ROCK legends Geoff Downes (The Buggles, Asia, Yes) and Harry Whitely (Asia) will star alongside local schoolchildren and Tenby Male Choir at the annual Save the Children Concert in St Mary’s Church, Tenby on May 21.

Tenby Save the Children chair Caroline Williams said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have managed to secure Rock Royalty in the form of Geoff Downes and Harry Whitley to perform at hour annual Save the Children concert this year.”

Based on a mutual love of music, Caroline’s friendship with Geoff and his wife Martine began when they purchased her old house in Tenby. The couple divide their time between Tenby in Pembrokeshire and Usk, South East Wales.

“I just asked Geoff if he would perform for us and he said yes, he’d be delighted, anything to help the charity,” said Caroline, adding: “A glass of two of vino might have been involved too!”

English keyboardist Geoff Downes founded new wave group The Buggles with Trevor Horn, enjoying worldwide success with their hit single ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’.

In May 1980, Downes joined the progressive rock band Yes with Horn and recorded the album Drama. In 1981 he co-founded rock supergroup Asia with fellow ex-Yes musician Steve Howe, former King Crimson vocalist/bassist John Wetton and drummer Carl Palmer (of Emerson, Lake & Palmer).

Downes has released several solo albums and produced for several artists, including Mike Oldfield and the Thompson Twins. In 2006, he reunited the original Asia lineup and in 2011 rejoined Yes; he is currently a member of both groups.

Wrexham-born Harry Whitley joined Asia as the lead singer and bass player in 2023, bringing a fresh layer of musicality to the band’s signature sound, a blend of rock, progressive elements, and strong melodies. Whitley has also been involved in a variety of other musical projects, contributing to both live performances and studio recordings across the rock and progressive music scenes.

A gifted musician from a young age, Whitely was inspired by the intricate compositions and innovative use of synthesizers by classic progressive rock bands like Genesis and Yes.

By the time Whitley joined, Asia had undergone several lineup changes, and he brought a new dynamic to the band’s evolving sound. He became a key contributor to the band’s live performances, showcasing the combination of technical skill with emotional expression that has earned him respect among musicians and fans alike.

When Save the Children in Tenby held their Annual Concert at St Mary’s Church last year, it coincided with the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations and raised over £1,100 for the charity. Tenby Male Choir and local school children were joined by guest singer Charlotte Martin and her band members Andrew and Emma who performed a medley of Vera Lynn songs.

The concert on Thursday, May 21 will feature pupils from most of Tenby’s primary and secondary schools along with Tenby Male Voice Choir and Tenby Community Learners Choir.

Admission is £10 (cash on the door). The concert starts at 6.30pm.