1967

August

[24] At Dover, Daevid Allen is refused re-entry to Britain, because his visa has expired

September

After spending a short spell in jail, he settles in Paris
[11] An article on Soft Machine in the leading magazine 'Le Nouvel Observateur' makes him an instant celebrity

October

[early] Allen recites poetry and dances on stage with Soft Machine at the end of their concert at the Studio des Champs-Elysées
Allen works at the ORTF on contemporary music sound programmes with electronics composer François Bayle. He plays solo around the Rive Gauche bars, and starts working with an eccentric Turk called Tanner Celensu, who operates an echo chamber. Allen himself is evolving his "glissando" guitar technique, the eerie slide style he allegedly gleaned from watching Syd Barrett at the 14-hour Technicolour Dream the previous April. The duo is credited as 'Electric Cafe-Theatre Cabaret'

November

Gilli Smyth joins what is now called the "duo" Gong on "space whisper" (also known as 'Atlantean Temple Chants'), frequently in the company of her "soul sister" Ziska Baum, followed by a succession of, as Daevid puts it, "about eight of the maddest musicians imaginable". These include Loren Standlee and Natch Claire on the flute and one Daniel Laloux, who plays a large drum with cello strings attached to it, as well as a hunting horn. Allen later described this period as comprising of "a large number of people improvising around nothing for hours on end, completely stoned"
[19] Paris (France), Centre Américain ("Music - Pop Poets") [DA, GS & Mike Chapman, Etienne O'Leary, Mark Boyle, Beautiful Peoples]

1968

January

Gong have a residency at La Vieille Grille restaurant (daily at midnight, and 'Magic Theatre' show on Sunday afternoons), often with Daniel Laloux as opening artist

March

Gong (who are still doing occasional gigs at La Vieille Grille) are invited to play at the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm, with Don Cherry - their last appearance in the original line-up
[01] Stockholm (Sweden), Moderna Museet (DA & GS "Magical Theatre Fantastical") [guest: Don Cherry] [also: Kjartan & Robert Jäppinen]
Allen forms the Bananamoon Band with Patrick Fontaine on bass and Marc Blanc on drums, with Gilli Smyth on vocals and space whisper. They play in and around Paris, and can be seen performing in Jérôme Laperrousaz's Nightmares Of Mr. Respectable film shot during that period (shown at Gong's 'Kouhoutek Comet Party' at the Lyceum, London, in 1973)

April

[21] Daevid Allen appears on the French TV programme Le Petit Dimanche Illustré, performing at La Vieille Grille with Loren Strandlee on flute

May

[early] Allen, Fontaine and Blanc travel by car to Rome to attend a pop festival with the Byrds headlining. Returning to Paris, they are caught in the middle of the students' riots
Ziska Baum is busted for marijuana possession. She and Loren Standlee return to the US
Allen and Smyth play poetry music in student faculties (with light show)
Laperrousaz suggest filming some street theatre and using it alongside footage of Bananamoon perform for a TV show; unfortunately, filming takes place during a heavy spate of rioting, and the performance is stopped both by the police and the students' own security. The trio had also been photographed, and a warrant is issued for their arrest
Allen and Smyth split for Deya less than 48 hours before the police wreck their appartment

June

A period of songwriting and poetry
Also planning the next incarnation of Gong and its philosophical base and mythology

July

Fontaine and Blanc are in Avignon, expecting Daevid to join them
They play with the Living Theater
Allen eventually arrives in Avignon, after the festival is over
Bananamoon play a gig opening for Gunter Hampel's band featuring John MacLaughlin and drummer Laurie Allan
More gigs follow, in Aix and Avignon
While in Avignon, they meet Bob Bénamou, who later becomes Gong's manager

August

Allen, Fontaine and Blanc go to Deya
There they play in various places, painting exhibitions, clubs (notably the Sgt. Pepper's in Palma de Majorca)

September

Daevid and Gilli return to France and spend some time at an ashram in the South, run by Dr. Mishra, nicknamed Banana Ananda
Then they move to Bob Bénamou's place, in Montaulieu near Nyons (Drôme), where they spend a few days before heading back to Deya
[late] Allen meets Kevin Ayers at a party in Formentera and learns that Soft Machine has disbanded

October

The start of a prolific period of songwriting for Allen and Smyth
They also do poetry readings with local poets in the Graves' museum and amphitheatre

December

Bananamoon secretly travel to Paris to make two demos for labels Pathé-Marconi and Barclay
They stay at actor Jean-Pierre Kalfon's house
Almost arrested at a road block

1969

January

More work on new material in Deya
Allen's father gives him enough money to buy a ruined millhouse on Bob Bénamou's property in Montaulieu

Spring

Allen, Smyth and Bananamoon members Patrice Fontaine and Marc Blanc restore the millhouse, which they inhabit before eventually selling it to Kevin Ayers in 1973
Meanwhile Bananamoon splits up when Fontaine and Blanc decide to form Ame Son

July

Allen and Smyth are in Paris, recording sections of music for the soundtrack of Barbarella film
Gig in St.Germain
Free recorded concert for French radio
Festival in Les Halles, with Didier Malherbe

August

In Montaulieu, Allen meets Jean Karakos, boss of the fledgling BYG Records label
Karakos offers to finance recording sessions for an album
They agree on a three-album contract, although nothing is actually written down

September

Allen recruits musicians in Paris : Didier Malherbe, Rachid Houari, Dieter Gewissler, Earl Freeman and Barre Phillips
Sessions for "Magick Brother" in Paris

October

More sessions for "Magick Brother" in Paris
The first live line-up of Gong is formed
The existing quartet of Allen, Smyth, Malherbe and Houari is joined by Christian Tritsch (bass), Daniel Laloux (bass drum and voice) and Gerry Field and Dieter Gewissler (violin)
[--] Paris, Boutique de Jean Bouquin [also: Johnny Hallyday]
[27] Amougies (Belgium), BYG/Actuel Festival
[Amougies is a tiny Belgian village where a four-day festival of rock, folk, jazz and contemporary music was set up by BYG Records, between 24-28 October 1969. Intended as the first post-1968 large-scale alternative music festival in central Paris, the mayor of Paris, under pressure from the police, withdrew permission at the last moment, forcing the boss of Byg, Jean Karakos, to transfer his entire operation into a large field just over the border from France at the eleventh hour. Despite this setback, the festival drew considerably more publicity than it might otherwise have had and was a considerable success for Karakos, enabling him to finance his BYG label]

December

Gong (minus Gerry Field, who moves to London) settle in Château du Thiel (nicknamed "haunted château") near Bernay in Normandy, family seat of the Laperrousaz family, offered to Gong as temporary winter accommodation after the festival of Amougies
They rehearse there over Christmas and "despite the unsympathetic presence of the ancestral ghost", create "Est-Ce Que Je Suis?", "Hyp Hyp Hypnotise Ya", and "It's The Time Of Your Life"
They also shoot additional sequences for the Amougies film

1970

Bob Bénamou and Jacques Fivel take over as managers

March

"Magick Brother" is released, and voted pop album of the week on radio
[24-27] Rouen (France), Parc-Expo (Open Circus) (two shows - 4pm & 9pm) [also: Brian Auger & The Trinty, Cressida, Circus, Barclay James Harvest]
[28-31] Rouen (France), Parc-Expo (Open Circus) (two shows - 4pm & 9pm) [also: East of Eden, Quintessence, Business]

April

"Est-Ce Que Je Suis?" is released as single on BYG
Around this time the band film a performance for the ORTF TV show "Jazz Land" (broadcast 28 May 1971)
[17] Paris (France), Palais d'Orsay [also: Zoo]

May

[01] Phalempin [nr Lille/Lens], Salle de l'Auberge de la Forêt (Pop Festival) [also: Moving Gelatine Plates, "Monterey Pop" film & local bands]
Daniel Laloux leaves.
[--] Vincennes [nr Paris] (France), Floralies (Open Circus) [also: Triangle, Red Noise, Ange, Magma]
[--] Nîmes (France), Festival [also: Triangle, Taste]
Gigs around Toulouse (Castelnaudary...) and in Paris (in a supermarket underground parking, at the Bataclan)
Gong are forced to leave Château du Thiel when the Laperrousaz family come back
Allen and Smyth stay in the (recently deserted due to the wholesale fresh food market moving out of central Paris) Les Halles area of Paris.

June

[01] With the band looking for new accommodation, Gilli Smyth (on her birthday) opens a phonebook at random and find an old hunting lodge for rent near Sens, in a forest 100 km from Paris : Le Pavillon du Hay - but the band cannot move in until the autumn
[07] Longwy (France), Sur Les Remparts
Buy PA and van on hire purchase thanks to the money from the BYG contract. Meet Francis Linon, a.k.a. Venux de Luxe, who becomes the band's sound engineer.
[24] Paris (France), Salle de la Mutualité (concert in aid of the Black Panthers) [also: Archie Shepp, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Frank Wright, Baba Schloae, Crouille-Marteau, African percussionists]

July

Gong rehearse in Bob Bénamou's bergerie and play local gigs
[--] St.Tropez (France)
[24] Valbonne [nr Cannes/Grasse] (France), Festival [also: Brigitte Fontaine, Amon Duul II, Red Noise...]
[--] Vaison-la-Romaine (France), Festival

August

[05] Biot [nr Antibes] (France), Festival Popanalia [also: Voyage, Country Joe McDonald, Rare Bird, Joan Baez]
Allen and Smyth off to Deya

October

[23] Firminy [nr St.Etienne] (France)
[24] Gong (two managers, two roadies and five musicians) move into Pavillon du Hay, using the previous night's fee as the first rent
[26] During a brief stay in Paris, Allen reconnects with Michael Brown, who joins Gong on vocals (sings mainly Tritsch's songs) and sound effects

November

[04] Paris (France), Maison de l'ORTF (Pop Club)
[06] Paris (France), Gibus Club
[26] Paris (France), Les Halles - Pavillon 9 (Pop Aux Halles) (cancelled)
(On the same day, the band attend Magma's concert at the Théâtre de l'Est Parisien instead)

December

[04] Saint-Ouen L'Aumône [nr Cergy-Pontoise] (France), Théâtre Municipal
[05] Sartrouville [nr Paris] (France), Théâtre
[08] Paris (France), Théâtre de la Musique [a.k.a. Gaïté Lyrique] [support: Trouille Marc'o]
Gong sign with BYG as a band
[11] Paris (France), Gibus Club
Michael Brown leaves

1971

January

[05] Paris (France), Taverne de l'Olympia (Pop 2 TV filming) (broadcast Jan 09)
[16] Nancy (France), Palais des Expositions (Lorraine Pop Festival) [also: Soft Machine, Pete Brown & Piblokto, Art Ensemble Of Chicago...]
[17] Cannes (France), Midem [also: Alice] (performing on a raft - a publicity stunt organised by BYG records)
[22] Chelles [nr Paris] (France), MJC
[27] Paris (France), Musée d'Art Moderne [also: Musica Elettronica Viva, Crium Delirium]
[30] Dourges (France), Le Piblokto
[31] Paris (France), Palais des Sports [also: Kevin Ayers & The Whole World]
(Note: This concert degenerated into a riot after the first two bands' performances, leading to the cancellation of Soft Machine, Yes and Iron Butterfly's performances)

February

[06] Montrouge [nr Paris] (France) [also: Komintern, Catherine Ribeiro + Alpes]
[07] London, Roundhouse (Release Benefit) [Daevid Allen & Friends - Gilli Smyth, Elton Dean, Gerry Fields, Archie Legget & Robert Wyatt] [also: Soft Machine, Kevin Ayers & The Whole World, Elton Dean Quartet, Symbiosis, Ivor Cutler, Ralph McTell]
Daevid Allen records a solo album in London, under the working title of "Stoned Innocent Frankenstein"
Technically, he still has to produce two more solo albums for Byg. Karakos had particularly wanted at least another ex-Soft Machine member to be involved, and as it happened, Robert Wyatt was around. "After several cases of Fosters lager and lots of black hash", they decide to book the Marquee studios and cut an album
Wyatt recommends fellow drummer Pip Pyle (then a member of Chicken Shack) for one track
Tim Blake, at the time a studio engineer, is introduced to Allen during the sessions, and is invited back to France to act as the band's sound mixer
Allen and Blake (recruited as the band's driver and soundsman) come back to Gong's hunting lodge in Voisines, near Sens
[--] gigs around Paris (Joinville, Jussieu, etc.)
[20] Champigny-sur-Marne [nr Paris] (France), Centre Culturel Gérard Philipe (last minute replacement for Soft Machine)
[26] Nanterre [nr Paris] (France), Théâtre des Amandiers

March

[20] Paris (France), Ecole Normale Supérieure (Centennial of the Paris Commune) [also: Komintern, Red Noise, Dharma, Barney Wilen]
[--] Paris (France), Les Halles (10 rue Viarmes) (a Friday night series)
[--] Paris (France), L'Alcazar

April

[14] Paris (France), Gibus Club
[22-23] Paris (France), Gibus Club (last minute replacement for Joël Daydé)
Pip Pyle replaces Rachid Houari
Begin work on the music for Martial Raysse's film Le Grand Départ (released late 1972)

May

[08] Gong appear on the French TV programme Jazz Land directed by Jean-Christophe Averty (but the footage appears to be from the early 1970 line-up)
Recordings begin at Hérouville Castle for Continental Circus (a film by Jérôme Laperrousaz about ex-world motorcycle champion Bruce Findlay), and Dashiell Hedayat's Obsolète
[--] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Festival of Fools
[22] Gentilly [nr Paris] (France)
[26] Strasbourg (France)

June

[03] Paris (France), Salon de Coiffure 'Hair Top' au 'Printemps Haussmann' (autograph session)
[06] Fresnes [nr Paris] (France), MJC
[12] Chalon-sur-Saône (France), Salle des Fêtes St.Marcel (Jazz-Club)
Hérouville, Château (sessions for Camembert Electrique) - over 10 days, most of the backing tracks are completed
[19] Gong are interviewed by French rock magazine Rock & Folk
[20] depart (Dieppe-Newhaven ferry) for their UK debut at the Glastonbury Festival
[22] Glastonbury Festival [also: Bronco, Terry Reid, Mouse Proof, David Bowie, Traffic, Pink Floyd]

July

[--] Verderone [nr Paris] (France), Château (concert with Constantin Simonovitch and his classical symphony orchestra who perform Varèse's complete works)
Daevid's solo album Banana Moon is released on BYG
Gong in Montaulieu
[--] Avignon (France), Cirque Bonjour
[--] Perpignan (France), Cirque Bonjour

August

[--] Cannes (France), Hotel (refuse to play with water-skiing elephant)
Kevin Ayers joins Gong as semi-permanent member (all gigs until January 1972); back in Montaulieu
[--] Dieulefit (France) [6-hour concert !]
[--] nr Gap (France), circus (on a Sunday)

September

Finish Camembert Electrique at Hérouville
[12] Paris (France), Parc des Sports de la Courneuve - Discothèque (Fête de l'Humanité) (4pm) [also: Magma, Soft Machine]
[18] Bruxelles [Schaerbeek] (Belgium), Parc Josaphat [also: Tribu, Jelly Fish, Daily Life]
[19] Séloncourt [nr Belfort] (France), Salle Omnisport (4ème Festival de Séloncourt) [also: Iris, Le Point, Kleptomania, Lagger Blues Machine, Warhorse] [guests on closing jam: Robert Wyatt, Mac Poole, Peter Brown]

October

[15] London, City University [guests: Robert Wyatt & Lol Coxhill]
Pip Pyle announces his intention to leave the band and return to England. While in London, Gong rehearse briefly with Robert Wyatt as a possible replacement, but he decides to go ahead with forming his own band (Matching Mole), and Pyle agrees to stay on until Christmas, suggesting Laurie Allan (who had replaced him in Delivery) as replacement
[23] Coventry, Lanchester Poly
[24] London, Roundhouse (U.C.L. Benefit) [also: Renaissance, Day Of Phoenix, Isaac Guillory] [guest: Robert Wyatt]
[29] Lille (France), Cathédrale St.Etienne [also: Soft Machine]
[30] Yerres [nr Paris] (France) [also: Nico]

November

[04] Aberdeen, University Union
[05] Edinburgh, Student Center
[06] Dundee, University - New Dines
[07] Stirling, University
[09] London, BBC Studios (Top Gear) ("Magick Brother", "Clarence In Wonderland" and "Tropical Fish" performed) (broadcast Nov 17)
[11] Hammersmith [London], Town Hall [also: Supertramp, Charon, or Kevin Coyne?] [guest: Robert Wyatt]
[12] London, Thames Polytechnic [also: Formerly Fat Harry, Hackensack]
[16] Battersea [London], Arts Centre (Rock Poets) [Daevid Allen] [also: Pete Brown, Robert Calvert]
[19] Leeds, Polytechnic (cancelled?)
[19] London, Rainbow Theatre [also: Osibisa]
Sessions at Hérouville for several TV adverts directed by Jérôme Laperrousaz

December

[03] Paris (France), Espace Pierre Cardin [also: Red Noise]
[09] Strasbourg (France)
[10] Mulhouse (France)
[11] Colombes [nr Paris] (France), Maison des Jeunes
[12] Paris (France), Ecole Spéciale d'Architecture de Paris [support: Red Noise]
[14] Grenoble (France), Maison de la Culture
[20] Chelles [nr Paris] (France), Centre Municipal de Culture Populaire [also: Red Noise]
Pip Pyle leaves and goes back to England
Laurie Allan joins on drums
[28-31] Bruxelles (Belgium), Théâtre 140 [support: Daniel Laloux, Nico]

1972

January

[01-02] Bruxelles (Belgium), Théâtre 140 [support: Daniel Laloux, Nico]
[04] Verviers (Belgium), Maison des Jeunes (La Jument-Balance)
[05] Hannut (Belgium), Collège Ste-Croix
[07] Liège (Belgium), Théâtre du Trocadéro
[17-18] Louvain (Belgium), Université - Salle Alma 2
[19] Louvain (Belgium), Université - Salle Alma 2 [also: Yes]
[22-23] unknown (Belgium) (TV filming with Pentangle + attend Yes gig)
Kevin Ayers leaves

February

[09] Toulouse (France), Théâtre du Taur [also: Nico]
[10] Bordeaux (France), Théâtre de l'Alhambra [supporting Family]
[12] Dourges (France), Ram Dam Club
[18] Viry-Chatillon [nr Paris] (France), MJC
[19] Bobigny [nr Paris] (France), MJC
[20] Metz (France), Cyclope
[21] Paris (France), venue unknown
[25] Montbéliard (France)
[26] Montataire [nr Paris] (France)
[27] Villeparisis [nr Paris] (France), MJC (afternoon)

March

[03] Chelles [nr Paris] (France), CCM [also: Nico]
[05] Palaiseau [nr Paris] (France), MJC
Gerry Fitzgerald briefly joins (but doesn't play any gigs)
[09] Toulouse (France), Théâtre du Taur [also: Nico]
[11] St.Maur-les-Fossés [nr Paris] (France), MJC [also: Nico]
[12] Viroflay [nr Paris] (France), MJC [also: Nico]
[14] Nanterre [nr Paris] (France), Fac
[16] Paris (France), Théâtre des Deux Portes Charonne [also: Nico]
[17] Marly-le-Roi [nr Paris] (France), MJC
[18] Troyes (France), Foire de Champagne [also: Magma, Nico, Genesis, Ten Years After, Wishbone Ash, Renaissance, Contrepoint, Audience...]
[23] Fontainebleau [nr Paris] (France), MJC
[24] Evry (France), MJC
[25] Sartrouville [nr Paris] (France), MJC

April

Brief trip to Montaulieu; during this period Gilli Smyth, who is expecting, only performs at local gigs
[09] Laurie Allan is replaced by Mac Poole (ex-Warhorse)
[13] Sceaux [nr Paris] (France), Théâtre Romain-Rolland
[14] Villejuif [nr Paris] (France)
[15-16] Rungis [nr Paris] (France), Fête de la Moto [also: Mormos]
[18] Paris (France), Ménil-Palace (Souterrain)
[19] Annecy (France)
[20] Thonon-les-Bains (France), Maison des Arts et Loisirs
[21] Albertville (France)
[22] Genève (Switzerland)
[24] Chambéry (France)
[26] Nanterre [nr Paris] (France), Faculté (filmed for French TV programme "Pop 2")
[28] Lille (France)
[29] Evre-sur-Indre [nr Tours] (France)

May

[01] Evry (France), Chapiteau (Journées 'Loisir Et Environnement') [also: Human Faith, L'Oréal, Iris, Dynastie Crisis, Joël Daydé, Papoose, Larry Martin's Factory, Solitude, Lard Free, Alan Stivell (Gong played before Lard Free)]
[03] Dreux (France)
[05] Créteil [nr Paris] (France), Chapiteau du Cirque Bonjour [also: Magma, Nico, Komintern]
[06] Crépy-en-Valois (France), MJC
[07] Ste.Geneviève-des-Bois [nr Evry] (France), MJC
[10] Noyon-sur-Oise (France), MJC
[11-12] Vincennes [nr Paris] (France) (two shows, 1 in park and 1 in cinéma) [also: "Continental Circus" film]
[11] Vitry (France), MJC
[12] Sceaux [nr Paris] (France), Salle des Gémeaux
[13] Wissous [nr Paris] (France)
[14] Vincennes [nr Paris] (France), Floralies de Vincennes
[15] Marseille (France)
[17-19] Frontignan [nr Sète] (France) (?)
[23] Nice (France), MJC
[24] Monaco
[25] Grasse (France)
[26] Cannes (France), La Janica
[27] Nice (France), MJC Gorbella
[28] Vence or Cannes (France)
[29] Marseille (France), Salle Axelle Toursky

June

[01] Paris (France), Fac Dauphine
[02] Chelles [nr Pais] (France), MJC
[03] Paris (France), Salle des Beaux-Arts
[04] Nantes (France), Palais des Expositions et des Congrès de Beaujoire (Festival St.Gratien 72) [Gong was announced but didn't take part, among those who did were Dagon, Solitude, Mark Robson & Le Poing, Au Bonheur Des Dames (Saturday); Barricade, Valérie Lagrange, Le Poing, Papoose, Voyage, Catharsis, Lagger Blues Machine, Amon Düül II]
[07] Malakoff [nr Paris] (France), Théâtre 71
[08] Vincennes [nr Paris] (France)
[10] (Switzerland), Festival
[14] Rennes (France)
[16] Pantin [nr Paris] (France)
[17] Epône [nr Paris] (France), Festival des Cent Arpents [also: Magma, Komintern, Jackson Heights, Pete Brown...]
Mac Poole leaves and is replaced by Charles Hayward (ex-Quiet Sun)
[23 or 24] Bièvres (71) (France) (Festival 'Adieu Berthe, A Lundi') [also: Crium Delirium, Amon Duul II, Kevin Ayers, Hawkwind, Third World War, Pink Fairies, Lard Free, Dagon, Catharsis, Komintern, Moving Gelatine Plates, Opus N, Higelin/Fontaine/Areski, Catherine Ribeiro + Alpes]

July

[01] Metz (France), Festival [also: Chick Corea, Gato Barbieri...]
[04] Gilli Smyth gives birth to Taliesin Allen and rests for a few weeks
Band goes to Montaulieu for gigs around South
[11] Vence (France)
[13] Mandelieu [nr Cannes] (France) [also: Magma]
[14] Avignon (France) (?)
[18] La Ciotat [nr Marseille] (France)
[20] Albi (France), Théâtre Municipal [also: Magma]
[21] Revel (France), Royal
[23] Sète (France), Théâtre de la Mer
Gilli Smyth returns to the band
[29] Avignon (France), Théâtre du Chène Noir

August

[04] Camiran (France), Bagas Cheap Festival [also: Lagger Blues Machine, Daily Life, Mick Softley, Pretty Things, Stradivarius, Catherine Ribeiro + Alpes, Crium Delirium, Lard Free, Dagon, Art Zoyd III (Gong played before the Pretty Things)]
[12-13] Avignon (France), Théâtre du Chène Noir
[15-17] Dieulefit (France)
[16] Gong appear on the French TV programme "Docteur Pierre & Mister Perret", filmed performing on an open-air stage
Charles Hayward leaves, and Gong take an extended break (no live appearances between mid-August and early November)

September

Allen and Smyth off to Spain

October

[21] Tritsch having decided to move to guitar, the band are looking for a new bass player as well as a drummer. Allen auditions drummers and bassists at Virgin's Manor Studios, accompanied by Simon Draper and Robert Wyatt. Rob Tait (drums) and Diane Stewart (backing vocals and percussion) join
[26] Bill MacCormick (ex-Matching Mole), having successfully auditioned at the Manor, joins Gong in Sens.

November

[03] MacCormick leaves. Didier Thibault (ex-Moving Gelatine Plates) is auditioned next, and eventually Francis Moze, having recently left Magma, agrees to play bass at Giorgio Gomelsky's suggestion, to help with the making of the next album (not intending to stay beyond its completion)
[08] Angers (France), Grand Théâtre
Setlist: "Radio Gnome Pedition", "Pot-Head Pixies", "Zero The Hero", "I Am Your Pussy", "Why Are We Sleeping ?", "Radio Gnome Invisible", "I Feel So Lazy", "Tried So Hard", "Dreaming It", "Flying Teapot" (instrumental) , drum solo, "Tropical Fish", "Blues For Findlay"
[09] Rennes (France)
[10] Tours (France)
[11] Hammersmith (London), Town Hall [Lady June 'Fun And Games', with G.Leigh, S.Hillage, G.Fields, D.Malherbe & F.Linon]
Tim Blake joins - Gong is now an 8-piece
[17] Sédan [nr Charleville-Mézières] (France)
[18] Saint-Dizier [nr Bar-Le-Duc] (France)
[22] Châlons-sur-Marne (France)
[23] Reims (France) (two shows)
[24] Epernay [nr Reims] (France)
[25] Romilly [nr Le Mans] (France)

December

Rob Tait and Di Bond leave for Africa, Tait is replaced by Laurie Allan, and Rachid Houari rejoins on percussion.
[01] Hénin-Beaumont [nr Lens] (France), MJC
[02] Lille (France), AMV
[05] Dieppe (France)
[06] Elbeuf [nr Rouen] (France), Maison de la Culture
[07] Le Havre (France), Maison de la Culture
[10] Toulouse-Mirail (France), Centre Culturel Bellefontaine
[12] Nîmes (France)
[14] Rodez (France), Maison des Jeunes
[15] Montpellier (France), Faculté
[16] Montauban (France), MJC
[19] Gong attend a Kevin Ayers & Decadence concert in Fontainebleau - Malherbe jams onstage with Ayers' band, which features Steve Hillage on guitar, and members of support band Crium Delirium. Hillage is invited to guest on the upcoming album (but doesn't actually join until after Tritsch's departure).
[31] The band arrive at Manor Studios in Oxfordshire, England, with producer Giorgio Gomelsky.

1973

January

[02-14] Manor Studios (sessions for "Flying Teapot")
[18] Lyon (France), Théâtre du VIIIème
[20] Lyon (France), Théâtre du VIIIème
Setlist: "Zero The Hero", "I Am Your Pussy", "Why Are We Sleeping ?", "Radio Gnome Invisible", "I Feel So Crazy", "Time Of Your Life" // "Tropical Fish", "Flying Teapot", drum solo, Jam, "Blues For Findlay", Jam
[23] Besançon (France) [also: Nico]
[27] Malakoff [nr Paris] (France), Théâtre 71 (includes 3-song 'solo' set by Tritsch, accompanied only by Malherbe on flute and Moze on bass)
Christian Tritsch leaves (Steve Hillage, who had been travelling with the band but not playing, joins full-time), quickly followed by Francis Moze and Laurie Allan
[29] Pierre Moerlen (who had attended the Malakoff gig two days before) arrives at the Gong house in Sens, having heard from mutual friend Patrice Lemoine that the band was looking for a drummer (Gong and Lemoine's band Catherine Ribeiro + Alpes had played on alternate nights in Lyon the previous week), and joins.

February

Following Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth's decision to take a break, newcomer Steve Hillage is asked to lead an alternate line-up of the band, christened ParaGong, including veteran Didier Malherbe and recent recruit Tim Blake; initially, ex-Moving Gelatine Plates bassist Didier Thibault (who had been recommended by Gomelsky as a replacement for Moze in Magma a few months before) joins the band; setlist includes Kevin Ayers' "Why Are We Sleeping" and an early version of "I Never Glid Before".
[06] Jouy-en-Josas (France), HEC [ParaGong]
[--] Clermont-Ferrand (France) [ParaGong]
[14] "Contrary to rumours, Daevid Allen isn't leaving Gong. He is just retiring from live performances to concentrate on mixing the latest Gong album" (in Pop-Music Hebdo)
[18] Jouy-lès-Tours [nr Tours] (France) [ParaGong]
After the first few gigs, Didier Thibault is replaced by Mike Howlett, whom Allen had seen jamming with guitarist Bernie Holland's band in a King's Road club, at the instigation of mutual friend Maggie Thomas
[26] Manor Studios (mixing sessions for "Flying Teapot" begin )

March

[--] Paris (France), Fac de Jussieu [ParaGong]
[11] London, Roundhouse [Gong] [also: Henry Cow]
[14] London, LSE Old Theatre [Gong] [also: Henry Cow]
[16] Mitry-le-Neuf [nr Paris] (France) [ParaGong]
[17] Boulogne-Billancourt [nr Paris] (France), Théâtre de l'Ouest Parisien [also: Crium Delirium, Agitation Free, Zao (?)] [ParaGong]
The above concert, organised for the Rock Pas Dégénéré collective, was initially going to take place at Paris' Opéra Comique
[28] Albi (France), Théâtre Municipal [also: Crium Delirium] [ParaGong]
[29] Rodez (France), Maison des Jeunes [also: Crium Delirium] [ParaGong]
[30] Bordeaux (France), Salle des Fêtes du Grand Parc (?) [ParaGong]
[31] Poitiers (France), Palais des Sports (Festival Equinoxe + 5) [also: Alan Stivell, Crium Delirium, Nico, Magma] [ParaGong]

April

[01] Surgères [nr La Rochelle/Niort] (France) [ParaGong]
[06] Vesoul (France) [ParaGong]
[07] Aubergenville [nr Paris] (France) [ParaGong]
[14] Colmar (France), Foire-Exposition - Hall A [ParaGong]
[21-22] Villerest [nr Roanne] (France), L'Arc-En-Ciel [ParaGong]
[27] Montigny (France) [ParaGong]

May

Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth return from Majorca and rejoin
[11] Bordeaux (France), Théâtre de l'Alhambra [also: Agitation Free, Komintern, Pink Fairies...] [guest: Lol Coxhill]
[12] Sevran [nr Paris] (France), MJC [also: Crium Delirium]
[15] Guéret [nr Clermont-Ferrand/Châteauroux] (France)
[19] Bléré [nr Tours] (France) [also: Crium Delirium]
[20] Paris (France), Bataclan (Semaine Alternative Rock Pas Gaga/Souterrain) [also: Faust]
[--] Les Ponts-de-Cé [nr Angers] (France)
[23] Dôle (France), MJC (Festival des Feux de la St.Jean) [also: Atoll, Guidon, Edmond & Clafoutis]
[25] "Flying Teapot" is released on Virgin
[26] La Flèche [nr Le Mans] (France)
[29] London, BBC Studios [Top Gear] ("You Can't Kill Me", "Radio Gnome Direct Broadcast", "Crystal Machine", "Zero The Hero And The Orgasm Witch" performed) (broadcast June 12)
[30] London, ICA

June

[02] Brighton (free gig)
[04] Edmonton, Cook's Ferry Inn
[06] Manchester, Free Trade Hall [also: Faust]
[07] Sheffield, Car Park behind Virgin shop (free gig)
[09] London, Magic Roundabout (Shepherds Bush flyover)
[10] Bristol, University
[12] London, Marquee Club
[13] Birmingham, Town Hall [also: Faust]
[14] Coventry, Car Park behind Virgin shop (free gig)
[15] London, Rainbow Theatre [supporting Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come, also: Andy Roberts]
[16] St.Michel-sur-Orge [nr Evry] (France) [with Crium Delirium, Agitation Free] (unlikely)
[17] Newcastle, City Hall [also: Faust]
[18] Manor Studios (session for "Ooby-Scooby-Doomsday...")
[19] Lille, Salle Roger Salengro [also: Crium Delirium] (2nd of a two-day festival - Mahjun and Komintern performed on the 18th)
[25] Steve Hillage and Pierre Moerlen take part in the premiere of "Tubular Bells" at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London
[30] Monserrat (Spain), Monastery

July

[01] Terrassa (Spain), Amfiteatre del Parc de St.Jordi - terrassa
[06] Troyes (France)
[07] Villerest [nr Roanne] (France), L'Arc-En-Ciel
[11] St.Savignien [nr Saintes] (France), Château de Mung [also: Crium Delirium, Nico]
[18-21] Tabarka (Tunisia), Festival (three concerts)
[25] La Faute-sur-Mer (France), Modulobul [also: Agitation Free]

August

[03-16] Voisines [nr Sens] (France), Pavillon du Hay (sessions for Angel's Egg)
[14] Poitiers (France), Parc des Expositions (Kosmess Festival) [also: Magma]
[17] Villerest [nr Roanne] (France), L'Arc-En-Ciel (recorded by Manor Mobile)
[18] location unknown (France), "in field under a tree" (recorded by Manor Mobile)
[21] Edinburgh, Empire or Traverse Theatre (Edinburgh Festival) [also: Kevin Ayers]
[25] Windsor, Cavalry Exercise Field (Windsor Free Festival) [also: Camel, Hawkwind, Pink Fairies, Global Village Trucking Company]
[late] Gong headline 9-day free Watchfield festival
[29] Manchester, Stoneground

September

[18] Gong appear extensively on the French TV programme "Rockenstock"
"Angel's Egg" is mixed at the Manor
[late] Pierre Moerlen guests on Supersister's "Iskander" album, recorded at the Manor
[28] Slough, Community Centre
[29] Crewe, College of Education
[30] Birmingham, Digbeth Civic Hall

October

[02-03] London, Dingwalls Dance Hall
[04] Walsall, Grammar School
[05] Hove, Town Hall [also: Kevin Coyne]
[06] Halifax, Clarences
[07] Manchester, Stoneground
[08] Sheffield, City Hall [also: Faust] (gig later released as "Live In Sheffield")
Pierre Moerlen leaves Gong to tour with the Percussions de Strasbourg
He is replaced by Rob Tait (drums), ex-Battered Ornaments, while Diane Stewart-Bond (vocals and percussion) replaces Gilli Smyth who is experiencing pregnancy difficulties
[21] Paris (France), Théâtre Présent de La Villette (two shows - 5pm & 8pm)
Gong leave their Sens communal home to look for a new home in England, at first staying with friends in and around London
[30] Ipswich

November

[01] Glasgow, City Hall [with Kevin Coyne & Faust]
[02] Aberdeen, Music Hall [with Kevin Coyne & Faust]
[04] Blackburn, King George's Hall [with Kevin Coyne & Faust]
[05] Wolverhampton, Civic Hall [with Kevin Coyne]
[06] Leeds, Town Hall [with Kevin Coyne]
[08] Cheltenham, Town Hall [with Kevin Coyne & Faust]
[09] London, Kensington Town Hall (Greasy Truckers Benefit) [also: Pink Fairies] (Gilli Smyth present)
[13] Bradford, St. George's Hall [with Kevin Coyne & Faust]
[14] Swinfen [nr Lichfield], Swinfen Hall Prison [with Kevin Coyne]
[16] Newcastle, University [with Hatfield and the North]
[17] Leeds, Town Hall [with Kevin Coyne]
[22] Shrewsbury, Music Hall [with Kevin Coyne]
[23] Swindon, Technical College [with Lancer] (Daevid Allen misses gig)
[24] Farnborough, Technical College [with Kevin Coyne]
[27] Reading, Town Hall [with Kevin Coyne]
[29-30] London, BBC TV Studios (Mike Oldfield "Tubular Bells") [Steve Hillage and Pierre Moerlen join members of Henry Cow and Soft Machine plus Mick Taylor, David Bedford, Ted Speight and Jon Field]

December

[01] Aylesbury, Market Square - Borough Assembly Hall (Friars) [also: Pink Fairies (who didn't appear)]
[03] Chester
[04] Dunstable, Queensway Hall [with Kevin Coyne]
[05] London, Marquee Club [also: Magma]
[06] Plymouth, Guildhall [with Kevin Coyne]
[07] "Angel's Egg" released
[08] Manchester, Stoneground [with Kevin Coyne]
[10] Bexhill, De La Warr Pavillion [with Kevin Coyne]
[12] Reading, Town Hall [with Kevin Coyne]
[13] High Wycombe, Town Hall [with Kevin Coyne]
[14] Guildford, Town Hall [with Kevin Coyne]
[15] Barnet, Queen Elizabeth School [with Hatfield and the North]
[16] Chelmsford, Chancellor Hall [with Kevin Coyne]
[19] Rotterdam (Netherlands), venue unknown
[20] Schnoonhaven (Netherlands), venue unknown
[21] Den Haag (Netherlands), venue unknown
[22] Rotterdam (Netherlands), Eksit
[23] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg
[27] Bangor (Wales)
[28] London, Lyceum (Comet Kahoutek Xmas Party)
[29] Halifax

1974

January

[03] Derby, Cleopatra's Club
[06] details unknown [also: Global Village Trucking Company]
[10] Warwick, venue unknown
[11] Slough, Community Centre
[12] Welwyn Garden City
[15] London, BBC Studios ("Radio Gnome Invisible", "Oily Way", "Outer Temple" and "Inner Temple" performed) (broadcast Jan 29)
[19] Salford [nr Manchester], University [also: Chilli Willi, Rubber Rhino]
[20] Bolton [nr Manchester], Institute of Technology
[22] Nottingham, Clavendon College
[25] Weymouth, Pavillion Theatre
[28] Gilli Smyth gives birth to Orlando (in London)

February

[01] Lille (France)
[02] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg
[03] Rotterdam (Netherlands), De Lantaren (Sci-Fi Festival)
[05] Rennes (France) (cancelled)
[06] Brest (France) (Full Moon Gig)
[08] Le Mans (France)
[09] Cherbourg (France)
[10] Joué-lès-Tours (France)
[11] Poitiers (France), Arènes
[12] Orléans (France), Palais des Sports
[13] Bordeaux (France), Salle des Fêtes du Grand-Parc
[14] Rodez (France), Maison des Jeunes
[15-16] Colomiers [nr Toulouse] (France), Salle des Fêtes
[17] Carmaux (France), Hall de la Verrerie (moved from Théâtre Municipal, Albi)
[19] Montauban (France), Théâtre Municipal
[20] Carcassonne (France)
[21] Toulouse (France), Théâtre du Taur
[22-23] Grenoble (France), Maison de la Culture
[24-25] Avignon (France), Théâtre du Chène Noir
[26] Marseille (France)
[27] Montpellier (France)
[28] St.Chamond [nr St.Etienne] (France)

March

[01] Strasbourg (France)
[02] Mulhouse (France)
[03] Jarny [nr Nancy] (France)
[04] Rennes (France)
Gong move to a rented house (Middlefield Farm) in Witney, near Kiddington
[09] Isleworth, Poly [also: Neon, Sheerwater]
[12] Cambridge [also: Henry Cow]
[13] Norwich
[15] Chatham
[16] nr Colchester, Essex University
[17] London, Roundhouse [also: Ace, Spear, Global Village Trucking Company, David Elliott]
Rob Tait and Diane Stewart-Bond leave
Pierre Moerlen rejoins, while Stewart is replaced on vocals by Miquette Giraudy, Steve Hillage's girlfriend
[21] Repton, Public School
[22] Birmingham, [small club]
[30] Manchester, Stoneground

April

The music for "You" is worked out and rehearsed
[07] Birmingham, Barbarella's
[12] Rotterdam (Netherlands), Eksit
[13] Den Haag (Netherlands), Paard van Troje
[14] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg
[15] Vlissingen (Netherlands), De Piek
UK "Crisis" tour with Hatfield and the North (both bands take it in turns to open and close the sets)
[19] Reading, University [also: Hatfield and the North]
[20] Plymouth, Guildhall [also: Hatfield and the North]
[21] Paignton, Palace Theatre [also: Hatfield and the North]
Allen misses the next four gigs (although he attends Sheffield) due to health problems
[23] Manchester, Free Trade Hall [also: Hatfield and the North]
[24] Birmingham, Town Hall [also: Hatfield and the North]
Setlist: "Oily Way", "Outer Temple", "Inner Temple", "Master Builder", "Goddess Invocation", "Solar Musick Suite", "Perfect Mystery", "Isle Of Everywhere", "Sprinkling Of Clouds", "I Never Glid Before"
[25] Newcastle, City Hall [also: Hatfield and the North]
[26] Sheffield, City Hall [also: Hatfield and the North]
[27] Liverpool, Stadium [also: Hatfield and the North, Global Village Trucking Company]
Chris Cutler (Henry Cow) deps for Moerlen on the next three gigs
[29] Leicester, DeMontfort Hall [also: Hatfield and the North] (Chris Cutler on drums)
[30] Bristol, Colston Hall [also: Hatfield and the North] (Chris Cutler on drums)

May

Daevid Allen writes the lyrics of "You"
[01] Oxford, Oxpens Meadow (Mayfly Festival) [guest: Lol Coxhill] ["Virgin All-Stars": Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth, Steve Hillage, Tim Blake, Mike Howlett, Pip Pyle & Dave Stewart] [also: Earwigs, Half-Human Band, Byzantium, Global Village Trucking Company]
[03] Falmer [nr Brighton], Sussex University (Chris Cutler on drums)
[07] Swansea
[09] Hastings, Pier
[11] London School of Economics [support: Dark Star]
[12] Croydon [nr London], Greyhound
[17] Dundee
[18] Aberdeen
[21] Nottingham [also: Friar Tuck]
[23] Bournemouth, Mecca
[24] Guildford
[25] Walthamstow [London], North East London Poly [guest: Arthur Brown] [support: Rubber Rhino]

June

[01] Virgin re-release "Camembert Electrique" on its Caroline sublabel
[06] Manor Studios (sessions for "You" begin)
[29] London, Hyde Park (free open-air concert) [also: Kevin Ayers, Kevin Coyne, GT Moore & The Reggae Guitars, Nico]

July

[01-02] Gong's farm in Witney is raided by the Oxford drug squad
[07] London, Olympia (Rock Proms) [also: Incredible String Band, Byzantium, Arthur Brown...]
Sessions for "You" end
Gilli Smyth leaves for Spain and is again replaced by Miquette Giraudy
Gong fly to Italy to take part in a massive 4-day outdoor festival at Rimini before a crowd over over 60.000
[26] Rimini (Italy), Santamonica Rock Festival [also: Humble Pie, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Kevin Ayers, Badge, Amon Duul II, Sensation's Fix, Juri Camisasca, Procession]

August

[05-06] Barking (Essex), Town Hall (sessions for D.Bedford's Star's End, feat. S.Hillage - Hillage's parts are later re-recorded by Mike Oldfield)
Pierre Moerlen leaves to join Les Percussions de Strasbourg as full-time member, touring extensively and recording a live LP
Temporary replacement for Moerlen is Henry Cow's Chris Cutler
[07] Torquay, Town Hall [also: Byzantium]
[08] Penzance
[09] Plymouth, Guildhall (Virgin Records summer party) [support: Byzantium]
Tour of South Coast seaside resorts (Brighton, Lyme Regis, Mumbles, Cardiff)
[15] Stafford
[16] Newcastle, Mayfair Ballroom
[23] Bath Festival (Moerlen in attendance)
[26] Windsor Free Festival [also: Magma, Kevin Coyne, Hatfield and the North, Isotope, Lol Coxhill...]
(Last gig with Chris Cutler)

September

While Allen is away in Deya, the rest of Gong (including the departed Moerlen) take part in the sessions for Steve Hillage's Fish Rising album
Laurie Allan rejoins as permanent remplacement for Moerlen
Typical setlist on this tour: "Master Builder", "Perfect Mystery", "Tropical Fish", "Selene", "I Never Glid Before", "Solar Musick Suite", "Flute Salad", "Oily Way", "Inner Temple", "Outer Temple", "A Sprinkling Of Clouds", "You Can't Kill Me", "Isle Of Everywhere", "You Never Blow Yr Trip Forever", "Flying Teapot" (encore)
[14] Rugby, Free Festival (cancelled)
[15] Edinburgh, Calley Cinema [with Isotope]
[17] Glasgow, City Hall [with Isotope]
[18] Manchester, Free Trade Hall [with Isotope]
[20] Bracknell, Sports Centre (cancelled)
[21] Dagenham, Roundhouse [support: Vandella]
[23] Preston, Guildhall [with Isotope]
[24] Sheffield, City Hall [with Isotope]
[25] Bristol, Colston Hall [with Isotope]
[27] Chatham, Central Hall [with Isotope]
[28] Cambridge, Corn Exchange
[29] Croydon [nr London], Fox at Greyhound

October

[01] Bradford, University [with Isotope]
[02] Harley, Victoria Hall [with Isotope]
[04] "You" is released
[05] Huddersfield, Polytechnic [with Isotope]
[05] Reading, University [support: Albertos]
[05] All Gong albums are withdrawn from sale after Byg is granted an injunction against Virgin
[06] Hammersmith [nr London], Palais [with Isotope, support: Good Habit]
[08] Cleethorpes, Winter Gardens [with Isotope]
[08] Byg's injunction is lifted following Virgin's appeal and Gong's albums are again on sale
[09] Hackney, Town Hall [with Isotope & Hatfield and the North]
[10] Liverpool, Stadium [with Isotope]
[11] Legal dispute between Byg and Virgin held in court
[11] Southend
[12] Cardiff, University
[14] Birmingham, Town Hall [with Isotope]
[17] Paris (France) (cancelled)
[18] Eaubonne [nr Paris] (France) (cancelled?)
[19] Sartrouville [nr Paris] (France), Théâtre Gérard Philipe [with Robert Wood]
[22] Lille (France), Salle des Fêtes [also: Robert Wood]
[23] nr Reims (France), Salle des Fêtes (Musique-Action) [also: Robert Wood]
[24] Dijon (France), Palais des Congrès [also: Robert Wood]
[25] Juvisy [nr Paris] (France) [also: Robert Wood]
[26] Nancy (France) (TV filming)
[27] Longlaville [nr Longwy] (France),Salle Elsa Triolet  [also: Robert Wood]
[28] Nancy (France), Salle Poirel [also: Robert Wood]
[29] (off day in Nancy)
[30] Mulhouse (France), Salle des Fêtes [also: Robert Wood]
On October 30th, Laurie Allan is busted for carrying drugs while crossing the Franco-German border, and is forbidden ever to enter France again; he plays on the German leg of the tour while the band is considering replacements

November

[04] Bremen (Germany), Sparkasse [gig broadcast on Radio Bremen]
[05] Munster (Germany)
[06] Berlin (Germany), Treibhaus (without Tim Blake)
[08-09] Berlin (Germany), Treibhaus
[12] Offenburg (Germany) (Strasbourg cancelled)
[13] (Colmar cancelled)
Bill Bruford replaces Allan, having flown in to meet the band in Berlin and, back in France, begin rehearsing
[15] Allonnes [nr Le Mans] (France), Gymnase [also: Robert Wood]
[17] Daevid & Didier thrown out of Abbaye de l'Epau nr Le Mans
[18-19] Orléans (France) (rehearsals) (La Rochelle cancelled)
[20] Orléans (France), Eglise Jeanne d'Arc
[21] (travel day - drive to Rennes) (Clermont-Ferrand / Grenoble cancelled)
[22] Rennes (France), Université
[23] St.Etienne (France), Salle des Mutilés
[24] (Lyon cancelled)
[--] Blaye-les-Mines (France), Salle des Fêtes (moved from Théatre d'Albi)
[25] (travel day - train to Bordeaux)
[26] Bordeaux (France), Théâtre de L'Alhambra [also: Robert Wood]
[27] Colomiers [nr Toulouse] (France), Salle des Fêtes [also: Robert Wood]
[28] Clermont-Ferrand (France) (Nîmes cancelled)
[29] Nice (France), Casino Club (Marseille cancelled)
[30] Daevid off to Deya

December

[02] Paris (France), Salle Wagram (Corsica cancelled)
[06] Den Haag (Netherlands), Paard van Troje
[07] Rotterdam (Netherlands), Eksit
[08] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg
[09] Steve Hillage takes the lead role in "Tubular Bells" at the Royal Albert Hall: rest of band travel via Copenhagen
[10] Lillescenen [nr Oslo] (Norway), Château-Neuf (postponed to 15)
[11] Skien (Norway), Ibsenhuset
[12] Kristiansand (Norway), Cinema
[13] Scavanger (Norway) [marquee in a field] (full moon)
[15] Lillescenen [nr Oslo] (Norway), Château-Neuf
[17] Bergen (Norway)
[18] European tour ends, Gong goes back to England (ferry from Bergen to Newcastle)

1975

January

Steve Hillage finishes work on his album "Fish Rising", with sessions devoted mostly to overdubs of solo parts (Dave Stewart, Lindsay Cooper, etc.)

February

Brian Davison (ex-The Nice and Refugee) joins on drums
[15] Hamburg (Germany)
[16] Munich (Germany)

March

During the rehearsals for the Belgian tour, Blake is asked to leave. He stays on to play these 3 gigs then leaves. He is not replaced.
[20] Louvain (Belgium), Université - L'Alma
[21] Ecaussines (Belgium), Maison du Peuple
[22] Bruxelles (Belgium), Université - Auditorium P.E. Janson

April

[09] Swansea, Top Rank [support: Global Village Trucking Company] (with Gilli Smyth)
[10] Cheltenham, Town Hall [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
Daevid Allen leaves Gong; Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy decide to take over Allen and Smyth's old roles, and a truncated Gong completes the tour
[11] Steve Hillage's solo album Fish Rising is released
[11] Swindon, Technical College [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[12] Bracknell, Sports Centre [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[13] Bristol, Sports Centre [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[14] Leicester, DeMontfort Hall [support: Global Village Trucking Company] (cancelled)
[15] Stoke-on-Trent, Victoria Palace Hall [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[18] Preston, Guildhall [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[20] Edinburgh, Calley Cinema [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[21] Glasgow, Kelvin Hall [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[22] Newcastle, City Hall [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[23] Manchester, Free Trade Hall [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[24] Cleethorpes, Winter Gardens (cancelled)
[25] Bradford, St.George's Hall
[26] Liverpool, Stadium
[29] Oxford, New Theatre (cancelled)
[30] Birmingham, Town Hall

May

[02] Bournemouth, Winter Gardens [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[03] Southend, Kursaal Ballroom [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[04] London, Hammersmith Palais [support: Global Village Trucking Company, Radar Favourites] (Daevid Allen in audience)
[09] Portsmouth, Guildhall [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[10] Cambridge, Corn Exchange [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[11] Norwich, St.Andrew's Hall [support: Global Village Trucking Company]
[22-28] Paris (France), Taverne de l'Olympia [also: Tim Blake]
[30] Bourges (France)

June

[01] Marseille (France)
[02] Nice (France)
Following, the recent breakup of Hatfield and the North, Dave Stewart joins Gong as temporary keyboard player
[05] Lyon (France), Bourse du Travail [support: Masal]
[07] Grenoble or Clermont-Ferrand (France) (?)
[08] La Celle St. Cloud (France), Festival [also: Magma, Mahjun, Robert Wood, Némo, Bernard Lubat]
[11] Brest (France)
Dave Stewart leaves
[14] Sierck-les-Bains [nr Thionville] (France), Château-Fort (Festival du Château) [also: Magma, Atoll, B.Lavilliers, Mahjun]
[19] Toulouse (France), Parc des Expositions [with Magma, Man, Hawkwind, Robert Wood]
[20] Bordeaux (France), Salle des Sports Benange [with Hawkwind, Magma, Henry Cow & Man]
[21] Nantes (France), Palais des Expositions de Beaujoire [with Hawkwind, Magma, Henry Cow & Man]
[22] Marseille (France), venue unknown [with Hawkwind, Magma, Man & Stomu Yamash'tal] (Gong didn't play on that date)
[23] Paris (France), Ancienne Gare de la Bastille [with Hawkwind, Henry Cow & Man]
[26] Metz (France), Palais des Sports [with Hawkwind, Magma, Henry Cow, Man & Larry Coryell]
[27] Dijon (France), Palais des Congrès [with Hawkwind, Magma, Henry Cow, Man & Larry Coryell] (Gong didn't play on that date - they were in Rome)
[27] Rome (Italy), Piazza Navona [supporting Henry Cow & Robert Wyatt]
Setlist: "Aftaglid", "Dynamite", "Tropical Fish", "Solar Musick Suite", "Outer Temple", "Inner Temple", "Master Builder"
[28] Nîmes (France), Arènes [with Hawkwind, Magma, Henry Cow & Man] (Gong didn't play - or the date may have been cancelled)

July

Patrice Lemoine joins on keyboards
[late] Brian Davison leaves ("due to irreconcilable musical and personal differences"). A mini-tour is delayed from August to September, including the band's planned appearance at the Arles festival. Virgin had suggested that Bill Bruford rejoin for these three gigs, but Gong decline. Pierre Moerlen's imminent return is announced

August

[04] St.Jean-de-Luz (France) (cancelled)
[06] Arles (France), Théâtre Antique (Festival) (Gong cancelled)
[09] Folkestone, Lees Cliff Hall (postponed to Sep 06)
Pierre Moerlen returns, after Virgin offers him joint leadership of the band with Malherbe, instead of the originally agreed solo contract (Laurie Allan will replace him on several occasions)
P.Moerlen: "Virgin called me and convinced me to leave the Percussions de Strasbourg. I said yes because I felt the urge to create and play my own music, in a rock context"
[23] Watchfield Free Festival (Laurie Allan on drums)
Setlist: "Master Builder", "Dynamite", "Solar Musick Suite", "Isle Of Everywhere", "You Never Blow Yr Trip Forever", "I Never Glid Before", Jam, "I Think I'm Beginning To See The Light"
[25-27] Preselly Mountains (Pembrokeshire) [Wales], Meigan Fayre Festival [also: Zorch, Global Village Trucking Company, Half-Human Band...] (Laurie Allan on drums?)
[27] Den Haag (Netherlands), Paard van Troje
[29] Elsloo (Netherlands), Maaslandcentrum
[30] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Paradiso
[31] Rotterdam (Netherlands), Eksit

September

[04-05] Glasgow, Kelvin Hall [Mike Oldfield orchestral music feat. Steve Hillage]
[06] Folkestone, Lees Cliff Hall
[08-10] London, Marquee Club
[17] Lund (Sweden), Auditoriet Sparta
Mireille Bauer joins

October

Rehearsals for the tour and preliminary work on Shamal
It soon becomes apparent that Steve Hillage and Gong are rapidly drifting in opposite directions; Hillage decides that he doesn't want to commit himself to six months of touring in support of the new album, and that he will only appear on it as a guest

November

[07] Southampton, University (cancelled)
[08] Colchester, Essex University [with Clearlight]
[09] Guildford, Civic Hall [with Clearlight] (Laurie Allan on drums except encore - Moerlen)
Setlist: "Salmon Song", "Chandra", "Lunar Musick Suite" / "Electrick Gypsies", "Cat In Clark's Shoes", "I Think I'm Beginning To See the Light", "Aftaglid", "Bambooji", "Isle Of Everywhere", "Wingful Of Eyes", "Shamal", "Master Builder"
[10] Plymouth, Leisure [with Clearlight]
[12] Liverpool, University [with Clearlight]
[14] Cambridge, Corn Exchange [with Clearlight]
[15] London, Imperial College [with Clearlight]
[16] Croydon, Greyhound [with Clearlight]
[17] Cardiff, University [with Clearlight]
[18] Watford, Town Hall [with Clearlight]
[21] Brighton, Sussex University [with Clearlight]
[22] Manchester, UMIST [with Clearlight]
[23] Cheltenham, Town Hall [with Clearlight]
[25] Nottingham, University [with Clearlight (cancelled)] [guest: Jorge Pinchevsky]
The latter show is recorded for broadcast, and later released (minus "Bambooji") as Live In Sherwood Forest 1975

December

Shamal is recorded at Basing Street Studios, London; Nick Mason produces the album (after Carla Bley was initially considered)
[21] London, Roundhouse (Christmas Party) [also: East Of Eden, Alkatraz, Eddie and the Hot Rods]
[27] Steve Hillage's (and Miquette Giraudy's) departure is officially confirmed

1976

January

Mike Howlett visits Daevid Allen in Deya, and records "Wise Man In Your Heart" with him
Jorge Pinchevsky becomes a permanent member
[--] Oxford, Polytechnic (free concert in aid of the Prison Reform lobby) [also: Jimmy Lascelles/Mike Storey Band, Jon Owen solo]
[23-24] Grenoble (France), Théâtre M1
[25] Dijon (France), Palais des Congrès
[26] Aix-en-Provence (France), Fac de Lettres
[27] Lyon (France), Bourse du Travail
[30] Paris (France), Bataclan [support: Marc Blanc]

February

[03] Bruxelles (Belgium), Auditorium Paul E. Janson
[05] Rotterdam (Netherlands), De Lantaren
[06] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg
[07] Tilburg (Netherlands), Pochet
[08] Arnhem (Netherlands), Stokvishal
[13] Shamal is released
[13] Paris (France), Bataclan (return booking after sold-out show on Jan 30)
Sandy Colley, Patrice Lemoine's girlfriend (and the band's cook), briefly becomes Gong's vocalist

March

[07] Twickenham, Winning Post (warm-up gig)
[12] Lancaster, University
[13] Northampton, Country Ground / Cricket Club
[20] Maidenhead, Skindles
[22] Newcastle, City Hall [support: Wigwam]
[23] Glasgow, Kelvin Hall [support: Wigwam]
[25] Sheffield, City Hall [support: Wigwam]
[26] Manchester, Free Trade Hall [support: Wigwam]
[27] London, Hammersmith Odeon [support: Wigwam]
[28] Croydon, Greyhound
[29] Birmingham, Town Hall [support: Wigwam]

April

[02] Maidstone, Technical College
[03] Liverpool, Stadium
Italian tour
[20] Milan (Italy), Palasport
[21] Viareggio (Italy), Piper Club
Setlist: "Chandra", "Love Is How Y Make It", "Wingful Of Eyes", "Cat In Clark's Shoes", "Bambooji", "Isle Of Everywhere", "Get It Inner", "Mandrake", "Shamal" // "Master Builder" // Improvisation
[29] Bordeaux (France), Théâtre de l'Alhambra
[30] Poitiers (France), Faculté de Sciences Humaines

May

[02] Le Havre (France), Salle des Fêtes
[04] Orléans (France), Salle des Fêtes
[05] Lille (France)
[06] Reims (France), Cinéma Opéra [also: Jean-Luc Ponty]
[07] Arcueil [nr Paris] (France), Chapiteau (pont de l'A6) [also: Zao]
[08] St.Michel-sur-Orge (France)
[14] Paris (France) [also: Atoll] (cancelled?)
Pinchevsky is refused re-entry to UK on grounds of being an undesirable alien - he is busted with a violin case full of grass... Gong tries out David Cross (ex-King Crimson) as possible replacement
Before any progress is made on the new line-up, the band splits up in two camps Howlett wants to keep lyrics, Moerlen and Bauer want the music to be entirely instrumental, and Malherbe isn't ready to decide either way
Virgin is given the choice: Simon Draper chooses Moerlen's way
[28] Mike Howlett leaves, quickly followed by Patrice Lemoine

July

[mid] Allan Holdsworth and Francis Moze join
Pierre Moerlen's brother Benoît joins
Moze brings his friend Mino Cinelu on percussion

August

[07] Arles (France), Festival (cancelled)
[26] Reading Festival
Setlist: "Expresso", "Wish", "Esnuria", "Mandrake", "Shadows Of (Velvet Darkness)", "Percolations", "Gattox"
[29] Hauts de Corbières (France), Festival de Corbières [also: Pulsar, Atoll, VdGG, Magma, 801, Caravan] (festival cancelled)

September

Gong leave their Oxfordshire house and move into a house in London, near Chessington Zoo

October

[08] Birmingham, Bingley Hall
[09] Dublin, National Stadium
[10] Belfast, University (in aid of the Irish Peace Movement) [support: Spike]
[13] Uxbridge, Brunel University
[14] Newcastle, Mayfair Ballroom
[16] Manchester, University
[20] London, New Victoria Theatre [support: Isaac Guillory]
[21] Glasgow, Strathclyde University [support: Isaac Guillory]
[22] Edinburgh, University [support: Isaac Guillory]
[24] Paris (France), Olympia [support: Isaac Guillory]
[25] Nancy (France), Salle des Fêtes de Tromblaine [support: Isaac Guillory]
Setlist: "Expresso", "Wish", "Mandrake", "Esnuria", "Illusion Of The Night", Flute & Percussion Duet, "Percolations"
[26] Paris (France), Le Stadium [also: Mahjun]
[27] Annecy (France), Théâtre Municipal [support: Isaac Guillory]
[29] Woolwich, Thames Polytechnic [support: Isaac Guillory]
[30] Southend, Kursaal [support: Isaac Guillory]

November

Gazeuse! is recorded
Soon afterwards the band split up
Pierre Moerlen records with Pekka Pohjola in Finland (late Nov/early Dec), then goes to the USA, where he meets Hansford Rowe; together they decide to form a new version of Gong [for a chronology of Pierre Moerlen's Gong, click]

1977

January

Gazeuse! is released (under the title "Expresso" in America)

April

Gong's split is made official

May

[28] Paris (France), Hippodrome de Pantin
featuring:

Continued...