Steve Hillage Band Gong Unconvention, Amsterdam 2006

Recorded at the Melkweg club in Amsterdam in November 2006, the former Gong guitarist performs a collection of tracks from his 1970s solo albums. Steve is accompanied by Miquette Giraudy on synthesisers, and Gong regulars Mike Howlett (bass) and Chris Taylor (drums)…

A guitarist who first found fame in the progressive rock era only to later resurface as an ambient techno cult hero, Steve Hillage was born August 2, 1951. In 1967 he co-founded the group Uriel with bassist Mont Campbell, organist Dave Stewart, and drummer Clive Brooks; the unit subsequently continued on as the trio Egg upon Hillage's 1968 departure for university. He did not return to music for another three years, reuniting with Stewart in 1971 in Khan, which recorded the 1972 prog rock effort Space Shanty before soon splitting…

Steve Hillage has always had one eye on the future, experimenting with genres such as ambient and dance before many of his peers, and creating extra-terrestrial guitar sounds throughout his career with Uriel, Khan, Gong and System 7…

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 Sharmal. 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 Seven…

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 Sharmal. 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 Seven…

In 1976 Steve recorded the album "L" with Todd Rundgren producing. The album was a huge success and Steve subsequently formed the 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. Following the live debut the band played numerous live concerts including a concert in Germany in early 1977 for German television. This recording is considered to be the ear that Hillage was at his creative best, following on from the release of his Virgin album L. Highlights include the cover version of Donovans Hurdy Gurdy Man a true Psychedelic work out. A must for all psyc and prog rock fans…