For example, when I tell someone about Arena or Jadis I simply say "... they're a current UK prog band"

Because the neo doesn't signify anything anyway to people who know very little about prog genres, if anything at all, but who at least know what prog is.

In other words has neo outlived its usefullness?

As I write this, I am listening to The Unquiet Sky album (Arena) 

   

As I see it, it's a term (like all good terms) used in relation to not only a particular movement but a particular style as well, 

and as long a band plays/makes albums mainly in this style, it gives a good meaning to call them "Neo-Prog".

- I find also this procedure to be a good general rule when using terms.

Talking to people who know very little about prog is of course very different. I had trouble even convincing someone a while back that prog rock even existed! So that's another problem altogether.

BTW, a bit off topic but there was some nice coverage of the King Crimson 50 year anniversary film on the BBC this morning. Mark Kermode reviewed the film and was very positive. There is hope!

Thanks, but I don't remember my Neo Prog Top 30 looking anything like the above list. 

I feel the same to some extent; the emergence of bands like Marillion, Pendragon, IQ and Solstice came about at a time when there was also a resurgence in british heavy metal, heavier more politically orientated punk and a thriving UK reggae scene and i remember a real cross over of interest in music of all sorts and a much less polarised and more cross pollenated views about music. The early to mid 1980's did have a vibe about it (in the UK anyway) that music and the people into it were being less tribal.. some great and groundbreaking music has come out of that.

But how about calling newer bands which play in the 80's Neo-Prog style for "new Neo-Prog".

Really?? Neo neo prog.. for gawds sake.. 

That's not what I said, and what is your suggestion?

You did. neo = new

Anyway, that's what I call it, or it could be "modern Neo-Prog". 

I don't think the bands presently active who use a style and sound of the greats should be allowed to usurp the "progressive rock" genre because then we diminish and dishonor the angular experimentalists of the progressive rock movement like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Area, Comus, Henry Cow, post ItCotCK King Crimson, Magma, Univers Zero, The Residents, Art Zoyd, Änglagård, and all the modern Post Rock, Math Rock, Folk Rock, Chamber Rock, AltrOck, and Cuneiform bands and albums. The bands Paul lists are not to be mistaken for all that is modern progressive rock music, n'est-ce pas?

nicely put! 

Oh, Spock's are Symph.... thru and thru.

Excellent post, Rich, as usual.

I also think what has too often been understated about Neo is the valuable role it has played over the past 40 years, as a bridge for many mainstream rock and pop listeners, to explore more challenging material. Irrespective of what you think about Marillion, if they hadn't plugged the gaping void in the early 80's, many of my generation whose homes were not blessed with an array of their parents Pink Floyd albums whilst growing up, possibly wouldn't have found a gateway to more ambitious bands.. 

Prog imitators and artists inspired by the sounds and styles of the "classic era" are verily attempting to move the genre forward--to create new and exciting music. I guess I get tripped up by my innate desire to hear new innovations in sound and musical expression.