Psychedelic rock revival

by Daniel Brown

Article published on the 2009-10-16 Latest update 2009-10-09 15:54 TU

Gong founder Daevid Allen
(Photo: planetgong.co.uk)

Daevid Allen and Steve Hillage, two pillars of psychedelic rock, have teamed up again to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Gong collective with a scintillating album that belies their years, called 2032. Founder Daevid Allen and lead guitarist Steve Hillage were considered two ambassadors of psychedelic rock, and Gong pioneered the alternative rock scene with the likes of Magma and Can.

Gong's September release 2032
(Photo: planetgong.co.uk)

The collective Gong has survived the turpitude of the music business for four decades now.

But after the success of heir trademark albums like Electric Camembert, Flying Teapot, Angel’s Egg and You, Allen and Hillage went their separate ways.

The year was 1974.

Thirty-five years after their separation, they again joined forces for a landmark concert in Amsterdam, and for the next couple of years, the pair laid the groundwork for their comeback album, recording in Allen’s native Australia and the A-Wave studio that Hillage has built in London.

Gong's Steve Hillage
(Photo: planetgong.co.uk)

There, they rediscovered the same ingredients that made the Radio Gnome trilogy such a classic.

“Gong is an international cocktail,” Hillage said, during a promotional visit to Paris. “It has all the elements I like, particularly a feminine streak.”

“I always try to go where the energy is,” added Allen, still astonishingly sprightly for his 70 years. “It’s an active energy because I want to be where change is, and try to help it happen.”

Allen and Hillage are hitting the road for the next couple of months as their Gong collective tours much of Europe and even has a gig in Tel Aviv’s Zappa club

Quiz of the week: Which famous North African singer does Steve Hillage produce? The vocalist had a global hit with his version of “Ya Rahia”. The answer is in the programme. Listen to it, and send your answers to [e-mail]