Solent Area Prog

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, the live music promotions company led by Geoff Tucker has helped put Southampton on the prog map, and bring an even more eclectic mix of music to its largest independent grassroots music venue, The 1865. We caught up with the accidental promoter to discover why the British port city is rocking the prog boat.

- Words: Alison Reijman Portrait: Simon Arnold

"Geoff has created a prog scene in the area - a musical family. I'm not alone in thinking this is the number one prog venue in the country." Tree Stewart

Beyond London's bright lights, Southampton's been making waves on the UK's prog circuit, the south coast city carving out a reputation as a must-play port of call for bands touring the provinces.

It's due to two key factors: the tireless efforts of self-confessed “hobbyist” Geoff Tucker who, in 2026, celebrates 10 years of promoting gigs under the Solent Area Prog banner, and The 1865, a venue that's become a firm favourite among bands and fans alike.

Tucker has been at the Solent Area Prog helm all that time, curating impressive lineups including Galahad, Solstice, Franck Carducci, The Emerald Dawn, Spriggan Mist, Tiger Moth Tales, Arena, EBB and That Joe Payne.

Most of the gigs have been staged at The 1865, a venue steeped in maritime history – it was once a rope factory and later a dockers' social club. Today, its exposed brick walls and vast, cavernous interior, coupled with massive stage, cutting-edge sound and lighting, give it a raw but refined atmosphere.

Explains The Emerald Dawn's Tree Stewart: “Geoff has created a prog scene in the area – a musical family, meaning you can virtually take for granted a large, enthusiastic audience, which you can't get anywhere else in the country. I'm not alone in thinking this is the number one prog venue in the country.”

A lifelong music fan, Tucker shows no signs of slowing down and is already planning a few surprises for his upcoming anniversary. Prog caught up with him to discover how his hobby grew into a much bigger undertaking.

How did Solent Area Prog start? Was it by accident or design?