1. Syd Barrett is alive but he's dead to the world of music and from what I heard dead to the world period.

2. Shawn Lane is not really prog, but he's close enough and I'd like to hear somebody's opinion on him.

3. Please vote explicitly for all the deceased people you consider important to prog that I have missed.

4. I am aware of the fact that only a few hours ago I stated that polls were astoundingly stupid. Well, this one is intended more as a vehicle for some "what if" speculation. In which direction were these musicians' tastes inclined when they died? Do these late inclinations shed more light on their previous achievements and/or put them in a new, different perspective? I encourage you to elaborate on your choices, since I want to learn something from this poll. This is why I am allowing multiple votes. Take your time and write what you want to write.

I'm voting for Zappa, Geoff Mann and Barrett. It would seem obvious that whatever one may think of him, Zappa was one of the most versatile musicians in history; you never knew what he would come up with next. And I do wonder what kind of music he would be writing from 1993 to 2005. Geoff Mann's death robbed prog of an astounding lyricist, someone very sensitive to both the external as well as our internal world. How would he react to current events and how would he translate his reaction to word and music? And Barrett, someone whose anxieties might have fed his genius for a while but then started eating into it and left basically nothing. What if these anxieties had been tempered and he had been able to function normally? Would he have left Pink Floyd and pursued a solo career, or stayed and brought their music into a direction totally different than the one we know today? What kind of direction?

I encourage all of you to voice your opinions, regardless of how inexperienced in all things prog some of you might consider yourselves to be.

Its a wonderful thing that these guys left their mark in music. They'll never be forgotten, thanks to their talent, people like us who appreciate it and websites like this that help keep their memory alive.

I voted Zappa. I think that was very sad day for music generally.

AngelRat wrote: Phil Collins

Now now, lets not bash the poison dwarf. His contribution to prog compensates for his treachery..

maybe..

Blacksword wrote: AngelRat wrote: Phil Collins Now now, lets not bash the poison dwarf. His contribution to prog compensates for his treachery.. maybe..

 And the video to "I Can't Dance" tips the balance in his favor.

Nice thread Manunkind. Gives me a chance to further my crusade to have Geoff Mann recognised as the greatest prog lyricist ever.

'Sequences' has the best anti-war lyrics ever. His sharp insightful take on the hypocrisy of politicians in 'We Are Sane' should be essential (and compulsary) listening for anyone with an interest in lyrics.

Possibly his greatest achievement though were the lyrics to 'Love Song'. Words so simple but sung with such sincerity that he proved that wild flowery symbolism wasn't necessary to get the most important of messages across.

As important as Zappa musically? No, but a genius and someone who followed his beliefs no matter the consequences.

I voted for Shaun Guerin

I have never heard his music, only read about it. He put out two albums (in 2002 and 2003) in the vein of early Genesis. He passed away in 2003.  His music made a strong impression on Paul Whitehead who made the artwork for both albums. 

Now that is an all-time low for these forums!!!!!!

Gary Thain, IMHO the best bassist in history, just imagine what he would done with 10 or 15 years more, but if you add David Byron, the loss is multiplied, what a waste of talent.

Iván

Mategra wrote: I voted for Zappa too, he's a genius and one of the most influential musical pioneers of our times. I do respect him even if I never really have got into his music.

Please daddy tell me what to think??????????????????????

Why this questionmark, Reed Lover?

I think it's a big loss when a promising new artist dies 

I have only read good things about him.

For those who don't know: Paul Whitehead is reponsible for the artwork of Trespass, Nursery Cryme and Foxtrot, and Pawn Hearts and H to He.

ivan_2068 wrote: Gary Thain, IMHO the best bassist in history, just imagine what he would done with 10 or 15 years more, but if you add David Byron, the loss is multiplied, what a waste of talent. Iván

Sad to say I've never heard of them, but one of the reasons I came to this forum is to learn. Could you tell me what band(s) they played in? 

Mategra wrote: Why this questionmark, Reed Lover? I think it's a big loss when a promising new artist dies  I have only read good things about him. For those who don't know: Paul Whitehead is reponsible for the artwork of Trespass, Nursery Cryme and Foxtrot, and Pawn Hearts and H to He.

but you've never heard him !

Manunkind wrote:

Sad to say I've never heard of them, but one of the reasons I came to this forum is to learn. Could you tell me what band(s) they played in?

Gary Thain was the bassist of the definitive and classical formation of Uriah Heep, his style was absolutely unique and IMO perfect, he had a severe problem with heroin which became worst after he almost died on stage because an electric shock caused by his bass, his behaviour became so erratic that he was separeted from the band and died a year later on OD.

David Byron was the founding vocalist of Uriah Heep and died because a problem related with alcohol, his vocal range was amazing, he could reach the highest notes and was also good with the low ranges.

Iván

Since I am such a fan of Piper, my vote goes to Barrett

"Geoff Mann's death ,although tragic,did at least lead to Pete Nicholls returning to IQ and thereby releasing 2 of my favourite prog albums in 'Ever' and 'The Seventh House'.Not sure of the whole background story though.Perhaps someone else can fill in?"

you forgot subterranea!

Mategra wrote: I voted for Shaun Guerin I have never heard his music, only read about it. He put out two albums (in 2002 and 2003) in the vein of early Genesis. He passed away in 2003.  His music made a strong impression on Paul Whitehead who made the artwork for both albums.

The Genesis influence is patent in the vocals as Shaun is a PG 'clone'. Otherwise the music reminds a lot of the Rudess-Morgenstein project.