Van Der Graaf Generator biography
Formed in 1967 in Manchester, UK - Hiatus from 1972 to 1975 - Disbanded in 1978 - Reunited in 2004
VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR is an English eclectic progressive rock band with front man PETER HAMMILL from 'the classic period' that has proven be one of the most important bands of the progressive genre.
In
England, 1967 Chris Judge SMITH formed 'VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR', but
after his departure it was up to Peter HAMMILL (vocals, keyboards,
guitar), Hugh BANTON (organ, bass on organ), David JACKSON (sax, flute)
and Guy EVANS (drums) to become one of progressive rock most proliferate
and unique bands as well as the first band to be signed to the Famous
Charisma Label. The band was named after the scientific instrument 'the
Van de Graaff generator', which is used for accumulating high voltage
bolts. VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR (VdGG for short) is known for its
extrovert dynamics (ranging from slow, calm & peaceful to fierce
& heavy), its intense and emotional 'love it or hate it' vocals by
Peter HAMMILL, its celebrated contribution to extended progressive
songwriting and its combination of psychedelic, jazz, classical and
avant-garde or even acid influences. Moreover, VdGG can be seen as the
first band that was to combine the very progressive with the very
personal, whereas other bands used to work with abstractions and
fantasy. Peter HAMMILL has a talent for singing out intense graving,
anger, panic and confusion whilst still being able to sing warm and
caring in other passages. The band never really fitted in the symphonic
progressive rock subgenre because of its widespread influences and
unique style, though the band would have symphonic leanings throughout
it's career. Unusual for the time was the focus on organ, drums and sax,
whereas in the sixties the guitar and the bass guitar had played a
major role.
The band had a leading role in the very first
progressive phase releasing high-rated albums from 1970 to 1975. The
strong conceptual 'H to He Who am the only one' (1970), the intense and
highly innovative and daring 'Pawn Hearts' (1971), the bleak and ever
evolving 'Godbluff' (1975) and the matured 'Still Life' (1976) are often
cited as masterpieces of the progressive genre. Alongside VdGG there
would be a very interesting solo-career for Peter HAMMILL who frequently
invited members of the band to come and join on his seventies rec...read more