Gong (UK)

The universe of Gong began in 1969 when Daevid Allen was inspired by a profound psychedelic vision. A founder member of Soft Machine, Allen incorporated his spiritual and metaphysical leanings into an evolving collective. More a mythology than a band in the conventional sense, Gong established itself as one of the most unique, innovative and experimental rock groups of the seventies, through an exploratory mix of rock, jazz and psychedelia with elements of mysticism and surrealism, unafraid to deliver its messages directly, obliquely or whimsically. The current incarnation, who were put together by Daevid before his swansong album with Gong, ‘I See You’, honour his intention that Gong do not die with him, urging the band to “carry it on into new unknown heights and depths far beyond anything I could ever imagine myself”.

The collective of Kavus Torabi, Dave Sturt, Fabio Golfetti, Ian East and Cheb Nettles is the most stable in Gong/s illustrious history, having written, recorded and toured together for eight years since Allen/s passing. A dynamic, powerful and explosive live band, their music draws from the credo of the original Gong while remaining committed to pushing the composition, performances and message into new realms, paying no mind to nostalgia. Gong in 2024 continue the ethics, attitude and lifestyle that was always woven into the fabric of the band.

Every Gong show is a ritual, involving band and audience. Over the course of an intense and ecstatic two hours, Gong hypnotises with pulsating riffs, soaring vocal harmonies and angular pointillistic arrangements. Moving through overwhelming peaks of sonic intensity to blissful, dreamlike passages all the while illuminated by an unforgettably kaleidoscopic light show by Fruit Salad Lights. Gong mine their recent catalogue while also dipping into the classic era, every night an unforgettable transformation. No minds left unblown.