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Porcupine Tree

From Alfawiki
Porcupine Tree
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1987
FounderSteven Wilson
Headquarters
United Kingdom
ProductsMusic albums, live performances

Porcupine Tree is a British rock ensemble established by musician Steven Wilson in 1987. Throughout a career exceeding two decades, the group garnered critical praise, built a devoted fan base, and left a mark on emerging artists. They operated largely outside the mainstream music scene, with outlets such as Classic Rock and PopMatters labeling them "the most significant band you’ve never encountered."

Originally conceived as Wilson’s solo endeavor, by late 1993 the project expanded into a full band featuring regular collaborators Richard Barbieri on keyboards, Colin Edwin handling bass duties, and Chris Maitland on drums. Wilson took on lead vocals and guitar. This formation remained stable until February 2002 when Maitland was succeeded by Gavin Harrison. Porcupine Tree’s initial style fused psychedelic, space, and experimental rock elements, gradually shifting toward progressive and space rock reminiscent of Pink Floyd. After signing with Kscope in the late 1990s, their sound evolved into a more accessible alternative rock approach. In the early 2000s, following a major label deal, they transitioned further into progressive metal territory.

After releasing The Incident in 2009 and completing its supporting tour, the band entered a period of dormancy as Wilson concentrated on solo projects while other members explored separate ventures. Nonetheless, Wilson, Barbieri, and Harrison collaborated discreetly over the next ten years, culminating in the launch of Closure/Continuation on 24 June 2022.

Origins (1987–1990)

Porcupine Tree originated in 1987 as a playful fabrication between Steven Wilson and Malcolm Stocks, inspired by 1970s psychedelic and progressive rock groups such as Pink Floyd. They invented an imaginary legendary band complete with an elaborate backstory featuring fictional members and albums. Wilson recorded several hours of music to bring this concept to life, with Stocks occasionally contributing ideas and experimental guitar parts; however, Wilson managed most of the songwriting, recording, and vocal performances.

What began as a private joke during Wilson’s focus on his other project No-Man gradually revealed commercial promise by 1989. He released an 80-minute cassette titled Tarquin's Seaweed Farm, which included an eight-page insert expanding the fictional band lore with invented characters like Sir Tarquin Underspoon. Wilson distributed copies to interested individuals; notably, Nick Saloman of The Bevis Frond recommended sending one to Richard Allen, co-editor of UK psychedelic magazines Encyclopaedia Psychedelica and Freakbeat. Allen gave the tape an overall positive review and later invited Wilson to contribute to Delerium label’s inaugural compilation A Psychedelic Psauna. Allen then assumed roles as Porcupine Tree’s manager, press agent, and promoter until stepping back after the release of The Sky Moves Sideways in 2004.

Wilson kept creating new material, issuing a limited edition EP called Love, Death & Mussolini in 1990 containing nine previously unreleased tracks previewing their second album. In 1991 he followed with another full-length cassette entitled The Nostalgia Factory, which further expanded Porcupine Tree’s underground audience while maintaining the myth of a 1970s rock legend. By this point, Porcupine Tree had become exclusively Wilson’s solo project as Stocks amicably departed.

On the Sunday of Life...

Alongside the compilation A Psychedelic Psauna, which included Porcupine Tree's track "Linton Samuel Dawson," the newly established Delerium label—founded by Freakbeat editors Richard Allen and Ivor Trueman—reissued the cassettes Tarquin's Seaweed Farm and The Nostalgia Factory. Each title sold 200 copies through Freakbeat’s mail order service, The Freak Emporium, positioning Porcupine Tree as an enigmatic presence within the UK’s underground psychedelic community.

Shortly thereafter, Delerium signed Steven Wilson as one of its inaugural artists. Mid-1992 saw the release of a double vinyl album and single CD compiling select tracks from Wilson’s two earlier cassettes, titled On the Sunday of Life, a name chosen by Allen. Remaining recordings were issued on the limited compilation Yellow Hedgerow Dreamscape.

Issued in a run of 1,000 copies featuring an elaborate gatefold sleeve, On the Sunday of Life performed strongly in sales, especially in Italy, and was briefly repressed on vinyl. The CD edition has remained continuously available since its debut and included "Radioactive Toy," which later became a concert favorite. By the year 2000, sales had surpassed 20,000 units. Originally conceived as a quadruple LP or double CD encompassing both cassettes in full, the release was pared down to Wilson’s preferred selections. In 2004, Wilson revisited these original tapes for remixing and remastering, issuing them privately as a three-CD box set titled Footprints: Cassette Music 1988-1992.

Up the Downstair

As Porcupine Tree gained momentum, Wilson’s other project No-Man attracted significant UK media attention, securing a publishing deal with Hit & Run Music Publishing in 1991 and contracts with One Little Indian Records and Epic 440/Sony US. The success of No-Man afforded Wilson the opportunity to dedicate himself entirely to music. All releases on Delerium were published through Hit & Run, whose executive Dave Massey maintained close involvement with Porcupine Tree.

In May 1993, Porcupine Tree unveiled their sophomore album, Up the Downstair. Initially planned as a double album, it was ultimately condensed to a single disc. The track "Voyage 34" was intended for a second disc but was instead issued separately as a single. The album garnered critical praise; for instance, Melody Maker described it as "a psychedelic masterpiece... one of the albums of the year." It further fused elements of electronic music with rock and featured guest contributions from future members Richard Barbieri (formerly of Japan) and Colin Edwin.

In November 1993, Voyage 34 was re-released with an additional 12-inch remix by Astralasia. Despite limited radio exposure, this version spent six weeks on the NME indie chart and became an underground chill-out classic.

The Sky Moves Sideways

With Porcupine Tree’s profile rising, Wilson expanded the project into a full live band in December 1993 by recruiting Colin Edwin (bass), Chris Maitland (drums), and Richard Barbieri (keyboards), joining Wilson on vocals and guitar.

All three new members had previously worked with Wilson—particularly Barbieri and Maitland in No-Man’s touring lineup. Their first live album, Spiral Circus, captured performances from these early shows, including a session recorded for BBC Radio One’s Mark Radcliffe, an early supporter of the band.

Prior to their 1995 album release, the Moonloop EP appeared; its final tracks were recorded during sessions for the upcoming album and represented the new band’s first official recordings. The third studio album, The Sky Moves Sideways, released in 1995, was well received within progressive rock circles and drew comparisons between Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd. Wilson later reflected ambivalently on this comparison, acknowledging that he had somewhat tailored his work to appeal to Pink Floyd enthusiasts during this era.

The album presented an expansive fusion of melodic and ambient rock experimentation and functioned as a transitional record—half produced before the band’s formation and half after. Its centerpiece was the 35-minute title track, originally intended to fill an entire album side; an extended alternate version appeared on the 2004 remaster. The album charted in publications such as NME, Melody Maker, and Music Week. Alongside Moonloop, it marked Porcupine Tree’s debut in the American market in late 1995, receiving favorable international press coverage. To support this release, the band embarked on extensive tours throughout the UK, Netherlands, Italy, and Greece.

Signify

Following The Sky Moves Sideways, Porcupine Tree aimed to create a fully collaborative band album, focusing on a more cohesive and ambitious rock sound. Wilson highlighted his fascination with the "glamour" and allure inherent to a rock band, differentiating it from his solo endeavors.

The single "Waiting" preceded the release of the album Signify in September 1996. This track achieved chart success on both UK indie and national listings and received airplay across Europe. The album presented a mix of instrumental pieces alongside song-driven tracks, merging rock with experimental genres such as krautrock. Wilson considered songs like "Every Home Is Wired" and "Dark Matter" as transcending traditional genres, defining a unique progressive sound for the 1990s. Several band members contributed to songwriting credits, notably on "Intermediate Jesus," which evolved from an improvisation session later included on Metanoia (1998). The release garnered considerable attention from European media outlets.

In March 1997, Porcupine Tree performed three sold-out concerts in Rome before audiences exceeding 5,000. These performances were recorded and compiled into the live album Coma Divine – Recorded Live in Rome. Around this time, the band parted ways with Delerium Records due to its limited capacity to support their international expansion. Subsequently, their initial three albums were remastered and reissued, while Signify saw a US release through Miles Copeland's Ark 21 Records.

Stupid Dream

During 1998, Wilson, Barbieri, Edwin, and Maitland worked on their fifth studio album, marking a transition toward more structured songwriting. Wilson emphasized the craft of songwriting as an art form, drawing inspiration from The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, Todd Rundgren, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, focusing on harmonious ensemble vocals and treating the pop song as an "experimental symphony."

Although the band self-produced the album, they signed with Snapper/Kscope prior to releasing Stupid Dream in March 1999. The album was supported by tours across Europe and the United States. Singles such as "Piano Lessons", "Stranger by the Minute", and "Pure Narcotic" achieved notable mainstream recognition and strong placements on UK independent charts and radio rotations. This release represented a stylistic shift from their earlier work and became their most commercially successful and critically praised album.

Lightbulb Sun

Finished in February 2000 with string arrangements by Dave Gregory of XTC, Porcupine Tree’s sixth studio effort, Lightbulb Sun, built upon the songwriting focus, atmospheric elements, and rock sensibilities introduced in Stupid Dream. Released in May 2000, it was preceded by the single "Four Chords That Made a Million". A sold-out performance at London's Scala kicked off a UK tour, followed by appearances at European festivals and a major support tour alongside Dream Theater. The band also completed their inaugural extensive German tour. Special double CD editions were issued in Israel and Germany.

In May 2000, they released Recordings, compiling nine B-sides from sessions for Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun. In May 2001, Porcupine Tree opened for Marillion during three concerts across France, Germany, and the Netherlands. A brief US tour took place in June that included NEARfest in Pennsylvania and a sold-out show at New York City's The Bottom Line. Shortly thereafter, the group secured an international recording contract with Lava/Atlantic Records.

In Absentia

In February 2002, Porcupine Tree brought in drummer Gavin Harrison, a longtime collaborator, to replace Chris Maitland. By March, they issued a compilation box set titled Stars Die: The Delerium Years 1991–1997 and commenced recording their debut major label album at Avatar Studios located in New York and London. The production involved engineer Paul Northfield and string arrangements by Dave Gregory, with mixing duties handled by Tim Palmer in Los Angeles.

Released in September 2002 through Lava Records, the album In Absentia included a 5.1 surround sound edition mixed by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner, which earned the best 5.1 mix accolade at the 2004 Surround Sound Music Awards.

To support In Absentia, the band embarked on four tours across Europe and North America, including a joint tour with Swedish metal group Opeth. The lineup was enhanced by touring guitarist and vocalist John Wesley. Live shows were augmented with dark, surreal visuals crafted by filmmaker Lasse Hoile, who also designed the album's cover art. The promotional efforts culminated in a sold-out homecoming performance at London's Astoria on 30 November 2003.

In 2003, Porcupine Tree established their own label, Transmission, which partnered with Burning Shed’s online store. Transmission facilitated the release of additional material such as EPs, demos, live recordings, and studio sessions—including one recorded for XM Radio in Washington, DC. That year also saw a reissue and remaster campaign that expanded early albums into double CD editions featuring re-recorded or remixed tracks from Up the Downstair, The Sky Moves Sideways, and Signify. Reissues of Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun offered new stereo mixes along with DVD-Audio discs containing 5.1 surround sound versions.

Deadwing

Early in 2004, work began on Deadwing, Porcupine Tree’s second project under Lava/Atlantic. The album drew inspiration from a screenplay co-written by Steven Wilson and filmmaker Mike Bennion. Completed by November 2004, it was released across Europe and the United States in spring 2005, available in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound formats. Singles preceding the release included "Shallow" for the US market and "Lazarus" for Europe. Featuring guest contributions from Adrian Belew of King Crimson and Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt, Deadwing achieved commercial recognition: "Shallow" peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, while "Lazarus" reached number 91 on Germany’s Top 100 singles chart. Additionally, "Shallow" was included on the soundtrack of the film Four Brothers.

The album received the Surround Music Award for "Best Made-For-Surround Title" in its release year and was ranked as the second-best album of 2005 by Sound & Vision, a prominent US home electronics magazine. On 22 March 2006, Deadwing marked Porcupine Tree’s debut release in Japan.

The tour supporting the album commenced in late March in the UK and extended throughout 2005. Mike Bennion created a dedicated Myspace page for the proposed Deadwing film project, sharing an initial trailer along with the first fifteen pages of the script. Despite having completed scripts, production of the film remains stalled due to financial limitations.

Fear of a Blank Planet

In August 2006, Porcupine Tree inked a deal with Roadrunner Records UK. Before launching their initial Roadrunner release, they put out their first live concert DVD, Arriving Somewhere..., in October 2006. This release was accompanied by tours across Europe and the United States, showcasing new tracks from their forthcoming album.

The album Fear of a Blank Planet was unveiled in January 2007 and officially released on 16 April 2007. It charted throughout Europe and reached number 59 on the Billboard 200 chart. Throughout 2007, the band embarked on an extensive 92-date tour, expanding into new territories such as Finland and Mexico. Their festival appearances included notable events like the Voodoo Experience, Hurricane Festival, Southside Festival, and Download Festival. In 2008, they performed in Australia for the first time.

Addressing themes relevant to youth, the album’s lyrics explore issues including bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, alienation, and the effects of media saturation. Drawing inspiration from Bret Easton Ellis's novel Lunar Park, the album title nods to Public Enemy's Fear of a Black Planet, shifting focus from racial tensions to contemporary societal detachment and superficiality. Contributions from Alex Lifeson of Rush and Robert Fripp of King Crimson added significant depth to the record.

Wilson: "My concern is that today's generation, raised amid the Internet, mobile phones, iPods, download culture, reality television, and prescription medications—all these distractions—lose their innate curiosity about life."

On 5 November 2007, Fear of a Blank Planet earned Classic Rock magazine’s Album of the Year accolade and received a Grammy nomination for Best Surround Sound Album.

In September 2007, an EP titled Nil Recurring was released, containing four previously unreleased tracks from the album sessions along with another contribution from Robert Fripp. It climbed to number eight on the UK Top 30 Independent Label Albums chart and was reissued through Peaceville Records in February 2008.

A largely acoustic live recording captured during an October 2007 in-store performance in Orlando was issued as We Lost The Skyline in February 2008 on CD and later on vinyl. Due to limited space, only Wilson and guitarist John Wesley took part in this performance.

The Incident

In October 2008, Porcupine Tree undertook a short European tour aimed at filming their second live concert movie, Anesthetize, following three shows in Australia earlier that April. The filming took place on 15 and 16 October at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Netherlands. During these performances, Wilson announced that work had commenced on their upcoming album slated for a 2009 release. The live concert film was subsequently released on DVD and Blu-ray on 20 May 2010.

Recording sessions for their tenth studio album, The Incident, began in February 2009. The band dedicated two weeks writing in rural England, concentrating on fresh material including an initially 35-minute song cycle that later expanded to a full 55 minutes, occupying an entire disc.

On 12 June 2009, it was announced that The Incident would be launched globally through Roadrunner Records on 21 September as a double CD set. The first disc contains the title track—a surreal and extensive 55-minute suite exploring themes of transition and irreversible change—while the second disc features four independent tracks: Flicker, Bonnie The Cat, Black Dahlia, and Remember Me Lover. These songs underline their distinction from the main suite. This release became Porcupine Tree’s most commercially successful album to date, peaking at number 23 on the UK album charts and entering the US Billboard Top 25.

In June 2010, another live album entitled Atlanta was issued. Recorded during their Fear of a Blank Planet tour at Atlanta’s Roxy Theatre on 29 October 2007, it was made available exclusively online with all proceeds directed toward Mick Karn’s cancer treatment fund.

Hiatus and inactivity (2011–2020)

Following the conclusion of the touring cycle for The Incident in 2010, Wilson shifted his attention towards his solo endeavors and other projects throughout 2011. That year saw the release of his second solo record, Grace for Drowning, alongside Blackfield’s third album, Welcome to my DNA. Early plans in 2012 hinted at new Porcupine Tree material, with Wilson and Harrison anticipating work and release between 2012 and 2013. Nevertheless, Wilson soon prioritized his solo career, embarking on a second tour leg for Grace for Drowning in early 2012, recording a third solo album later that year with his touring ensemble, which was released in early 2013, followed by extensive touring throughout that year. Although Wilson consistently maintained that the band had not disbanded and had no intention to do so, no definitive plans emerged for new Porcupine Tree projects. He expressed uncertainty about the band’s direction, referencing a weariness with metal genres and divergent musical preferences among members.

In June 2012, Wilson reiterated that his primary musical focus remained on his solo work. Later that November, Kscope issued Octane Twisted, a two-disc live album capturing performances of The Incident from concerts held in 2010. By May 2013, Wilson restated that while Porcupine Tree was on hiatus with no immediate reunion plans, a future revival was still conceivable—a sentiment echoed by bassist Colin Edwin.

Following the acclaim of Wilson’s third solo album, The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories) (2013), he committed to producing a fourth solo release, Hand. Cannot. Erase., which arrived in 2015. This further postponed any prospective Porcupine Tree activities. In March 2015, Wilson confirmed that any future Porcupine Tree reunion would be treated as a side project, underscoring his solo career as the central focus.

Wilson’s comments regarding a potential reformation varied: early in 2016 he mentioned a "strong possibility" of creating a new studio album; however, by August of the same year he declared the band effectively defunct. In August 2017, he remarked that since his solo career had gained momentum, collaborative efforts like Porcupine Tree had receded as he found greater satisfaction in his individual work.

During a March 2018 interview, Wilson dismissed the likelihood of further Porcupine Tree endeavors, describing their catalog as "closed" and emphasizing forward progress in his artistic journey. This viewpoint heightened tensions with keyboardist Richard Barbieri, who remained hopeful for a reunion. Despite this friction, in February 2021 Wilson hinted at the possibility of an unexpected reformation occurring down the line.

Reunion, Closure/Continuation and outlook (2021–present)

On 27 October 2021, Porcupine Tree along with Wilson and Harrison released a teaser video accompanied by a mailing list link featuring a stylized "P/T C/C" graphic. Subsequently, on 1 November, the band announced their eleventh studio album titled Closure/Continuation, slated for release in June 2022 via Music For Nations, alongside their first single in over twelve years, "Harridan". The current lineup comprises Wilson, Harrison, and Barbieri, supplemented by guitarist Randy McStine and bassist Nathan Navarro for live performances. The album was recorded covertly over an eleven-year period. Wilson explained bassist Colin Edwin’s absence as resulting from lost contact during the hiatus and differing artistic directions; however, Barbieri clarified that no fault was attributed to Edwin. Closure/Continuation officially launched on 24 June 2022.

In March 2022, Wilson expressed ambivalence about the band’s future but suggested this might serve as their concluding album to finish on a high note. By June of that year, he conveyed openness to producing another Porcupine Tree record featuring a stronger emphasis on keyboards.

The Closure/Continuation tour commenced in September 2022 across venues in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Chile. A second leg took place from October to November covering select European cities along with a UK performance at London’s Wembley Arena. Wilson indicated that these limited live appearances planned for 2023 would probably mark their final shows; however, creating new music remained within the realm of possibility. The Amsterdam concert at Ziggo Dome on 7 November 2022 was recorded and subsequently released on 8 December 2023 as Closure/Continuation.Live.

In February 2025, Wilson disclosed that the band had continued collaborating on music and might pursue another full-length album based on recent recording sessions.

Influences

The foundation of Porcupine Tree's sound can be traced to Steven Wilson's early years, shaped by iconic albums such as Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon and Donna Summer's Love to Love You Baby. Additional significant inspirations include The Beatles, Camel, and avant-garde composer Karlheinz Stockhausen.

During his adolescence, Wilson briefly explored the new wave of British heavy metal scene but soon redirected his attention toward 1970s progressive rock and experimental genres. His later renewed interest in metal was sparked by groups like Gojira, Sunn O))), Neurosis, and Meshuggah. This influence extended into his production work on three albums for Swedish progressive death metal band Opeth, which deeply influenced his compositional style.

Elements of electronic music and krautrock have also contributed to Porcupine Tree's sonic identity, drawing from acts such as Can, Neu!, Tangerine Dream, as well as electronic musicians like Squarepusher and Aphex Twin. Wilson holds in high regard artists including Klaus Schulze, Conrad Schnitzler, and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. He has acknowledged the impact of English electronic group Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) alongside more mainstream performers like ABBA, The Carpenters, Electric Light Orchestra, and the Bee Gees’ Saturday Night Fever soundtrack as unexpectedly influential.


Characteristics

Porcupine Tree’s compositions are frequently characterized by a melancholic tone. Steven Wilson has described music as a means for channeling his darker emotions, serving as an "exorcism" of negativity, with a preference for exploring somber themes. In live settings, such as during the Warszawa radio session, Wilson highlighted that "often the most beautiful music is also the saddest."

The band prioritizes album-focused work, designing records where each track inhabits its own distinct sonic environment rather than revisiting recurring motifs. Wilson elaborates:

"Every song exists within its own unique sound world. I avoid having one song resemble another. The process begins with discovering that sound world—be it a particular texture, rhythm, atmosphere, or tonal quality."

Their recordings incorporate instruments rarely found in rock music, including mellotron, banjo, hammered dulcimer, and guimbri.

Porcupine Tree’s sound is distinguished by rich textures and experimental approaches, frequently merging various genres within individual pieces. The atmospheric depth arises largely from Barbieri’s keyboard contributions combined with Wilson’s cinematic sensibilities, influenced by filmmaker David Lynch’s auditory style. Wilson characterizes their music as "highly layered, meticulously produced, carefully arranged with intricate structures." Several albums—such as Stupid Dream, Lightbulb Sun, In Absentia, Deadwing, Fear of a Blank Planet, and The Incident—have also been released in DTS 5.1 Surround Sound mixes, a hallmark of the band’s production values.

Their live shows have received notable praise; in 2010, MusicRadar placed Porcupine Tree fourth on its list of "The 30 greatest live acts in the world today."

Although often labeled progressive rock, Wilson expresses mixed feelings about this categorization. He resists comparisons to neo-prog bands or being dubbed "the New Pink Floyd," though he now interprets "progressive" more broadly as an ongoing process of artistic evolution.

Legacy

Porcupine Tree has served as a significant source of inspiration for numerous contemporary artists and bands.

Anders Nyström, from the Swedish band Katatonia, acknowledges Porcupine Tree as a key influence during their transition away from death metal. Luc Lemay, frontman of the technical death metal group Gorguts, referred to The Incident as "a major breakthrough," which shaped his recent compositions and ranked its tour performance among the most impactful he has witnessed. Electronic music producer Seven Lions also credits Porcupine Tree for inspiring his work in dubstep and drum and bass genres.

In addition to direct artistic influence, many well-known musicians have openly praised Porcupine Tree's output. This list includes Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson, Adrian Belew, Jordan Rudess, Mike Portnoy, Arjen Lucassen, Rob Swire, and the members of Haken. Their endorsements highlight Porcupine Tree’s broad impact across various musical styles and emphasize Steven Wilson’s standing as a distinguished songwriter and instrumentalist within the music industry.

Band members

Current lineup

  • Steven Wilson – lead vocals, guitars, bass guitar, keyboards, assorted instruments (1987–2010, 2021–present)
  • Richard Barbieri – synthesizers, keyboards, piano, sound manipulation (1993–2010, 2021–present)
  • Gavin Harrison – drums and percussion (2002–2010, 2021–present)

Past members

  • Colin Edwin – bass guitar, double bass, giumbri, drum machine (1993–2010)
  • Chris Maitland – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1993–2002)

Touring musicians

  • Randy McStine – guitar, backing vocals (2022–present)
  • Nate Navarro – bass guitar (2022–present)

Former touring musicians

Discography

Studio releases

External links

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