MY PROG

The great and good of progressive music give us a glimpse into their prog worlds. As told to Grant Moon

Mostly Autumn guitarist Bryan Josh lets us into all his proggy little secrets.

Where’s home?

I live in York and have done all my life. I love the place: a nice old haunted city with over 400 pubs!

Earliest prog memory?

In 1975, when I was eight, my older brother and I went to a pub for a few shandies. He played Shine On You Crazy

Diamond in the car as we were driving home through the moors, under the stars. I remember this incredible connection between that music and nature, and that’s fuelled me ever since.

First prog record bought?

After that night I had to have my own copy of Wish You Were Here. I bought it at Woolworths in York.

First prog gig attended?

Steve Hackett on the Spectral Mornings tour in about 1980 at York University. It was the very first concert I ever went to.

Favourite gadget?

I don’t really have one. I’ve got an iPhone but

I’m quite a simple sort of guy. I don’t do social media myself, I just crack on old‑style.

Are there any guilty pleasures in your record collection?

I’m a huge Bon Jovi fan – there’s a lot more depth to the guy than people give him credit for. I thought These Days was a phenomenal piece of work. He’s a great songwriter.

What would your specialist subject on Mastermind be?

Well, I know a bit about Genesis and Pink Floyd, but let’s go for ‘barbecues’ – marinating techniques, that kind of thing!

Your greatest prog extravagance?

I’ve been all over the world to see my favourite bands. I went to see Genesis in the States on their Turn It On Again tour [2007], in Albany,

New York.

Your favourite venue?

On the regular circuit it’s the Boerderij in the Netherlands – everything about it is just

fantastic. But to see bands, I love the Royal Albert Hall and Manchester Arena.

Outside of music, what else are you into?

I love going to the Lakes and camping and walking in the hills – campfires and barbecues with friends, and drinking. I used to play squash to national standard in the 90s. I do still play but these days just with friends.

Are you a collector?

I collect beautiful, emotionally charged classical/soundtrack tunes, stuff by Hans Zimmer, George Fenton, Vaughan Williams. If I hear something I like on Classic FM, I’ll

Shazam it and buy it.

Your prog hero?

David Gilmour. He’s had such a profound effect

on my life.

The last proggy album you paid for?

A Curious Feeling by Tony Banks. I had it but lost it, so bought

it again. I love the atmosphere on that record.

The last prog gig you attended?

David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall for the Rattle That Lock tour. And more recently

I saw Nightwish, but I don’t really class them as prog. They’re good friends of ours.

Ever been on a prog-related date?

On many occasions! About 11 years ago, before we were married, I took my wife [Mostly Autumn singer Olivia Sparnenn‑ Josh] to see Roger Hodgson in Germany. That was a date. A lot of my previous girlfriends enjoyed good music too.

Who do you call in the prog community for a good night out?

Troy Donockley and I have had many wild nights out. We’re very similar – he’s like a brother to me. He’s really good at magic!

The most important prog song to you personally?

Shine On You Crazy Diamond is the most perfect, emotional progression in music that I’ve ever heard.

Who is the prog muso you’d most like to work with?

Tony Banks – I would love to have the experience of working with him. He’s got the technical and creative magic. He’s phenomenal.

Which prog album gets you in a good mood?

I really enjoy 90125 by Yes. It’s got such a punchy, uplifting vibe.

Who is the best prog artist you’ve ever seen live?

Pink Floyd at the Palace of Versailles, on the Momentary Lapse Of Reason tour [1988]. The setting was incredible. It was the first time I’d seen them, and it completely blew my mind.

Your favourite album cover?

Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds – I used to stare at that one for hours.

Recommend us a good read.

Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels. They’re hilarious.

And what are you up to at the moment?

We’ve got a few concerts coming up, including the Robin 2 and the O2 Islington in June, and Ramblin’ Man Festival in July. Other than that, we’re taking care of our baby daughter, Autumn, who’s 10 months old now. We’ve just had the garage converted into a studio and I’ve started writing the next Mostly Autumn album.

See www.mostly-autumn.com for more information.

I’m a huge Bon Jovi fan – there’s more depth to the guy than he gets credit for.