Pendragon

Pendragon is an English neo-progressive rock band from Stroud, United Kingdom. It forms in 1976 and remains active. The group is associated with Toff Records and is identified with neo-progressive rock and progressive rock.

Overview

The band begins as Zeus Pendragon, formed in Stroud, Gloucestershire by guitarist Nick Barrett. The Zeus prefix is later dropped before recording starts. Pendragon develops as a UK progressive rock act with a line-up that changes in the early years, then becomes comparatively stable from 1986 onwards.

Line-up

The band’s members include Nick Barrett, Peter Gee, Rik Carter, Fudge Smith, Joe Crabtree, Scott Higham, Verity White, John Barnfield and Nigel Harris. Fudge Smith is a long-standing drummer, later replaced by Joe Crabtree, who is in turn replaced by Scott Higham.

Style and recordings

Pendragon’s music is marked by Barrett’s guitar playing and his distinctive vocals. The band’s 2008 album Pure is noted as containing its heaviest material to that point and as drawing influence from newer Porcupine Tree.

Activity

The group continues to perform and record as an established British progressive rock band.