Ed’s Letter

Hello, and welcome to the new issue of Prog. There have been many highlights in the 50-year career of prog legends Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Their second ever gig at the 1970 Isle Of Wight Festival, perhaps? Or their 1973 album, Brain Salad Surgery, which catapulted the band to new commercial highs. For many though, I suspect it’ll be 1971’s Tarkus, especially the bombastic sidelong title track, which set in stone the band’s uninhibited musical intentions in no uncertain terms. As Tarkus celebrates its 50th anniversary, we look at the making of the album, and discuss the new ELP book and box set with surviving member Carl Palmer.

As the year end rapidly approaches, it’s time to take stock of the last 12 months. It was a strange hybrid of lockdown and easing of restrictions, but not exactly a return to normal. Our favourite musicians, however, have kept making music, and this issue it’s the writers who pick their favourite albums of the year. You can see our choices on page 80. It normally makes for lively debate online!

Next issue, it’s your turn. By the time you read this we’ll have opened the Readers’ Poll online so this really is a call to remind you to get your vote in and have your say. I’d say that if you don’t vote you can’t go moaning about what other people choose, although these days I suppose that won’t stop anyone, will it?

Just before penning this I had to write the sad news that Moody Blues drummer Graeme Edge had passed away, aged 80. It’s been a truly dreadful few months for losing people we hold dear. We’ll honour Graeme in the next issue. Sadly, on page 26 of this issue, I pay tribute to our dear friend and colleague Malcolm Dome, who died suddenly last month.

I sincerely hope next month, and the year to come, treat us more kindly. Take care, and prog on…