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Prog Proms night at BBC Proms spotlights Tubular Bells and prog selections

musicJul 24, 202639324

Tonight's BBC Proms program leaned heavily into progressive rock, opening with Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells and including classics such as King Crimson's The Court of the Crimson King, Karn Evil 9 First Impression II, and 21st Century Schizoid Man. Peter Hammill performed Van Der Graaf Generator's 'Refugees' at age 77, with multiple viewers calling his appearance 'astounding' and praising his vocal form. Gruff Rhys's rendition of an Incredible String Band piece and Vanessa Haynes singing Pink Floyd's 'The Great Gig in the Sky' also drew positive attention. Other viewers faulted the event for poor vocal choices, long running time, and omission of favored prog acts such as Camel's Snowgoose, with one attendee calling much of the bill 'ball-retractingly horrible' except for the headline items. The slot pushed Top of the Pops later in the schedule, prompting commentary about programming decisions as well as jokes about on-screen QR codes and licence reminders.

Rob Chapman
@scribblerrob.bsky.social

Just turned on this prog prom. The ability of classically trained musicians on these gimmick proms, whether its prog or northern soul, to make everything sound like Raymond Lefevre or a BBC session orchestra never ceases to amaze me.

178h ago
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