Porcupine Tree Tickets

Porcupine Tree - A Band Penned As "The Leaders of the New Psychedelic Wave"

Porcupine Tree is an English rock band from Hemel Hempstead, England, active from 1987 to 2021. During its 32-year tenure the band recorded eleven studio albums and one live album, in addition to various other recordings. Characterised as "the leaders of the new psychedelic progressive wave" by music critics, the band featured musicians diverse in their influences, adding elements of alternative rock, post-rock, pop, metal, and electronica to their sound.

Origin and Formation :

The band was formed in 1987 by Richard Allen, who named the band after a dream he had, wherein he was confronted by a giant porcupine. Joining Allen in the lineup were Chris Maitland, Colin Edwin, and Richard Barbieri. The band released their first official recording, the three-track demo Voyage 34, in 1991.

Band History :

From their humble origins, Porcupine Tree began to focus more on tights, mid-tempo songs inspired by the pop sensibilities of early '90s shoegaze bands, eventually graduating to more extravagant arrangements. This was evinced in the band's first proper albums, 1993's On the Sunday of Life and 1995's The Sky Moves Sideways, featuring a strong and varied mix of influences ranging from progressive rock, industrial and ambient music.

The lineup shifted over the years with the addition of Stevens in 1997 and Aloha in 2002, with Wilson taking an increasingly active role in the group's musical direction. During their time together the band released the ambitious double album Deadwing (2005), the electronic-gearhead epic Fear of a Blank Planet (2007), and the experimental concept album The Incident (2009).

Band Members's Chronology :

• Richard Allen (Guitar/Vocals; 1987–present)
• Chris Maitland (Drums; 1987–1995)
• Colin Edwin (Bass; 1987–present)
• Richard Barbieri (Synths; 1987–present)
• Gavin Harrison (Drums; 2002–present)
• Jono Stevens (Vocals; 1997–2006)
• John Wesley (Guitar; 2000–present)

Similar Artists & Influences :

Aside from the core members listed above, Porcupine Tree has featured a variety of guest musicians and band associates, including John Wesley, Nick Barrett, and Surroundings. While there may be a few influences shared by the band, the style, and the method of composition, the band has consistently held individual interpretations of the progressive rock genre and creatively evolved over the years. The music of Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson displays a wide range of musical influences. These range from Pink Floyd, King Crimson and Rush to Massive Attack, Boards of Canada and Tool.

Famous Songs :

Among the famous Porcupine Tree songs are "Lazarus" from Deadwing, which was nominated for a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance, "The Sound of Muzak" from In Absentia, and the title track from The Incident. Other notable songs include "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" from Deadwing, "Buying New Soul" from Lightbulb Sun, "Blackest Eyes" from In Absentia, and "Stupid Dream" from Lightbulb Sun.

Porcupine Tree was a beloved and iconic progressive rock band that kept pushing boundaries and innovating throughout their career. While the band ceased to exist in 2021, their legacy survived through the music they had released and the many bands they have influenced. Their mix of hit songs, diverse lineup, and groundbreaking albums have left a lasting impression on the progressive rock scene.