Porcupine Treebegan in 1987 as a solo project for Steven Wilson but became a four-piece bandwhen Steven was later joined by Richard Barbieri, Colin Edwin, and ChrisMaitland (who was later replaced by Gavin Harrison). Their first live gig wasin a pub in High Wycombe, England, in 1993, but by 2010 the band had touredEurope and America extensively, ending up by playing to thousands of fans at asold-out Royal Albert Hall in London. The band was nominated for two Grammyawards, and their last album before their hiatus, The Incident, made the top 30in both the UK and the US. Although often labelled as a progressiverock band, Porcupine Tree constantly changed style. Beginning by playingpsychedelic music, Porcupine Tree experimented with space rock, dance, tranceand melodic pop as well as prog rock. In their last few albums, the bandcreated a new hybrid of progressive metal riffs, melodic strength and richvocal harmonies, with strong lyrics and powerful concepts. This aspect of theband has provided their most enduring legacy. Thisbook analyses all of Porcupine Tree's studio albums and Eps, including thehugely successful reunion album Closer/Continuation, in forensic detail,providing illuminating insight into the band's music for existing and new fansalike
