Prog Magazine Presents
The Inaugural
Orange Amplification
PROGRESSIVE MUSIC AWARDS
In Association With Currencies.co.uk
Kew Gardens, London
Genesis, Pink Floyd, Rick Wakeman, Rush, Steven Wilson Among 2012 Winners
06/08/12 The verdant and historic Kew Gardens was the serene setting for the first ever Orange Amplification presents the Progressive Music Awards, in association with currencies.co.uk. The intimate evening, created by Prog Magazine, was hosted by world-renowned journalist and Newsnight presenter Gavin Esler.
The inaugural event brought together and celebrated the pioneers, innovators and present-day torchbearers of the prog rock scene. With ten awards given out on the night, the Progressive Music Awards is a gathering of some of the most successful rock musicians of all time. Between them, the winners have sold almost one billion albums to fans all over the world.
Gavin Esler, the evening’s host, says: “I’ve been delighted to have hosted the first ever Progressive Music Awards. Like prog itself I know the awards will go on for many years. For those who won – many congratulations. For all those who took part – you are to be congratulated for helping cheer us all up. From great legends like Rick Wakeman and Rush to new bands like TesseracT and Anathema – progressive music is alive and well and living all over the world. You are opening ears and minds and hearts. These awards have been a long time coming. I expect that in a few years we will think that the Prog Oscars have always been here.”
Jerry Ewing, editor of Prog Magazine, says: “These awards have been a long time coming. But certainly when one considers the enormous amount of success that progressive artists have garnered over the past four decades, and perhaps more importantly, the enjoyment they have given millions of fans over the years, it felt only right that we give something back. And this evening’s awards have done just that. Doffing Prog Magazine’s cap to the world’s most innovative and inspiring musicians has been an honour.”
Chris Ingham, Future Group Publisher, adds: “An award ceremony to celebrate prog rock is something that we had been thinking about since the inception of Prog Magazine. With its ongoing success, and a rejuvenation of the genre, we felt this was the perfect time to do it. And the evening’s success is testament to the genre, the artists and the market-defying strength of Future’s Prog brand.”
The evening’s winners:
The Prog God Award [Sponsored by Orange Amplification] celebrates the people that without them, prog and rock music would be a lesser place. This year’s recipient is one of the most respected and celebrated keyboardists in the world of music. Rick Wakeman is an innovator of the instrument, a composer and songwriter. He has sold over 50 million solo albums alone, and has co-wrote and performed on seven Yes albums.
Rick Wakeman says: “I’m very proud indeed. I’ve always believed that these days there is hardly a band or musician anywhere who haven’t used some element of prog in their music. It’s all about freedom of expression, which in my case is often in seven different time signatures! I am genuinely very very proud to get this award.”
The Guiding Light Award (Sponsored by currencies.co.uk) is for people who keep pushing the boundaries, inspiring others and keep prog in the public eye. This year’s recipient is Steven Wilson, best known for being the founder member of Porcupine Tree but also one of the most sought after producers working in music today.
Carl Palmer is one of the most respected drummers of all time, and the Virtuoso Award [Sponsored by KEF] is about celebrating the cream of the crop. In a career spanning 40+ years Carl has drummed in The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Asia and Atomic Rooster to name but a few.
Genesis are the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award [Sponsored by Prog Rocks!]. 150 million plus album sales, groundbreaking and innovative in everything they have done, there are very few musicians in the world who compare to their vast achievements.
The Visionary Award [Sponsored by Eagle Rock] is about the spirit of prog independence and for those who make their own niche in a progressive direction. Peter Hammill throughout his career has challenged his listeners. His work ranges from short simple riff-based songs to highly complex lengthy pieces with Van Der Graaf Generator.
Rush’s first album in five years ‘Clockwork Angels’ was winner of the Album Of The Year [Sponsored by InsideOut]. The recording started back in April 2010 and is the band’s 20th studio album.
The Anthem Award [Sponsored by Roadrunner Records] – The most creative songs of the past 12 months, was the title track from Squackett’s album ‘A Life Within A Day’. This much anticipated album is the work of Genesis’ Steve Hackett and Yes’ Chris Squire.
Grand Design Award celebrates the artistic achievement for the raft of special and deluxe editions that populate the modern progressive genre, and none have done so more than Pink Floyd’s ‘Immersion Reissues’.
Two of Anathema’s shows this year have been quite simply mind blowing. Koko on 3rd May was one of the most critically well received live shows of the past 12 months, while their Union Chapel acoustic show on 16th November was very different yet still captivating. These two shows are winners of the Live Event [Sponsored by Esoteric/Cherry Red].
Progressive metallers TesseracT are winners of the reader voted New Blood Award [Sponsored by Kscope] – The best up and coming act of the year. Having released their debut album ‘One’ in 2011 to critical acclaim and touring constantly, 2012 has been about writing their second album, which is due to release later this year.
Prog Magazine has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2009, and has had a market-defying three years at the forefront of the prog scene. Originally part of the Classic Rock Magazine brand, Prog became its own entity this year and continues to find success, and The Progressive Music Awards are a credit to this. Having been embraced by prog’s affluent and notably dedicated cult following, the magazine has established itself at the heart of this most unique and underground of rock scenes.
Award Winners List:
New Blood [Sponsored by Kscope] TesseracT
Live Event [Sponsored by Esoteric/Cherry Red] Anathema
Grand Design Pink Floyd. ‘Immersion Reissues’
Anthem [Sponsored by Roadrunner Records] Squacket, ‘A Life Within A Day’
Album Of The Year [Sponsored by InsideOut] Rush ‘Clockwork Angels’
Visionary [Sponsored by Eagle Rock] Peter Hammill
Lifetime Achievement [Sponsored by Prog Rocks!] Genesis
Virtuoso [Sponsored by KEF] Carl Palmer
Guiding Light (Sponsored by currencies.co.uk) Steven Wilson
Prog God [Sponsored by Orange Amplification] Rick Wakeman
For more information please contact Ben Pester, Communications Manager at ben.pester@futurenet.com or 0207 042 4035 and 07737 138 384
**Ends**
Editors Notes:
About Future plc:
Future plc is an international media group and leading digital publisher, listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: FUTR). Founded in 1985 with one magazine, today we have operations in the UK, US and Australia creating 200 special-interest publications, apps, websites and events. We hold market-leading positions in Games, Film, Music, Technology, Cycling, Automotive and Crafts. Our biggest-selling products include T3, Total Film, Classic Rock and Official Xbox Magazine. Our websites include gamesradar.com, bikeradar.com, musicradar.com and techradar.com (the UK’s number one consumer technology website). Future sells 2.2 million magazines each month; we attract more than 40 million monthly unique visitors to our websites; and we deliver over 100 digital editions and bespoke apps on tablet. Future exports or syndicates publications to 89 countries, making us the UK’s number one exporter and licensor of magazine content. Future was named Consumer Digital Publisher of the Year for the second year running at the Association of Online Publishers Awards 2012.
About Orange Amplification:
Founded in 1968 by Cliff Cooper, Orange Amps have always been a pioneering force in guitar amplification and built their reputation on delivering high quality without compromise on construction and tone. Known as the best British guitar amplifier manufacturer for both design and build, the company were awarded The Queens Award for Enterprise and International Trade in 2006 and 2009, the highest award that the Queen can confer on a UK company and it is recognised throughout the world.
Contact:
USA info@orangeusa.com or outside USA info@omec.com
Tel ; +44 208 905 2828
Fax ; +44 208 905 2868
About Currencies.co.uk:
Recognised for its market leading exchange rates* and award-winning customer service**, Currencies.co.uk, otherwise known as Foreign Currency Direct, has been providing its 43,000 private clients with quick and simple foreign exchange trades and international money transfers for 12 years.
Service is the cornerstone of the business. Founded by the forefather of the industry, Peter Ellis, currencies.co.uk lives and breathes foreign exchange and always aims to pass on the benefit of its expertise direct to the clientbase. The business keeps its clients fully informed on how international events and economic decisions will directly affect their finances. A small difference in the exchange rate can make a huge difference in your pocket.
The Progressive Music Awards are sponsored by:
