Book charting the history of prog out later this month

The The Rise And Fall Of Prog Rock cover

David Weigel has announced that his new book titled The Show That Never Ends: The Rise And Fall Of Prog Rock will be out later this month.

It’ll be published by W.W. Norton on June 27 and sees the Washington Post reporter delve into the history of prog and examine its resurgent popularity today across the book’s 368 pages.

A statement of the release reads: “The Show That Never Ends is the behind-the-scenes story of the extraordinary rise and fall of progressive prog rock, epitomised by such classic, chart-topping bands as Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull and Emerson Lake & Palmer, and their successors Rush, Styx and Asia.

“Washington Post national reporter David Weigel tells the story with the gusto and insight prog rock fans will relish. Along the way, he explains exactly what was ‘progressive’ about prog rock, how it arose from psychedelia and heavy metal, why it dominated the pop charts but then became so despised that it was satirised in This Is Spinal Tap and what fuels its resurgent popularity today.”

The statement continues: “The Show That Never Ends is filled with the candid reminiscences of prog’s celebrated musicians. It also features memorable portraits of the vital contributions of producers, empresarios, and technicians such as Richard Branson, Brian Eno, Ahmet Ertegun, and Bob Moog.”

The Show That Never Ends: The Rise And Fall Of Prog Rock is now available for pre-order.

Prog Quiz: Can you identify these opening lyrics?

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 36 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 11 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.