The Web: The Pioneers of British Progressive Rock

The Web was a British progressive rock and jazz fusion band that formed in the late 1960s. Hailing from London, the group is best known for their 1970 album I Spider, a cult classic that showcased their sophisticated blend of rock, jazz, and orchestral arrangements.

Early career

The band originally formed in 1967 under the name The Web (Sometimes credited as "The Webs"). Their early sound was rooted in soul and rhythm and blues, leading to their debut album, Fully Interlocking, released on the Direction label in 1968. This initial period saw a shifting lineup, with the group establishing themselves on the vibrant London club and university circuit.

Breakthrough

The Web's artistic breakthrough came with their 1970 album I Spider, released on the Polydor label. This record marked a dramatic shift towards a more ambitious, progressive rock sound, heavily featuring the compositional talents and keyboard work of future jazz-rock legend Dave Greenslade, who had joined the band. While not a major commercial chart success, the album's complex arrangements and dark lyrical themes earned it a dedicated following and lasting critical respect.

Key tracks

I Spider — The epic title track from their 1970 album is a definitive statement of their progressive jazz-rock vision.

Concerto for Bedsprings — This instrumental piece highlights the band's sophisticated interplay and orchestral ambitions.

Love You — A track from their 1968 debut that illustrates their earlier, more soul-influenced direction.

Always I Wait — A song showcasing their move into more melodic and atmospheric progressive territory.

The band's momentum was disrupted by frequent personnel changes. Following I Spider, key members Dave Greenslade and bassist John Eaton departed to form the successful jazz-rock group Greenslade in 1972. The remaining members of The Web attempted to continue, rebranding as "Samurai" for a brief period and releasing one self-titled album in 1972 before ultimately dissolving. The legacy of The Web, however, is firmly tied to their influential 1970 masterpiece.

Fans of The Web's intricate sound often appreciate the work of similar British progressive acts. Greenslade continued the jazz-rock fusion pioneered by key Web members. Colosseum shares a similar blend of progressive rock with strong jazz and blues influences. Soft Machine explored parallel paths in the Canterbury scene with complex, improvisation-based music. Van Der Graaf Generator matches the darker, more dramatic tonalities found on I Spider.

The music of The Web maintains a steady presence on radio stations dedicated to classic and progressive rock. Their album I Spider is a staple on specialty shows focusing on deep cuts and cult albums from the early 1970s. Online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations frequently feature their work, recognizing the band's important role in the development of British progressive rock.

Listeners can explore the innovative sound of The Web through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to classic rock FM stations and online radio streams available on onairium.com to hear tracks from their pivotal album I Spider and discover this foundational British progressive rock act.