THE PROG READERS’ POLL 2020
In some ways 2020 will forever be tagged with the epithet of ‘the year we’d rather forget’, what with Covid-19 running rampant and impacting our lives in ways many of us had never previously imagined. And yet it’s also been a year in which we’ve seen artists adapting to the ‘new normal’ by connecting with fans via a slew of online events, and, in a lot of cases, releasing albums just as they would in any ‘normal’ year. So then, this is the annual Prog Magazine Readers’ Poll. Owing to the cancellation of most live shows, we’ve dropped the Venue category (although I sincerely hope we’ll be voting on venues and gigs this time next year), and your response to those cancellations is reflected in the obvious winner of the Disappointment category. As for the rest, well, it really has been business as usual. And despite the pandemic, business has been good. Thank you to everyone who voted and congratulations to all the winners and runners-up. Long live prog in 2021.
Jerry Ewing – Editor
MARILLION: PRESS/ANNE-MARIE FORKER
BAND
1. MARILLION
2. BIG BIG TRAIN
3. DREAM THEATER
4. FISH
5. THE PINEAPPLE THIEF
6. PENDRAGON
7. LUNATIC SOUL
8. HAKEN
9. CALIGULA’S HORSE
10. NICK MASON’S SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS
“After what has probably been the strangest year of our lives, we feel very honoured to have won Band Of The Year – a serious accolade when we ponder the many brilliant and accomplished bands out there. Thank you to Prog and, of course, to everyone who voted for us. We’re thrilled to bits. We’ll raise a glass, and toast being with you all again in a better 2021. Love and handstands.”
Marillion
UNSIGNED BAND
1. ESTHESIS (www.esthesis.bandcamp.com)