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Music genre

Progressive rock

Progressive rock is a music genre that emerged in United Kingdom in the 1960s. It is usually classed as a form of rock music and progressive music. Its influences include classical music. Explore its 5 subgenres, key artists and related styles.

About Progressive rock

Progressive rock is a music genre that emerged in United Kingdom in the 1960s. It is usually classed as a form of rock music and progressive music. Its influences include classical music.

Artists closely associated with the genre include Queen, Freddie Mercury, Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, Alla Pugacheva and 30 Seconds to Mars.

Progressive rock has given rise to 5 subgenres on this site, such as Canterbury scene, Italian progressive rock, Avant-prog and Brutal prog.

From Wikipedia

Progressive rock (shortened to prog rock or simply prog) is a broad genre of rock music that primarily developed in the United States and United Kingdom through the mid- to late 1960s. Initially termed "progressive pop", the style emerged from psychedelic bands who abandoned standard pop or rock traditions in favour of instrumental and compositional techniques more commonly associated with jazz, folk, or classical music, while retaining the instrumentation typical of rock music. Additional elements contributed to its "progressive" label: lyrics were more poetic, technology was harnessed for new sounds, music approached the condition of "art", and the studio, rather than the stage, became the focus of musical activity, which often involved creating music for listening rather than dancing.

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Progressive rock.

Key artists

  • Queen
  • Freddie Mercury
  • Pink Floyd
  • Frank Zappa
  • Alla Pugacheva
  • 30 Seconds to Mars
  • The Who
  • Duran Duran
  • Phil Collins
  • Brian May

Related genres

Frequently asked questions

What is Progressive rock?

Progressive rock is a music genre that emerged in United Kingdom in the 1960s. It is usually classed as a form of rock music and progressive music. Its influences include classical music.

Where and when did Progressive rock originate?

Progressive rock originated in United Kingdom in the 1960s.

Who are famous Progressive rock artists?

Queen, Freddie Mercury, Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, Alla Pugacheva and 30 Seconds to Mars.

Sources & credits