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Artist News: Passings...

Posted by admin on Sunday, December 11 @ 04:00:00 UTC (0 reads)

Seems this news only gets updated when someone in the prog or nearly-prog... or at least rock realm... has passed. It isn't accidental... news moves so quickly and with so many other sources... this section has fallen by the wayside...

This is, however, one of those types of posts, as we saw the news today that founder and former member of Hawkwind - Nik Turner - passed away in November. The news is probably shared in many places; here is where we noticed: Cleopatra Records.

While Fleetwood Mac were not a prog band, they were and are a band whose music I like, so I was saddened to learn of the passing of Christine McVie earlier this month. Many of their beloved classics were written by McVie. Here's hoping today's generation doesn't recall the band because "Everywhere" is being used for a Chevy commercial* (here in the US at least).

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Artist News: Yes' Alan White Passes Away

Posted by admin on Sunday, June 05 @ 12:26:47 UTC (0 reads)

In the midst of dealing with some family health matters, I have been remiss in noting here the sad news of the passing of Yes' long-time drummer Alan White. On May 26, 2022, at age 72, Alan White passed away after a short illness. Yes were to tour this month, but a few days before the start, it was announced that White would not be able to join the rest of the band... and then sadly he passed away.

White joined Yes for the Close To The Edge tour in 1972, following Bill Bruford's departure, and was with the band ever since - a feat, in a some ways, for a band that had often-shifting members (the only other mainstay, until his passing in 2015, was bassist Chris Squire). Among White's other notable collaborations is his work with John Lennon, which includes work on Imagine; with George Harrison on All Things Must Pass; as well as with Ginger Baker, Joe Cocker, Gary Wright, and Billy Preston.

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Artist News: Robby Steinhardt (Kansas) Passes Away At Age 71

Posted by admin on Sunday, July 25 @ 13:20:47 UTC (0 reads)

It's been a few days, but we saw the news about the passing of Kansas' violinist/vocalist Robby Steinhardt. Though he had not been with Kansas in a number of years, it is with them he will always be associated.

An article on his passing was posted at Rolling Stone's website.

Artist News: Damien Wilson Joins Arena

Posted by admin on Saturday, August 15 @ 16:07:55 UTC (0 reads)

While catching up (again) and updating the event calendar pages, we noticed a change in Arena's line up -- Vocalist Damien Wilson has joined, filling the vacancy left by Paul Manzi's departure.

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Artist News: [Delayed] News Round Up: Pattern Seeking Animals, Rick Wakeman, Haken, Nightwish...

Posted by admin on Saturday, June 13 @ 12:54:43 UTC (3084 reads)

While doing some data cleanup, I found these news bits I was queueing up for April! You see,I keep attempting to post some roundup of new albums coming out but then work commitments swallow me up whole and... I have to start again. This was the start again... and then... Anyway, looking behind and ahead, but in no particular order:

So, the new group Pattern-Seeking Animals released their follow up to their self-titled debut on May 15, 2020 (InsideOut Music). Called Prehensile Tales, it will feature 6 six songs, the longest at 17 minutes: "Raining Hard In Heaven," "Here In My Autumn" (the first single, view/listen below), "Elegant Vampires," "Why Don't We Run," "Lifeboat," and "Soon But Not Today."

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Artist News: Neil Peart of Rush Dies At Age 67 After 3 Year Battle With Brain Cancer

Posted by admin on Saturday, January 11 @ 17:26:58 UTC (2874 reads)

Neil Peart (c) 2009 Andrew MacNaughtonBy now, you have all heard the devastating news that Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart passed away at the age of 67 after a 3 year battle with brain cancer. Any lover of music will surely know his name and the music of Rush, if only for their signature hit "Tom Sawyer." But there were Rush albums before Moving Pictures and many after (all worthy of checking out). All of these albums marked by the three unique talents of Geddy Lee (bass, vocals, keys), Alex Lifeson (guitars, backing vocals) and Peart. Considered by many - including yours truly - to be one of the best drummers in the world, Peart also had a very personal take on the world. Influenced by Ayn Rand, among others, his lyrics were always literate and insightful. And, of course, his drumming - dynamic, powerful, subtle and always tasteful. He was not one for flash for the sake of flash. He didn't have an enormous drumkit because it looked impressive - though it did - but to bring life to tones and textures, moods...

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Artist News: Ex-Angra, Shaman Vocalist Andre Matos Passes Away

Posted by admin on Thursday, June 13 @ 11:23:52 UTC (4028 reads)

Andre Matos circa 2000It was reported yesterday that André Matos, one time vocalist with Angra and Shaman, passed away on June 8, 2019, the result of a heart attack; he was 47.

Matos is probably best known for fronting Angra, the Brazillian classically-influenced progressive/speed metal band. Their recording debut came with 1993's Angel's Cry, followed by 1996's Holy Land (my personal favourite). A couple of EPs and album later, three-fifths of Angra had left, including Matos.

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Artist News: Cast Celebrate 40th Anniversary

Posted by admin on Sunday, September 02 @ 23:35:19 UTC (4826 reads)

Mexico's Cast are celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year and celebrating in two ways. One, on October 20, 2018, Cast will perform live at CEART Mexicali - the concert is free. Visit their website for details.

Secondly, the band will this month release a live Blu-Ray, Sinfonico Live - Cast playing live accompanied by an orchestra. The band are taking pre-orders now.

Listening to the trailer (see below), I can say it sounds marvelous!

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Artist News: Frontiers Music Srl Announces Signing Of Alan Parsons!

Posted by admin on Sunday, September 02 @ 18:26:12 UTC (4684 reads)

Alan Parsons (c) FrontiersAnother news item from Frontiers to note is their signing of the legendary producer/musician Alan Parsons.

Prog fans associate Parsons mostly with his work as engineer on Abbey Road (The Beatles) and Dark Side Of The Moon (Pink Floyd), aside from his own recordings under his name and the Alan Parsons Project banner. His list of credits is far longer and far broader.

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Artist News: Hansi Cross Passes Away

Posted by admin on Saturday, August 19 @ 15:04:41 UTC (8940 reads)

Sad news to report, as we learned the other day that guitarist and Progress Records owner Hansi Cross has passed away having been battling cancer.

While I didn't know Hansi personally, I had reviewed a few of his releases, under the bandname Cross, as well as a selection of titles by others that he released via his record label. There was even an occassion where Hansi asked if I would be interested in providing artwork for an upcoming album. While that that never came to fruition, I was honored that he thought I might have (even a smidgen) of talent for it.

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