Tickets available here: https://www.bristolticketshop.co.uk/eventdetails.aspx?e=18001

And here: https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2018-05-19&event_id=45187

Daevid Allen’s Gong combined prog rock’s daftest mythology with some of its greatest sounds. Hear the 1971 album Camembert Electrique live on stage. PLUS Gliss Orchestra - eight guitars in tune with the heavens.

Musicians from Bristol outfits Asteroid Deluxe, Fantasy Orchestra and regulars from the Cube Orchestra come together to deliver live the band’s second album, a ‘breakthrough’ when re-released by the new Virgin label in 1974 (it retailed at 59p, ensuring wider sales but excluding it from the charts).

Legend has it that Camembert Electrique was worked on only during the full moon phases of May, June and September, 1971. The ‘concept’ contains the rudiments of Allen’s Gong mythology which he developed on Flying Teapot, Angel’s Egg, and You. The origin of this mythology is a vision which led Allen to believe he was subject to forces beyond normal awareness. He called these forces ‘The Octave Doctors’.

None of which is necessary to enjoy the music, from the vaudeville romps of Oh Mother, the straightforward rock of You Can’t Kill Me, to the blissful serenity of I Am Your Fantasy.

Allen’s glissando guitar technique was developed after watching a Syd Barratt performance. It was eagerly adopted by Steve Hillage who joined Gong in 1973. Together they conceived an idea for an orchestra of glissando guitars. To round off the evening, a performance for seven guitars is planned, to a scheme laid down by Allen.