They are, without a doubt, the biggest influence on me and my own music.
I grew up on 'Stand Up' and 'Benefit' and singles such as 'Witches Promise', 'Sweet Dream' and Life is a long song'.
I lost sight of them in a few of their guises and phases that didn't quite cut it for me...
But the highpoint of their output for me remains the 'Songs from the Wood', 'Heavy Horses', 'Stormwatch' period...
- once John Glascock had settled in, in fact ( I didn't care too much for 'Too old to...' - was that his first with them?)
Once Ian 'broke up' that line up (following John's untimely death) I think the 'band' no longer functioned with the true feel of a 'band' - just a collective, assembled to fulfil Ian's constantly shifting trends (just a personal opinion, you understand!)
I listened to, but wasn't captivated by, many of those phases.
I did 'prick up my ears when my fave guitar player, Martin Barre seemed to dominate, once more - the 'Crest of a Knave' and 'Rock Island' period - but even that era was a tad patchy (for me!).
Strangely enough - I only saw them once 'live' with my fave line-up - and a good few times since in various incarnations.
Always enjoyed them 'live' - whatever phase and whatever line-up - the man himself is the consummate showman - and no mean player (of flute AND acoustic guitar!)
Martin Barre has remained a real hero of mine all through the years since I first strode into the lower sixth common room and put 'Benefit' on the stereo there!
I cannot express my admiration of this guitar player - I havn't the vocabulary!
And long serving Doanne P still keeps me watching the drum riser - what a player...
Jings! Haven't they been blessed with some greats on the stool - three superb custodians always engage me (all different in approach - all magnificent)... Clive B, the superb Barrie B and Doanne - love 'em!
And Ian? The man is a genius - fullstop.

I listen to those albums mentioned in this post often, to this very day - and my travels to and from my own gigs most often feature a compilation of songs from those mentioned - I'll look up the playlist and post it here - if anyone shows the remotest interest in comparing notes with me!

Thanks for posting the link!
Life IS a long song - and the tune hasn't ended for us (me) yet! - Duncan McF