BLOODY WELL WRITE
Missives, musings and tweets from Planet Prog.
I have just been reading my very first issue of Prog, and also listening to the CD that came with it. I was especially thrilled to read about Cruise To The Edge, and so proud I was part of the event that was so brilliantly written about.
That cruise (my first) has made my prog rock interests soar like a rocket into space. I have always liked Yes and bought my first album when I was 16 (more than 40 years ago!) and so I was delighted to see them live on board the ship.
It was great to read about Yes’ journey in Prog and I was so inspired by them on the trip that I booked a VIP ticket for their Sheffield gig while I was lying on a sunlounger by a pool in Tampa, the day we disembarked. Shortly after that, I subscribed to Prog magazine.
I knew my life would never be the same after the trip. I didn’t want the euphoric adrenaline rush to ever end!
The experience of that cruise was something that’s hard to put into words. I now have in excess of 70 new Facebook friends because of the trip, including some of the musicians!
I’ve also launched a lyric-writing business, because of my love of writing poetry and songs, and I’ve bought more CDs in the last few months than in my entire life, I think! I bought an acoustic guitar, too, in the hope of learning to play.
I’ve seen Yes again in Sheffield, and got to meet the band after the show. My next gig will be Marillion soon in Brighton, then Lifesigns in May, Neal Morse in June, Steve Hackett in October and Fish in December.
Incidentally, I would never have got to be a huge fan of Lifesigns if it wasn’t for Prog. A friend of mine buys it regularly and had a copy with a CD that featured Lifesigns, and he liked them so much he bought a signed vinyl of Cardington. Once I heard that, I was hooked and bought my own. They were phenomenal on the cruise! I was sat on the front row of the pool stage. Imagine that: sitting in the Mexican sunshine, at the Costa Maya dock, on a huge cruise ship, in the open air, watching and listening to a fantastic band playing live. The highlight of the trip in my opinion.
I got to see Nad Sylvan and Steve Hackett, among others, performing live. It was surreal, bumping into famous people like Steve at breakfast, sitting next to Billy Sherwood, and saying good morning, hugging Neal Morse. I have too many wonderful memories to share that would take up a double-page spread in your magazine, but I’m pleased to say that Prog is now an important part of my prog life.
I look forward to reading about new bands, bands I know, events, and, of course, listening to new music and becoming the ‘rock chick’ I always wanted to be! At 56, I’m not too old. Prog on!
Sue Lumb
female focus
I so love your magazine –I’ve been into Prog since the first issue with Pink Floyd on the cover. I have a thought about a cool future article. I think there’s a whole slew of brilliant female artists from the late 60s and early 70s who produced brilliant progressive works: Pentangle’s Jacqui McShee, Trees’ Celia Humphris, Affinity’s Linda Hoyle, Fairport Convention’s Judy Dyble and Sandy Denny. All these singers and the groups they worked with played such unique and otherworldly music.
Perhaps in the future, a nice article looking into their works would be very cool. I think a lot of people would really enjoy this music. Seeing how Jane Weaver and other brilliant female artists are making such an impact in the world of progressive music, these bands could use a bit of help!
All the best to you and keep on doing such a wonderful job!
Dave Freshman, Aurora, Colorado, USA