After serving in the Navy, I returned to California in 1990. I was excited about the thought of many years of listening to two hours of Progressive Rock every Sunday night on the radio. The show was called, "Stone Trek." It had been around for over twenty years at that point, it seemed reasonable to assume it would be around forever. I did not know it at the time, but an international Prog underground was already existing at the time.

 

The radio show pretty much concentrated on Prog acts that were available on major labels. Some of the material played was pretty mainstream, like Ambrosia and Supertramp. Still, you could make the argument that these bands were "progressive." Sometimes "November Rain" by Guns 'N Roses would be played. Okay, that's pushing it, but you could still make the argument that it is a "progressive" song. You can see what I mean when I say this is a Prog radio show that's on the mainstream end of Prog.

 

The next few years would see some encouraging signs in the mainstream regarding Prog: Dream Theater broke through with "Images And Words"; Emerson, Lake & Palmer got back together; Yes and Asia were continuing; The Dixie Dregs were back; and Jordan Rudess began his solo career. Unfortunately, changes were afoot in the mainstream, and these changes weren't for the better.

 

Amid all these signs that support for Prog was maybe improving, a band named Nirvana had a hit with a song called, "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

 

To Be Continued...

 

© 2007 Ronnie “The Cruiser” Cruz