M is for… Moody Blues

Although they began life as an R’N’B outfit with their 1964 hit Go Now, with 1967’s groundbreaking Days Of Future Passed album The Moody Blues helped invent symphonic prog.

Originally their label wanted the band to record a rock version of Dvorak’s New World Symphony, but they had other ideas, recording their own concept piece featuring the smash Nights In White Satin. From there they’ve never moved back, and still command stadium audiences in America to this day.

M is also for… Marillion

Of all the bands who came through in the 80s prog revival, Marillion were by far the most successful, reaching number one in the UK with their third album Misplaced Childhood. The band survived the loss of original singer Fish and went on to even greater success with his replacement Steve Hogarth, who fronts the band to this day.