The Progressive Music Awards this year took place on Thursday 24th September, in an event presented by comedian and prog fan Al Murray and in which Yes guitarist Steve Howe has been designated Prog God 2020.

5 years ago, at the 2015 Progressive Music Awards, Prog God was Tony Banks.

Previous year's winner Peter Gabriel was present at the awards ceremony and passed the baton to his old schoolmate and bandmate.

Watch the video:

In introducing Banks, Gabriel recalled having started writing songs with him when they were both teenagers and discussing how long his keyboard solos should last.

Peter described Tony as "a leading figure in English music", adding: "He created amazing melodies, wonderful songs, beautiful chord sequences and I'm still very happy and proud to be able to call him my friend".

Banks began his speech by joking about how Genesis singers Gabriel and Phil Collins had both lost their hair, while pointing out that he and other well-known prog-rock keyboardists - most notably Yes's Rick Wakeman and ELP's Keith Emerson - they kept theirs.

Tony thanked his various fellow members of the Genesis band, his wife and the group's longtime manager, Tony Smith.

As already mentioned, in 2014 Prog God was Peter Gabriel. Here is his acknowledgment acceptance speech:

This year's ceremony will be live on the Prog Magazine Facebook page.

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