Progressive Rock music did not end in the 1970’s, there was a second wave that began in the early 80’s and early 90’s and we could possibly categorize a third wave that began in the 2000’s. The second wave of Progressive Rock bands incorporated many more styles of music into their interpretation of Progressive Rock. Metal music seemed to play a big role in the continued growth of Progressive Rock Music. Bands like Dream Theater, Mars Volta, etc…. all established a fan base of younger fans who became interested in Progressive Rock music.
We are currently putting together a list of the top 100 Progressive Rock bands and artists of all time based on reader response to our Top 10 Progressive Rock Bands of 1965-1975 Article. We did not want to limit the list to just bands because artists like Frank Zappa played a significant role in shaping Progressive Rock. There are also many bands like Yes, Genesis and King Crimson whose members contributed significantly to Progressive rock music as solo artists. Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, John Wetton and others have all played a role in Progressive Rock Music History.
We compose many lists on this site and we receive some great feedback and also some not so great feedback. Picking songs, albums, and artists is always very subjective, but can also be utilized in an objective manner when looking at popularity and economics.
Nonetheless, we would love your help in formulating our Readers Top 100 Progressive Rock Bands and Artists list. Let us know which bands and artists you believe should be on the list. Write as many as you would like.
Thanks
Brian Kachejian
Editor-In Chief
ClassicRockHistory.com
King Crimson , Emerson Lake and Palmer, Yes, Peter Gabriel, Marillion Pink Floyd , PFM, Ange and Barclay James Harvest will do for my ten.
Seen them all live and loved them all.
Amazingly seeing Yes, Marillion and King Crimson this year
King Crimson
Yes
Genesis
Camel
Zappa/Mothers
Jethro Tull
Caravan
ELP
Van Der Graf Generator
Pink Floyd
My favorite progressive rock bands, not necessarily in order, are as follows:
Procol Harum
King Crimson
Genesis
The Strawbs
Emerson, Lake, and Palmer
Jethro Tull
Oh no! I forgot to mention U.K.! They were fantastic!