Geoff Banks R.I.P.

Photo by Martin Reijman

As many Progzilla Radio listeners will already know, today sadly we lost our friend, broadcasting colleague and Prog Rock champion Geoff Banks, who died following a short illness.

A former journalist with British weekly music publication ‘Sounds’, Geoff then moved to ‘Kerrang!’ in the 1980’s where his musical tastes were better suited. Geoff was formerly the Manager of British Neo Prog band IQ and in recent years has been involved with Pallas. Along with Jon ‘Twang’ Patrick, Geoff helped curate the Celebr8 Festivals featuring artistes such as It Bites, Arena, Threshold, The Tangent, District 97, Mystery and many others.

Jon ‘Twang’ Patrick, Geoff ‘The Chairman’ Banks and Jill Lerner

Geoff was a talented broadcaster with his own Prog Dog show, and was part of the founding team here at Progzilla Radio with the always entertaining Dog House show on Sunday mornings.

Geoff was a regular face on the London Prog Rock scene, regularly flyering events and promoting live music with the same zest and enthusiasm as he did 30 years ago. Above everything else Geoff was our friend, and like so many others, was taken from us far too early. We at Progzilla Radio have lost a brother in arms, a tour de force and shining light that could never, and will never be replaced. Geoff is survived by his son Logan, and at this time our thoughts and deepest sympathies are extended to him, and the Banks family.

Cliff Pearson & Stacy Doller
Progzilla Radio
24 November 2015