The name Steven Wilson may not be instantly recognised in the pantheon of broad popular culture.
However, when it comes to progressive rock music cult status, he is one of the consistent innovators of the 21st century.
Wilson is unafraid to make bold and ambitious albums, while executing extremely well-crafted hybrid music/ video art concert experiences that brilliantly combine virtuosic musicianship and cinematic sci-fi visuals directors like Kubrick, Tarkovsky or Nolan could have dreamt up.
Wilson is better known as the founder and frontman of the highly acclaimed outfit Porcupine Tree, yet some of his most uncompromising music has manifested in his solo albums and with each new solo release, he continuously challenges himself by pushing his own sonic limitations, creating albums that inspire debate and polarise music aficionados.
Wilson's eighth solo studio album 'The Overview', released in March of this year, has an ambitious, big picture concept about the cognitive shift an astronaut experiences when viewing Earth from space.
It also contains a deeper meaning about the existential nature of the importance of the human race in the grand scheme of the universe, and how we are merely just another grain of sand in the cosmic scheme of things.
With all this contemplation integrated into his songwriting, the current live performances aim to undertake all these complex subject matters and immerse the audience into Wilson's imaginary planetarium where astronomy and music become strange bedfellows.
"I like the idea when the audience comes into the venue, they're coming into my world," Wilson says. "Everything from the pre-gig music to the visuals, it's all part of the experience, so the evening is programmed for a real adventure with the films, the surround sound and the repertoire."
Wilson is planning to spend most of his time in 2025 promoting the release of 'The Overview', with this being his first post-pandemic world tour under his name and includes five dates in Australia.
Since the world shut down and re-opened again, Wilson has released three solo albums plus the Porcupine Tree reunion album 'Closure/Continuation', as well as being in demand to remix classic albums and concert films in Stereo 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos.
"I would have toured 'The Future Bites' [2021 solo album] if it hadn't been for COVID and I would have toured 'The Harmony Codex' [2023 solo album] except I fell victim to the post-COVID touring scenario, which is basically how everyone is now on tour all the time.
"So you have to book venues about a year and half before the show, so I thought I might as well make another record in the interim and I made 'The Overview' relatively quickly in a period of 18 months, which even for my prolific standards is a fast turnaround."
Wilson's current touring band consists of some of the finest session musicians around including keyboardist Adam Holzman, who has played with the likes of Miles Davis and legendary keyboardist of The Doors Ray Manzarek.
When this full live line-up comes together, you can really appreciate the sonic chemistry the quintet possesses. "It's complex to put on this show, you not only have to rehearse the musical cues but you have to make sure everything works visually and sonically as well.
"So we did a lot of a preparation for this show as it's been eight years since I toured with my solo band, so there was quite a few cobwebs to brush away."
The success of Steven Wilson's brand of art rock stems from the crossover appeal it has, not only closing the gap between generations but also uniting music fans with a very broad range of music tastes, from metal or electronica to jazz and even pop music.
This eclectic approach has garnered Wilson the reputation of an artist who embraces change and evolution above predictability and conformity, which in the long run has rewarded him with longevity in the music industry and a loyal fan-base.
"When you go see a rock show you normally know what you're going to get. I think my fans however know they will have their expectation confronted and they know my latest album will be different to the previous ones, and "It's a great position to be in and one you earn over a career, the right to surprise your audience."
Steven Wilson 2025 Dates
Wed 12 Nov - Astor Theatre (Perth)Thu 13 Nov - Her Majesty's Theatre (Adelaide)
Sat 15 Nov - Forum Melbourne
Sun 16 Nov - ICC Theatre (Sydney)
Mon 17 Nov - QPAC Concert Hall (Brisbane)
