A final farewell: The last Night of the Prog

From July 19th to 21st, 2024, the 17th Night of the Prog Festival will take place at the Loreley Amphitheatre, high above the Rhine near St. Goarshausen. Regrettably, this will also be its final edition. Organizer Winfried Völklein has announced with a heavy heart that the festival will cease to continue. He cites several reasons for this decision. The accumulation of bad news in recent years is the primary cause. Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have led to significantly increased costs and challenges in booking bands. The staffing situation has also become more difficult,  and the festival faces logistical challenges on the site and in its surroundings. Night of the Prog is a niche festival but needs to be economically viable. Unfortunately,  this has become increasingly challenging year after year.

Let us take you on a time-travel through the past editions of the festival and see what to expect from the final edition!

The Night of the Prog festival is renowned for its impressive line-ups, featuring international top acts and emerging bands within the progressive rock genre. Starting as a smaller event, The Night of the Prog has evolved into a major gathering for progressive rock music enthusiasts. It provides a platform not only for well-known names like Marillion, Steve Hackett, Camel, Yes, Fish, Steven Wilson, Dream Theater, Transatlantic, Jethro Tull, and Opeth but also for new and rising bands exploring the boundaries of the genre.

Over the years, the festival has distinguished itself with its unique atmosphere and the breathtaking setting of the Loreley Amphitheatre, where audiences can enjoy live performances against the backdrop of the Rhine Valley. Drawing a diverse international audience, the festival brings together people to revel in the magical blend of progressive music and natural beauty.

The final edition of the Night of the Prog Festival promises to be a fantastic farewell to a legendary event. This year the festival welcomes a diverse lineup of established names and promising newcomers within progressive rock.

Among the bands that have performed at the festival multiple times are some of the most beloved and influential names in progressive rock. Pendragon, known for their melodic and epic music, returns with a set full of highlights from their long career. Arena, a staple since the ’90s, will treat fans to their neo-progressive rock sound. After their impressive performance at the NOTP in 2015, Beardfish will return this year. In 2016, Beardfish announced their disbandment. Since then, the band members have pursued various paths in their musical careers. Rikard Sjöblom, former frontman and founder of Beardfish, continued his solo career and also participated in other prominent musical projects including Big Big Train and Gungfly, both of which were also featured at the festival. Get ready for an evening filled with technical virtuosity, enchanting melodies and undeniable energy.

Beardfish (2015)

This year marks Riverside‘s fifth appearance at the festival, a band synonymous with profound musical journeys and emotional intensity. Unfortunately, they will perform without Piotr Grudzińsky, their beloved guitarist whose legacy lives on in their melodic landscapes. Despite this loss, Riverside remains faithful to their powerful sound and rich compositions, showcased in albums like “Wasteland” and “Love, Fear and the Time Machine”. This year’s performance promises to be a tribute to their musical legacy and a celebration of their evolution as one of the most respected names in the progressive rock scene. Prepare for an evening filled with mesmerizing sounds and an atmosphere infused with emotional depth.

Riverside (2015)

Another audience favorite is Lazuli, who will grace the stage for the sixth time, and for good reason. This French progressive rock band has consistently impressed with their unique sound blending elements of rock, world music and even classical influences. Their immersive compositions and virtuoso performance on the Léode, a unique instrument of their own invention, make Lazuli an extraordinary live experience. With a discography featuring highlights like “4603 Battements” and “Saison 8“, Lazuli embodies creativity and artistic innovation. This year, their performance promises to once again take audiences on a magical journey through a universe of emotions and sounds. Just as in previous editions, it will be a performance pushing the boundaries of musical imagination, where Lazuli will enchant with their distinctive stage presence and boundless energy. Their intense interaction with the crowd and emotionally charged renditions make them a must-see act.

Lazuli (2019)

For the sixth time, we are delighted to welcome Sylvan. This German band became immensely popular after their album “Posthumous Silence.” Their music is characterized by emotional depth and introspective lyrics that explore themes of loss, inner struggle and personal growth. Their compositions are rich and complex, often featuring multiple musical themes and moods. In addition, Sylvan integrates symphonic and orchestral elements into their music, giving their sound an epic and dramatic atmosphere. The band places a strong emphasis on melody, with catchy choruses and harmonies that linger in the memory. Their songs often feature virtuosic instrumental passages, allowing each musician to showcase their technical skills. Sylvan’s music clearly shows influences from classic progressive rock bands, but they manage to give the genre their own modern twist. All these elements ensure that Sylvan provides a unique and captivating listening experience.

Sylvan (2012)

The guitarist we’ve seen there  many times is Roine Stolt. He has been there with the Flower Kings, Transatlantic, Kaipa, The Sea Within and Agents of Mercy. This year we see him back with The Flower Kings, acclaimed for their craftsmanship, diversity in influences and profound  contemplative lyrics, earning them an iconic position within the world of progressive rock.

The Flower Kings (2013)

Another guitarist we have frequently seen performing is Steve Rothery. He has been there several times with Marillion and with his own band SRB. This year, he will take the stage again with his own project: The Steve Rothery Band. As a founding member and lead guitarist of Marillion, Rothery has a rich catalog of songs to draw from during his performances. This can range from classics from the Marillion repertoire to more recent work. In short, a Steve Rothery performance promises to be an engaging mix of his distinctive guitar playing and a rich atmospheric experience that will certainly appeal to classical progressive rock fans.

Steve Rothery Band (2015)

Steve Hackett, legendary guitarist of Genesis, returns this year as the headliner for the fifth time with his band. In addition to presenting his own work, he will perform songs from the iconic Genesis album “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” along with a selection of other Genesis classics. Hackett is surrounded by an ensemble of outstanding musicians, including: Roger King, Jonas Reingold, Craig Blundell, and Rob Townsend. What can we expect? An evening filled with musical virtuosity where Steve Hackett and his band not only breathe new life into the timeless Genesis songs but also present their own compositions in an immersive live experience. Anticipate a blend of rock, progressive elements and melodic richness, supported by the excellence of these seasoned musicians. It promises to be a tribute to the rich musical legacy of Steve Hackett and Genesis, infused with a modern twist that captivates the audience time and again.

Steve Hackett (2022)

During the 2018 edition, the stage was filled with the musicians of Big Big Train. Charismatic singer David Longdon, who sadly passed away in November 2021, was also present. Their music and performances are characterized by complex and layered compositions, often with extensive stories and themes exploring historical and literary inspirations. The band is known for their rich melodies, virtuosic instrumentation and the integration of orchestral elements. Big Big Train’s concerts offer an immersive experience where the band’s musical skill and emotional depth come to full fruition. Big Big Train has announced that they will be touring the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway in late summer. The tour will kick off at the Night of the Prog (NOTP) festival. During these twelve shows, they will promote their latest album “The Likes Of Us“. The current line-up consists of founder Gregory Spawton (bass, guitars, and keyboards), Nick D’Virgilio (drums, guitars, and keyboards), Rikard Sjöblom (guitars and keyboards), Dave Foster (guitars), Clare Lindley (violin and vocals), Alberto Bravin (vocals, guitar, and keyboards) and Oskar Holldorff (keyboards and vocals).

Big Big Train (2018)

For the second time, we are attending a performance by The Windmill. From this concert, we expect an enchanting mix of progressive rock and folk, characterized by their distinctive melodies and complex arrangements. We are looking forward to the captivating guitar riffs, emotional vocals and virtuoso keyboard parts that moved us.

The festival also provides a platform for promising bands ready to make an impact. MEER from Norway, have won a lot of new followers since their 2021 album “Playing House” and several festival appearances (Progpower Europe and Midsummer Prog, beside others) with their innovative mix of pop, rock and classical elements. Amarok, from Poland, known for their atmospheric and melodic music, will surely win new fans with their performance. Cheeto’s Magazine from Spain, with their humorous and virtuosic performances, promises an energetic and entertaining show. Inhalo, a promising band from the Netherlands, will undoubtedly impress with their powerful sound. A very nice addition to the line-up is !Gerald!. Known for their innovative approach to sound and performance, !Gerald! blends elements of ambient, techno and abstract sound art.

Pendragon (2015)

In addition to the old favourites and promising newcomers, there are also bands making their Loreley debut with strong reputations. Alex Henry Foster from Canada, known for his intense, atmospheric performances, is sure to leave a lasting impression. OK Goodnight, an innovative and fresh band from the United States, brings an experimental approach to progressive rock to the festival.

Many prog enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating IZZ. An American band that you don’t get to see often. We expect a spectacular show full of innovative musical structures and dynamic performances. Their unique blend of symphonic rock and progressive elements promises a profound and captivating experience. With their virtuoso instrumentation, complex rhythms and engaging harmonies, IZZ is sure to make a lasting impression. It’s a rare opportunity to see this talented group live, and we can’t wait to enjoy their immersive music and energetic stage presence.

Arena (2018)

Another band that many are looking forward to is Ritual. This band from Sweden is known for their eclectic mix of progressive rock, folk and psychedelic influences. Their performances are often a visual and musical treat, and we expect a show that delights both the ears and the eyes. Ritual’s profound lyrics and virtuosic musical performances make them one of the most captivating bands in the prog landscape.

What can we expect from this final edition of Night of the Prog? Old favourites will undoubtedly perform their timeless music, taking fans on a nostalgic journey through the history of progressive rock. The promising newcomers will represent the future of the genre with their fresh and innovative sounds. The festival will offer a unique mix of symphonic rock, neo-progressive tones, atmospheric music and experimental sounds, all under the enchanting ambiance of the Loreley. It will be an unforgettable experience where the passion, emotion, and musical virtuosity of the artists take center stage.