Coming up on the programme tonight, it's the Tom Dunne Show Prog-Rock Special! Think Genesis, Pink Floyd, Yes, Focus, Emerson Lake and Palmer, King Crimson and Jethro Tull to name but a few.

This is a genre defined by the desire of musicians in the late 60's and early 70's to elevate rock to a new level, to give it more weight, more credibility, and break the limits of music as it was known.

Blending classical, jazz, psychedelic, and rock, orchestras, off-kilter structures, and some humor for good measure- the musicians behind this development were the avant-garde of music. But for better... or for worse?

First up, Tom will be joined by the editor of Prog Magazine Jerry Ewing, to paint the picture of prog-rock as it happened. The British print publication prides itself on maintaining a healthy circulation in recent years, no doubt on account of the wide prog-rock fan base that still remains.

Next up, legendary virtuoso guitarist of prog-rock band 'Yes' - Steve Howe will join us on the show to talk about his part in defining and developing the genre over a career spanning more than 50 years. They may often be slammed by critics as symphonic self-indulgence, but 'Yes' are still going strong, and will embark on another tour of America this summer. 

In the second hour of the show, Tom will be joined on the line by founding member of 'Genesis' - Anthony Phillips. Phillips played guitar for the band between 1967 and 1970, and is considered a to have been a substantial influence on the direction and style of the group in it's formative years.

Since the inception of the Prog-Rock Special, listeners from around the country have been getting in touch with us to give their two pence on what they think about it all. Some of you have been suggesting songs and bands that you'd love to hear - others have questioned, laughed, and joked at the idea that we would spend a whole show on the topic.

Prog-rock... The Marmite of the music world, loved and mocked in equal measure... but there is certainly plenty to be said about this divisive musical style. It consumed a considerable portion of the masses throughout the 70's - both sides of the Atlantic - and has had a lasting effect on the landscape of music ever since.

If you'd like to contribute to the discussion tonight, e-mail tom@newstalk.com, tweet to @tomhappens, hashtag #TomNT or send a text to 53106 at the cost of 30 cents.

The Tom Dunne Show on Newstalk - tonight from 10pm