“Extraordinary”: The Beatles song that blew Peter Gabriel’s mind
“The Beatles were a huge influence as I was growing up.”
Prog rock
Progressive rock, commonly known as prog rock, is a genre of rock music that emerged in the United Kingdom during the late 1960s, characterised by ambitious compositions, technical musicianship and a willingness to push beyond the conventions of traditional rock.
Drawing inspiration from classical music, jazz, folk and experimental music, prog rock embraced extended song structures, concept albums, unusual time signatures and virtuosic performances. The genre reached its commercial and creative peak during the 1970s through bands including Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull and Rush.
Although its popularity declined with the rise of punk rock, progressive rock has remained highly influential, inspiring generations of musicians across rock, metal and alternative music while continuing to evolve through modern progressive artists.
The discography Frank Zappa thought every music fan should listen to: “Don’t mind the mistakes”
Not quite realised, but still good.
The prog-rock bands Ian Anderson always wanted to make fun of: “It wasn’t my favourite”
A tongue-in-cheek masterpiece.
The prog-rock band Jack Black calls timeless brilliance: “There’s a magic to them”
Still resonating after all these years.
How Duke Ellington helped to inspire one of prog-rock’s greatest freakouts in 1969
A wide-reaching influence.
The 1989 band Jeff Lynne wishes he could delete from history: “They are just rubbish”
What do you mean part two?
More About Prog rock
Progressive rock, or prog rock, is a style of rock music that emphasises musical complexity, ambitious songwriting, concept albums and influences from classical, jazz and experimental music.
The most influential progressive rock bands include Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Rush, Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Camel, Gentle Giant and Van der Graaf Generator.
Progressive rock expanded the artistic possibilities of rock music through innovative songwriting, technical musicianship and conceptual storytelling, influencing countless artists across rock, heavy metal and experimental music.