Explore an exciting era of musical change, from the psychedelic sounds of the late 1960s to the rise and evolution of progressive rock.

On the threshold of a dream: music, imagination and the late 60s & early 70s

What do we really mean when we talk about ‘classic rock and pop’? Where does the term begin and end, and which artists and styles should be included – or left out?

In this talk, we will explore a particularly exciting period of musical change, from the late 1960s into the early 1970s. These were years in which popular music developed rapidly, as the psychedelic rock of the late sixties evolved and gave way to new sounds and approaches.

Using a selection of musical examples, we will trace the journey from psychedelic rock through to progressive rock, looking at some of the changes that took place along the way. We will also consider how both styles eventually faded or developed into something different as popular music continued to move on.

Illustrated with musical tracks, the talk offers a personal journey through what was, for me, a particularly exciting and inventive period in popular music.

I first became aware of music when playing my parents old 78s. As children, we took great delight in smashing them as well. I suppose I encountered pop music in the late 1950s with Adam Faith. Like many youngsters, I developed a love of music and looking back, the advent of the Beatles changed music, for me, forever. There is always the debate of did the Beatles change society or did the change in society allow the nurturing of Beatles pop. I have my own ideas on that one!

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