Ed’s Letter

Hello, and welcome to the new issue of Prog magazine. Just over 40 years ago (by the time you read this), some 60,000 Genesis fans convened in an old clay pit in Milton Keynes and witnessed the one live reunion it seems most prog fans have hankered for a repeat of ever since: Genesis with Peter Gabriel. And more importantly, playing (mostly) pre-1975 material too!

On the live stage that’s sadly never happened again, and now the band, notably singer and drummer Phil Collins, have laid down their instruments for a final time as Genesis, it never will. So this issue we celebrate that legendary, one-off live spectacle that went by the name of Six Of The Best (seven, by the time Steve Hackett appeared for the encores). Reading Daryl Easlea’s fascinating delve into how it happened and what went down on the day, while everyone remembers the torrential rain, no one’s memories seem to have been dampened by the downpour (see what I did there?). You can read our cover story on p28.

As well as Genesis we’ve got the story of Marillion’s 1991 album Holidays In Eden; Hugh Banton, the quiet man of prog, opens up on his life in Van der Graaf Generator; and we celebrate new releases from King’s X, Arena, Threshold, Cosmograf, AA Williams, Heilung and loads more…

I’d also like to acknowledge the passing of Spike Worsley, who sadly died just after we sent the last issue to the printers. Spike was one of the most popular members of the prog community, a delight to know and a man of deep integrity; if your band were lucky enough to have had his patronage, you knew you had something very special indeed. Words never quite seem enough at a time like this, but I’d like to think Spike’s boundless enthusiasm for music is making wherever he is now a better place, just as he did for so many here on Earth. You will be sadly missed, Spike, and I dedicate this issue to your memory.

We’re back on November 25. Until then, take care and prog on!