LoreleiProgFestival2017-3

THE LORELEI PROG FESTIVAL,

ST GOARSHAUSEN,

GERMANY,

JULY 2017

[3]

Feature links:

THE LORELEI PROG ROCK FESTIVAL, ST. GOARSHAUSEN, GERMANY - 2017 - [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

GONG

My brief comments (for what it's worth):

GONG - [Gong are an international avant-garde, psychedelic progressive rock band that incorporates elements of jazz and space rock into their musical style. The group was formed in Paris in 1967 by Australian musician Daevid Allen and English vocalist Gilli Smyth. In 1975, Allen and Smyth left the band, which continued without them, releasing a series of jazz rock albums under the leadership of drummer Pierre Moerlen. Allen returned to lead Gong once again in 1990 until his death in 2015 at the age of 77. With Allen's encouragement, the band decided to continue, releasing the album Rejoice! I'm Dead! in September 2016. None of the current line-up joined the band before 2007; in fact, vocalist Kavus Torabi only joined in 2014, which does not diminish their contribution to the legacy of Gong in any way. I have been a huge fan of former guitarist Steve Hillage, who was in the band for various spells, starting in the 70's, before he finally left in 2012.

To describe them as eccentric would probably not be overstating things however the music emphasizes improvisation and unorthodox musical structures. I have to say, I enjoyed their set immensely. Vocalist/guitarist Kavus Torabi, a British Iranian musician and composer, record label owner and broadcaster, who captures the attention with his somewhat extrovert yet engaging personality onstage, is involved in various projects.

Their setlist for the Lorelei event included You Can't Kill Me, I've Been Stoned Before, Kapital, Rejoice!, O Mother, Visions, The Unspeakable Stands Revealed, You Never Blow Yr Trip Forever, Tropical Fish, Selene and Insert Yr Own Prophecy.

Band lne-up: Fabio Golfetti - Lead guitar, Dave Sturt - bass, Ian East - saxophone, flute, Kavus Torabi - Vocals, guitar, Cheb Nettle - drums, percussion]