Ed’s Letter

Hello and welcome to the latest issue of Prog. It’s always weird writing the Editor’s Letter at this time of year. Given the magazine production schedule, it’s still early December, we haven’t even enjoyed the festive break yet, but Prog 146 is on sale on December 29. It really messes with your internal clock! Nothing weird about our cover stars this issue, though. In December 1982, I saw Marillion at two of their three Marquee Xmas gigs, along with support acts Solstice and Pendragon. A year later, Marillion had a Top 10 album under their belts and had appeared at Reading Festival, alongside the aforementioned, plus Pallas and Twelfth Night for good measure. The so-called UK prog revival was in full swing. Taking 1983 as the central year, we’re celebrating 40 years of a musical movement that’s so important in our lives! Dave Everley speaks to some of those involved, many of whom are still going strong in today’s scene, to paint a fascinating picture of the time. You can read his enthralling feature on p28.

Elsewhere Francis Dunnery reflects on his career to date (p72), we take a peek inside Greg Lake’s private family photo album (p40) and celebrate Nektar’s 1973 opus Remember The Future, as well as honour late drummer Ron Howden (p52), while Moon Safari, Mariusz Duda, Earthside, Tarja’s Outlanders, Cyan and D’Virgilio Morse & Jennings all bring us up to speed with their current releases.

And, of course, it being the end of another year, we feature the Prog Writers’ Albums Of The Year on p78, and reveal our favourite release of 2023. It’s always one to inspire often-fevered debate, so, as usual, we look forward to hearing your opinions.

Which just leaves me to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. I’d like to personally thank each and every one of you for supporting the magazine this year. It’s hugely appreciated by us all here at Prog Towers. And on to 2024. Let’s all make it a progtastic one!