The group's origin dates back to the early 1980s, when singer and guitarist Steven Wilson set out with his solo project, playing all instruments and singing. The early period clearly showed the influence of 1970s progressive rock and for many also that of Pink Floyd, although Wilson always wanted to make it clear that their primary sources of inspiration did not include Pink Floyd. As the project evolved, the band grew in its membership and, until disbanding in 2010, consisted of Wilson (guitar and vocals), Richard Barbieri (keyboard), Colin Edwin (bass), and Gavin Harrison (drums), who had replaced the previous drummer, Chris Maitland, in 2002. In 2021 they reunited, announced a new album "Closure/Continuation" and an international tour.