A Brief History of Prog: From Genesis to (Almost) Madness

Prog, short for progressive rock, emerged in the late 1960s, a rebellious child of rock ‘n’ roll, yearning for more than three-minute pop songs. Think soaring vocals, complex time signatures, long instrumental sections, and a dash of philosophical ponderings.

The Pioneers:

• The Beatles: While not strictly prog, their later works like “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Abbey Road” experimented with extended compositions and studio wizardry, paving the way for the genre.
• King Crimson: Led by the enigmatic Robert Fripp, their debut album “In the Court of the Crimson King” (1969) is considered a prog cornerstone, showcasing their innovative use of complex structures and theatrical arrangements.
• Genesis: From their early, theatrical, and slightly campy period featuring Peter Gabriel’s flamboyant stage antics (he once wore a giant, inflatable head!), they evolved into a more mature and melodic band with Phil Collins on vocals.
• Yes: Known for their intricate harmonies and epic, multi-part compositions, Yes pushed the boundaries of prog with albums like “Close to the Edge” and “Fragile.”

The Golden Age:

The 1970s saw prog reach its zenith. Bands like Pink Floyd, Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), and Rush released groundbreaking albums that redefined the possibilities of rock music.

• Pink Floyd: Their concept albums like “Dark Side of the Moon” and “The Wall” explored themes of madness, societal alienation, and personal struggles, often using elaborate sound effects and theatrical performances.
• ELP: This power trio, known for their virtuosic musicianship, combined classical music influences with rock sensibilities, creating monumental, awe-inspiring live shows.
• Rush: With their complex drumming, intricate bass lines, and lyrical focus on science fiction and fantasy, Rush attracted a cult following that continues to this day.

The Decline and Resurgence:

By the 1980s, prog’s popularity waned, often perceived as pretentious and inaccessible. However, the genre never truly died out. It went underground, influencing newer bands and experiencing a resurgence in the 1990s and beyond.

Funny Facts:

• The Who’s Roger Daltrey once remarked, “Prog music is like a 12-course meal – after the first three courses, you’re full and sick of the whole thing.” A bit harsh, but funny nonetheless!
• Genesis’ Peter Gabriel wore a giant, inflatable head during their early concerts. He also once performed with a pig’s head on his shoulders, which was meant to represent the animalistic side of humanity. Talk about commitment to theatricality!
• ELP’s Keith Emerson was known for his flamboyant stage antics, which included setting his keyboard on fire and playing with his feet. You can’t deny the man had flair!
• Rush’s Geddy Lee once said, “The beauty of prog is that it doesn’t have to make sense.” This summarizes the genre’s spirit of experimentation and pushing boundaries quite well.

The Legacy of Prog:

Prog continues to inspire musicians today. Bands like Dream Theater, Tool, and Porcupine Tree carry the torch of complex compositions and intricate arrangements. Prog remains a testament to the boundless creativity of music, proving that rock can be both challenging and rewarding.