Progressive Rock Bands That Punk Musicians Respected and Liked
The mutual admiration between progressive rock bands and punk musicians might seem unlikely at first glance, given the stark differences in musical style and cultural attitudes. However, a closer look reveals several cases where progressive rock's innovative spirit earned respect from the punk scene. This article explores the relationship between these two genres, highlighting instances where one influenced the other.
Innovative Spirit at the Heart of Respect
Several progressive rock bands have gained the admiration of punk musicians, despite their vastly different approaches to music and culture. This mutual respect often stemmed from the innovative spirit of progressive rock, even if punk musicians were critical of what they saw as pretentiousness in these bands. Below are notable examples of such bands.
Pink Floyd
Leading the pack is Pink Floyd, known for their groundbreaking concept albums and innovative compositions. The band's influence is evident in the work of many punk musicians, who acknowledged their artistic contributions. The Damned and members of the Sex Pistols have specifically mentioned their respect for Pink Floyd's work. Their ability to push boundaries in terms of sound and lyrics aligns with the punk ethos of questioning societal norms.
King Crimson
King Crimson is another notable band that has garnered respect from the punk scene. Known for their complex compositions and willingness to experiment, King Crimson's musicianship and innovative sound inspired punk bands like Wire. The band's pioneering approach to rock music laid the groundwork for many punk musicians who were looking to break free from traditional structures.
Genesis
In their early years, with Peter Gabriel at the helm, Genesis challenged genre boundaries in their theatricality and storytelling. While punk musicians might have been critical of the perceived pretentiousness of Genesis, their creative spirit resonated with some punk artists. For instance, members of The Clash admired Gest's experimental nature and their ability to blend various musical elements in a unique way.
Yes
While Yes leans more towards a melodic and symphonic style, their musicianship was acknowledged even in the punk scene, especially for their bold experimentation. The band's willingness to push musical boundaries aligns with the punk spirit of innovation and rebellion against norms.
David Bowie
David Bowie is another influential figure who bridged the gap between progressive rock and punk. Although not strictly a progressive rock artist, Bowie's eclectic style and genre-blending approach—including elements of glam rock and progressive rock—made him a respected figure among many punk musicians. Lewis Walpole, a writer and cultural historian, noted Bowie's significance in the context of genre overlap.
Examples of Genre Blending Collaborations
The mutual respect between these genres is also evident in musical collaborations. For instance, King Crimson leader Gary Patton produced the album "Loose Talk" by punk band Treason in 2006, showcasing the possibility of bridging these worlds.
The Chicago-based punk band The Dickies even did a punk cover of The Moodies’ “Nights in White Satin,” which caught the attention of The Moodies' lead singer Justin Hayward. In an interview, Hayward described it as an exciting version of the original.
Similarly, punk icon Iggy Pop appeared on Ryuichi Sakamoto's album "Risky" in the 1990s, demonstrating the lasting impact of their music and collaborative spirit.
The Silver Lining of Progressivism in Punk
Not all progressive rock bands were well-received by the punk scene, however. Some punk musicians were critical of perceived pretentiousness and self-indulgence, particularly in bands like Emerson, Lake Palmer (ELP) and keyboardist Rick Wakeman. King Crimson, while respected, was occasionally seen as out of touch with the disenchanted youth of the time.
Interestingly, some German punk bands had a more open relationship with progressive rock acts. For example, John Lydon/Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols was a big fan of the band Vander Graff Generator. Lemmy of Hawkwind was known to share drugs with each other, highlighting a camaraderie that transcended musical barriers.
However, the mainstream music landscape was not always hospitable. American Yacht Rock, pop teenyboppers, and retro rock 'n' roll acts remained a significant challenge for both genres, often painting a less-than-savory picture in the public eye.
Despite these challenges, the instances of genre overlap and mutual respect demonstrate the complex and often enriching relationship between progressive rock and punk music. The innovative spirit of these bands continues to inspire musicians across a wide range of styles and eras.