Gong: Psychedelic Pioneers of the Cosmic Underground
Gong is one of the most unique and enduring bands in the history of progressive and psychedelic rock. Founded in the late 1960s by Daevid Allen, an Australian poet, guitarist, and former member of Soft Machine, Gong has become legendary for its surreal space operas, spiritual philosophies, avant-garde fusion, and ever-evolving sound.
At once whimsical, anarchic, spiritual, and musically daring, Gong’s legacy spans multiple decades, genres, and incarnations—ranging from psychedelic whimsy and jazz-rock fusion to space rock and experimental prog.
Origins and the Mythical Gong Universe (1967–1975)
🎭 Founding
Daevid Allen was refused re-entry into the UK after touring with Soft Machine and settled in Paris, where he formed Gong with Gilli Smyth, his life partner and performance poet known for her “space whisper” vocal style.
The band’s early years were deeply influenced by:
- Psychedelia
- French counterculture
- Beat poetry
- Spiritual mysticism and sci-fi fantasy
Gong’s early work centered around the “Gong mythology”, a cosmic narrative involving:
- Zero the Hero,
- Pot Head Pixies,
- The Planet Gong,
- Flying teapots,
- and a journey toward self-realization.
🎶 Key Albums in the “Radio Gnome Invisible” Trilogy
- Flying Teapot (1973)
- Introduces the Gong mythology in full.
- Experimental jazz, synth swirls, and cartoon-like characters.
- Psychedelic and playful.
- Angel’s Egg (1973)
- More structured and melodic, expanding the spiritual and cosmic elements.
- Key tracks: Other Side of the Sky, Oily Way
- You (1974)
- A masterpiece of space fusion, blending tight instrumentation with mystical themes.
- Considered their crowning achievement, mixing jazz-rock, ambient soundscapes, and deep lyrical themes.
- Key tracks: Master Builder, A Sprinkling of Clouds
Jazz Fusion and Lineup Changes (1975–1979)
After You, Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth left the band. Gong continued under the leadership of Pierre Moerlen, shifting toward a more instrumental, jazz-rock/fusion style.
🥁 Pierre Moerlen’s Gong (PMG)
- Albums like Gazeuse! (1976) and Expresso II (1978) feature virtuosic percussion, vibraphones, and jazz-funk textures.
- Less psychedelic, more focused on complex rhythms and instrumental prowess.
While stylistically different, this version of Gong was also highly respected, especially among fusion fans.
Reunions, Side Projects, and Spiritual Continuity (1980s–2000s)
- Daevid Allen returned in the early 1990s with various versions of Gong, continuing the mythological and spiritual themes.
- Albums like Shapeshifter (1992) and Zero to Infinity (2000) revived the original psychedelic spirit.
- Gilli Smyth also released solo and collaborative work under the Mother Gong name.
- Throughout these decades, Gong was not just a band but a collective and philosophy, blending music, theatre, and mysticism.
Modern Gong and the Legacy Reborn (2012–Present)
⚡ Gong Today: The Kavus Torabi Era
After Daevid Allen was diagnosed with cancer (he passed away in 2015), he handpicked Kavus Torabi (of Knifeworld and Cardiacs) to continue the band.
The current lineup includes:
- Kavus Torabi – Guitar, vocals
- Fabio Golfetti – Guitar (also part of Allen’s later lineups)
- Dave Sturt – Bass
- Cheb Nettles – Drums
- Ian East – Sax, woodwinds
🎧 Rejoice! I’m Dead! (2016)
- A powerful continuation that honors Allen’s vision while pushing the band forward.
- Surreal, cosmic, and musically adventurous.
- Includes posthumous vocal recordings by Allen.
- Key track: Rejoice!
🎧 The Universe Also Collapses (2019)
- Deeply psychedelic and rhythmically powerful, with long tracks exploring time, death, and consciousness.
- Shows Gong is alive, evolving, and relevant in the modern prog scene.
Musical Characteristics
✔ Psychedelic rock and space fusion – swirling synths, tape effects, and cosmic grooves
✔ Jazz-rock virtuosity – especially in the Pierre Moerlen years
✔ Spoken-word and “space whispers” – theatrical and surreal vocal styles
✔ Spiritual and absurdist storytelling – blending Eastern philosophy, satire, and sci-fi
✔ Evolutionary spirit – no two Gong albums sound alike, yet all feel connected
Why Gong Matters in Progressive Rock
✔ Pioneers of psychedelic and space rock
✔ Created one of the most detailed and unique mythologies in rock
✔ Seamlessly fused avant-garde, jazz, comedy, and mysticism
✔ Inspired countless bands—from Ozric Tentacles to Steven Wilson
✔ Continue to thrive with a new generation of musicians and fans
Conclusion: Gong – The Cosmic Jokers of Progressive Rock
Gong is more than a band. It is a musical, spiritual, and theatrical experience that invites listeners to let go of logic, ego, and gravity. Whether you’re following the journey of Zero the Hero or meditating on the “invisible opera,” Gong offers a wild, whimsical, and mind-expanding ride through the outer realms of sound and consciousness.
Essential Albums to Explore:
- You (1974) – The peak of Gong’s classic trilogy
- Flying Teapot (1973) – A playful, surreal entry into the mythology
- Gazeuse! (1976) – Jazz-fusion brilliance under Pierre Moerlen
- Rejoice! I’m Dead! (2016) – The rebirth of Gong’s cosmic legacy
- The Universe Also Collapses (2019) – Psychedelic and forward-looking
Gong: part rock band, part spiritual circus, part cosmic transmission.
