Prog Magazine has announced that Genesis keyboardist Tony Banks has been named the Prog God for 2015, and he’ll accept the honor at this year’s Progressive Music Awards in London.
The Prog God Award, presented by Orange Amplification, is given to the greatest innovators in the genre. Rick Wakeman, Ian Anderson and Peter Gabriel are the previous recipients.
Banks says: “I’m not normally picked out for this recognition – in fact, I’ve spent my entire career trying not to be noticed. Now someone has seen through my clever disguise. I’m really gratified to get this award. It’s nice to know people appreciate the music I’ve helped create.”
He adds: “Being in such rarified company is also something I’m delighted about – Rick, Ian and Peter are probably the first people you think of when you mention the bands they’re most associated with. But I see myself as representing the backroom boys of prog, who are often overlooked.”
Late Yes bassist Chris Squire will also be honoured at the gala night as the Virtuoso Award has been renamed in his memory.
Orange Amplification presents the Progressive Music Awards in association with currencies.co.uk on September 3, in the Underglobe at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London.
