Gong: On French TV 1971-1973 (DVD)

For those of you who do not know, Gong formed in the late '60s when Australian Daevid Allen was not allowed back into England after touring with Soft Machine due to problems with his visa. It was almost by chance the band actually formed at all. The story of Gong is an interesting one and like the music the band made over the years it is quite unique. What other band lived and recorded in a house in the countryside of France and lived as a communal group? Not too many I suppose but that is what makes this group of English and French musicians, plus one transplanted Australian, such an intriguing story.

The DVD is relatively short and covers two distinct periods of the band. It includes some of the earliest known footage of the band playing live for French television circa 1971 and 72. Watching the band live must have been a real experience as they took the art of drug induced hippiness to the next level. The band performs four tracks of their signature jazz/space rock jams including "Never Fight Another War", "Dreamin It", "Dynamite" and "Foghat Digs Holes In Space". Spacey synth work, ripping bass runs and the vocal caterwauling of Gilli Smyth and Allen is all included for your enjoyment. That is, if you like your music of the somewhat bizarre variety. The performances are good and offer a rare glimpse of the band in those early years.

The second part of the DVD features interviews and performances filmed at the band's house in 1973. This old footage is intriguing and any fans of the band will find it fascinating. Interviews with Allen and Malherbe offer insight into the strange world that is Gong and some of the interviews with the locals are priceless. It is clear that Gong were accepted by the people living in the area. This was the early '70s after all when hippies were a part of the social fabric.

If you are new to the band what better way to learn about these fascianting musicians and fans of 'Planet Gong' will want this in their collection as it documents an important part of progressive rock's musical history. Released on Gonzo Multimedia.

Track listing:
1. Rockenstock: I Never Glid Before. I Am Your Pussy.
2. Pop Deux: Never Fight Another War.
3. Jazzland: Dreamin It.
4. Doctor Pierre & Mister Perret: Dynamite
5. Pop Deux Gong Concert At The Nanterre University: Foghat Digs Holes In Space.

Added: May 1st 2011
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 5176
Language: english

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