Italian Progressive Rock as Indigenous Psychedelia

ABSTRACT

Progressive rock was Italy’s manifestation of psychedelic music. The product of a meeting of conservatory-trained musicians and countercultural interests, progressive rock constituted much of the soundtrack to Italy’s own psychedelic renaissance as expressed in rock festivals and youth activism. More grounded in classical and Italian song traditions than in the blues, this music represented Italy’s psychedelicizing its own heritage. It was another mode of psychedelic rock, more cerebral and formal than unbridled and improvisational. Understanding progressive rock as Italy’s psychedelic music acknowledges the existence of different versions of psychedelia around the world and raises the idea of indigenous psychedelias.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to the many progheads and musicians who have shared their passion and knowledge over many years. Thanks to Alice, Francesca, Gabriella, and Serafina for putting up with the strong Italian presence within our sonic landscape. I extend particular gratitude to Kevin Moist, whose helpful editorial suggestions were matched by his patience and encouragement. His thoughts and insights on indigenous psychedelia were especially influential on my working through these ideas.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Scott B. Montgomery

Scott B. Montgomery is Associate Professor of Art History at the University of Denver. He has published books and articles on the art and visual culture of medieval saints’ cults, relics, and pilgrimage. Additionally, he has published several articles and curated exhibitions on 1960s psychedelic poster art.