1970s

From the remains of King Crimson, a latter-day supergroup. Bill Bruford and Allan Holdsworth left after one album, while Eddie Jobson and John Wetton stick together for another. From there, however, it was on to Asia.

Founded: 1976

Location: London, England

Masters of heavy organ rock, Uriah Heep

Founded: 1969

Location: London, England

Website: The Official Website of Uriah Heep

Led by the indefatigable Peter Hammill, perhaps the most original and significant group of the era; even "without the capes". Hammill is a complicated character, and so then is Van Der Graaf Generator: one moment placid and sympathetic, the next fierce and chaotic. His lyrics border the depth of literature, while his music, epic in nature, benefited from the band's original arrangements.

Founded: 1968

Location: London, England

Website: Van Der Graaf Generator

Greek multi-instrumentalist Vangelis Papathanassiou was a child prodigy, eventually studying music in Athens. He spent his early career with in the beat band Formix, later forming Aphrodite's Child in 1968. By early 70s, he would emigrate to Paris then London to embark on a solo career, alternating between studio recordings and soundtracks. His earliest studio recordings, Hypothesis and The Dragon, are unauthorized releases that reveal jazz improvisation. Earth was released on the heels of the 666 album, and is a great companion.

Founded: 1943

Location: Volos, Greece

Website: VANGELIS HOMEPAGE