Notes

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Unknown lineage, soundboard (good to excellent)

An instance of lucky synchronicity, the untimely break-up of King Crimson in September 1974 happened just a few weeks before Gong, while on a European tour, were once again left without a drummer. The drummer in question, Laurie Allan, hadn't left of his own accord to join the Percussions de Strasbourg, or been kicked out - he was arrested while crossing the French-German border in the possession of illegal 'substances'. Why he was the only one in the band thus convicted remains shrouded in mystery, but although Laurie was able to perform on the band's German tour in early November, a replacement had to be found pronto.

A recommendation by journalist and friend Steve Lake put the band in touch with Bill Bruford, who agreed to join for the remaining dates. Of course Bruford was something of a star, but Virgin were evidently willing to pay him what he required - allegedly a salary five times higher than what the regular members were getting paid (which probably explains why the arrangement was shortlived). Anyway, Bruford caught up with Gong in Germany, rehearsed with them for a couple of days in Orlans and the 'all-star' Gong toured France more Germany, Holland, more France, through to Norway, coming back home just in time for Christmas !

The Oslo gig had already been scheduled to take place earlier in the tour but had to be postponed after the band missed the overnight ferry from Kiel to Oslo after their concert at Amsterdam's Melkweg. Consequently, it was rearranged for the end of the tour, and turned out to be Bill Bruford's last concert with Gong.


Daevid Allen - vocals & guitar
Didier Malherbe - saxes, flute & vocals
Steve Hillage - guitar & vocals
Miquette Giraudy - vocals & percussion
Tim Blake - synthesizers & vocals
Mike Howlett - bass
Bill Bruford - drums