Progressive Rock and British Invasion

rogressive rock, sometimes shortened to prog rock, is a form of rock music that evolved in the late 1960s and early 1970s, principally from psychedelic rock, and ultimately as a result of experimentation with electronic instruments, jazz-rock fusion and classical music.
The main defining characteristics and tendencies are that the compositions are more elaborate than the standard rock or popular song structure of verse, chorus, etc., the arrangements incorporate stylisations based on classical, jazz, world or even avant-garde music, it may also include the elements (or sections) of hard rock and/or heavy metal, and the lyrics, where they exist, are often conceptual or based in fantasy.
Some progressive rock bands took the explorations into composition and style to such extremes that their music ceased to be considered rock at all - and so it is that the term "progressive rock" has become less useful than the term "progressive music."
Progressive rock reached the peak of its popularity in the 1970s and has continued as a form of popular music to this day. The term was applied to the music of bands such as King Crimson, Yes, Pink Floyd and Emerson, Lake and Palmer (ELP), who are amongst the most well-known exponents of the genre - other notable examples of progressive rock bands include Jethro Tull, Genesis, Gentle Giant, The Nice, Kansas, or Rush.
Progressive rock bands often combined rock music with elements of classical music, and it was also common for them to use the stylizations of jazz or jazz fusion.
The styles and lengths of the pieces mean that progressive rock is album-oriented rather than singles-oriented and progressive rock acts are rarely found in the top 40 singles lists. (Source Wilkipedia) Click here for more info

King Crimson

King Crimson are a musical group founded by guitarist Robert Fripp and drummer Michael Giles in 1969. Their style has typically been categorized as progressive rock, although it also has diverse influences from jazz, classical, experimental, psychedelic, New Wave, heavy metal, gamelan and folk music. Although King Crimson has garnered little radio or music video airplay, they have a devoted following. Their debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King, is widely regarded as a landmark in the history of the progressive rock genre; their later excursions into even more unconventional territory have been influential on many contemporary musical artists.
In the late 1960s the band were very influential in popularising a previously unknown mellotron rock style; throughout the early 1970s their membership fluctuated with forays into jazz and funk at times before becoming a more stable unit in the mid 1970s, developing an improvisational sound influenced by heavy metal before breaking up. The band reformed in the early 1980s for three years, with a New Wave and gamelan-influenced sound, before breaking up again for around a decade. The 1990s saw King Crimson meld aspects of their 1980s and 1970s sound, which has continued into the 2000s, during which time several splinter groups of King Crimson known as "ProjeKcts" appeared.
Though its membership has fluctuated considerably throughout its existence, the band continues to perform and record music. The only constant member of King Crimson has been Fripp, who has arranged several disparate lineups of King Crimson, often working in different genres. However, he has stated that he does not necessarily consider himself the band's leader, describing King Crimson as "a way of doing things", and noting that he never originally intended to be seen as the head of the group.(Source: Wilkipedia) Not satisfied yet? Click here

Yes

Yes are an English progressive rock band that formed in London in 1968. Their music is marked by complex classically-influenced arrangements, unusual time signatures, virtuoso musicianship, dramatic dynamic and metrical changes, a blend of musical styles, and oblique lyrics. Despite the many changes to its lineup, the band has continued for nearly 40 years and retains a strong international following.Yes was formed in 1968 by vocalist Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire. Anderson had already recorded a single in 1964 as a member of The Warriors, a beat band formed by his brother Tony, and later sang on a couple of 45s for Parlophone Records under the pseudonym Hans Christian. He was also briefly a member of the group Gun. Squire had been a member of The Syn, a flower-pop outfit who had recorded a couple of singles for Deram Records (one, "14-Hour Technicolour Dream", celebrating the "happening" held at Alexandra Palace on April 29/April 30, 1967). After the breakup of The Syn, Squire spent a year developing his bass-playing technique, strongly influenced by The Who's bassist, John Entwistle. In May 1968, he met Anderson in a London Soho nightclub, La Chasse, where Anderson was working. The two had a common interest in vocal harmony and began working together soon afterwards.
Yes was previously known as the psychedelically named Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, and the band had been formed by composer-singer-guitarist Clive Bailey and drummer Bob Hagger early in 1966. Chris Squire and Peter Banks joined in 1967. Jon Anderson followed in April 1968. Bill Bruford replaced Bob Hagger in July 1968 and Mabel Greer’s Toyshop became Yes.
Drummer Bill Bruford was recruited from an ad he had placed in Melody Maker. A jazz aficionado, Bruford had played just three gigs with Blues revivalists Savoy Brown before leaving.
After a short stint away from the band, Peter Banks returned and organist/pianist Tony Kaye also joined.[1] The classically trained Kaye had already been in a series of prior groups (Johnny Taylor's Star Combo, The Federals, and Jimmy Winston and His Reflections).
Banks came up with the three letter name, with the rationale that it would stand out on posters.
The last gig for Mabel Greer’s Toyshop was May 2, 1968 in Highgate, London. The line-up was Chris Squire, Jon Anderson, Peter Banks, Clive Bailey and Bob Hagger.
Yes played their first show at East Mersey Youth Camp in England on August 4, 1968. Soon after this, they opened for Cream at their 1968 Farewell Concert from Royal Albert Hall. Early on, influenced by bands like 1-2-3 (later Clouds)[2], the group earned a reputation for taking other people's songs and drastically changing them into expanded, progressive compositions. In September, they subbed for an absent Sly and The Family Stone at Blaise's and as a result of that appearance gained a residency at The Marquee club. Soon after, they made their second radio appearance on John Peel's programme (after previously having played the show as Mabel Greer's Toyshop) and, when Melody Maker columnist Tony Wilson selected them and Led Zeppelin as the two bands "Most Likely To Succeed" (as he states on the liner notes of the band's debut LP), it appeared that their future was assured.
Their eponymous debut album was released on July 25, 1969. The harmony vocals of Anderson and Squire were an immediate trademark of the Yes sound. The band's optimistic, vaguely futuristic outlook on the world was delivered with a combination of melody and virtuosity. Standout tracks were a jazzy take on The Byrds "I See You" and the album closer, "Survival", which displayed the band's vocal harmonies and deft song-construction. Notably, the album was given a favourable review by Lester Bangs in Rolling Stone magazine, which described the band as promising, the album displaying a "sense of style, taste and subtlety".[3]
In 1970, the band released their second album, this time accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra. Time and a Word featured mostly original compositions and two cover songs, Richie Havens's "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed", and "Everydays" by Stephen Stills, originally recorded by Buffalo Springfield. The reworking of Havens' song also included excerpts from the theme song of the movie The Big Country. Although musically exceptional in terms of melody delivery, the orchestra (and keyboardist Tony Kaye) overpowered Banks and much of the vocal work, leaving Time and a Word somewhat uneven. Before the album's release, guitarist Peter Banks was asked to leave and ex-Tomorrow guitarist Steve Howe was hired. Howe was included in the front cover photo of the American release despite not having played on the album.(Source: Wilkipedia) More information is here

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd are an English rock band that earned recognition for their psychedelic rock music, and, as they evolved, for their avant-garde progressive rock music. They are known for philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative cover art, and elaborate live shows. One of rock music's most successful and influential acts, the group has sold over 250 million albums worldwide[1] and an estimated 73.5 million albums in the United States alone.[2]
Pink Floyd had moderate success in the late 1960s as a psychedelic band led by the late Syd Barrett; however, Barrett's erratic behaviour forced his colleagues to eventually replace him with guitarist and singer David Gilmour. After Barrett's departure, singer and bass player Roger Waters gradually became the band's leader and main songwriter. Under Waters' leadership, the band recorded several albums, achieving worldwide success with The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). In 1985, Waters declared Pink Floyd defunct, but the remaining members, led by Gilmour, continued recording and touring under the name, enjoying commercial success and eventually reaching a settlement with Waters over the use of the name.
Waters performed with the band for the first time in 24 years on July 2, 2005 at the London Live 8 concert, playing to Pink Floyd's biggest audience ever. (Source: Wilkipedia) Visit here and know more

Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull are a Grammy Award winning English rock band that formed in 1967-1968[1]. Their music is marked by the distinctive vocal style and lead flute work of front man Ian Anderson. Initially playing blues rock with an experimental flavour, they have, over the years, incorporated elements of classical, folk and 'ethnic' musics, jazz and art rock. Eclectic influences, diverse instrumentation, and often elaborate song construction led them to be labelled as an archetypal "progressive rock" band.(Source: Wilkipedia) Click here to find out more

Genesis

Genesis are an English rock band formed in 1967. With approximately 150 million albums sold worldwide, Genesis are among the top 30 highest-selling recording artists of all time.[1] In 1988 the band won a Grammy Award for Best Concept Music Video. Genesis' members have included Peter Gabriel, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, Steve Hackett and Phil Collins, all of whom have achieved success as solo artists.
Genesis began as a 1960s pop band playing moody, simple guitar-driven melodies. During the 1970s they evolved into a progressive rock band and began to incorporate complex song structures and elaborate instrumentation, while their concerts took on a more theatrical tone. This second phase was characterised by lengthy performances such as the twenty-three minute "Supper's Ready" and, in 1974, the concept album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. The 1980s saw the band produce more accessible pop music based on melodic hooks; this change of direction gave them their first number one album in the United Kingdom, Duke, and their only number one single in the United States, "Invisible Touch".
Genesis have changed personnel several times. Collins, previously the band's drummer, replaced Gabriel as lead singer in 1975, and was replaced by former Stiltskin singer Ray Wilson for the 1997 album Calling All Stations. Due to the commercial failure of that album, the band announced an indefinite hiatus. In October 2006, Collins, Rutherford and Banks reunited for a world tour.(Source: Wilkipedia) Follow the link to find out more

Gentle Giant

Gentle Giant was formed by Derek, Ray and Phil Shulman in 1970 after they dissolved their soul/pop band Simon Dupree and the Big Sound in 1969 . The brothers joined with Gary Green, Kerry Minnear, and a succession of drummers to produce a series of twelve albums throughout the 1970s, finally dissolving quietly in 1980.
Their earlier albums were more eclectic and experimental than the later ones. By 1974, as they started to gather an American following, they simplified their songs (which, compared to other rock artists at the time, were still very complex) to gain a wider audience. Free Hand reached the Top 50 in the U.S.
By 1977, as cultural trends in the music shifted toward punk and New Wave, the band shifted toward a more commercial sound. In 1979, Gentle Giant relocated to America to record their twelfth and most mainstream album, Civilian, after which the group disbanded.(Source: Wilkipedia) More information, visit this link

The Nice

The NiceThe Nice are an English progressive rock band from the 1960s, known for their unique blend of rock, jazz and classical music. Keith Emerson, a keyboardist, formed the group and released their debut, The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack to immediate acclaim; this is often considered the first progressive rock album. The Nice is also the forerunner to the much more widely known band Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
Besides Emerson, the group also included bassist/vocalist Lee Jackson, drummer Brian Davison, and guitarist David O'List, more commonly known as "Davy". All the members of the band are from England.(Source: Wilkipedia). Click here to find out more

Canadian Invasion

Rush is one of the foundations of progressive rock music and they are so remarkable.

Rush is a Canadian rock band comprised of bassist, keyboardist, and vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. Rush was formed in the summer of 1968, in the neighbourhood of Willowdale in Toronto, Ontario, by Lifeson, Lee, and John Rutsey. Peart replaced Rutsey on drums in July 1974, two weeks before the group's first U.S. tour, to complete the present lineup.[1][2] Since the release of the band's self-titled debut album in 1974 Rush has become known for the instrumental virtuosity of its members, complex compositions, and eclectic lyrical motifs drawing heavily on science fiction, fantasy, and individualist libertarian philosophy, as well as addressing humanitarian and environmental concerns.
Musically, Rush has changed its style dramatically over the years, beginning in the vein of blues-inspired heavy metal on their eponymous debut to styles encompassing hard rock, progressive rock, a period dominated by synthesizers and, more recently, modern rock. Rush's three decades of continued success under the lineup of Lee, Lifeson, and Peart have earned the band the respect of their musical peers. Rush has influenced various modern artists such as Metallica,[3] The Smashing Pumpkins[4] and Primus,[4] as well as many notable progressive metal bands such as Dream Theater[3] and Symphony X.[5]
Rush has been awarded several Juno Awards[6] and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994.[7] Over the course of their career, the individual members of Rush have been recognized as some of the most proficient players on their respective instruments with each member winning several awards in magazine readers' polls.[8] As a whole, Rush boasts 23 gold records and 14 platinum (3 multi-platinum) records, making them one of the best-selling rock bands in history. These statistics place Rush fifth behind The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, KISS and Aerosmith for the most consecutive gold and platinum albums by a rock band.[9] Rush ranks 78th in U.S. album sales according to the RIAA with sales of 24.5 million units.[10] Although total worldwide album sales are not calculated by any single entity, as of 2004 several industry sources estimated Rush's total worldwide album sales at over 35 million units sold.[11][12]
The band is currently promoting their latest album, Snakes & Arrows. An intercontinental concert tour began June 13, 2007. To know more, visit here

American Invasion

Kansas might be the most popular legendary progressive rock band that American has ever had. Kansas is an American progressive rock band who became a major arena rock group in the late 1970s. The band's biggest hit singles are "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind." Kansas has remained a classic rock radio staple and a popular touring act throughout both North America and Europe(Source: Wilkipedia).

More information about them is here