BIG FIVE

Crazy talk. As others have stated, for the most part, these are the "Originators" of the genre so why would you need to change that? If you feel the need to glorify the modern era artists that have "FOLLOWED" in their footsteps then knock yourself out. You've quoted three decades to pick from, that should tell you something. Even current prog bands run their course, Dream Theatre being an example. They came on strong with some good albums but have fallen into a dull and boring metal sound that has little to nothing to do with progressive music. But that's a discussion for another time.

BTW, to Horizons, ELP is NOT bad. They were without a doubt extremely talented and innovators in the field of music. You obviously just don't like them. Comments like that are useless in a conversation.

The old Big 5:

Il Rovescio Della Medaglia
Alex Oriental Experience
Kaamos
Cardeilhac
Musica Urbana

The new Big 5:

Duobetic Homunkulus
Flies Are Spies From Hell
Amps For Christ
Hyrrokkin
Bubblemath

...facts is facts

Some great thoughts all around in this thread so far and I agree with most from what I've read here, although not seeing RUSH as a big 5 has my eye brow raised higher than that of a Mötley Crew's night at the rippers.

In my time and experience through extensive Prog explorations I do have to say that 'Genesis' are the absolute kings of the genre. Just my opinion though.

As far as the 90's and 21st century goes I do think Dream Theater have become a very big household name in the progosphere, and I'm not saying that because I'm a huge fan of their music but mainly because they actually are quite popular and well received....Except here on PA LOL]

Not many Prog bands have sold over 12 million albums, but DT have. That has to say something.

If I were to replace a band, it would likely be Floyd – replaced by Tull.

ELP must remain. They're too unique. Same with Crimson. Genesis I've never thought of a "symph" band. ELP is classical rock, and the Yes brand of symph is quite different. Floyd became very popular but they're pretty much a glorified psych band, IMO.

For all time it would be:

Yes
Pink Floyd
Genesis
King Crimson
ELP

Pretty much no argument.

For the post seventies it would be:

Anglagard
Marillion
Porcupine Tree
Flower Kings
Spock's Beard

I didn't put DT in there because they are prog metal.

Any modern list would have to include Tool. The sheer number of modern prog metal bands that incorporate the Tool sound is proof.

Horizons wrote: The Mars Volta Porcupine Tree Marillion Sigur Ros Dream Theater For modern?

Sounds good to me.

ProgSword wrote: IMO Pink Floyd Yes ELP Jethro Tull Were the big four based on commercial success. King Crimson was always a niche. The big four last decade was... Dream Theater Porcupine Tree Opeth The Mars Volta Not really sure what this decade's big Proggers are though. I guess Haken is trying to take up that mantle.

Thanks for the response but I guess what I meant to say who is most popular now in Europe out of the top 5. Probably too hard to say.

Edited by SteveG - June 23 2014 at 15:52

octopus-4 wrote: We should give a better definition to the word "big". In terms of dimensions, Greg Lake is currently one of the biggest (but also the former Camel Doug Ferguson is).

I'm out of touch with who's popular in Europe right now Luca (from the big five), can you quickly fill me in?

Edited by SteveG - June 23 2014 at 15:37

We should give a better definition to the word "big". In terms of dimensions, Greg Lake is currently one of the biggest (but also the former Camel Doug Ferguson is).