After Yes disbanded in 1981, Downes helped Trevor Horn to produce a second Buggles album, Adventures in Modern Recording (1981) although he was only primarily involved for half of it, and co-founded Asia with ex-Yes fellow musician Steve Howe. He left Asia in 1986, rejoined in 1990, and has been a part of the lineup since then; he released several solo albums and produced for several artists, including Mike Oldfield and the Thompson Twins.
After Yes ceased operations in 1981, Downes assisted Trevor Horn in producing a second Buggles album, Adventures in Modern Recording (1981), although he was mainly involved for only half of it, and co-founded Asia with former Yes bandmate Steve Howe. He departed Asia in 1986, rejoined in 1990, and has been an integral part of the lineup ever since; he released several solo albums and produced tracks for various artists, including Mike Oldfield and the Thompson Twins.