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)
[10] Harrow, Roxbourne Park [also: Spike,
Mantra, Thunderclap Newman's Incomparables, Ginger
Johnson's African Drummers, Bruin]
[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
[18] Guildford, Surrey University
[supporting Stackridge]
[19] Hounslow [London], Isleworth Polytechnic
(lunchtime)
[19] Guildford,
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
[31] Bergen-op-Zoom (Netherlands), De
Botte Hommel
[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, Town Hall [also: Night Fire, Dharma Dance
Band]
[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 Saint-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
[17] Reims (France),
Centre Saint-Exupéry
[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 Botte Hommel
[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, Lower
Guildhall or 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), New M&M Concert Hall
[also: Suck Electronic Enciclopedic]
[26] Barcelona (Spain), Casal Claret [also: Suck Electronic Enciclopedic]
[29] Zaragoza (Spain), University
[also: Suck Electronic Enciclopedic]
[30] Barcelona (Spain), Zeleste Club
[02] Freiburg
(Germany), University
[03] Munich (Germany), Theater
[05-06] visit & book Sunrise Studios in Switzerland; meet
with Jean Karakos and Jacques Pasquier re: future plans in
France.
[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 Centre for the Arts - Music and Theatre
Studio
[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"
[early] Rome (Italy) (stay for a week, playing in 3
different clubs and in Frosinone) [Art Bears]
[07] Rome (Italy), Murales [Art Bears]
[15] Angers (France) [Art Bears] (cancelled?)
[16] Charleville-Mézières (France),
Théâtre Municipal [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 [nr Courtrai] (Belgium), Ontmoetingscentrum [Art
Bears]
[19] Lille (France), Chambre de Commerce [Art Bears]
(without Dagmar - Frith on vocals)
[21]
Reims (France), Centre St.Exupéry (without Dagmar - Frith on
vocals) (postponed from 16th) [Art
Bears]
[25] Prague (Czekoslovakia), Lucerna Hall (8th
Prague Jazz Days Festival) [Art Bears]
Aksak Maboul complete
recording and mixing of the album at Sunrise Studios
[10] Strasbourg (France), Association Culturelle du Fossé des Treize [Frith-Cutler duo]
[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)