List of Popular Prog Bands

Progressive "Prog" Rock

Progressive rock was for me, the definitive '70s rock signature. It redefined rock music as I had come to know it. In 1970, I hadn't heard the term "prog rock" , and am not sure if it even existed then; they were just known as "bands". But these "bands" were more powerful and far more talented, and offered interesting variations on standard hard rock. Mixing classical, jazz and rock, the prog bands were churning out epic LPs which today, are still highly regarded. In these pages are my recollections, interpretations, and feelings of how this wonderful era, and the birth of the finest music in the world changed my life.

"Prog" was a secret world, an unknown universe. It was challenging. Parents who thought they knew them only as "longhairs" hadn't a clue as to their true talents. The styles were changing; songs were getting longer. So were the titles. One of the newest innovations was a new and different naming convention much akin to classical music.

This gave the music a more sophisticated feel, knowing that these marvelous musical structures were well thought out, deliberate, and intended to be more of an epic than a mere rock song. These bands wanted to give us a presentation. And that, they did. Half the fun was just trying to figure out what was going through their heads at the time.

Also referred to as "Theatre Rock" Prog took on new dimensions. The bands were progressive, concept-driven miniature orchestras that created walls of sound with layers of varying forms of instrumentation. It was the way they used these instruments that made the difference.In the end, these players created a tapestry of some of the most intricate musical stitchings the world of rock and roll would ever know.

Prog rock bands took us across galaxies unknown with inspired works and lengthy overtures lain upon a multi-colored wasteland. Echoes of willowing tides and silver machines filled our minds and our ears. Crimson kings, hawks on the wind and floyds of the pink variety were largely responsible for my newer, and more profound musical education.

Though many of these bands would never lay claim to the title of being a "prog" band, the moniker applies simply because that's what these groups were. They were progressive, concept-driven miniature orchestras that created walls of sound with layers of varying forms of instrumentation. It was the way they used these instruments that made the difference. They sculpted their sound, bent the rules, and created new divisions of sound.