QUEEN PRODUCTIONS/PRESS Freddie Mercury Mr Bad Guy UNIVERSAL ...

LESTER COHEN / GETTY Lazarus: The Second Coming ...

Jim Steinman

What an incredible 2025 it’s been in the world of prog. This year, we’ve taken a different approach to our Critics’ Choice and instead of printing our writers’ Top 20 lists, we’ve pooled them to create a definitive Top 50 with profile pieces on some of the key players. Did your favourite make the cut? We look forward to reading your thoughts on the results.

Six decades into his career, Carlos Santana remains excited by the very thought of having a guitar in his hands. Below, he looks back on the music and gear that’s soundtracked his one-of-a-kind life

Singer/guitarist Marcus King