Spock's Beard - The Light (Live) 

Not unlike Jon Anderson's

At this point in SB's career and for several albums afterward, l don't think you could call Neal's lyrics "Christian" any more than Kerry Livgren's lyrics on the first few Kansas albums. I would call them "spiritual" and "searching", perhaps. And l must say that anyone out there who is put off by overtly Christian content is missing out on literally one of the top 10 guitarists who we have been fortunate enough to have with us for over 50 years--Phil Keaggy. He is certainly not going to show up in some stupid Rolling Stone Best Of list. He was around the same time as Hendrix and Jimi publicly acknowledged him along with Rory Gallagher, Terry Kath, and Billy Gibbons. If the religiosity turns you off Keaggy has put out several instrumental albums among the 50-ish albums he has released. Do yourself a favor and check him out...you will be musically rewarded.

I'm not going to lie: I'm an atheist, and I love ? and Sola Scriptura. They're just solid records. Good songwriting, good tunes, good lyrics. I mean, I like Rush's late-70's stuff, and I'm about as far from an Objectivist as you can be, philosophically. Doesn't make it bad art.

Flower Kings lyrics in Rising Imperial, Love Supreme and Stardust We Are are as christian as you can be. The thing is Jesus, it doesnt matter If ge exists or not, laid the ground for Hippism. A 2000yo Hippie. I take Peace and Love over Religion anytime.

Now 15 years later, what are your thoughts about the bands subsequent albums? :D I think that X was the album when the post-Neal Spock found their true potential. Then the inclusion of Ted Leonard was excellent! The albums that have come out during his time are all fantastic. I feel that the post-Neal compositions may not reach that same magic although they're still great, but the lyrics are generally better, especially with Ted. :)

@@MoshugaaniI really enjoyed the NDV albums as well. Self titled and X were that phases best. I don’t really love the Spock’s beard stuff without Nick or Neal. (Same account here just a new handle)

@@nickentros I totally get you! The band surely has changed. Each iteration is different but I've enjoyed the whole journey. The same with Neal's music. His post-Spock stuff has been different, but it's been a pleasure to see unfold.

I did the lighting 🙂

Color's was the first I'd heard Neil, been following Steve and Dave for 30 yrs. Wish they'd cut another album.

I did the lighting for this fest and had the honor of working with Kevin all weekend, not to mention Spock's Beard and all the other amazing bands. It is hard to explain but the bond guys behind the scenes working to make this kind of experience great for people is what l imagine is similar to the bond guys have that go through a war. That is also why l was stage crew or manager at Progday for 20 years. I am honored to have been a "war buddy" of Kevin Gilbert's. The hug and exaggerated "l love you man!" he gave me when he left l will treasure, and be haunted by, for the rest of my life.

Neal uses very dated keyboard sounds, I think to evoke the sounds of past eras.

Neal's music is derivative at times, some of it I think intentional to pay tribute to his influences. Yes, in this song I heard Genesis and Yes in spots.

I certainly hope your opinion of the Progday bookings changed around 2001. PD was the first festival to welcome back The Muffins, along with the first US appearances by Kraan, Beardfish, Samla Mammas Manna, and Trettioariga Kriget. A much larger festival booked all of these bands after they appeared at Progday! Hmm.

Ryo had JUST joined the band. Hadn't even released an album with them. For all they knew, he may have just been a touring keyboardist at this point.