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“I’ve done Genesis, ELP, Yes and King Crimson. It’s cool”: Arjen Lucassen’s rules for his Ayreon album guest lists
Arjen Lucassen says his Ayreon guest lists are guided by personal taste and practical considerations, rather than a plan to reunite musicians from particular bands. He has already worked with singers and players associated with Genesis, ELP, Yes and King Crimson, and says he is comfortable with that.
For the 2013 album *The Theory of Everything*, Lucassen wanted guests whose voices suited the characters in its story. He also considers availability and whether an artist is interested; the resulting cast included musicians from different backgrounds, reflecting Ayreon’s collaborative approach.
In short
- Lucassen chooses Ayreon guests for their fit with each album.
- Musical background, availability and interest all shape the line-up.
- He has worked with musicians linked to four major prog bands.
Explained simply
Ayreon is a music project led by Dutch musician Arjen Lucassen. Its albums often tell science-fiction or other story-based tales, with different singers and musicians taking roles, rather than relying on one permanent band.
Lucassen chooses guests according to the sound and character he wants for each song, as well as whether musicians are available and interested. Some guests have also played in well-known groups such as Genesis, ELP, Yes and King Crimson, but he says bringing those bands’ members together is not his main aim.
This approach gives Ayreon albums a varied cast drawn from across rock and other musical backgrounds. On 2013’s *The Theory of Everything*, for example, Lucassen sought voices that suited the story’s characters.