About

Band Personnel

• Steven Wilson – vocals, guitars, piano, keyboards, various instruments (1987–2010)
• Richard Barbieri – synthesizers, keyboards, sound processing (1993–2010)
• Colin Edwin – bass, double bass, various instruments (1993–2010)
• Gavin Harrison – drums, percussion (2002–2010)
• Chris Maitland – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1993–2002)
• John Wesley – live guitars, live backing vocals (2002–2010)

Brief History

Porcupine Tree are an English rock band formed by musician Steven Wilson in 1987. The band began essentially as a solo project for Wilson, who created all of the band’s music. However, by 1993, Wilson desired to work in a band environment, and so brought on frequent collaborators Richard Barbieri on keyboards, Colin Edwin on bass and Chris Maitland on drums as permanent band members. With Wilson still in charge of guitar and lead vocals, this would remain the lineup until 2002, when the band recruited Gavin Harrison to replace Maitland on drums.

Porcupine Tree’s early sound evoked a style of psychedelic rock comparable to that of progressive rock band Pink Floyd. Upon signing with Kscope record label in the late 1990s, the band approached a more mainstream alternative rock sound. By the early 2000s, the band signed to a major record label and shifted their sound again, this time in a more progressive metal direction.

After the release and tour in support of their tenth studio album, The Incident, the band became inactive as Wilson committed himself to his solo work, and other members began working on their own separate projects. Wilson hasn’t ruled out a reformation, but has no particular plans for it either.

Quoted from Porcupine Tree’s Wikipedia page

Visit the History page for a more detailed write-up on the history of Porcupine Tree and its members.