The Show That Never Ends

The Show That Never Ends: The Rise and Fall of Prog Rock By David Weigel National Geographic Books, 2018 This is the story of progressive rock, a genre that dominated the 1970s charts with its complex soundscapes and ambitious concept albums. From Yes to Pink Floyd, Genesis to Emerson Lake & Palmer, prog sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide. But what made this music so distinctive? Washington Post national reporter David Weigel explores the history of prog rock, tracing its popularity from the success of Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade of Pale" and the Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin". He delves into the creation of iconic albums like The Dark Side of the Moon, Thick as a Brick, and Tubular Bells, and examines how new instruments like synthesizers and flutes became integral to the genre. Prog rock's excesses were both its greatest strength and weakness. Weigel reveals how this complex music arose from earlier influences like the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds and the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper, and how it evolved over time. With access to key figures in the prog scene, David Weigel offers a candid look at the genre's most celebrated musicians. Through its history, prog rock has been both celebrated and ridiculed. This book provides a nuanced exploration of this fascinating genre, one that will appeal to music lovers and anyone interested in the cultural context of the 1970s.