Are prog fans Musicians?

[tongle]

Yeah - I often wondered about this.

I play guitar, flute, piano, banjo, mandolin and have the greatest admiration for musicians like Mike Oldfield who play every instrument under the sun.

I recognise my own limitations though, when I listen to Satriani or Steve Vai or Rick Wakeman.

I guess the kind of music we like is accessible on many different levels. Once can appreciate / like it without knowing how it is actually produced.
As a musician I like it because I feel a certain connection with the musicians themselves - I kind of have an insight into how they do what they do even though I could never match their tallent.

This can lead to feelings of awe and wonder but also deep frustration - it's a kind of love/hate thing!!

Most of all there is the emotional side of it. Some of the music I hear moves me to tears (literally). I know some people think this is a bit weird but I think music can connect with you on such a deep level that it bypasses any concious thought and goes straight to your heart.

Anyway - I'll stop ramling now but I thought this was an interesting question and I've enjoyed reading the responses.