Why does the USA still love Prog?

[PFD]

I'm not so sure I agree with your main premise. I think classic prog bands still gather a crowd in Britain. Yes still tours there, as does Jethro Tull, (when Ian's not fish farming).

I know of bands, on the other hand, that can perform to far more people in Britain than the USA. Marillion being the key example. Their last album charted 3 singles in the UK (albeit through a contrived promotional scheme), but didn't make a dent here.

Porcupine Tree, although gaining in popularity in American, have been performing for years in Britain.

Pendragon...IQ...Arena...all do reasonably well in the UK.

I think the main difference is population. If only 2 per cent of America's population likes prog...that will always be a larger number than 2 percent of Britain's population.

[Andyyyy]

I think that my point was missed. Prog requires active listening. Prog satisfies the person who actually hears what's going on in the music as opposed to someone who just wants background noise with a bit of a beat. I cannot answer why (and I don't know if this is correct) the Brits seem not to embrace prog as much as we Americans. Matter of fact, our Gentle Giant list has people from all over the globe, including many from the home of the Boys in the Band, the UK. OTOH, how is it that Italy has so embraced prog? Could there be a cultural difference which would support the level of listening that prog requires? Could it be Italian wine? American beer? Swedish Vodka? Polish Vodka (especially Chopin)?

I dunno, but am hopelessly addicted to prog and I love it! It's definately not a commercial genre, but if enough of us feel this way it can once again become commercial. There is a difference, I think, in how the younger generations like prog. The only music frm my parents' generation that I liked was jazz and classical. Nothing else. And you were not cool if you listgened to Lawrence Welk with your parents. But both my boys (18 and 22 years old) grew up with my prog. Both play guitar and both have a natural feel for odd rhythms. My older son loves King Crimson, Yes, Gentle Giant and other prog bands from the 70s. I can see a new generation getting hooked like we are