Henry Cow is formed by Fred Frith and Tim Hodgkinson. Original line-up includes Andy Spooner (harmonica), Rob Brooks (guitar), Joss Grahame (bass) and David Attwooll (drums). Spooner : "I played harmonica when the band was more folk-blues orientated but we were always experimental, including original material".
[12] Cambridge, Homerton College
(Architects Ball) [supporting Pink Floyd]
Spooner : "The Pink Floyd set at the Architects Ball included a
very long drum solo as there was a power failure !"
Andy Powell replaces Grahame on bass
Revelation Fun Fair
[--] Chetwynd Room
[--] Cambridge, King's College Common Room
[08] Cambridge, Midsummer Common (Cambridge Midsummer Pop
Festival)
Henry Cow open this 4-day (May 8-11)
festival at 2pm on Sunday June 8th. Headliners include the Edgar
Broughton Band (8th), Blossom Toes (9th), King Crimson and Brian
Auger Trinity (10th) and Family (11t), and also appearing are
East of Eden, Roy Harper, Audience, The Strawbs and the Third
Ear Band.
[10] Cambridge, Trinity College (May Ball)
[supporting Deep Purple]
[11] Cambridge, Peterhouse College (May Ball) [supporting
Fleetwood Mac]
Spooner, Brooks and Atwood leave, and the band carries on as a
trio (with Powell doubling on drums)
Powell leaves. John Greaves joins on bass, but no steady drummer is found until much later. FF: "We spent more time playing as a trio without a drummer than we did with a drummer in that period. Frank Perry auditioned with us but wasn't interested in the job - he auditioned us, effectively. Ashley Brown was a jazz drummer who auditioned but didn't fit... Neither of them was ever Henry Cow's drummer. Sean Jenkins did join for a while, but he was in another band, the Elastic Band, and had to travel a long way to work with us, and since we didn't have any money, he kind of lost interest after a few months".
"Trapezium" Rock Ballet
Homerton Dance
Shelter Benefit
Frith, Hodgkinson and Greaves move into a house together. JG: "Things started to get serious... the pattern of endless rehearsal/jams begins...".
Win John Peel's "Rockertunity Knocks"
competition
[04] London, BBC Maida Vale Studios [Top Gear show] -
"Hieronymo's Mad Again", "Poglith Drives a Vauxhall Viva"
performed (broadcast May 29)
Martin Ditcham replaces Sean Jenkins on drums
[15] Cambridge University, Pembroke
College
[--] Cambridge, Technical College
[24] Glastonbury Festival [also: Uncle Dog, Linda Lewis,
Third Ear Band, Gilberto Gil, Fairport Convention, Edgar
Broughton Band, Mighty Baby]
[21] Cambridge, County School
September
[12] Ashdon, Ivy Todd Farm [also:
Pink Fairies, Hawkwind, Mighty Baby, Uncle Dog, Formerly Fat
Harry, Skin Alley, Amon Din, Magick Michael]
Ditcham leaves to join Nucleus. Chris Cutler
replaces him.
[20] Cambridge, Dorothy Ballrooms [supporting Velvet Underground, also Formerly Fat Harry]
Warwick University
Bristol University
Cambridge, Architecture Faculty
1972
[10] Colchester, Essex University
(Miners' benefit) [also: Lol Coxhill]
Henry Cow join the Ottawa Music Company (started
a few months earlier by Chris Cutler - before he'd joined HC -
and Dave Stewart, and including members of Egg plus Jeremy
Baines, Anthony Marshall and others) for a series of three
concerts billed as "Ottawa 3"
[25] London, St.Martins College of Art [Ottawa Music Company]
[26] London [Battersea Rise], Emanuel School [Ottawa Music
Company]
[28] London, Playhouse Theatre [John Peel show] - "Teen Beat",
"Rapt In A Blanket", "I Came To See You" performed (broadcast
Mar 14) [guests: Geoff Leigh & Dave Stewart]
[06] Redhill, Market Hall [Ottawa
Music Company]
[16] Colchester, Essex University [supporting Amon Duul II]
Henry Cow write and perform music for
Robert Walker's production of Euripides' 'The Bacchae'
[01-07] Watford, Palace Theatre (writing/rehearsals) ['The
Bacchae']
[08-13] Watford, Palace Theatre (performances) ['The
Bacchae']
[17] Hounslow [London], Isleworth Polytechnic
[30] Watford, Palace Theatre (matinee) [Ottawa Music Company]
[08-13] Cambridge, Arts Theatre ['The
Bacchae']
Geoff Leigh joins
[20] Hounslow [London], Isleworth Polytechnic [also: If, Pete
Sully]
[22] Roehampton, Parish Hall
[Ottawa Music Company]
[24] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Paradiso [Lady June's
Linguistic Leprosy, feat. Henry Cow]
[25] London [Bethnal Green], York Hall (Young Socialists Pop
Concert & Rally) [also: McGuiness Flint with Paul Jones,
Ram John Holder, Snake Eye, Fumble]
[28] London, Architectural Association
[25-30] Edinburgh, Traverse Theatre
(Edinburgh Festival) (series of six concerts in two halves: "A
Metaphysical Introduction To Hollywood Thibet" and "Pas D'Elle
Yeux, Rhône Que Nous") (with the Cambridge Dance Group and
artist Ray Smith)
GL: "The daily schedule was quite tough - a lunchtime concert
without the dancers, featuring performance artist Ray Smith,
then two performances with the dancers"
[11] London School of Economics, Old
Theatre ("Monday 11th, 1pm")
[21-26] Edinburgh, St. Patrick's School (Edinburgh Fringe
Festival) (with the Cambridge Dance Group) (with activities by
Ray Smith)
[23] Cambridge, Fisher House
Launch a regular series of events and
concerts under the name Cabaret Voltaire in London
[06] Kensington Town Hall (Cabaret Voltaire) [also: Kevin
Ayers]
[17] London, BBC Langham Studio 1 [John Peel show] - "With The
Yellow Half Moon & Blue Star", "With The Yellow Half Moon
& Blue Star Part 2" performed (broadcast Nov 14) [guest:
DJ Perry (speech)]
[27] Kensington Town Hall (Cabaret Voltaire) [also: Khan, Ray
Smith, Bob Bery]
[17] Kensington Town Hall (Cabaret
Voltaire) [also: Jack Monck, Lady June, Anthony Marshall,
Tony Wilkes]
[24] Cambridge, St.Mary's School
[30] Cambridge, Architecture Faculty
[05] Kensington Town Hall (Cabaret Voltaire) [also: Dave Stewart, Mont Campbell, Anthony Marshall - final Ottawa Company performance]
[06] Watford, Kingham Hall
[19] Hounslow [London], Isleworth Polytechnic
[02] London, London School of
Economics
[23] Swansea University Arts Festival
[06] London, Shaw Theatre (Camden
Festival) [also: Principal Edwards' Magic Theatre]
[09] Watford, Watford Boys Grammar School / New Theatre
[also: Rogerama]
[11] London, Roundhouse (The Changing Face Of Jazz/Rock)
[also: 'In C' (Terry Riley) by Paul Buckmaster, Morris Pert
& Peter Robinson, Keith Tippett's Ovary Lodge, 25 Views Of
Worthing]
Establish the Explorers Club at the London School of Economics
[14] London, LSE Old Theatre (Explorers Club) [also: Derek
Bailey, Lol Coxhill]
Appear at the Bath International Music Festival
[20] London, Northern London Poly [also: Supersister]
[24] London, Architects Association [with Portsmouth
Sinfonia]
[07-11] Manor Studios ("first
exploratory sessions")
[24] London, BBC Langham Studio 1 [John Peel show] - "Nirvana
For Mice", "Guider Tells of Silent Airborne Machine", "Nine
Funerals of the Citizen King", "Bee" performed (broadcast May 8)
[27] London, LSE Old Theatre (Explorers Club) [also: Rain in
the Face, Ray Smith, DJ Perry]
[04] London, LSE Old Theatre
(Explorers Club) [also: Ron Geesin, Mont Campbell Wind
Quartet, Ray Smith, DJ Perry, Alpha]
[05] London, beneath Westway [also: Sniff & The Tears]
[10] Sign with Virgin
[11] London, LSE Old Theatre (Explorers Club) [also: Derek
Bailey, Christine Jeffries, Ray Smith, DJ Perry]
[12-14] Manor Studios (sessions for Leg End)
[15] Cambridge, Fisher House
[16-17] Manor Studios (sessions for Leg End)
[18] London, LSE Old Theatre (Explorers Club) [also: Ivor
Cutler, Lol Coxhill, DJ Perry, Ray Smith]
[30] Bath, Holbourne Museum (Bath International Festival)
[02] Roehampton, Parish Hall (Benefit
for Servile House Home for the physically handicapped) [also:
Hatfield and the North]
[03-08] Manor Studios (sessions for Leg End)
[09] London, Shepherd's Bush / Magic Roundabout [also: Gong,
GVTC, Clancy, Chilli Willi, Help Yourself...]
[10-14] Manor Studios (final sessions for Leg End)
[16] Huddersfield, Greenhead Park
[17] York, Arts Centre
[18] Manchester, Forum Theatre
[25] London, Queen Elizabeth Hall [Mike Oldfield "Tubular
Bells", feat. Fred Frith, Tim Hodgkinson, Geoff Leigh and John
Greaves]
[26] nr Coventry, Warwick University
[29] Reading, Arts Exchange
[08] Harrow, Headstone Manor Park
[also: Global Village Trucking Company, Mantra, Byzantium,
Half-Human Band]
[19] Manor Studios (mixing session for Leg End)
[20] Basildon, Arts Centre
[21] Ealing, Technical College
[30] Bath, Other Festival
[05] London, Roundhouse (Greasy
Truckers Benefit) [also: Kevin Ayers & 747, Global
Village Trucking Company, Glencoe, Keith Christmas]
[06] Harrow, Technical College
[09] Cambridge, Fisher House
[31] Leg End is released
[08] Kensington [London],
Commonwealth Institute [with Kevin Coyne]
[21] Reading, Town Hall [with Faust]
[22] Cambridge, Corn Exchange [with Faust]
[24] Southampton, Guildhall [with Faust]
[29] Dagenham, Round House [with Faust]
[30] Guildford, Civil Hall [with Faust]
[01] Dunstable, Queensway Hall
[with Faust]
[05] Birmingham, Town Hall [with Faust]
[06] Newcastle, City Hall [with Faust]
[08] Sheffield, City Hall [with Faust & Kevin Coyne]
(?)
[09] Bristol, Colston Hall [with Faust]
[11] High Wycombe, Town Hall [with Faust]
[13] Aylesbury, College of Further Education
[14] Chelmsford, Chancellor House [with Faust]
[17] Hove, Town Hall [with Faust]
[20] Cambridge, Corn Exchange [with Faust]
[21] London, Rainbow Theatre (guests: DJ Perry (text), Ray Smith
(ironing), Jane Colling & Sarah Greaves (painting), David
Gale's Lumière & Son (performance art), Jean-Hervé Péron,
Mark Charig & Phil Minton (trumpets), Lol Coxhill, Gary
Windo, Gary James & Elton Dean (saxophones), Mike Westbrook,
Edward Ray Smith & Nick Evans (trombones), Peter Blegvad
& John Miles (clarinets), Jeremy Baines (flute &
medieval instruments)...) [with Faust]
[22] Wolverhampton, Civic Hall [with Faust]
[27] Liverpool, Stadium [with Faust]
[31] start rehearsal for The Tempest (see November)
[01-17] Henry Cow rehearse, then
perform at the Watford Palace Theatre as part of Jon Chadwick's
production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest", the music of which
was composed intermittently over the previous year
[04] Henry Cow are filmed by a French TV crew as part of a
documentary on Virgin Records while recording at the Manor; the
resulting improvised music is later used as Henry Cow's side of
the Greasy Truckers compilation
[21] London, Dingwall's
[22] Reading, Arts Exchange
[24] Bracknell, Sports Centre [supporting Man, also Ace]
[25] Chipping Campden (Gloucestershire), Folkshop
[26] Chelmsford Prison
[29] Bexhill, De La Warr Pavillion [with Faust] (?)
[30] London, BBC TV Studios, Shepherds Bush (Mike Oldfield
"Tubular Bells") [Fred Frith, Tim Hodgkinson, John Greaves
and Geoff Leigh join members of Gong and Soft Machine plus
Mick Taylor, David Bedford, Ted Speight and Jon Field]
[01] Maassluis (Netherlands), De
Toverbal
[02] Maasbree (Netherlands), MAF Centrum
[03] Delft (Netherlands)
[06] Schoonhoven (Netherlands), Vakschool [afternoon]
[06] Zwolle (Netherlands) [evening]
[07] Den Haag (Netherlands), Paard van Troje
[08] Rotterdam (Netherlands), Eksit
[09] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg
Geoff Leigh decides to leave, "unhappy with the increasingly
sheduled group life"
[17] Yeovil, Technical College
Lindsay Cooper joins on oboe
and bassoon
[19] Hounslow [London], Isleworth Polytechnic (lunchtime)
[19] Surrey University (evening)
[20] Crewe, Crewe & Alsager College of Higher Education
[also: Hatfield and the North]
[25] London, Peanuts [also: Rocks Off]
[26] Bristol, University [also: Dudu Pukwana]
[01] Birmingham, College of Further
Education [also: Fumble] (?)
[02] Hornsey, Town Hall (Benefit for E.A.F.T.) [also: Global
Village Trucking Company]
[07] London, Torrington [also: Isotope]
[14-28] Manor Studios (sessions for "Unrest")
Slapp Happy are leaving the studio as they arrive, having just
completed their first LP for Virgin
[07] Southampton University
[supporting Return To Forever]
[08] Hemel Hampstead, Arts Centre
[09] London, Bedford College - Students' Union
[12] Cambridge, Lady Mitchell Hall [also: Gong]
[13] Norwich, St.Andrews Hall [also: Gong]
[18] Nottingham University [also: Global Village Trucking
Company]
[19] Birmingham, University [supporting Return To Forever]
[23-31] Manor Studios (more sessions for "Unrest")
[01-02] Manor Studios (sessions for "Unrest")
[10] Brest (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[11] Rennes (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[12] Bordeaux (France), Salle des Fêtes du Grand Parc (Bérêt
Cosmique) [with Kevin Coyne, also: Stradivarius]
[13] Mont-de-Marsan (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[15] Arles (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[16] Clermont-Ferrand (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[17] Paris (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[18] Orléans (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[25] London, BBC Langham Studio 1 [John Peel show] - "Pigeons:
Ruins / Half Awake, Half Asleep / Bittern Storm Over Ulm"
(broadcast May 9)
[late] Chris Cutler joins Gong as temporary replacement for
Pierre Moerlen (three UK gigs)
[01] Cambridge, Midsummer Common Free
Festival
[08] Woolwich, The Tramshed
[10] St.Albans, College of Education
[14] London, Nova Studios (session for unreleased Slapp Happy
"Europa" single)
[15] Reading, Town Hall
[18] Bryanstan School
Beefheart tour - Geoff Leigh guests on a couple of dates
[23] Reims (France), Patinoire [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[24] Jouy-en-Josas [nr Paris] (France), HEC [supporting
Captain Beefheart]
[25] Lyon (France), Palais d'Hiver [supporting Captain
Beefheart]
[26] Arles (France), Théâtre Antique [supporting Captain
Beefheart]
[30] Loughborough, University [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[31] Norwich, East Anglia University [supporting Captain
Beefheart]
[01] Leeds, University [supporting
Captain Beefheart]
[02] Beck (Holland), Pink Pop Festival [afternoon]
[03] Birmingham, Town Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[04] Newcastle, City Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[05] Glasgow, Apollo [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[06] Edinburgh, Caley Cinema [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[07] Sheffield, City Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[08] Manchester, Free Trade Hall [supporting Captain
Beefheart]
[09] London, Theatre Royal Drury Lane [supporting Captain
Beefheart] [guest: Geoff Leigh]
[10] Hove, Town Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[11] Oxford, New Theatre [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[13] Cambridge, Lady Mitchell Hall [supporting Captain
Beefheart]
[14] Bracknell, Sports Centre [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[15] Liverpool, Stadium [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[16] Bristol, Colston Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[17] Swansea, Brangwyn Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[20] Bruxelles (Belgium), Auditorium 44 [supporting Captain
Beefheart]
[21] Venlo (Netherlands), Concertgebouw [supporting Captain
Beefheart]
[22] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Concertgebouw [supporting
Captain Beefheart]
[23] Rotterdam (Netherlands), De Doelen [supporting Captain
Beefheart]
[06] Ewell, Technical College
(Benefit for Watchfield Free Festival) [also: Half Human
Band, Lightship]
[11-15] Fred Frith records his "Guitar Solos" album for Caroline
Chris Cutler joins Gong as temporary replacement for the departing Pierre Moerlen
Henry Cow tour Holland as a
quartet, without Lindsay Cooper. Cutler: "We came off the
Beefheart tour in more or less a state of shock. We had always
prepared each concert as a unique event, rearranging the
material and writing new bridges between pieces; now suddenly we
found ourselves playing the same set night after night. We
decided that we needed to stop performing and think about what
to do next. Fred, Tim, John and I agreed to fulfil our last
outstanding concert obligations without Lindsay - a tour of
Holland. We didn't want to play any existing material so we
secluded ourselves for a week in Fred's parents' cottage outside
York where, restricting ourselves to the first bars of what
later became 'Living In The Heart of the Beast', we worked up a
35-40 minute piece unlike anything else we did before or after"
[13-17] Skipton [nr York], Village Hall (rehearsals)
[19] Nijmegen (Netherlands), Doornroosje
[20] Den Haag (Netherlands), Paard von Troje
[21] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg
[22] Maassluis (Netherlands), De Toverbal
[25] Enschede (Netherlands), Technische Hogeschool Twente
[26] Halsteren (Netherlands), Verenigings Gebouw
[27] Vlissingen (Netherlands), De Piek
[28] Groningen (Netherlands), Vera Club
[29] Delft (Netherlands), De Eland
[10] Winchester College of Art
[12] Manchester, Polytechnic (All Saints) [also: Hatfield and
the North]
[05] London, Royal Festival Hall
[D.Bedford's 'Stars End' feat. Fred Frith & Chris Cutler]
[22] Wilmslow, School ???
After discussions with Slapp Happy, it is decided to merge the
two groups
"Desperate Straights" is recorded at Manor Studios
(another track recorded during this session, "War", is later
used for "In Praise Of Learning"; "A Worm Is At Work", also from
this session, is later included on Virgin's "V" compilation)
The newly merged Henry Cow/Slapp Happy reconvene to rehearse material for its second album, in the gymnasium of St.Christopher's school
Sessions for "In Praise Of
Learning" begin at the Manor
[21] "Desperate Straights" is released
Sessions for "In Praise of Learning" continue
[mid] The merger ends - Anthony Moore
wants out, Peter Blegvad wants to limit his involvement to nine
months and Dagmar Krause joins the new Henry Cow
[late] Rehearsals start with Robert Wyatt for the following
month's Paris concert; on this occasion, Lindsay Cooper
rejoins, and eventually decides to stay on
Setlist for the three European
concerts with Robert Wyatt : First set: "Beautiful As The
Moon..." / "Nirvana For Mice" / "Ottawa Song" / "Gloria Gloom" /
"Ruins" / "...Terrible As An Army With Banners". Second set:
"Muddy Mouth (a)" / "Solar Flares" / "Muddy Mouth (b)" / "5
Black Notes and 1 White Note" / "Muddy Mouth (c)" / "Muddy
Mouse", Improvisation [ca. 11-12 minutes], "Bad Alchemy" /
"Little Red Riding Hood Hit The Road", "Living In The Heart Of
The Beast". Encore: "We Did It Again" (Paris only)
[08] Paris (France), Théâtre des Champs-Elysées [augmented by
Robert Wyatt]
[09] Lyon (France), Salle Molière (free concert)
[09] "In Praise of Learning" is released
[15] Aix-en-Provence (France)
[17] Grenoble (France), Palais des Sports (Festival) [also:
Magma, Mahjun, Mama Béa Tékielski]
[21] London, New London Theatre [augmented by Robert Wyatt]
[23] Utrecht (Netherlands), Rasa
[24] Vlissingen (Netherlands), De Piek
[25] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg [support: Eyes &
Ears]
[27] Rotterdam (Netherlands), De Lantaren
[--] Helsinki (Finland)
[06] London, Cultural Association
[Lol Coxhill Trio with Fred Frith (guitar) & Colin Wood
(cello)]
[18] Bruxelles (Belgium) [with Gong, Magma, Hawkwind &
Man]
[19] Bordeaux (France), Gradignan [with Gong, Magma, Hawkwind
& Man]
[20] Poitiers (France), Arènes [with Gong, Magma, Hawkwind
& Man]
[21] Nantes (France), Palais des Expositions [with Gong,
Magma, Hawkwind & Man]
[22] Paris (France), Ancienne Gare de la Bastille [with Gong,
Hawkwind & Man]
[23] Toulouse (France) [with Gong, Magma, Hawkwind & Man]
[25] Metz (France) [with Gong, Magma, Hawkwind & Man]
[27] Rome (Italy), Piazza Navona [augmented by Robert Wyatt]
[with Gong]
The band remain in Italy and begin to
arrange meetings with sympathisers, organisers and journalists;
within 10 days they've been invited to play at several PCI
festivals (most precise dates/locations missing)
[12] Magliana (Italy)
[13] Palermo (Italy)
[17] Taranto (Italy)
then a 4-day drive across Europe to...
[25] Oslo (Norway), Høvikodden Arts Centre
[late] Bergen (Norway)
[05] London, BBC Maida Vale Studio 4
(John Peel show) - "Beautiful As The Moon..." / "Nirvana For
Mice" / "Ottawa Song" / "Gloria Gloom" / "...Terrible As An Army
With Banners" performed (broadcast Aug 18)
[25] Rome (Italy)
[27] Catania (Italy), Festa d'Unità
[28] Milazzo (Italy), Festa d'Unità
[30] Reggio Calabria (Italy), Parito Radicale
[02] Genoa (Italy)
[03] Milan (Italy), Teatro Lirico
[05] Rome (Italy)
[12] Pordenone (Italy), Palazzo Dei Marmi
[13] Udine (Italy), Palamostre Auditorium
[17] Nancy (France), Festival Jazz Pulsations [also: Barre
Phillips solo]
[18] Paris (France), Halles de la Villette (Benefit for the
Communist paper "Rouge") [also: Captain Beefheart, John Cale,
Osibisa]
[25] Massy-Palaiseau (France), Centre Omni-Sports (Festival de
Massy) [also: Max Roach Quartet, Irene Schweitzer]
[02] St.Benoît-de-Carmaux (France),
Salle des Fêtes de Font Grande
[05] Toulouse (France)
[06] Carcassonne (France)
[07] Montpellier (France)
[15] Rennes (France)
[16] Fresnes [nr Paris] (France), MJC
[18] Bordeaux (France), Festival Sigma
During their performance at the Sigma Festival, Henry Cow and
the Mike Westbrook Brass Band appear in different parts of the
same building; at the end of Henry Cow's concert, the Brass Band
entered the hall playing a New Orleans funeral march while Henry
Cow were dancing - a precursor to the following year's Orckestra
[22] Metz (France)
Planned 30-date UK tour (their first for nearly two years) is
cancelled; only two dates remain; Henry Cow claim to
have been the victims of an "elaborate hoax"
[29] Manchester, University Union
[05] Glasgow, Strathclyde University
[22] Kingston-upon-Thames [nr
London], Kingston Polytechnic
[23] Maidstone, College of Arts
[30] North London Poly (Holloway Road)
[31] London, LSE (People's Free Festival Benefit)
[07] Colchester, Essex University
(cancelled)
[21] Norwich, University of East Anglia (cancelled)
[13] While rehearsals of new material
are underway for an upcoming tour of Scandinavia, John Greaves
announces his intention to leave
[26] Hamburg (Germany), NDR Jazz Workshop
Setlist: "Beautiful As The Moon...", "Nirvana For Mice",
"Ottawa Song", "Gloria Gloom", Improv, "Ruins", Improv,
"...Terrible As An Army With Banners"
Henry Cow return from Hamburg with bassist Uli
Trepte, who rehearses with the group for a while; when he
doesn't work out, Steve Beresford is considered as
replacement, but ends up not joining either
[09] Grenoble (France) (cancelled)
[30] Nancy (France) (cancelled)
HC tour Scandinavia as a quartet
(Frith, Hodgkinson, Cooper, Cutler), as Dagmar is ill in Hamburg
[12] Helsinki (Finland), Tavastia Club
[13] Turku (Finland), Konsettitalo
[16] Oslo (Norway)
[18] Uppsala (Sweden), V-Dala
[19] Stockholm (Sweden), Jarlateatern
[21] Västerås (Sweden), Musikforum
[22] Sundsvall (Sweden), Musikforum
[23] Umeå (Sweden), Stacken
[26] Trondheim (Norway), Studentersamfundet (broadcast on
Tonkraft radio programme, Jul 14)
[28] Göteborg (Sweden), Sprängkullen (recorded for Sveriges
Radio "Tonkraft") [broadcast Jul 14/17]
[06] London, New London Theatre
[FF solo supports Daevid Allen & Euterpe]
[14] Georgie Born joins on bass/cello
Dagmar Krause rejoins
[20] York
[21] Folkestone (cancelled?)
[25] Vevey (Switzerland), Swiss TV "Kaleidospop" filming
Setlist: "Beautiful As The Moon...", free, "...Terrible As An
Army With Banners", "No More Songs", "Living In The Heart Of
The Beast", free, "The March", "Erk Gah"
[27] Lausanne (Switzerland)
[04] Sapinhaut [nr Saxon]
(Switzerland)
[08] Milan (Italy)
Setlist: Improvisation, "Erk Gah", "Ruins", "Bittern Storm
Over Ulm", "The March", Nirvana Variations, "...Terrible As An
Army With Banners", "Would You Prefer Us To Lie ?", "Living In
The Heart Of The Beast"
[10] Torino (Italy)
[16] Trieste (Italy)
[17] Udine (Italy) (cancelled because of earthquake)
[18] Bologna (Italy)
[23] Benuvento (Italy)
[24] Taranto (Italy)
[26] Palermo (Italy)
[28] Roma (Italy)
[29] Padua (Italy)
[01] Vicenza (Italy)
[02] Venezia (Italy)
[23] London, New Cross Goldsmith College
[26] Southend-on-Sea, Lindisfarne Centre (Southend Open Door
Arts Festival) [also: Lol Coxhill & Gerry Fitzgerald, Red
Square]
[31] London, Almost Free Theatre (debut performance by the
Feminist Improvising Group, featuring Lindsay Cooper and Georgie
Born)
[09] Dijon (France), Salle Fontaine
d'Houche
[10] Paris (France), France-Musique Studio 109 ["Ecoute"]
(broadcast Nov 15)
[11-12] Paris (France), Théâtre de la Renaissance [support:
Carpe Diem] (average attendance 280 people/night)
[13] Mulhouse (France)
[16] Longlaville (France), MJC
[17] Reims (France), Centre St.Exupéry
[18] Nancy (France), Salle Rencontres (Concert ATEM)
Setlist: Improvisation, "Erk Gah", "No More Songs", "Ruins",
"Bittern Stom Over Ulm", Improv, "The March" // "Beautiful As
The Moon...", free, "...Terrible As An Army With Banners",
"Living In The Heart Of The Beast"
[19] Hénin-Beaumont (France), MJC
[24] Bourges (France), Maison de la Culture
[25] Chaumont (France), Salle des Fêtes
[26] Belfort (France), Pépinière
[27] Louveciennes (France), Salle des Fêtes de la Mairie
[support: Etron Fou Leloublan]
[30] Grenoble (France)
[01] Grenoble (France) [also: Zao,
VdGG...]
[02] Nice (France), Faculté de Lettres
[03] Aix-en-Provence (France) [also: Etron Fou Leloublan,
Zao]
[04] Avignon (France), Théâtre du Chène Noir
[05] St.Chamond (France), Cinéma Variétés
[06] Montpellier (France), Campus
[07] Tarbes (France), Le Parnis
[08] Toulouse (France), Théâtre du Taur
[10] Limoges (France), Centre Gagan
[11] Bordeaux (France)
[13] Orléans (France)
[14] St.Quentin-en-Yvelines [nr Paris] (France), Maison pour
Tous
[19] London, Other Cinema (Music Against Capitalism)
[14] Rehearsals begin for upcoming
tours
Typical setlist: free, "Erk Gah", "Ruins", "Bittern Storm
Over Ulm", free, "The March" // free, Nirvana Variations,
"...Terrible As An Army With Banners", "No More Songs",
"Joan", "Teenbeat", free, "Would You Prefer Us To Lie ?",
"Living In The Heart Of The Beast"
[01] Cambridge, Lady Mitchell Hall
[02] Leeds, University
[04] Nottingham, Victoria Leisure Centre
[05] Coventry, Warwick University
[13] London, Wandsworth Town Hall
[18] Pavia (Italy)
[19] Genova (Italy)
[20] Parma (Italy), Cinema Olimpico
[21] Milano (Italy), Teatro Lirico
[22] Siena (Italy)
[23] Roma (Italy)
[24] Pisa (Italy)
[25] Torino (Italy)
[26] Bergamo (Italy)
[27] Firenze (Italy)
[28] Padova (Italy)
[01] Vicenza (Italy)
[02] Cremona (Italy)
[03] Brescia (Italy)
[04] Milano (Italy)
[05] Udine (Italy)
[06] Mestre (Italy)
Formation of the Orkhestra, featuring all members Henry Cow
and the Mike Westbrook Band plus singer Frankie Armstrong
[13] London, Roundhouse (Moving Left Revue) [Orckestra -
debut performance]
Setlist: "Wheel Of Fortune", "Beautiful As The Moon...",
"Django", "God Bless The Child", "Naima", "Mourn Not The
Dead", "Anthem", "Jackie-ing", "On Suicide", "Lady Howard's
Coach", "Kanonensong", "Santiago, You Are Suffering", "Let The
Slave" / interval / "Serpent Maigre", "Bartlemy Fair", "The
Saucy Sailor", "Little Duke Arthur's Nurse", "Sovay, Sovay",
"Jack The Lad", "Holy Thursday", "I See Thy Form", "Alabama
Song"
[21] Brive (France)
[22] Bordeaux (France)
[23] Poitiers (France)
[25] Orléans (France)
[26] Rennes (France)
[27] Paris (France)
[28] Clermont-Ferrand (France)
[20] Liverpool, Eric's Club
[22] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg (?)
[23] Etten-Leur (Netherlands), De Nobelaer
[24] Maassluis (Netherlands), De Toverbal
[26] Anvers (Belgium), De Muze
[27] Bergen op Zoom (Netherlands), De Bottehommel
[30] Stockholm (Sweden), Mariahisse
[02] Uppsala (Sweden)
[03] Arhus (Denmark)
[08] Ludvika (Sweden), Musikforum
[09] Göteborg (Sweden), Sveriges Radio - Studio 4 ("Tonkraft")
(broadcast Jun 08/11)
Setlist: free, "Erk Gah", free, "Ruins", "No More Songs"
[P.Ochs]
[11] Helsinki (Finland), Tarastia Club
[14] Göteborg (Sweden), Renstromska Museet
[15] Oslo (Norway), Folkestius [also:
Hopper-Dean-Tippett-Gallivan]
[16] Uppsala (Sweden), Musikforum
Setlist: free, "Erk Gah", "Ruins", free, "The March" //
Untitled Piece (Cooper), "On Suicide", free, "Teenbeat",
"Would You Prefer Us To Lie ?", "Living In The Heart Of The
Beast" // "No More Songs"
[18] Bruxelles (Belgium), Halles de Schaerbeek
[19] Vlissingen (Netherlands), De Piek
[28-29] Battersea, Arts Centre (Music for Socialism festival)
[guests: Frankie Armstrong & Lol Coxhill...] [also: People
Liberation Music]
[30] Southampton, Solent Suite [support: Red Balune]
[31] Bath, Brillig Arts Centre [support: Red Balune]
[01] Plymouth, Woods [support: Red
Balune]
[02] Exeter, St.George's Hall [support: Red Balune]
[03] Cardiff, Temple of Peace [support: Red Balune]
[08] Hull, University [with Lol Coxhill]
[09] Brighton, Polytechnic (Brighton Contemporary Festival of
Arts) [support: Etron Fou Leloublan]
[10] Southend, Queen's Hotel [support: Etron Fou Leloublan]
Setlist: free, "Erk Gah", "Ruins", free, "The March" // "On
Suicide", free, "Living In The Heart Of The Beast" //
"Teenbeat"
[12] Guildford, Civic Hall [support: Etron Fou Leloublan]
[13] Cambridge, Lady Mitchell Hall [support: Etron Fou
Leloublan]
[14] Leeds
[22-24] rehearsal with Orckestra
[25] Sierck-les-Bains (France), Festival du Château [also:
National Health, Surya, Faton Cahen solo, Carmina]
[26] London, Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre [Orckestra]
[31] Lindsay Cooper takes part in National Health's gig at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London
Dagmar Krause is no longer part of
Henry Cow's performing line-up, although she is to participate
in future recording projects.
[09] Arzignano (Italy), Piscina Communale (Zona Festival)
[10] Cremona (Italy)
[11] Livorno (Italy)
[16] Milan (Italy), Teatro Uomo [Orckestra]
[17] Modena (Italy), Festival Nazionale dell’Unità
[Orckestra]
Setlist: "Wheel Of Fortune", "Teenbeat Introduction" /
"Nirvana Variations", "...Terrible As An Army With Banners",
"Naima", "Mourn Not The Dead", "Jackie-ing", "Lady Howard's
Coach", "Kanonensong", "Let The Slave", "Bartlemy Fair"
[18] Udine (Italy)
[19] Firenze (Italy), Casa Del Popolo
[22] Verona (Italy)
[23] Lecco (Italy), Teatro Palladium (Como Festival)
[24] Lugano (Switzerland), Festival [also: John Cage, Dieter
Schnebel, Christian Wolff]
[25] Cantù (Italy), Autunno Musicale (Como Festival) [also:
Stormy Six]
[27] Mestre (Italy) [also: Etron Fou Leloublan]
Setlist: free, "Viva Pa Ubu", "Nirvana For Mice", "The Big
Tune" (various bits), free, "Ruins", "Bittern Storm Over Ulm",
free, "Jackie-ing", free, "Teenbeat"
[28] Roma (Italy) [also: Etron Fou Leloublan]
[02] Napoli (Italy)
[05] Valence (France) [also: Etron Fou Leloublan]
[08] Paris (France), Hippodrome [also: Etron Fou Leloublan,
Albert Marcoeur]
[17] Nancy (France), Chapiteau de la Pépinière (Nancy Jazz
Pulsations) (3pm) [support: Ran Blake (piano solo]
[Orckestra]
[18] Henry Cow join the Italian cooperative L'Orchestra
[19] Henry Cow's contract with Virgin is terminated
[31] Nottingham, University
[01] Leeds, University
[05] Manchester, Polytechnic [with Frankie Armstrong]
[08] Rennes (France)
[09] Bourges (France)
Setlist: "The Big Tune" (various bits), "Nirvana For Mice",
"Jackie-ing", "Erk Gah" (excerpt 1), free // "Ruins", "Bittern
Storm Over Ulm", free, "Viva Pa Ubu", "Nirvana For Mice", "The
Big Tune" (more), "Erk Gah" (excerpt 2) // "Teenbeat"
[10] Angers (France), Salle Beaurepaire
[18] Woluwé-St.Lambert [nr Bruxelles] (Belgium), UCL [also:
Univers Zéro]
[20] Paris (France), Hippodrome (Fête du Nouveau Populaire de
Paris) [also: National Health, Buffy Ste Marie, Larry Martin
Factory] [Orckestra]
[20] Dagmar Krause leaves Henry Cow
[22] Limoges (France)
[24] Bilbao (Spain)
[25] Madrid (Spain)
[26] Barcelona (Spain), Club Claret [also: Suck Electronic]
[29] Zaragoza (Spain), University
[30] Barcelona (Spain), Zeleste Club
[02] Freiburg (Germany), University
[03] Munich (Germany), Theater
[05-06] visit & book Sunrise Studios in Switzerland
[09] Fribourg (Switzerland), Université - Auditorium Maximum
[15] Hamburg (Germany)
[16] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg [also: Red Balune]
[guests: Annemarie Roelofs, Geoff Leigh]
Setlist: "Viva Pa Ubu", "The Big Tune" (bits), free, "Ruins",
"Bittern Storm Over Ulm", "Half The Sky", "Erk Gah",
"Teenbeat", free, 3/4 Theme, Unknown
[10] Genève (Switzerland)
Setlist: "Over The Rainbow", "The Big Tune" (fragments),
"Viva Pa Ubu", more fragments, free, "Erk Gah", "Teenbeat"
[13] Zurich (Switzerland), Aula Rämibühl
[14] Luzern (Switzerland), Kunstmuseum
[15-29] recording sessions at Sunrise Studios, Kirchberg
(Switzerland), with Dagmar Krause, produce material that is
later mainly used for Hope & Fears by Art Bears, as
well as "1/2 The Sky" which appears on Henry Cow's "Western
Culture", and two out-takes ("Slice" and "Viva Pa Ubu")
that later appear on a RéR sampler
A large part of February is taken up
by a British tour supported by the Arts Council
[03] Birmingham, Aston University
[04] Sheffield, Hurfield Campus
[05] Manchester, Royal Exchange Theatre
[06] Liverpool, Christ's College
[07] Huddersfield, Town Hall
[08] Scunthorpe, Foxhills School
[10] Bristol, Arnolfini
[11] Bridgwater, Arts Centre
[13] Coventry, Warwick University (Arts Centre)
[14] Brixton, Lambeth Town Hall [also: Red Balune, Alvaro]
[08] Aberdeen, Arts College
[09] Edinburgh, George Square College
[12] London, New London Theatre Drury Lane ("Rock In Opposition"
concert) [4pm-10.45pm]
[14] Leicester, Phoenix Theatre (Leicester Rock Festival)
[support: Stormy Six]
[15] Henry Cow officially announce they will break up at the end
of August 1978; CC: "After deciding to split up we consciously
organised eight months of music, to visit and say goodbye to
everyone who had supported us through the years, and we wrote a
complete set of new material"
[15-18] additional sessions for Art Bears' Hopes & Fears
at Kaleidophon Studios, London (D.Krause, F.Frith and C.Cutler,
with guest appearance by L.Cooper)
[18] London, Middlesex Hospital Medical School (Benefit for
Other Cinema) [also: Red Balune, Ens]
[22] Bremen (Germany), Radio Bremen Studios [radio broadcast]
[26] Stockholm (Sweden)
[27] Uppsala (Sweden) [also: Samla Mammas Manna]
[28] Stockholm (Sweden), Kulturhuset (radio broadcast)
[Orckestra]
[29] Linköping (Sweden)
[30] Norrköping (Sweden) [Orckestra]
[31] Kalmar (Sweden), Folkets Park
[01] Lund (Sweden) [also: Samla
Mammas Manna]
[02] Göteborg (Sweden), FFS [Orckestra]
[04] Oslo (Norway), Château Neuf [Orckestra]
Following the Scandinavian tour, Henry Cow are booked
for appearances on their own in Spain; but Lindsay Cooper
has to go back to England for personal reasons, and Georgie
Born decides to leave the band
The remaining members of Henry Cow - Fred Frith,
Tim Hodgkinson and Chris Cutler - ask Phil
Minton (of the Westbrook Band and Orckestra) to join them
for the tour, performing under the name of The Lions Of
Desire
[09] Barcelona (Spain), L'Aliança [The Lions Of Desire]
[also: Gotic]
[13-14] Valencia (Spain) [The Lions Of Desire]
[15] Madrid (Spain) [The Lions Of Desire]
[16] Torello [nr Barcelona] (Spain) [The Lions Of Desire]
[18-19] Chalon-sur-Saone (France) [The Lions Of Desire]
[20] Paris (France) (France-Musique radio session) [The Lions
Of Desire]
Back in England, Lindsay Cooper rejoins the band and Henry
Cow is resurrected
The band finish their engagements in France and Italy as a
quartet with various guests - Yochk'o Seffer (saxes), Henry
Kaiser III (guitar) and Annemarie Roelofs
(trombone and violin), the latter ending up joining the band
permanently for the remaining concerts
[15] Art Bears' "Hopes And Fears"
released on Henry Cow's own label RéRecords
[17] Paris (France), Hippodrome de Pantin [Orckestra]
[18] Nancy (France), Kiosque de la Pépinière [also: Etron Fou
Leloublan] [Orckestra]
[19] Longaville (France), Salle Robert Schumann [Orckestra]
[20] Loos-en-Gohelle [nr Lille] (France) [also: Terje Rypdal
Quartet]
[21] La Celle-St. Cloud (France), MJC Nord (Festival de Jazz
Progressif) [also: Terje Rypdal Quartet, Jacques Thollot
Sextet, Cohelmec, Dharma, Quintet 78]
[22] Poitiers (France)
[23] Orléans (France), Carré St.Vincent [guests: Marcoeur
brothers]
[24] Bordeaux (France), Salle des Fêtes du Grand Parc (Althagore
Festival) [also: Yochk'o Seffer Neffesh Music, Terje Rypdal
Quartet]
[25-26] Toulouse (France), Théâtre du Taur
[27] Castres (France), Théâtre Municipal [also: Verto, Benoît
Widemann]
[28/30] Sète (France)
[03] Salon-de-Provence (France)
[04] Privat (France) (cancelled?)
[06] Bellay (France)
[08] Lyon (France), Rock'n'Roll Mops [guest: Henry Kaiser]
Setlist: "Viva Pa Ubu" / Excerpts from Fred's Long Piece, "On
The Raft", "Half The Sky" [intro] / "Falling Away",
Improvisation, "Industry", "Ruins", "Slice"
[10] Angers (France), Salle Beaurepaire [guest: Henry Kaiser]
Ann-Marie Roelofs joins Henry Cow permanently
[13-17] Paris (France), Théâtre Campagne-Première [also: Art
Ensemble of Chicago]
[28] Wandsworth [London], Town Hall (Wandsworth Against Racism)
[also: Matumbi]
Henry Cow pull out of the above concert (which would have been
their last in the UK) following a dispute during soundcheck
Italian tour - typical setlist:
"Viva Pa Ubu" / Excerpts from Fred's Long Piece, "On The
Raft", "Half The Sky" [intro] / "Falling Away", Improvisation,
"Waking Against Sleep", Woodwind Piece, "Industry", "Look
Back", "Ruins" (Variations), "Fanfare", Improvisation, "Slice"
[07] Milano (Italy), Festival Della Gioventu
[09] Monza (Italy), Festa del PdUP (Partito di Unità Proletaria)
[13] Torino (Italy), Rignon
[14] Torino (Italy), Parco Sempione
[15] Piacenza (Italy), football stadium
[17] Brescia (Italy), Festa d'Unita
[20] Roma (Italy)
[23] Cervia (Italy), Festa di Unita Proletaria
[24] Pavia (Italy), Castello Visconteo
[25] Milano (Italy), Piazza Del Duomo [members of Stormy Six
sit in]
[27] recording sessions for "Western Culture" begin at
Sunrise Studios, Kirchberg (Switzerland)
[08] end of the recording sessions
Henry Cow split up
[22] Kirchberg (Switzerland), Sunrise Studios (sessions for Art Bears "Winter Songs" begin)
[05] Kirchberg (Switzerland), Sunrise
Studios (sessions for Art Bears "Winter Songs" end)
[08] Kirchberg (Switzerland), Sunrise Studios (Rock In
Opposition collective meeting)
Marc Hollander invites Chris Cutler and Fred Frith to participate in the second Aksak Maboul record; to this end the new band rehearse in a mansion, play one concert, then drive out to Sunrise Studios to record the album, following which they play a few more concerts
[04] Lille (France), Salle du Conservatoire [F.Frith & C.Cutler]
For the following (their only ever
tour), Art Bears are joined by Marc Hollander (keyboards
& clarinet) and Peter Blegvad (bass, guitar & voice)
[15-24] Brixton [nr London], Cold Storage Studios (rehearsals) [Art
Bears]
[29] Milan (Italy), Teatro Dell' Elfo (Rock In Opposition
Festival) [Aksak Maboul]
[late] Carpi (Italy) (first date on tour) [Art Bears]
[30] Cantu (Italy) [Art Bears]
[01] Milan (Italy), Teatro Dell' Elfo
(Rock In Opposition Festival) [Art Bears]
Setlist: "Riddle", "First Things First", "Winter/War",
"Force", "The Tube", "Moeris Dancing", "Piers", "On Suicide",
"Maze", "The Dividing Line", "The Skeleton", "Man & Boy",
"Three Wheels", "The Dance", "The Hermit", "A Little
Something", "Alcohol"
[--] Rome (Italy) (stay for a week, playing in 3 different
clubs) [Art Bears]
[07] Rome (Italy) Murales [Art Bears]
[15] Angers (France) [Art Bears]
[16] Reims (France),
Salle St.Exupéry [Art Bears]
[--] Charleville-Mézières (France) [Art Bears]
Setlist: "The Winter Wheel", "Riddle", "First Things First",
"Winter/War", "Force", "The Tube", "Joan", "The Summer Wheel",
"Moeris Dancing", "Piers", "The Dividing Line", "The
Skeleton", "Rats & Monkeys", "Man & Boy", "Three
Wheels", "The Dance", "The Hermit", "A Little Something", "Mr
Rainbow", "Strayed"
[17] Nancy (France) [Art Bears]
[18] Harelbeke (Belgium) [Art Bears]
[19] Lille (France), Chambre de Commerce [Art Bears]
(without Dagmar - Frith on vocals)
[25] Prague (Czekoslovakia), Lucerna Hall (8th Prague Jazz Days
Festival) [Art Bears]
Aksak Maboul complete recording and
mixing of the album at Sunrise Studios
[19] Bruxelles (Belgium), Raffinerie du Plan K [Frith-Cutler duo]
[20] Anvers (Belgium), King Kong [Frith-Cutler duo]
Tm Hodgkinson forms The Work
[24] Kirchberg (Switzerland), Sunrise Studios (sessions for Art Bears "The World..." begin)
[07] Kirchberg (Switzerland), Sunrise Studios (sessions for Art Bears "The World..." end)