Whitesnake's former guitarist, Adrian Vandenberg, admires the UK's ability to create complex rock music with an ease that leaves him envious.
In the formative years of his musical journey, Adrian Vandenberg found his love for progressive rock (prog) ignited by Dutch band Focus and guitarist Jan Akkerman. However, it was another British prog band, UK, that would have a profound and lasting impact on his playing style and musical outlook.
UK, with their top-tier musicianship, stood out to Vandenberg for their exceptional talent and the way they influenced guitarists like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. Allan Holdsworth, a member of UK, was particularly noteworthy. His innovative techniques and unique playing style were both intimidating and on a different level, yet he appeared more like an accountant than a rock player.
The first UK record, released ahead of its time, made complex music sound easy. Songs like "This Is War" and "Fighting Against The World" showcased complex harmonic structures that were heavily influenced by UK and Yes. Vandenberg admired the band's ability to balance intricate musicianship with a more accessible sound, thanks in part to the vocal contributions of John Wetton.
Wetton, while not a virtuosic bass player, had an attractive singing style that made the sophisticated music more accessible to a wider audience. This, combined with the high level of technical skill displayed by members like Bill Bruford, Terry Bozzio, and Eddie Jobson, made UK's performances captivating for musicians and fans alike.
Vandenberg was particularly drawn to UK's rockier sound and challenging classical guitar parts. He even attempted to learn some of early Yes's classical guitar parts when he first discovered them. UK's exploration of every avenue alongside the road they were traveling on left a great legacy in the world of progressive music, pushing boundaries further than bands like Yes.
Adrian Vandenberg was not alone in admiring UK. The band's talent was admired by other musicians, and their success was explosive in England and America. Vandenberg's connection to British prog rock began with bands like Focus and Yes, but it was UK that truly captured his imagination and shaped his own musical journey.
[1] Reference for further reading.
[1] Adrian Vandenberg's fascination with UK, a British prog band, significantly influenced his playing style and musical outlook, shaping his journey as a musician. Vandenberg admired the band's ability to blend complex musicianship with a more accessible sound, as shown in songs like "This Is War" and "Fighting Against The World". He particularly appreciated their rockier sound and challenging classical guitar parts. UK's exploration of various musical avenues and their pioneering spirit, pushing the boundaries of progressive music, has left a lasting impact. Allan Holdsworth, a member of UK, was particularly noteworthy, with his innovative techniques and unique playing style. Vandenberg's connection to British prog rock began with bands like Focus and Yes, but it was UK that truly captured his imagination and shaped his own musical journey. For further reading on UK and their role in progressive rock, readers may refer to various music and entertainment resources.
