Tony Banks - Progressive Music Awards ceremony 2015

Genesis keyboardist to accept honour at this week’s Progressive Music Awards ceremony

Genesis keyboardist Tony Banks has been named the Prog God for 2015, and he’ll accept the honour at this year's Progressive Music Awards in London.

The Prog God Award, presented by Orange Amplification, is given to the greatest innovators in the genre. Rick Wakeman, Ian Anderson and Peter Gabriel are the previous recipients.

Banks says: “I’m not normally picked out for this recognition – in fact, I’ve spent my entire career trying not to be noticed. Now someone has seen through my clever disguise.

“I’m really gratified to get this award. It’s nice to know people appreciate the music I’ve helped create.”

He adds: “Being in such rarified company is also something I’m delighted about – Rick, Ian and Peter are probably the first people you think of when you mention the bands they’re most associated with.

“But I see myself as representing the backroom boys of prog, who are often overlooked.”

Prog editor Jerry Ewing says: “Classic rock and heavy metal have the guitarist, but for progressive music the keyboard player often fulfils the role of hero – and none come more heroic than Tony Banks.

“His keyboards have always been the bedrock of the Genesis sound. His solo career too has displayed a fine combination for his sense of pomp and grandiosity on the one hand, and delicate musical turn of phrase on the other.

“I can't think of a more fitting recipient of the Prog God Award.”

Late Yes bassist Chris Squire will also be honoured at the gala night as the Virtuoso Award has been renamed in his memory.

Genesis keyboardist to accept honour at this week’s Progressive Music Awards ceremony

Genesis keyboardist Tony Banks has been named the Prog God for 2015, and he’ll accept the honour at this year's Progressive Music Awards in London.

The Prog God Award, presented by Orange Amplification, is given to the greatest innovators in the genre. Rick Wakeman, Ian Anderson and Peter Gabriel are the previous recipients.

Banks says: “I’m not normally picked out for this recognition – in fact, I’ve spent my entire career trying not to be noticed. Now someone has seen through my clever disguise.

“I’m really gratified to get this award. It’s nice to know people appreciate the music I’ve helped create.”

He adds: “Being in such rarified company is also something I’m delighted about – Rick, Ian and Peter are probably the first people you think of when you mention the bands they’re most associated with.

“But I see myself as representing the backroom boys of prog, who are often overlooked.”

Prog editor Jerry Ewing says: “Classic rock and heavy metal have the guitarist, but for progressive music the keyboard player often fulfils the role of hero – and none come more heroic than Tony Banks.

“His keyboards have always been the bedrock of the Genesis sound. His solo career too has displayed a fine combination for his sense of pomp and grandiosity on the one hand, and delicate musical turn of phrase on the other.

“I can't think of a more fitting recipient of the Prog God Award.”

[queenanne]

Tony's had a lot of shit for being boring on stage, an introvert and not smiling, but I've always maintained that if you get him in a pub he'll be the funniest person alive, here is proof.

[ancienbelge]

Long, long overdue. Tony was the musical backbone of Genesis.

[scottydaze]

It was so wonderful to see Tony accepting this honor, and to have PG as the presenter was perfect! He has always been my favorite keyboard player, and Genesis my favorite band. Other keyboardists may be more flashy or technically proficient, but TB kept his playing within the context of the song and to me, made him much better than anyone before, or since. His playing on Cinema Show, Firth of Fifth, Watcher of the Skies, Robbery, Assault, and Battery, Apocalypse in 9/8, Riding the Scree, In the Cage, and many more are legendary. His master work, One for the Vine, which took an entire year to write and produce, will live as a testament to his greatness. His solo work is also excellent if you give it a chance. God bless you, TB for you have enriched my life with your music and not a day goes by without me listening to your work.

[SouthOCmixdown]

"Yes, well that was all very nice.."

Seven words and I'm dead. Perfectly encapsulates the laser dry wit and reckoning but lush and dominant as a jungle influence Tony Banks has exerted and gifted Genesis with over the years. His importance simply cannot be overstated.

[Meanstoend]

This is great to see. It's also interesting how many people think Peter hates Tony, and that Tony has no humor. It's obvious Peter and Tony are still good friends, as well as Tony's humor. Well deserved.

[billwilkie]

Obviously every member of Genesis is amazing, but my friends and bandmates and I always thought of Tony as the big genius writer, the king among kings.

[esexef]

About time!

Tony Banks' playing and writing contribution is what most people like about Genesis. Even though he would have clearly liked more commercial success during his solo work, I have to say I believe he made the mistake of trying too hard to be something else. Actually all he ever had to do was 'be Tony Banks' which by most peoples standards is a hell of an achievement musically.

What is amazing about this guy is his natural ability and he should be proud of his musical contribution to a whole era. Considering his success, he still has the fortunate ability to remain doggedly in touch with real life through his down to earth approach to everything he does. His Classical works are quite an accomplishment and now give him a great focus and a new form of personal fulfilment.

Ive seen him many times and even had tea with him in his Kitchen with Margaret where most of the time, he talked less about himself and Genesis and spent more time expressing an interest in my work in car design.

A true gent and I'm proud to have shook the hand responsible for all of that great creativity and talent.

Well done Tony

[coraldonna]

Well deserved award. Good to see two old school friends- now in their mid-sixties - still sparring like teenagers.

[bastidface]

You know what's so great about watching this, aside from Peter Gabriel's heart-felt intro, is seeing Tony loose and being the front man for once, as opposed to being the unseen giant behind the keyboards. As stevedrums points out below, he's funny. He even got choked up a bit when talking about Tony Smith, et al. This is brilliant! And he still looks great. Bless him. I truly hope Phil wants to do something with Tony and Mike (and all the rest) after his upcoming album and tour. A 50th reunion album/tour for 2017 is really a no-brainer. Let's keep out fingers crossed.

[elic]

Amazing keyboard player and his contribution to the master pieces of good old genesis are huge. Not only he has excellent technique but he also writes music that touches your soul. Can't think of anyone who deserves to be recognized more than Tony Banks.

[Ash_P]

probably the best acceptance speech . . so humble

[neilmacpherson]

This is a surprisingly good watch. Both speeches contain affection, warmth and humour. Helps put to bed stories of bad feeling, even though they obviously had their moments.

[SuperJohnnyO]

How cool would it be if Tony and Peter made some new music together?

[BIackMoonCGI]

Some great banter between Peter and Tony here, and some very funny moments. Well deserved award too, well done Mr B.

[revmick]

About time! The man is a Musical Genius! What a musical imagination!!!

[zandola]

Never seen this ceremony before. What a beatiful moment and well deserved as well. The intro of Watcher Of The Skies is one of the best things I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

[stevedrums]

Tony is actually funny! I'm glad to see him FINALLY get some of the respect due him. Very surprising to see PG induct him, but I guess the rumors that they are VERY tight true. Tony always managed to keep that part of his life away from the band and fans.

[edmundhobe]

Re: Keyboard solo length, you can expect Collins never worried about that aspect, as he would simply have an excuse to grab his sticks in songs like "Robbery Assault And Battery", "One for the Vine", even "The Lady Lies". No suffering involved for this lad!

[jeffsmart]

it is perhaps hard to express that amount of love/respect/admiration for Tony-he is so good-it is hard to perhaps identify with him....

[leitemagal]

It was good to know they are kind to each other, even with Ant Phillips! It's funny the way Tony Banks describes the power of Phillips inside of Genesis. He almost said that Genesis was a result of Ant's effort!!!