I am eager for some suggestions on good progressive rock similar to that of Rush, which has been my favorite band for years. A friend suggested Dream Theatre and some other stuff, but I thought I would see what you guys think? Keep in mind that I can't stand most nu metal (or most newer rock bands for that matter; 65% of my collection is pre-1980) so stuff that remains true to earlier roots is probably best. Thanks for any suggestions!

dream theater is one of the better prog rock bands out there now adays, but they're sometimes in the metal genre also. if your looking for rush-style licks (whether drum, bass, guitar, keyboard, vocal) they'll do the trick. there's also a side project called liquid tension experiment that's the drummer and guitarist of dt and the bassist of peter gabriel and keyboardist of dixie dreggs. they're fabulous, but theyr'e purely instrumental.

if you want pre-90's stuff, try yes or maybe even dixie dreggs (though they have abit of a bluegrass/country sound yet were very progressive for they're time).

Look into either The Flower Kings, or Spock's Beard. Two of the best new progrock bands(1990s-present).

Cygnus X1, a brief example of what's on my PC:

Atomic Rooster
Camel
Pendragon
Spirit
Spooky Tooth
The Nice
Uriah Heep

I am sure one or two of these will entertain you too

Great suggestions! I even have a little bit of stuff by two of them already (Uriah Heep and Yes). If and when $$ permits (not likely, as I'm a PhD student ), I might pick up a few of these discs. Thanks!