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Porcupine Tree originated in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, initially as a solo project conceived by Steven Wilson in 1987. Wilson’s unique vision soon evolved from experimental recordings to a full-fledged progressive rock band, blending influences from psychedelic, progressive, and alternative rock. Porcupine Tree became a fully formed band in the early 1990s, solidifying its lineup with Steven Wilson on vocals and guitar, Richard Barbieri on keyboards, Colin Edwin on bass, and Chris Maitland (later replaced by Gavin Harrison) on drums.
Their official debut album, “On the Sunday of Life,” released in 1992, was a collection of early experimental recordings. However, the band significantly progressed their sound with their subsequent albums, notably “The Sky Moves Sideways” (1995), showcasing their knack for expansive compositions and atmospheric textures. Porcupine Tree’s continued evolution culminated in “Signify” (1996), marking their transition towards a more structured songwriting approach.
Porcupine Tree achieved broader recognition with their album “Stupid Dream” in 1999, blending accessible melodies with sophisticated musicianship, followed by “Lightbulb Sun” (2000), both of which expanded their international fanbase. However, their commercial and critical peak came with the release of “In Absentia” in 2002, featuring notable tracks such as “Blackest Eyes” and “Trains.” The album received widespread acclaim, showcasing heavier, guitar-driven soundscapes, and cementing their status as modern progressive rock leaders.
Following “In Absentia,” Porcupine Tree released several successful albums, including “Deadwing” (2005) and “Fear of a Blank Planet” (2007), the latter earning a Grammy nomination for Best Surround Sound Album. Their track “Way Out of Here” and the concept-driven approach to “Fear of a Blank Planet” highlighted the band’s ability to tackle deep psychological and societal themes within their music.
Throughout their career, Porcupine Tree released eleven studio albums, each demonstrating a commitment to musical innovation and artistic integrity. They are revered by fans and critics alike for their meticulous production quality, emotional depth, and technical proficiency. The band’s live performances further enhanced their reputation, characterized by dynamic musicianship and immersive visual elements, attracting dedicated audiences worldwide.
Porcupine Tree has maintained a strong reputation despite limited mainstream recognition, building a dedicated and passionate global fanbase. They have received multiple accolades within progressive rock circles and widespread critical acclaim for their consistent and innovative output. Steven Wilson’s visionary leadership and the collective musical talent within the band have earned them lasting respect and influence across multiple musical genres.
Outside their musical endeavors, Porcupine Tree’s members, particularly Steven Wilson, have been actively involved in the wider music industry through various collaborations and production projects. Wilson’s significant contributions as a solo artist and producer for other musicians demonstrate the band’s broader cultural impact. Porcupine Tree remains an influential force within progressive rock, continually celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions and unwavering dedication to musical excellence.
Complete List Of Porcupine Tree Songs From A to Z
- .3 – In Absentia – 2002
- A Smart Kid – Stupid Dream – 1999
- Always Never – Up the Downstair – 1993
- Always Never – Moonloop (US CD) – 1994
- Always Never (Live) – Coma Divine (Expanded edition) – 1997
- Anesthetize – Fear of a Blank Planet – 2007
- And the Swallows Dance Above the Sun – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Arriving Somewhere but Not Here – Deadwing – 2005
- Arriving Somewhere But Not Here (demo) – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Baby Dream in Cellophane – Stupid Dream – 1999
- Begonia Seduction Scene – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Black Dahlia – The Incident (Disc two) – 2009
- Blackest Eyes – In Absentia – 2002
- Blackest Eyes (demo) – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Blackest Eyes (radio edit) – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Blind House, The – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Bonnie the Cat – The Incident (Disc two) – 2009
- Bornlivedieintro (Live) – Coma Divine – 1997
- Bornlivedie – Signify – 1996
- Burning Sky – Up the Downstair – 1993
- Buying New Soul – Lightbulb Sun (2008 Reissue) – 2008
- Buying New Soul (Edit) – Lightbulb Sun (German tour edition) – 2000
- Buying New Soul (Instrumental Backing Track) – Lightbulb Sun (2008 Limited Edition) – 2008
- Cheating the Polygraph – Nil Recurring EP – 2007
- Cheating the Polygraph – Fear of a Blank Planet (Vinyl edition) – 2007
- Chimera’s Wreck – Closure/Continuation – 2022
- Chimera’s Wreck (instrumental) – Closure/Continuation (Box set bonus CD) – 2022
- Chloroform – In Absentia (European special edition) – 2003
- Circle of Manias – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Cloud Zero – Staircase Infinities EP – 1994
- Cloud Zero – Staircase Infinities (Up the Downstair remaster) – 2005
- Collapse Intro – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Collapse the Light Into Earth – In Absentia – 2002
- Colourflow in Mind – Stars Die: The Delerium Years 1991–1997 – 1997
- Creator Has a Mastertape, The – In Absentia – 2002
- Creator Has a Mastertape, The (demo) – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Cryogenics – Coma: Coda (Rome 1997) – 2020
- Cure for Optimism – Lightbulb Sun (2008 Reissue) – 2008
- Dark Matter – Signify – 1996
- Dark Origins – Signify (2003-04 reissue) – 2003
- Deadwing – Deadwing – 2005
- Deadwing (demo) – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Degree Zero of Liberty – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Dignity – Closure/Continuation – 2022
- Dignity (instrumental) – Closure/Continuation (Box set bonus CD) – 2022
- Disappear – Lightbulb Sun (2008 Reissue) – 2008
- Dislocated Day – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- Dislocated Day (Live) – Coma Divine – 1997
- Don’t Hate Me – Stupid Dream – 1999
- Door to the River – Metanoia – 1998
- Drawing the Line – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Drown with Me – In Absentia (European special edition) – 2003
- Drown With Me (demo) – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Enough – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Even Less – Stupid Dream – 1999
- Every Home Is Wired – Signify – 1996
- Fadeaway – Up the Downstair – 1993
- Fear of a Blank Planet – Fear of a Blank Planet – 2007
- Feel So Low – Lightbulb Sun – 2000
- Flicker – The Incident (Disc two) – 2009
- Footprints – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Four Chords That Made a Million – Lightbulb Sun – 2000
- Fuse the Sky – Stars Die: The Delerium Years 1991–1997 – 1997
- Futile – In Absentia (DVD-A release) – 2004
- Glass Arm Jam – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Glass Arm Shattering – Deadwing – 2005
- Godfearing (demo) – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Gravity Eyelids – In Absentia – 2002
- Gravity Eyelids (demo) – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Great Expectations – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Half-Light – Deadwing (DVD-A edition) – 2005
- Halo – Deadwing – 2005
- Halo (demo) – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Hallogallo – Signify (2003-04 reissue) – 2003
- Harridan – Closure/Continuation – 2022
- Harridan (instrumental) – Closure/Continuation (Box set bonus CD) – 2022
- Hatesong – Lightbulb Sun – 2000
- Heartattack in a Layby – In Absentia – 2002
- Heartattack in a Layby (demo) – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Herd Culling – Closure/Continuation – 2022
- Herd Culling (instrumental) – Closure/Continuation (Box set bonus CD) – 2022
- How Is Your Life Today? – Lightbulb Sun – 2000
- Hymn – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- I Drive the Hearse – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- I Find That I’m Not There – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- Idiot Prayer – Signify – 1996
- Imogen Slaughter – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Incident, The – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Insignificance – Metanoia – 1998
- Instrumental Demo 1 – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Instrumental Demo 2 – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Intermediate Jesus – Signify – 1996
- Is…Not – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- Is…Not (Live) – Coma Divine (Expanded edition) – 1997
- It Will Rain for a Million Years – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Joke’s on You, The – Staircase Infinities EP – 1994
- Joke’s on You, The – Staircase Infinities (Up the Downstair remaster) – 2005
- Jupiter Island – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Kneel and Disconnect – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Last Chance to Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled – Lightbulb Sun – 2000
- Lazarus – Deadwing – 2005
- Lazarus (demo) – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Light Mass Prayers – Signify – 1996
- Lightbulb Sun – Lightbulb Sun – 2000
- Linton Samuel Dawson – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Lips of Ashes – In Absentia – 2002
- Love in the Past Tense – Closure/Continuation (Digital/Deluxe edition) – 2022
- Meantime – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Mellotron Scratch – Deadwing – 2005
- Message from a Self-Destructing Turnip – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Monuments Burn into Moments – Up the Downstair – 1993
- Moon Touches Your Shoulder, The (Live) – Coma Divine (Expanded edition) – 1997
- Moonloop – Moonloop EP – 1994
- Moonloop – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- Moonloop (Live) – Coma Divine – 1997
- Moonloop (coda) – The Sky Moves Sideways (2004 Expanded remaster) – 2004
- Moonloop (improvisation) – The Sky Moves Sideways (2004 Expanded remaster) – 2004
- Moonloop (Version) – Moonloop (US CD) – 1994
- Mother & Child Divided – Deadwing (DVD-A edition) – 2005
- Mother And Child Divided – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Mother And Child Divided (demo) – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Music for the Head – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- My Ashes – Fear of a Blank Planet – 2007
- Navigator – Staircase Infinities EP – 1994
- Navigator – Staircase Infinities (Up the Downstair remaster) – 2005
- Neural Rust – Signify (2003-04 reissue) – 2003
- Never Have – Closure/Continuation (Digital/Deluxe edition) – 2022
- Nil Recurring – Nil Recurring EP – 2007
- Nil Recurring – Fear of a Blank Planet (Vinyl edition) – 2007
- Nine Cats – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Nine Cats (acoustic version) – Signify (2003-04 reissue) – 2003
- No Luck with Rabbits – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Normal – Nil Recurring EP – 2007
- Normal – Fear of a Blank Planet (Vinyl edition) – 2007
- Not Beautiful Anymore – Up the Downstair – 1993
- Not Beautiful Anymore (Live) – Coma Divine – 1997
- Novak – Lightbulb Sun (2008 Limited Edition) – 2008
- Occam’s Razor – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Octane Twisted – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Of the New Day – Closure/Continuation – 2022
- Of the New Day (instrumental) – Closure/Continuation (Box set bonus CD) – 2022
- Off the Map – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- On the Sunday of Life… – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Open Car – Deadwing – 2005
- Open Car (demo) – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Orchidia – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Pagan – Signify – 1996
- Piano Lessons – Stupid Dream – 1999
- Population Three – Closure/Continuation (Digital/Deluxe edition) – 2022
- Population Three (instrumental) – Closure/Continuation (Digital/Deluxe edition) – 2022
- Prepare Yourself – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- Prodigal – In Absentia – 2002
- Pure Narcotic – Stupid Dream – 1999
- Queen Quotes Crowley – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Radioactive Toy – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Radioactive Toy (Live) – Coma Divine – 1997
- Rainy Taxi – Staircase Infinities EP – 1994
- Rainy Taxi – Staircase Infinities (Up the Downstair remaster) – 2005
- Rats Return – Closure/Continuation – 2022
- Rats Return (instrumental) – Closure/Continuation (Box set bonus CD) – 2022
- Remember Me Lover – The Incident (Disc two) – 2009
- Revenant – Deadwing (DVD-A edition) – 2005
- Russia on Ice – Lightbulb Sun – 2000
- Séance, The – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Sentimental – Fear of a Blank Planet – 2007
- Sever – Signify – 1996
- Sever Tomorrow – Signify (2003-04 reissue) – 2003
- Shallow – Deadwing – 2005
- Shallow (demo) – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Shesmovedon – Lightbulb Sun – 2000
- Shesmovedon (2004) – Deadwing (American edition) – 2005
- Signify – Signify – 1996
- Signify (Live) – Coma Divine – 1997
- Signify II – Stars Die: The Delerium Years 1991–1997 – 1997
- Siren – Up the Downstair – 1993
- Slave Called Shiver – Stupid Dream – 1999
- Sleep of No Dreaming, The – Signify – 1996
- Sleep of No Dreaming, The (Live) – Coma Divine – 1997
- Sleep Together – Fear of a Blank Planet – 2007
- Sky Moves Sideways, The (Live) – Coma Divine – 1997
- Small Fish – Up the Downstair – 1993
- Smiling Not Smiling – Signify (2003-04 reissue) – 2003
- So Called Friend – Deadwing (LP edition) – 2005
- So Called Friend (demo) – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Sound of Muzak, The – In Absentia – 2002
- Sound of Muzak, The (demo) – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Space Transmission – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Spiral Circus – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- Stars Die – Moonloop EP – 1994
- Stars Die – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- Start of Something Beautiful – Deadwing – 2005
- Stop Swimming – Stupid Dream – 1999
- Stranger by the Minute – Stupid Dream – 1999
- Strip the Soul – In Absentia – 2002
- Strip the Soul (demo) – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Strip the Soul (Video edit) – In Absentia (European special edition) – 2003
- Stupid Dream – Stupid Dream – 1999
- Synesthesia – Up the Downstair – 1993
- The Colour of Air – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- The Moon Touches Your Shoulder – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- The Nostalgia Factory – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- The Rest Will Flow – Lightbulb Sun – 2000
- The Rest Will Flow (string section) – Lightbulb Sun (German tour edition) – 2000
- The Sky Moves Sideways – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- The Sky Moves Sideways (alternate version) – The Sky Moves Sideways (2004 Expanded remaster) – 2004
- The Sky Moves Sideways Phase 1 – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- The Sky Moves Sideways Phase 2 – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- The Sound of No-One Listening – Stars Die: The Delerium Years 1991–1997 – 1997
- Third Eye Surfer – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- This Is No Rehearsal – Stupid Dream – 1999
- This Long Silence – On the Sunday of Life… – 1992
- Time Flies – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Tinto Brass – Stupid Dream – 1999
- Tinto Brass (Live at Southampton University) – Lightbulb Sun (German tour edition) – 2000
- Trains – In Absentia – 2002
- Trains (demo) – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Trains (radio edit) – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Up the Downstair – Up the Downstair – 1993
- Up the Downstair (Live) – Coma Divine (Expanded edition) – 1997
- Vapour Trail (demo) – Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) – 2023
- Waiting (Phase One) – Signify – 1996
- Waiting (Phase One) (Live) – Coma Divine – 1997
- Waiting (Phase Two) – Signify – 1996
- Waiting (Phase Two) (Live) – Coma Divine – 1997
- Waiting – Signify (2003-04 reissue) – 2003
- Wake As Gun 1 – Signify (2003-04 reissue) – 2003
- Wake As Gun 2 – Signify (2003-04 reissue) – 2003
- Walk the Plank – Closure/Continuation – 2022
- Walk the Plank (instrumental) – Closure/Continuation (Box set bonus CD) – 2022
- Watching You Sleep – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- Way Out of Here – Fear of a Blank Planet – 2007
- Way Out of Here (Live) – The Incident (Japanese & iTunes bonus tracks) – 2009
- Wedding Nails – In Absentia – 2002
- Wedding Nails (demo) – In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) – 2020
- What Happens Now? – Nil Recurring EP – 2007
- What Happens Now? – Fear of a Blank Planet (Vinyl edition) – 2007
- What Happens Now? (Live) – The Incident (Japanese & iTunes bonus tracks) – 2009
- What You Are Listening To… – Up the Downstair – 1993
- Where We Would Be – Lightbulb Sun – 2000
- Wire the Drum – The Sky Moves Sideways – 1995
- Yellow Hedgerow Dreamscape – Staircase Infinities EP – 1994
- Yellow Hedgerow Dreamscape – Staircase Infinities (Up the Downstair remaster) – 2005
- Yellow Windows of the Evening Train, The – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
- Your Unpleasant Family – The Incident (Disc one) – 2009
Albums” Standard and Deluxe Editions
On the Sunday of Life… (1992): 18 songs
Up the Downstair (1993): 10 songs
Moonloop EP (1994): 2 songs
Moonloop (US CD) (1994): 3 songs
Staircase Infinities EP (1994): 5 songs
Staircase Infinities (Up the Downstair remaster) (2005): 5 songs
The Sky Moves Sideways (1995): 16 songs
Signify (1996): 12 songs
Coma Divine (1997): 10 songs
Coma Divine (Expanded edition) (1997): 15 songs
Signify (2003-04 reissue) (2003): 10 songs
Stars Die: The Delerium Years 1991–1997 (1997): 3 songs
Metanoia (1998): 2 songs
Coma: Coda (Rome 1997) (2020): 1 song
Stupid Dream (1999): 12 songs
Lightbulb Sun (2000): 10 songs
Lightbulb Sun (German tour edition) (2000): 3 songs
Lightbulb Sun (2008 Reissue) (2008): 3 songs
Lightbulb Sun (2008 Limited Edition) (2008): 2 songs
In Absentia (2002): 12 songs
In Absentia (European special edition) (2003): 2 songs
In Absentia (DVD-A release) (2004): 1 song
In Absentia (2020 Deluxe edition) (2020): 18 songs
Deadwing (2005): 9 songs
Deadwing (American edition) (2005): 1 song
Deadwing (DVD-A edition) (2005): 3 songs
Deadwing (LP edition) (2005): 2 songs
Deadwing (2023 Deluxe edition) (2023): 16 songs
Fear of a Blank Planet (2007): 6 songs
Fear of a Blank Planet (Vinyl edition) (2007): 4 songs
Nil Recurring EP (2007): 4 songs
The Incident (Disc one) (2009): 14 songs
The Incident (Disc two) (2009): 4 songs
The Incident (Japanese & iTunes bonus tracks) (2009): 2 songs
Closure/Continuation (2022): 7 songs
Closure/Continuation (Digital/Deluxe edition) (2022): 4 songs
Closure/Continuation (Box set bonus CD) (2022): 7 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Porcupine Tree articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Complete List Of Porcupine Tree Studio Albums And Songs
Top 10 Porcupine Tree Songs
Top 10 Steven Wilson Songs
Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com
Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory
Complete List Of Porcupine Tree Songs From A to Z article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025
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