive Rock Meets Pop Success