Where’s home?
A small village in rural Northumberland called Warkworth. It has an impressive castle and sits in an oxbow of the River Coquet.
What’s your earliest prog memory?
As a teenager I saw Steve Hillage at Newcastle City Hall, around 1977, and received a free single [pictured left]. It seemed like another world to the classic rock I’d been listening to, and opened my eyes to musical possibilities.
The first prog album bought?
Sunburst Finish by Be-Bop Deluxe, if you count that as prog. I certainly do.
And the last?
The self-released [and self-titled] debut album by a local outfit called Unit8. It’s gentle and melodic, and I’ve enjoyed it in the car very much.
First prog gig?
Steve Hillage, then it was Barclay James Harvest, also at Newcastle City Hall, in 1980.
And the latest?
I was at Fusion4 festival in Stourport [in March, with IQ, Solstice and Cyan among those on the bill] and all the bands were great. I wouldn’t like to single one out.
Best prog gig you ever saw?
Big Big Train at Newcastle City Hall [in 2019] was another level. David [Longdon]’s presence and voice, the art-house film telling stories in the background, a brass band for goodness sake! It was an inspiration and made me determined to drive Stuckfish to higher plains.
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