Steve Hillage: announces “Searching For The Spark” is a 22-disc box set celebrating the work of award-winning guitarist

London, UK - “Searching For The Spark” is a 22-disc box set celebrating the work of award-winning guitarist, Steve Hillage.

Since he began playing guitar in the early 1960s, through his time with Gong and beyond as a solo artist and one half of System 7, Steve Hillage has embodied what it means to be a truly progressive musician.

One of the most respected and beloved players arising from the Canterbury Scene, “Searching For The Spark” shines a spotlight on his solo work, chronicling his very first recording in 1969 through to 1991's self-titled debut with System 7.

In addition to gathering his eight solo albums, “Searching For The Spark” also houses seven albums of live material and no less than four discs of demos and archive recordings, many previously unreleased, direct from Steve's own personal collection.

Brimming with rare photos, press clippings, reviews and commentary from Hillage himself, the box set includes a lavish, hardback 188 page book documenting Steve’s life and times written, with Steve's full co-operation, by acknowledged Gong expert, Jonny Greene.

Musical Highlights from “Searching For The Spark” include:

* Over 40 minutes of previously unavailable material from 1972's Khan mkII line-up.

* Numerous rarities from Hillage's archive of demo recordings ranging from pre-“Fish Rising” through to post- “For To Next”.

* Unfinished tracks from the '80s and numerous demos leading up to System 7 also shed new light on Hillage's pioneering work as a composer and ambient musician.

“Searching For The Spark” is an ambitious, immensely detailed retrospective.

For existing fans, it offers unprecedented access to the guitarist's archives. For the new generations coming to Hillage through his ongoing work with System 7, it provides everything needed to explore Steve's unique musical universe. For old and new admirers alike, everything from his formative years to his mature work as an unflinchingly forward-looking musician is gathered together in one truly encyclopaedic collection.

“Searching For The Spark” is nothing less than the definitive statement upon an impressively rich and diverse career.

The set includes:

• Arzachel.

• Khan's Space Shanty, 1972.

• All eight of Hillage's classic Virgin Records solo albums – Fish Rising, L, Motivation Radio, Green, Open (and Studio Herald), Rainbow Dome Music, Open, For To Next (and its companion And Not Or) – plus bonus tracks.

• System 7 (first album).

• Live in Deeply Vale, 1978.

• Two BBC performances from The Paris Theatre recorded in December 1976 and November 1979.

• Eight CDs featuring recordings taken from Steve's personal archive, including four superb concert performances (Brighton Dome November 1977, Munich April 1979, Hammersmith Odeon November 1979, The Steve Hillage Band Live At The Gong Family Unconvention 2006) and four discs (Sparks Volumes 1-4) packed with previously unheard and unreleased tracks, demos and alternate takes.

Accompanying the recordings is a magnificent 188 page 32,000 word coffee table book. Written and assembled by Steve Hillage and Gong family expert Jonny Greene, the book contains hundreds of rare and previously unseen photographs and cuttings.

In addition there are three reproduction promo posters, two lyric booklets, a high quality enamel badge, a 60 page scrap book containing more photographs and cuttings, and a certificate of authenticity signed by Steve Hillage and his creative partner Miquette Giraudy.

Please note that this superb Steve Hillage package is strictly limited to 2500 copies globally!

To pre-order “Searching For The Spark”: http://www.madfishmusic.com/artists/steve-hillage

Steve Hillage media source page: http://www.madfishmusic.com/media/steve-hillage

Steve Hillage official website: www.stevehillage.com

For more information: www.madfishmusic.com

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Searching for the Spark 1969 -1991 is a limited edition 22 CD deluxe box set containing all the work guitar great and electronic music innovator Steve Hillage recorded from his studio debut (1969's Arzachel) to the first System 7 album in 1991.

The set includes:

* Arzachel.

* Khan's Space Shanty, 1972.

* All eight of Hillage's classic Virgin Records solo albums - Fish Rising, L, Motivation Radio, Green, Open (and Studio Herald), Rainbow Dome Music, Open, For To Next (and its companion And Not Or) - plus bonus tracks.

* System 7 (first album).

* Live in Deeply Vale, 1978.

* Two BBC performances from The Paris Theatre recorded in December 1976 and November 1979.

* Eight CDs featuring recordings taken from Steve's personal archive, including four superb concert performances (Brighton Dome November 1977, Munich April 1979, Hammersmith Odeon November 1979, The Steve Hillage Band Live At The Gong Family Unconvention 2006) and four discs (Sparks Volumes 1-4) packed with previously unheard and unreleased tracks, demos and alternate takes.

Accompanying the recordings is a magnificent 188 page 32,000 word coffee table book. Written and assembled by Steve Hillage and Gong family expert Jonny Greene, the book contains hundreds of rare and previously unseen photographs and cuttings.

In addition there are three reproduction promo posters, two lyric booklets, a high quality enamel badge, a 60 page scrap book containing more photographs and cuttings, and a certificate of authenticity signed by Steve Hillage and his creative partner Miquette Giraudy.

Please note that this superb Steve Hillage package is strictly limited to 2500 copies globally.

Pre-order for 21st October release

Steve Hillage - Box Set Sampler run through

Rick Wakeman, Steve Hillage, Steve Howe, William Shatner: Set To Release “Starship Trooper” Compilation

Keyboard Legend Rick Wakeman To Release “Starship Trooper” Compilation Feat. Steve Hillage, Nik Turner, Steve Howe, William Shatner and Others!

Los Angeles – On April 15th Purple Pyramid records will be releasing an out of this world collection of extraordinary performances by legendary YES keyboardist Rick Wakeman! For more than four decades Rick Wakeman has established himself as a visionary showman without peer, the creator of some of the most extravagant performances, breathtaking soloing and imaginative passages ever preserved on record, or executed on stage.

Aptly titled “Starship Trooper”, this amazing collection contains 2 previously unreleased tracks including a powerful rendition of Tool's “Sober” plus several more brilliant cover songs of The Who, Pink Floyd, and The Doors including 5 never before heard versions! The compilation also includes performances by Gong’s Steve Hillage, Yes's Billy Sherwood, Steve Howe and Tony Kaye, William Shatner, Colin Moulding, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Carmine Appice and more!

“Over the last few years I have performed on many tracks as a 'guest' but never before has anybody put some of the best of those I played on into a compilation. It's always challenging to be involved in tracks of other people's music and other people's arrangements as it often makes you think and play differently and certainly on many of these tracks I play in quite an unexpected way, but there again, much of my life has been pretty unexpected anyway!” - Rick Wakeman

The liner notes were written by modern rock scholar Dave Thompson, who says of Rick Wakeman, “This most personable of superstars has made inroads into the worlds of journalism, broadcasting and acting - professions which his eye for spectacle, story telling and stylishness might well have made inevitable all along. But he also happens to be among the most gifted, visionary and brilliant performers his chosen instruments have seen.”

Track List:
1. Sober
2. Are We To Believe
3. Random Acts (Revisited)
4. Dynamics Of Delirium
5. Love Reign O'er Me
6. Crime Of The Century
7. The Great Gig In The Sky
8. I'm Not in Love
9. Starship Trooper
10. Check Point Karma
11. Change
12. Nobody Home
13. Light My Fire

Rick Wakeman's official website: http://www.rwcc.com/

Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/RickWakemanCD
Download the digital version: http://flyt.it/RickWakemanDig

Steve Hillage: To Issue Unreleased Concert Recording “Live In Madison Square Garden 1977”

London, UK - Steve Hillage is one of the most idiosyncratic and instantly recognisable guitarists in the world. Associated with the Canterbury scene, he has worked in experimental domains since the late 1960s. Besides his critically acclaimed solo recordings, along with prog legends Gong, Steve has been a member of the ensembles Khan and System 7. And now, much to the excitement of Steve Hillage fans worldwide, Cleopatra Records will be releasing a vintage concert recording from 1977 of his band in concert at Madison Square Garden in NYC!

Says Steve, “This was a great performance from another fine period of my band in the late '70s. This was my first tour of the US – Gong never played there while I was in the band in the seventies. It wasn't my first visit to the US though – my first visit was in 1976 when I went to record 'L' at Todd Rundgren's studio, near Woodstock, New York. Madison Square Garden in New York is an iconic major venue, so it was a fantastic honor to play there! We were playing to audiences who mostly didn’t know our music too well, so we just let rip and went for it. The band was really firing!!!”

“Live In Madison Square Garden 1977” is culled from a crystal clear soundboard recording that captures Hillage at the height of his powers with performances from his second solo album “L”, including a psychedelic cover of Donovan's “Hurdy Gurdy Man” plus the epic length “Hurdy Gurdy Glissando,” “Lunar Musick Suite” and more! Also included are superb bonus studio tracks that feature exclusive versions of Hillage's recent recording collaborations with keyboard legend Rick Wakeman and world renowned actor William Shatner!

“Todd Rundgren came to the Madison Square Garden show,” Hillage remembers, “and I'm pretty sure he joined our sound engineer at the mixing desk and added some extra Harmonizer drum effects to 'It's All Too Much'. It certainly sounds like that on the recording! I was waiting for a good moment to release this US gig recording in the US on an American label. Cleopatra, with whom I’ve had a long relationship, asked me if I had any good available archive material and it immediately struck me that this moment had arrived!”

Steve Hillage first came to prominence as a member of the multi-national rock band Gong. Steve appeared on successful albums such as 'Angels Egg', 'You' and his final album with the band 'Shamal'. Steve recorded his first solo album in 1975 entitled 'Fish Rising'. This album was recorded whilst still a member of Gong. Shortly after however, Steve and his partner Miquette Giraudy left Gong embarking on a career that continues to this day under the name System 7.

In 1976 Steve recorded the album 'L', which was produced by Todd Rundgren. The album was a huge success and Steve subsequently formed the first Steve Hillage Band, which included former Jethro Tull drummer Clive Bunker and future Camel bassist Colin Bass. The band made its live debut at the Hyde Park concert staged by Queen in September 1976. From 1976 to 1979, Steve Hillage released several critically acclaimed albums and toured the world.

Steve Hillage's “Live In Madison Square Garden 1977” is available on CD in a mini-LP sleeve and a special limited edition opaque orange vinyl pressing with full color insert and sleeve!

System 7 website: http://www.a-wave.com/system7/

http://www.CleopatraRecords.com

To purchase Steve Hillage's “Live In Madison Square Garden 1977”:
CD: http://flyt.it/SteveHillageCD
Vinyl: http://flyt.it/SteveHillageLP

Steve Hillage: SYSTEM 7 will team-up with Japan’s leading progressive rock band ROVO next month for their first-ever concerts on UK soil

Iconic guitarist Steve Hillage and his band SYSTEM 7 will team-up with Japan’s leading progressive rock band ROVO next month for their first-ever concerts on UK soil.

Following a rapturously received Japanese tour, the UK dates begin at Manchester’s Ritz on Friday March 7th, followed by London’s O2 Academy Islington (March 8), Brighton’s Concorde 2 (March 9) and Leamington’s Assembly (March 10). Tickets for all 4 concerts are available now from www.musicglue.com/rovoandsystem7.

With eight musicians on-stage, including two live drummers, the PHOENIX RISING concert will highlight a sophisticated blend of electronic beats and live instrumentation. Hillage fans can be assured that, in the format of PHOENIX RISING, his masterful electric guitar style will be fully unleashed, with extensive soloing and duets with the electric violin of Rovo's Yuji Katsui.

MANCHESTER RITZ (MARCH 7)
LONDON O2 ISLINGTON ACADEMY (MARCH 8)
BRIGHTON CONCORDE 2 (MARCH 9)
LEAMINGTON ASSEMBLY (MARCH 10)

more http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/rovosystem7/phoenixrising.htm

Rovo and System 7 - Hinotori (Official Video)

Steve Hillage: wins “Visionary” Award at the Progressive Music Awards 2013

Steve Hillage, the celebrated progressive rock guitarist, singer/songwriter, and producer, was awarded the “Visionary” Award at the Progressive Music Awards 2013 at Kew Gardens, West London, on Tuesday 3^rd September. The award was presented to Hillage by author/actor/comedian Bill Oddie (The Goodies).

The Visionary Award is about the spirit of independence and for those who make their own niche in a progressive direction. From the psychedelic anthems from GONG to the futuristic dance rhythms of the ambient techno duo SYSTEM 7, Steve Hillage is one of the most unique guitarists the world has ever seen. Experimental and groundbreaking throughout his career, the Canterbury-affiliated icon is still much sampled and admired today. 

Hillage continues to push the envelope with new project ROVO and SYSTEM 7 - the perfect synergetic between techno and Japan’s leading prog rock band ROVO, whose collaborative new album “Phoenix Rising” is released on Monday 23^rd September.  They will perform two special concerts at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Manchester Ritz in March 2014.

Not many people know that Steve was hugely instrumental in suggesting to and persuading Michael Eavis at Glastonbury Festival to add the dance stage in 1995. Received enthusiastically by the audience from day one, this signalled a sea change in the direction of music.

Team Rock’s Prog Magazine Radio Show will host a 2-hour awards special at 6pm on Sunday 8^th September.  Prog Magazine online will host photos, interviews, and videos of the event. 

Steve Hillage: new video gets taken down from YouTube... but after some changes it's back again

Steve Hillage premiered the cutting edge promo video for Rovo and System 7’s new single “Hinotori.”  Several hours later the video was mysteriously removed from YouTube.  Today, the video, directed by Tokyo’s Mood Magic, has been re-uploaded on YouTube and can be viewed HERE. 

Steve Hillage, one of the original members of the British prog rock band GONG, wants to set the record straight about this ground-breaking promo video which combines live performance footage with state-of-the-art Japanese animation.   “The video was initially taken down in connection with the use of original Hinotori images from the Manga animation pioneer Osamu Tezuka, who has been a huge influence on the Phoenix Rising project,” says Hillage.  “Tezuka Productions, the Japanese company that manages the Tezuka creative legacy,  demanded a change in the precise wording of the copyright notice after the end of the video. This has now been resolved.  Our Japanese video production company wish to apologise for the temporary YouTube removal.” The Hinotori promo video is a taster from a collaboration between System 7 and Japan’s leading progressive rock band, ROVO, culminating in the new studio album PHOENIX RISING (released in the UK on 23 September).  The album, produced by Steve Hillage and ROVO, is followed by concerts at Manchester Ritz (March 7) and London o2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (March 8).  Tickets  and a free download of the 5-track Hinotori EP are available from Music Glue.  ROVO are a Japanese progressive rock/jam band featuring two drummers, bass and keyboards, led by guitarist Seiichi Yamamoto and electric violinist Yuji Katsui.  SYSTEM 7 is comprised of Steve Hillage andMiquette Giraudy, who present tech-house beats and live playing; a major influence on the development of psychedelic ambient and electronica.  The gigs will feature electronic beats and live instrumentation, made possible by the skilled musicianship of eight players, including two live drummers. Hillage’s unique electric guitar style will embody extensive soloing and duets with the electric violin of Rovo's Yuji Katsui.

Steve Hillage: premieres Mood Magic's video for "Hinotori" single

Steve Hillage, one of the original members of the British prog rock band GONG, is pleased to announce the world premiere of a cutting edge live performance and animation promo video for“Hinotori” – the first single taken from ROVO and System 7’s forthcoming collaborative studio album PHOENIX RISING (released in the UK on 23 September).

The album, produced by Steve Hillage and ROVO, will be followed by concerts at Manchester Ritz (Friday 7 March) and London o2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (Saturday 8 March). Tickets are available from Music Glue. Fans will receive a free download of the 5-track Hinotori EP when they order tickets.

ROVO are a progressive Japanese band featuring two drummers, bass and keyboards, led by guitarist Seichi Yamamoto and electric violinist Yuji Katsui. SYSTEM 7 is comprised of Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy, who present a unique combination of tech-house beats and live playing – a major influence on the development of psychedelic ambient and electronica.

The concerts will highlight a blend of electronic beats and live instrumentation, made possible by the skilled musicianship of eight players, including two live drummers. Hillage’s unique electric guitar style will be fully showcased, with extensive soloing and duets with the electric violin of Rovo's Yuji Katsui.

http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/rovosystem7/phoenixrising.htm

Steve Hillage: Guitar Legend Releases Rare 'Live In England 1979' CD/DVD Set!

London, UK - Steve Hillage is widely considered a guitar innovator, and is associated with the Canterbury scene, working in experimental domains since the late 1960s. Besides his critically acclaimed solo recordings, along with Gong, Steve has been a member of the ensembles Khan and System 7. Much to the excitement of his fans worldwide, Gonzo MultiMedia UK has released 'Steve Hillage – Live In England 1979' on a CD/DVD set!

Says Steve, “This was a great performance from another fine period of my band in the late '70s with John McKenzie on bass and Andy Anderson on drums.”

Steve Hillage first came to prominence as a member of the multi-national rock band Gong. Steve appeared on successful albums such as 'Angels Egg', 'You' and his final album with the band 'Shamal'. Steve recorded his first solo album in 1975 entitled 'Fish Rising'.  This album was recorded whilst still a member of Gong. Shortly after however, Steve and his partner Miquette Giraudy left Gong embarking on a career that continues to this day under the name System 7.

In 1976 Steve recorded the album 'L', which was produced by Todd Rundgren. The album was a huge success and Steve subsequently formed the first Steve Hillage Band, which included former Jethro Tull drummer Clive Bunker and future Camel bassist Colin Bass. The band made its live debut at the Hyde Park concert staged by Queen in September 1976.

From 1976 to 1979, Steve Hillage released several critically acclaimed albums and toured the world. Following the live debut of a new line-up, the Steve Hillage Band toured extensively throughout 1979. This CD/DVD set captures a stunning performance by this great line-up of the band! Playing with Steve are the ever-present Miquette Giraudy (synthesiser, vocals), John McKenzie (Bass, Vocals), Andy Anderson (Drums) and Dave Stewart (2nd Guitar). This is the line-up that recorded some of the live tracks and the studio side of Steve’s 1979 release Live Herald. The studio tracks from 'Live Herald' eventually came out on CD as part of the album 'Open'.

The track listing to this historic 1979 performance from the Steve Hillage Band includes: “Salmon Song”, “Unzipping the Zype”, “Hurdy Gurdy Man”, “1988 Aktivator”, “Unidentified Flying Being”, and “It`s All Too Much”.

Bonus tracks on the CD include “Hurdy Gurdy Glissando” (live 1977) and “Electrick Gypsies” (live 1977), recorded with the 'L' tour line-up.

Bonus material on the DVD includes two short promo videos for “Radio” and “Light in the Sky” (from the album 'Motivation Radio') and a more recent in-depth interview with Steve and Miquette.

Steve currently sees his System 7, Mirror System, and Steve Hillage Band entities as operating in parallel and has been writing some new rock-based material for a possible Steve Hillage Band album for release in 2014/15. System 7 and Japanese psychedelic progressive jam-band ROVO will be releasing a new CD in September 2013. To hear samples of the new album: http://rovoandsystem7.bandcamp.com/

To purchase Steve Hillage 'Live In England 1979' CD/DVD set: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15541/Steve_Hillage-Live_in_England_1979.html

For more information: http://www.a-wave.com/system7/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com"

Steve Hillage: Rovo and System 7 - UK Live shows announced

Original member of Gong and prog rock icon, Steve Hillage, has confirmed a new collaborative album and UK tour with Japan’s leading progressive rock band ROVO, and his band SYSTEM 7.

The new album, produced by Steve Hillage and Tatsuki Masuko, is entitled PHOENIX RISING and will be released on Monday 23 September, followed by two UK concerts in March 2014.

UK dates include Manchester Ritz (Friday 7 March) and London o2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (Saturday 8 March).  Tickets are available Wednesday 29 May via Music Glue. Fans will receive a free mp3 download of the 5-track Hinotori EP when they order tickets.

The Hinotori EP will also be available as a digital download on Monday 3 June from from iTunes and Bandcamp.  A limited edition collectors’ CD of the EP is available from www.planetgong.co.uk.

ROVO are a Japanese progressive rock/jam band featuring two drummers, bass and keyboards, led by guitarist Seichi Yamamoto and electric violinist Yuji Katsui. SYSTEM 7 is the dance music project of Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy, presenting a unique combination of tech-house beats and live playing, who have had a strong influence on the development of psychedelic ambient and electronica.


Rovo and System 7 - UK Live shows March 2014


The PHOENIX RISING concert will highlight a sophisticated blend of electronic beats and live instrumentation, made possible by the skilled musicianship of eight players, including two live drummers. Hillage fans can be assured that, in the format of PHOENIX RISING, his masterful electric guitar style will be fully unleashed, with extensive soloing and duets with the electric violin ofRovo's Yuji Katsui.

Steve Morse,Larry Coryell,Steve Hillage, Steve Stevens: featured on The Fusion Syndicate

Jazz-Fusion and Prog Legends Join Together On New CD Release 'The Fusion Syndicate'

Features performances by members of the biggest names in Fusion and Prog including Mahavishnu Orchestra, Yellowjackets, Brand X, Soft Machine, Spyrogyra, Yes, Dream Theater, King Crimson, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Hawkwind and more!

October 11, 2012- Los Angeles, CA - One of the most amazing collection of jazz-fusion and progressive rock legends ever to assemble on one CD has happened with the new release by The Fusion Syndicate, available October 16, 2012 on Purple Pyramid Records. Brought together by multi-instrumentalist, producer Billy Sherwood (Yes, CIRCA:), who gave us the fascinating release by the Prog Collective earlier this year. Now, Billy has produced, recorded and written tracks for a new jazz-rock-fusion supergroup of musical virtuosos – The Fusion Syndicate!

Featuring! Rick Wakeman, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Jimmy Haslip, Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess, Mel Collins, Billy Cobham, Jay Beckenstein, Billy Sheehan, Gavin Harrison, David Sancious, Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian, Eric Marienthal, Chester Thompson, Steve Morse, Jim Beard, Randy Brecker, Percy Jones, John Etheridge, Tony Kaye, Chad Wackerman, Steve Hillage, Scott Kinsley, Theo Travis, Justin Chancellor and Asaf Sirkis – Produced by Billy Sherwood

“When I was asked to write/produce a fusion record I jumped at the chance. I've always had a deep love of Jazz and Fusion music having grown up listening to Weather Report, Return To Forever, the Mahavishnu Orchestra among many others in the genre. The record has become a musical dream team, including some of the world's most renowned players in the field. The music reflects a time when virtuosity was the standard and incredible musicianship was the order of the day. Each artist sharing their talent and skill, blending it all into a bigger musical picture, creating an amazing expression of unity and purpose. I'm honored to be a part of it all and I thank all the artists who joined me on this journey, they have all lifted the music to a higher level.” - Billy Sherwood, producer

Tracks include:
Random Acts Of Science – Rick Wakeman (Yes), Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Nik Turner (Hawkwind), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets/Alan Holdsworth)
Stone Cold Infusion – Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater/Liquid Tension Experiment), Mel Collins (King Crimson), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
Molecular Breakdown – Jay Beckenstein (Spyrogyra), Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), David Sancious (The E Street Band)
Particle Accelerations – Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion), Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea Elektric Band), Chester Thompson (Genesis/Frank Zappa)
At The Edge Of The Middle – Steve Morse (Dixie Dreggs/Deep Purple), Jim Beard (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Randy Brecker (Blood, Sweat & Tears/Brecker Brothers), Percy Jones (Soft Machine/Brand X)
Atom Smashing – John Etheridge (Soft Machine), Tony Kaye (Yes), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa),
In The Spirit Of – Steve Hillage (Gong), Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech), Theo Travis (Steven Wilson Band), Justin Chancellor (Tool), Asaf Sirkis (The Orient House Ensemble)

"Always a pleasure to work with Billy Sherwood and all the other musicians he chooses. Add some great music and the combination is complete." - Rick Wakeman

“Fusion music gave me a way to relate to jazz. I liked the rock energy, and the unexpected twists, turns and rhythms that made it fun to play. So, it's a big influence on the direction I took.” - Steve Morse

The Fusion Syndicate is available from Purple Pyramid Records and can pre-ordered at:
http://cleorecs.com/store/shop/the-fusion-syndicate/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fusion-syndicate-feat.-rick/id564409590

For more information: http://cleorecs.com/store/review-the-fusion-syndicate-2/

Steve Hillage: Live in Amsterdam 2006 at the Gong Family Unconvention' CD & DVD

London, UK – The Gong Family Unconvention at the Melkweg club in Amsterdam in November 2006 was a unique 3 day event in which all the original members of the legendary psychedelic band Gong came together and performed their own individual sets. Guitar legend Steve Hillage, who was a prominent part of the “classic” Gong line-up of 1973-75 felt it was a great opportunity perform again some of the songs from his 1970s solo albums. Steve Hillage is widely considered a guitar innovator, and is associated with the Canterbury scene, working in experimental domains since the late 1960s. Besides his critically acclaimed solo recordings, along with Gong, Steve has been a member of the ensembles Khan and System 7.

Steve’s live set at the Gong Family Unconvention in 2006 provoked a rush of excitement and emotion at the event, and this was beautifully captured on film and recording – and is now available on this DVD and CD.

Performing with Steve were his long-time musical partner Miquette Giraudy on synthesisers, Gong bass player Mike Howlett who played on Steve’s 'Fish Rising' album from 1975, and Gong drummer Chris Taylor who started playing with the band in the 1990s. Also guesting was Basil Brooks on synthesiser, who played in Steve’s band in the '70s.

Tracks played were as follows:

1. Hello Dawn (from the album 'Motivation Radio')
2. It’s All Too Much (the Beatles cover – from the album 'L')
3. Aftaglid (from the album 'Fish Rising')
4. Solar Musick Suite (from 'Fish Rising')
5. The Salmon Song (from 'Fish Rising')
6. These Uncharted Lands (from the album 'For To Next' and never before played live)

In addition the audio CD has 4 exclusive bonus tracks from Steve’s 1970’s archive.

Tracks recorded live at Amsterdam’s Sonesta Koepelkerk on Dec 14th 1979 just a few days before the the 1970’s Steve Hillage Band stopped touring are:

7. Palm Trees
8. Unzipping the Zype
9. Healing Feeling

And finally an interesting early version of one of Steve’s 'Fish Rising' classics performed before it was recorded with the band Gong:

10. Solar Music Suite (early version)

The DVD has bonus material in the form of a substantial interview with Steve and Miquette, and background clips from around the Gong Melkweg event.

The audio for the CD and DVD was mixed by Steve in his A-Wave Studio and has a rich, warm sound. The video DVD was edited and authored by long time friend and Gong family member Harry Williamson in his Spring Studio in Melbourne Australia.

The artwork was put together by Z3 who do the artwork for Steve and Miquette’s dance music project System 7.

If indeed Steve does create some more music in the psychedelic rock sphere this powerful and unique live recording can be seen as a launch pad. Steve currently sees his System 7, Mirror System, and Steve Hillage Band entities as operating in parallel and has been writing some new rock-based material for a possible Steve Hillage Band album for release in 2013/14.

For more information: http://www.facebook.com/stevehillageband
http://www.g-wave.co.uk

To pre-order Steve Hillage - 'Live in Amsterdam 2006 at the Gong Family Unconvention' CD & DVD:
http://www.planetgong.co.uk

Steve Hillage Band - Aftaglid Live in Amsterdam 2006

Steve Hillage: The Salmon Song 1977

This takes me back... back to my days at technical college...

Steve Hillage - The Salmon Song: Pool/Solomon's Atlantis/Swimming (Live, 1977)

Steve Hillage: gong UK tour update

After the success of their 40th Anniversary concerts in 2009, and the critically acclaimed new album 2032, legendary progressive/psychedelic rockers "GONG" kick off their UK tour this week with a concert at the Glasgow ABC on Thursday September 9th.

Other dates include the Manchester Academy (Sept 10), London Forum (Sept 11) and Birmingham's newly refurbished venue the HMV Institute (Sept 20). Support for all UK concerts comes from very special guests Nik Turner’s Space Ritual. Tickets for these UK concerts are still available via 0871 230 0333 and www.artistticket.com.

Steve Hillage: gong add another date

Following the announcement of their UK tour last month, the legendary progressive/psychedelic rockers GONG have added a fourth date at the newly refurbished Birmingham HMV Institute venue on Monday September 20th, shortly after the venue’s grand opening night of Friday September 17th.

GONG first played at the Birmingham venue back in 1968, when it was known as the Digbeth Civic Hall.

Support for all four UK concerts comes from very special guests Nik Turner’s Space Ritual, tickets for GONG’s Birmingham HMV Institute concert are on-sale from Monday May 24th, tickets: 0871 230 0333 / www.seetickets.com.

After the success of last year’s 40th Anniversary UK tour, and the critically acclaimed studio album ‘2032’, GONG’s other 2010 UK tour dates include Glasgow 02 ABC (Sept 9), Manchester Academy (Sept 10) and London HMV Forum (Sept 11), tickets for these 3 concerts are on-sale now from 0871 230 0333 / www.seetickets.com.

The forthcoming UK tour will reunite core GONG members, including original founding member Daevid Allen (Guitar, Lead Vocal), Steve Hillage (Lead Guitar), Gilli Smyth (Space Whisper, Poetry) and Miquette Giraudy (Synthesizer). The band will also feature Chris Taylor (Drums), Dave Sturt (Bass) and Ian East (Sax, Flute).

Steve Hillage: gong fire up the magic teapot for another tour #2

Daevid Allen, Steve Hillage, Gilli Smyth,
Miquette Giraudy, Chris Taylor,
Dave Sturt, Ian East

After the success of their 2009 40th Anniversary UK tour and the critically acclaimed album “2032”, GONG, the legendary progressive/psychedelic rock band will return to the UK in September 2010 for three exclusive concerts in Glasgow, Manchester and London, support for these concerts will come from very special guests Nik Turner’s Space Ritual.

The forthcoming UK concerts will once again reunite core GONG members, including original founding member Daevid Allen(Guitar & Lead Vocal), Steve Hillage (Lead Guitar), Gilli Smyth (Space Whisper and Poetry), Miquette Giraudy (Synthesizer), Chris Taylor (Drums), Dave Sturt (Bass) and Ian East (Sax and Flute).


Described as exhilarating, compelling and other worldly, GONG’s 2009 “2032” album represented the first time Hillage has recorded with original Gong founder, Daevid Allen, since 1974’s “You” album.

“2032” continues Gong’s famous ‘Radio Gnome’ album trilogy which includes the psychedelic progressive rock albums “Flying Teapot” (1973), “Angel’s Egg” (1973), and “You” (1974). “2032” is the year that the Planet Gong makes full contact with the Planet Earth - a major new chapter in the continually evolving Gong mythology.

Gong September 2010 UK Tour Dates
Ticket Hotline: 0871 230 0333 www.artistticket.com
Date: Thursday 9th September 2010
Venue: Glasgow 02 ABC
Box Office: 0871 230 0333
Address: 300 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JA

Date: Friday 10th September 2010
Venue: Manchester Academy
Box Office: 0871 230 0333
Address: Manchester University Union, Manchester, M13 9PR

Date: Saturday 11th September 2010
Venue: London HMV Forum
Box Office: 0871 230 0333
Address: 9-17 Highgate Road, Kentish Town, London, NW5 1JY

full details http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/meanfiddler/gongtour.htm

Steve Hillage: support dates for gong tour announced

The Steve Hillage Band is confirmed as special guest on Gong’s forthcoming nationwide November UK tour, which kicks off at the Bristol O2 Academy on Thursday November 19th. This marks the first time since 1979 when Hillage will perform material from the following renowned Steve Hillage Band solo albums - ‘Fish Rising’ (1975), ‘L’ (1976), ‘Motivation Radio’ (1977) and ‘Green’ (1978).

‘GONG’ with very special guests ‘The Steve Hillage Band’

Bristol O2 Academy (Nov 19)
Exeter Lemon Grove (Nov 20)
Manchester Academy 2 (Nov 21)
Edinburgh HMV Picturehourse (Nov 22)
Sheffield Leadmill (Nov 23)
Leamington Spa Assembly (Nov 25)
Cambridge Corn Exchange (Nov 26)
London HMV Forum (Nov 27)
Oxford 02 Academy (Nov 28)
Brighton Corn Exchange (Nov 29)

Ticket Hotline: 08700 603 777, Book Online: www.seetickets.com

Read the official online Gong tour press release – http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/meanfiddler/gong.htm

Steve Hillage: gong fire up the magic teapot for another tour!

New Album 2032 l November 2009 Tour

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The Legendary Psychedelic Rockers release the stunning new studio album
"2032"

The album continues the mythology of the "Radio Gnome Trilogy"

"2032"is released on Monday 21st September 2009 on the band's own label G-Wave, in special association with A-Wave, the label of Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy's successful dance music project System 7. International licensing and distribution is handled in the UK by SRD. The catalogue number is AAGWCD001.

The highly anticipated new album will be supported by a UK Nationwide Tour that starts at the Bristol O2 Academy on 19th November (Ticket Hotline: 08700 603 777,www.seetickets.com). Produced and engineered by Hillage at A-Wave Studios, London, additional production was conceived by Daevid Allen at Bananamoon Observatory in NSW, Australia.

Described as exhilarating, compelling and other worldly, "2032" represents the first time Hillage has recorded with original Gong founder, Daevid Allen, since 1974's "You" album. "2032" is a new instalment that continues the Gong's famous ‘Radio Gnome' album trilogy which includes the milestone psychedelic progressive rock albums - "Flying Teapot" (1973), "Angel's Egg" (1973), and "You" (1974).

The band line-up on the album includes Daevid Allen (guitar, lead vocal): Steve Hillage (lead guitar), Gilli Smyth (Space Whisper and poetry), Miquette Giraudy (synthesiser), Mike Howlett (bass), Chris Taylor (drums), and Theo Travis (sax and flute).

Special guest performances on some tracks include former Gong member Didier Malherbe (soprano sax, duduk, and flute) and Yuji Katsui (electric violin) of the Japanese progressive/psychedelic jam band Rovo.

Original Gong members Steve Hillage, Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth and Miquette Giraudy, wrote the songs for "2032" when they were in Australia. The new album also grew out of the enthusiasm and fun the band experienced playing live together again.

Together with the rest of the band, Daevid and Steve have crafted a rich and fresh sounding powerhouse of an album that is a more than worthy successor to the legendary Radio Gnome trilogy that Gong released at their creative peak in the 70s.

ABOUT THE NEW ALBUM

2032 is the year that the Planet Gong makes full contact with the Planet Earth - and a major new chapter in the continually evolving Gong mythology," says Daevid Allen.

The premise of the new album is that Gong exists in our solar system as an evolved and peaceful planet operating as a unified field of high frequency matter which renders it virtually invisible to Earth. Its representatives, the Octave Doctors, first visited Earth during the late sixties when hopes were high for a shift towards world peace.

Upon their return, they have opted to survey our progress and have made an offer of assistance at this decisive time in our planetary history. The year 2032 is thought to be the time when the existence of Planet Gong will be officially recognised by astronomers on Earth and will signal the first public arrival of these space visitors.

A Japanese animation video will also be released "How To Stay Alive", one of the tracks featured on the forthcoming album.

"2032" - Album Track Listing

1. City of Self Fascination
2. Digital Girl
3. How To Stay Alive
4. Escape Control Delete
5. Yoni Poem
6. Dance With The Pixies
7. Wacky Baccy Banker
8. The Year 2032
9. Robo-Warriors
10. Guitar Zero
11. The Gris Gris Girl
12. Wave And A Particle
13. Pinkle Ponkle
14. Portal

1. City Of Self Fascination- One of the heaviest and freshest tracks Gong has ever made - a passionate message from space visitors on Earth with a completely modern sound.

2. Digital Girl - A modern sounding track about a new generation of 21st Century super fast thinking females, at a time when creating the truth becomes the political willand news becomes today's novel.

3. How To Stay Alive - Gong do a great sounding rap track - a message from the octave doctors liberally translated by Daevid Allen. An edit of this track will be Gong's new Japanese animated video, based around Daevid's celebrated Gong drawings and characters. The track ends in musical bliss with a trademark Gong "glissando" instrumental, including the sound of the duduk played by former Gong member Didier Malherbe.

4. Escape Control Delete- The surprise track of the album mixing a super-melodic riff with a classic beat from 70s German "krautrock" and a rich melodic song extolling the beauties and wonders of the Planet Gong. The track ends with a perfect Gong spacey guitar based instrumental section.

5. Yoni Poem / 6. Dance With The Pixies - Yoni is the eternal spirit of nature, the voice of animals, the smell of plants materialised into witches who move between that world and the world of. This 2-song suite starts with an edgy, abstract poem by Gilli Smyth and Miquette Giraudy that mutates into a bouncy groove about dancing pixies.

7. Wacky Baccy Banker - Crazy and punky, this song features a famous Gong mythology character code-named ‘The Switch Doctor', a prankster who adopts many human roles. Here he sings about his recent stint as a merchant banker. The direness of the credit crunch is transmuted by a searing guitar solo into a final dreamy glissando as the banker gets infected by Planet Gong telepathy (otherwise known as Radio Gnome).

8. The Year 2032 - A wistful and romantic song about the year 2032, when planet Gong makes official contact with planet Earth, putting our suffering and disastrous conflicts in deep perspective. This is a piece of pure Gong music, with soprano sax performed by special guest and original Gong member Didier Malherbe.

9. Robo-Warriors- Robo-Warriors are peace machines which can resolve the conflict of opposites by absorbing and transforming conflict into a single unified field. This is another piece of active poetry performed by Gilli backed with electronic beats by Miquette (showing her System 7 dance music hand).

10. Guitar Zero- A totally infectious guitar and drums groove, mixed with a chant looking towards a new peaceful future and a wild sax solo by Theo Travis.

11. The Gris Gris Girl- This is possibly the most sophisticated song on the album, with many changes and sections. The song itself is almost folky with driving acoustic guitar and flur by Didier Malherber.The story of the mystic female other half of the Switch Doctor, steeped in the magical traditions of New Orleans.

12. Wave And A Particle- Nothing is solid. Everything is composed of dancing atoms, even human beings and especially solid things like tables. The 3rd of Gilli's poetry/electronics collaborations with Miquette sets up the album for the final phase.

13. Pinkle Ponkle- A completely mystical 5-4 tribal trance dance celebrating the unique Gong sound, encouraging people to be their own leader and preparing the opening of the direct portal to the planet Gong.

14. Portal- Things develop into a progressive Hillage instrumental composition that roars to a complex electric storm of a climax before gradually settling into a blissful and gentle floating end, The Portal is open.

GONG - BIOGRAPHY

Originally formed in Paris during 1968 student riots, Gong weave their unique magic of psychedelic jazz fusion, eastern/world music, synthesizers and loops, and deep space funk and punk - all laced with self-deprecating humour. Forty years on their underground influence is massive - and moving onward to 2032!

2009 is the 40th anniversary of the band Gong, which was conceived by founding members Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth in France in the chaotic times of post-May 68 creative turmoil. Gong quickly rose to become one of France's biggest bands and as a social phenomenon being France's equivalent to the Grateful Dead.Â

By 1971, Gong made their UK debut at the legendary Glastonbury Festival.

After releasing their second album "Camembert Electrique" on the BYG label in France in 1972, Gong developed a relationship with the new start-up Virgin Records. This was the point when Steve Hillage and Mike Howlett joined the band. The "classic" period of 1973-75 was a roller-coaster ride of gigs festivals and album releases with the first Virgin Records album releases "Flying Teapot", "Angel's Egg" and "You".

One master-stroke was Richard Branson's idea to re-release "Camembert Electrique" at the budget price of 50p. This became a top ten smash album and sold over 70,000 copies in the UK, bringing the band to an ever wider audience.

By the autumn of 1974, the "You" album hit the UK Top Ten album charts during the first week of release. These three albums between them have sold well in excess of 1 million copies. Since being re-mastered and reissued by Virgin in 2003 they continue to sell.

Gong is cited as a primary influence by many new generation "psychedelic" artists and also by many major figures in the dance music scene.

The full surviving line up first played together again in November 2006 at a special sold-out Gong event in Amsterdam. In 2008 this line up played two sold-out shows at the London Kentish Town Forum and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. At the latter, Gong were invited to play by Massive Attack as part of the 2008 Meltdown Festival.

www.planetgong.co.uk

www.g-wave.co.uk

Steve Hillage: tours with gong for 40th anniversary tour

News:
25-02-2009:

To celebrate their 40th Anniversary of live touring, GONG, the progressive/psychedelic rock band originally founded in 1967 by Australian musician Daevid Allen will join forces with guitarist Steve Hillage and other core members from the original line-up for a rare UK tour in November 2009.

The UK tour will celebrate the first time Gong have toured the UK since 2000. Tickets are on sale from today (February 25). Ticket Hotline: 08700 603 777 or book online from www.seetickets.com or www.ArtistTicket.com.



Dates as follows: Bristol O2 Academy (Nov 19), Exeter Lemon Tree (Nov 20), Manchester Academy 2 (Nov 21), Edinburgh Picturehouse (Nov 22), Sheffield Leadmill (Nov 23), Leamington Spa Assembly (Nov 25), Cambridge Corn Exchange (Nov 26), London HMV Forum (Nov 27), Oxford Regal Theatre (Nov 28) and Brighton Corn Exchange (Nov 29).

Gong's music has been described as space rock. The highly anticipated forthcoming tour will reunite founding member Daevid Allen with former Gong members Steve Hillage, Gilli Smyth, Mike Howlett, Miquette Giraudy, Chris Taylor, Theo Travis and John McKenzie.

Gong are currently working on a brand new forward-looking album called "2032," the same year that the Planet Gong makes full contact with the Planet Earth - and a major new chapter in the continually evolving Gong mythology. The album will be released September 2009.