I have seen Peter Hammill twice in two fantastic concerts in Barcelona. I would never forget his songs. He played alone all the instruments. Peter is not only a great musician, he is also an awesome poet. This song reaches deep into my soul.
so after many many years i am listening to refugees again,cannot put into words the meaning of this track for me...I was 15this became one of those seminal songs which carries not just memories but love friendship beauty ,life itself.Its pretty difficult to listen to, lots of tears and goosebumps
One of the goals of the original prog rock movement was to successfully marry classical music with rock'n'roll. Nobody pursued after this goal more profoundly than Gary Brooker with his band Procol Harum, resulting in several awe-inspiring albums. But it was Peter Hammill and VDGG who conceived the greatest achievement in this regard with "Refugees", melting baroque stylings and chorals with rock into a seamless whole. The recording is still unsurpassed, and will remain so forever.
If you ask me, this is the most beautiful "pop song" ever put on vinyl.