The nucleus of National Health is conceived, comprising Dave Stewart, Alan Gowen, Phil Miller, Phil Lee, Mont Campbell and Amanda Parsons
Unsuccessful
auditions to recruit a drummer
Meanwhile, Dave Stewart joins Gilgamesh as honorary member on
organ
Rehearsals
[03] London, BBC Studios [Gilgamesh Top Gear session - Alan
Gowen, Phil Lee, Jeff Clyne and Mike Travis]
[--] London, The Base (Tooley Street) [demo recording]
National Health record "Croquette For Electronic Beating Group"
and "The Lethargy Shuffle" on a mobile studio (in a VW van) run
by Andrew Russell; line-up was Phil Miller, Phil Lee, Dave
Stewart, Alan Gowen, Mont Campbell and Pip Pyle; Pip leaves soon
afterwards
[17] London, Phoenix Jazz Club [Gilgamesh gig, with Alan
Gowen, Phil Lee, Dave Stewart, Jeff Clyne and Mike Travis]
Bill
Bruford is recruited as drummer
Pathway Studios demo ("Zabaglione", "The Lethargy Shuffle", "The
Towplane & The Glider" / "Clocks And Clouds", "Tenemos
Roads" (intro), "Borogoves" jams recorded)
Bill Bruford
leaves (temporarily, as it turns out) and is replaced by Richard
Burgess
Phil Lee leaves to join Charles Aznavour for a tour of France
and Canada
Burgess
leaves and Bill Bruford returns
Rehearsals begin at Alan Gowen's home with Steve Hillage
joining (on strategic dates) as temporary replacement for Phil
Lee
[26-27] Crouch End, Village Hall (final rehearsals with PA)
Typical setlist for this tour: "Tenemos Roads",
"Paracelsus", "Trident Asleep", "Agrippa", "Clocks And
Clouds", "The Lethargy Shuffle & The Mind-Your-Backs
Tango" [a.k.a "Boogeh"], "Elephants", "The Lethargy Shuffle
(Part 2)" [encore]
[31] Stroud [nr Gloucester], Leisure Centre [support:
Kilgaron]
[06]
Nottingham, Trent Polytechnic
[07] Chichester, Bishops Otter College
[11] Birmingham, Aston University
[13] Canterbury, College of Technology (without Amanda
Parsons) [guest: Steve Hillage] [support: Quiklik]
[14] London, London School of Economics [without Amanda
Parsons; MC & guest: Steve Hillage]
[17] London, BBC Maida Vale 4 Studios [Top Gear] -
"Paracelsus", "Agrippa" and "The Lethargy Shuffle (Part 2)"
performed (broadcast Mar 01) (without Amanda Parsons)
[guest: Steve Hillage]
[19] Middlesborough, Teeside Polytechnic (without Amanda
Parsons)
[20] Aberdeen, Polytechnic (without Amanda Parsons)
[21] Glasgow, Queen Margaret Union (without Amanda Parsons)
[22] Dundee, University
[24] Manchester, Polytechnic (cancelled)
[25] Sheffield, Polytechnic
[26] Enfield [nr London], Middlesex Polytechnic
Bill Bruford
leaves to join Genesis for a world tour (official announcement
mid-March); Chris Cutler is announced as his replacement
for future gigs, but due to a conflict with Virgin regarding the
use of Hatfield's old PA system, the March gigs are cancelled. National
Health end up advertising for a drummer with a view
to more touring in April.
[11] London, Marquee Club [support: Ian Fleming] [guest:
Steve Hillage] (cancelled)
Following
many inconclusive auditions, John Mitchell (ex-Arthur
Brown, Mirage & Julie Tippetts Group) joins on drums; a
planned series of gigs is cancelled to allow for sufficient
rehearsal time.
[21] London, New London Theatre Drury Lane (cancelled)
[27] Derby, Cleopatra's (cancelled)
[28] Lincoln, Drill Hall (cancelled)
[03]
Shrewsbury, Music Hall (cancelled)
[19] Louveciennes [nr Paris] (France), Parc du Barry (Festival
dans la Nature) [also: Caravan, Daevid Allen & Euterpe,
Lol Coxhill & Gerry Fitzgerald, Mahjun]
Setlist (prob. incomplete): "Starlight On Seaweed", "Tenemos
Roads", "Trident Asleep", "Zabaglione", "Agrippa", "The
Towplane & The Glider", "Elephants"
[23-24] Mont Campbell leaves, then John Mitchell is asked
to leave.
[28] Neil
Murray joins
[29] Bill Bruford returns, having completed his tour
with Genesis; first test rehearsal with new rhythm section
[25] first full band rehearsal with new line-up
[03] Chelsea
[London], Man in The Moon ["in aid of the Rotter's Cricket
Club"] [feat. DS]
[07-10] Hornsey, Church Hall (rehearsals with PA)
[21] London, BBC Maida Vale 4 Studios (Top Gear) - "Clocks &
Clouds" and "Brujo" performed (broadcast Oct 12)
[26] London, Red Cow (Hammersmith Road) [Isaac Guillory
feat. DS]
[28] London [Stoke Newington], The Rochester [Isaac Guillory
feat. DS]
[06] Fulham
[London], Golden Lion [Isaac Guillory feat. DS]
Typical setlist on this tour: "Tenemos Roads", "Brujo",
"Clocks & Clouds", "The Towplane & The Glider",
"Borogoves (Part 1 & 2)", "Elephants"
[09] Bishop's Stortford, Triad Arts Centre
[10] London, Roundhouse [also: Kraftwerk, Penguin Café
Orchestra]
[14] Worcester, College of Further Education
[15] Brighton, Sussex University
[16] Chichester, Bishop Otter College
[23] Newcastle, University
[03]
Loughborough, University
[04] Manchester, Hollings College of Food Technology
[10] Keele, University [support: Cyril]
[13] Battersea [London], Battersea Town Hall (Battersea Jazz
Festival) (afternoon) [Lol Coxhill & Alan Gowen duo,
also: Terry James Quintet, Acme Quartet, Landscape, John
Stevens' Away, Jabula, Voice, Talisker]
[13] Canterbury, Kent University (evening) [supporting
Larry Coryell's 11th House]
[17-18] London, Collegiate Theatre [support: Crass Stupidity]
[19] Egham, Royal Holloway College
[20] Cambridge, Arts College - Mumford Theatre
[21] London, Island Records (audition)
[06] London
[Victoria], The Point ("Tenemos Roads" demo recording)
The above marks the end of Bill Bruford's involvement with
National Health
[18] London, Shepperton Studios (rehearsal for David Bedford
concert) [DS]
[19] Following unsuccessful auditions of other candidates, Pip
Pyle becomes the band's new drummer, initially on a
temporary basis for the duration of the upcoming European tour
[24] rehearsal
[25] London, Royal Albert Hall (David Bedford concert) [DS]
[29-30] rehearsals at Pip Pyle's place
Typical
setlist on this tour: same as previous tour, minus "The
Towplane...", with "Underdub" as occasional encore
[02] Lille (France), Salle de la Marbrerie
[03] Montigny-lès-Metz (France)
[04] Mulhouse (France), Cinéma Pax
[05] Chaumont (France) (cancelled)
[06-07] Chaumont (France), youth hostel (rehearsals)
[08] Orléans (France) (cancelled)
[09] Nancy (France), Salle des Fêtes de Tomblaine (Atem)
[10] Utrecht (Netherlands), Rasa [also: Soft Machine]
[11] Rotterdam (Netherlands), Eksit Club
[12] Hoorn (Netherlands), De Trol
[13] Maasluis (Netherlands), De Toverbal
[14] Warmonderhof [Tiel] (Netherlands), MTLS
[15] Ridderkirk (Netherlands), De Singel Club (without
Amanda Parsons)
[17] Newcastle, University
[18] Stirling, University
[19] Glasgow (Scotland), Queen Mary University
[20] Dundee (Scotland), University
[21] Halifax, Civic Centre
[22] Nottingham, University
[24] Wolverhampton, Polytechnic (cancelled)
[25] Oxford, Clarendon Press Institute Hall (Mayfly Festival
benefit)
[26] Slough, Technical College
[02] Alan
Gowen announces that he leaving the band
[12] Brighton, Polytechnic
Amanda Parsons leaves
[13] London, Victoria Palace [with Jimmy Hastings]
Alan Gowen leaves
[21] DS begins working with Bill Bruford on Bruford's solo album
Feels Good To Me, for which he co-writes several
pieces.
[29] London [Victoria], The Point (sessions for the first National
Health album) ("Clocks And Clouds" backing track)
[30] London [Victoria], The Point (sessions for the first National
Health album) ("Brujo")
[31] London [Victoria], The Point (sessions for the first National
Health album) ("Tenemos Roads")
[01] London
[Victoria], The Point (sessions for the first National
Health album) (more work on "Brujo" and "Tenemos Roads")
[06] London [Victoria], The Point (sessions for the first National
Health album)
[08] London [Victoria], The Point (sessions for the first National
Health album) (lead guitar & acoustic piano overdubs)
[09] London [Victoria], The Point (sessions for the first National
Health album)
[10] London [Victoria], The Point (sessions for the first National
Health album) (Amanda Parsons overdubs)
[12] London [Victoria], The Point (sessions for the first National
Health album) (Jimmy Hastings overdubs)
[13-14] London [Victoria], The Point (mixing the first National
Health album)
[09-13]
Wandsworth [London], PSL Rehearsal Studios [rehearsal (&
recording on the 13th) for Bruford album - BB, D.Stewart,
A.Holdsworth & N.Murray]
[22] Marly-Le-Roi [nr Paris] (France), Parc Leblond (Fête des 3
MJC) [also: Chute Libre, François Béranger, Alan Silva, Steve
Potts, Frank Wright...] (cancelled)
[03]
Wandsworth, pub (first quartet rehearsal)
[05-06] Wandsworth, pub (more rehearsals)
[07] London, Chiswick House (Jubilee Festival) (first gig as a
quartet)
[21-23] Wandsworth, pub (rehearsals)
[25] Sierck-Les-Bains (France), Château (3ème Festival du
Château) [also: Henry Cow, Carmina, Faton Cahen & Surya]
Setlist (incomplete): "The Collapso", "Tenemos Roads", "A
Legend In His Own Lunchtime", "The Lethargy Shuffle",
"Underdub"
[04-07]
Wandsworth [London], PSL Rehearsal Studios [rehearsal for
Bruford album - BB, D.Stewart, A.Holdsworth & N.Murray]
NH have a major gig at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, for which they
enlist extra musicians - Richard Sinclair on lead vocals, plus a
woodwind quintet consisting of Jimmy Hastings (saxes, flute,
clarinets), Lindsay Cooper (bassoon, oboe), Maurice Cambridge
(clarinet), Rory Allen (clarinets) and Graham Ivory (French
horn).
[19-21] Wood Green (rehearsals for QEH)
[27-30] Wood Green/Hanwell (rehearsals for QEH)
[31] London, Queen Elizabeth Hall [with Richard Sinclair and
woodwind quintet]
Setlist: "The Collapso", "Dreams Wide Awake", "Clocks And
Clouds", "Borogoves", "The Lethargy Shuffle", "A Legend In His
Own Lunchtime", "Tenemos Roads", "Underdub"
[08-13]
Wandsworth [London], PSL Rehearsal Studios [final rehearsals
for Bruford album - BB, D.Stewart, A.Holdsworth &
J.Berlin]
[16-24] London, Trident Studios (recording Bruford album)
[01-03]
Hatfield Heath (Pip Pyle's) (rehearsals)
[05] depart for Europe
[06] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg
[07] Haarlem (Netherlands), DAC
[08] Maasluis (Netherlands), Toverbal Club
[09] Oosterhout (Netherlands)
[13] Almelo (Netherlands)
[14] Schiebroek (Netherlands), Nullis Pretti Club
[15] Den Haag (Netherlands), Paard van Troje
[16] Ridderkirk (Netherlands), Die Singel Club [guest: Geoff
Leigh]
[01-06]
Hanwell (rehearsals - with woodwinds)
Typical setlist on this tour: "The Bryden 2-Step", "The
Lethargy Shuffle", "A Legend In His Own Lunchtime", "The
Collapso", "Dreams Wide Awake", "Tenemos Roads"
[08] Nottingham, University
[09] London, BBC Maida Vale Studios [Top Gear] - "The Collapso",
"A Legend In His Own Lunchtime" performed (broadcast Nov 16) [with
Richard Sinclair]
[10] London, Roundhouse (Camden Jazz Week) [with Richard
Sinclair & wind quintet: Rory Allen (clarinet & bass
clarinet), Maurice Cambridge (clarinet & flute), Mark
Fitzgerald (bassoon), Phil Eastop (French horn) and Jimmy
Hastings (leader, saxes & flutes)] [also: Turning Point]
Setlist: "The Bryden 2-Step (intro)" into "Borogoves (Part 1)",
"A Legend In His Own Lunchtime", "The Lethargy Shuffle",
"Underdub", "The Collapso", "Clocks And Clouds", "Tenemos Roads"
// encore: "Elephants"
[15] Sheffield, University
[16] Hull, University
[20] Paris (France), Hippodrome (Fête de Nouveau Populaire)
[Fête de la Jeunesse du P.S.] [also: Buffy Ste Marie, Larry
Martin Factory, Orckestra]
[01]
Huddersfield, Polytechnic (cancelled)
[06] London, St. Bartholomews Hospital (photo session for album
front cover)
[09] London, 100 Club (Jazz Centre Society Christmas Party)
[Rotters' Club Band Inc.: Elton Dean, Bernie Holland, Dave
Stewart, Pip Pyle, John Halsey, Clive Griffiths & Groucho]
[also: The Brother Of Invention (feat. Derek Wadsworth, Don
Weller & Geoff Castle)]
[21] London, Ronnie Scott's Club (photo session for album rear
cover)
[17] Neil
Murray leaves to join Whitesnake
[30-31] first rehearsals with John Greaves
[01-03]
Hanwell (rehearsals)
[05] Nivelles (Belgium), Salle des Arts et Métiers
[07-08] Reims (France)
[09] Lille (France), Université - Amphi Kino (Calais
cancelled - this gig organised instead at the last minute)
[14] "National Health" is released on Charly Records
[25-26] rehearsals
[27] rehearsal for OGWT [Bruford, with Neil Murray
depping on bass]
[28] London, BBC Studios ("Old Grey Whistle Test" filming) [Bruford,
with Neil Murray depping on bass]
French
tour - setlist consists of "Tenemos Roads", "Dreams Wide
Awake", "Mostly Twins & Trios" (incl. "For Bearings" &
"Would You Prefer Us To Lie?"), "A Legend In His Own
Lunchtime", "Elephants", "The Bryden 2-Step", "The Collapso",
"The Lethargy Shuffle"
[03] Lille (France), Salle du Conservatoire
[04] Strasbourg (France), ACFT
[05-06] Paris (France) (cancelled/postponed?)
[07] Tours (France), Théâtre de l'Université
[08] Angers (France) (cancelled)
[09] La Rochelle (France), Maison de la Culture
[10] Bordeaux (France), Salle des Fêtes du Grand Parc
[11] Niort (France), Théâtre Saint-Florent (initially Pau)
[13] Toulouse (France), Théâtre du Taur
[14] Avignon (France), Palais des Expositions
[15] Marseille (France) (cancelled)
[16] Nice (France), Casino Club
[17] Aix-en-Provence (France), Fac de Lettres [support:
Classed X]
[18-19] Bresse-sur-Grosne (France), À L'Ouest de la Grosne
[20] Clermont-Ferrand (France) (initially Grenoble)
(cancelled)
[21] Lyon (France), Salle Rameau
[22] Bourges (France) (cancelled)
[23] Orléans (France), MJC
[24] Epinal (France)
[25] Tomblaine-lès-Nancy (France), Salle des Fêtes
[26] Thionville (France)
[28] Paris (France), Bus Palladium
[29] Angers (France) (cancelled)
UK tour
opening for Steve Hillage
Typical setlist: "The Collapso", "Tenemos Roads", "Mostly
Twins And Trios" (incl. "For Bearings" & "Would You Prefer
Us To Lie?"), "Dreams Wide Awake", "Elephants"
[17-19] rehearsals
[20-21] Plymouth, Metro [supporting Steve Hillage]
[22] Torquay, Town Hall [supporting Steve Hillage]
[23] Swansea, Top Rank [supporting Steve Hillage]
[25] Cardiff, Top Rank [supporting Steve Hillage]
[26] Bangor, University [supporting Steve Hillage]
[28] Keele, University [supporting Steve Hillage]
[29] Lancaster, University [supporting Steve Hillage]
[01]
Folkestone, Lees Cliff Hall [supporting Steve Hillage]
[03] Aylesbury, Friars [supporting Steve Hillage]
[04] Bristol, University [supporting Steve Hillage]
[05] Brighton, Top Rank [supporting Steve Hillage]
[06] Leicester, University [supporting Steve Hillage]
[08] Stafford, Top Of The World [supporting Steve Hillage]
[09] Sheffield, Polytechnic [supporting Steve Hillage]
[10] Manchester, University [supporting Steve Hillage]
[12] Edinburgh, University [supporting Steve Hillage]
[13] Glasgow, Strathclyde University [supporting Steve
Hillage]
[14-15] Redcar, Coatham Bowl [supporting Steve Hillage]
[16] Newcastle, Polytechnic [supporting Steve Hillage]
[18] Poole, Wessex Hall Arts Centre [supporting Steve
Hillage]
[19] Swindon, Brunel Rooms [supporting Steve Hillage]
[20] Reading [supporting Steve Hillage]
[21] Croydon, Greyhound [supporting Steve Hillage]
[22] Birmingham, Mayfair Ballroom [supporting Steve Hillage]
[23-24] Liverpool, Eric's [supporting Steve Hillage]
[25] Oxford, Polytechnic [supporting Steve Hillage]
[26] Dunstable, Civic Hall [supporting Steve Hillage]
[27] Guildford, Surrey University [guest: Miquette Giraudy]
[supporting Steve Hillage]
[28] London, Lyceum [supporting Steve Hillage]
[11] Fun
Factory [John Halsey feat. DS]
[18] Fun Factory [John Halsey feat. DS]
[22-27] rehearsals
[03-24] nr
Dorking [Surrey], Ridge Farm (recording "Of Queues And
Cures" with 'Mobile Mobile' studio)
[03] nr Dorking [Surrey], Ridge Farm (recording "The Collapso")
[04] nr Dorking [Surrey], Ridge Farm (recording "Binoculars"
incl. Jimmy Hastings)
[10] nr Dorking [Surrey], Ridge Farm (recording "Squarer For
Maud")
[11-12] nr Dorking [Surrey], Ridge Farm (recording Georgie
Born's cello overdubs)
[21] nr Dorking [Surrey], Ridge Farm (recording Peter Blegvad's
"Squarer For Maud" monologue)
Produced by Mike Dunne
Guests include Georgie Born, Peter Blegvad, Jimmy Hastings and
Phil Minton
[04] London,
pub (photo shoot for back cover)
Members of National Health back Peter Blegvad on
demo recordings of some of his songs
[01-03]
rehearsals with Georgie Born
Lindsay Cooper and Georgie Born join National
Health
[19] first rehearsals with Georgie Born and Lindsay Cooper
[26-30] rehearsals
[01-02]
rehearsals
[02] Dave Stewart leaves after half of a tour of Spain and
Italy, planned for later in October, is cancelled at last
notice; the band unsuccessfully try to find a replacement in
order to do the tour anyway.
Eponymous Soft Heap album is recorded by Pip Pyle, Alan
Gowen, Hugh Hopper and Elton Dean
[02] London, Pathway Studios (jam) [Soft Heap]
[03] London, Pathway Studios ("Terra Nova", "Circle Line")
[Soft Heap]
[04] London, Pathway Studios (32-minute jam) [Soft Heap]
[05] London, Pathway Studios ("Terra Nova", "Short Hand",
"Sleeping House") [Soft Heap]
[06] London, Pathway Studios ("Petit 3's", "Short Hand"
[complete], jam) [Soft Heap]
[07] London, Pathway Studios (mix) [Soft Heap]
[18] Bill Bruford (who has just left UK) and Dave Stewart decide
to work together again
French
guitarist Alain Eckert joins Miller, Greaves and Pyle
for rehearsals; at one point the band consider carrying on with
a second guitarist rather than a keyboard player, but the
arrangement proves unsatisfactory
[22] London, Phoenix Club [Soft Heap]
Setlist: "Terra Nova", "Short Hand," "Fara",
"Sleeping House" // "Circle Line", "Remain So", "C.R.R.C.",
"Seven For Lee"
[24] London, [Virgin] Townhouse Studios [Allan Holdsworth
demo session for Virgin, with Bill Bruford, Francis Moze and
Ray Warleigh] [DS]
[04] London,
100 Club [Soft Heap] [support: Mike Osborne Quartet]
[late] "Of Queues And Cures" released
Dave Stewart
agrees to rejoin National Health for a one-off TV
performance
[06] Manchester, BBC TV studios [Old Grey Whistle Test] - "The
Collapso" performed (broadcast Jan 09)
Alan Gowen finally rejoins on keyboards
John Greaves replaces Hugh Hopper in Soft Heap
[28] Putney, Half-Moon [Soft Heap]
Setlist: "Terra Nova", "Petit 3's", Improv, "Short Hand" //
"Remain So", "C.R.R.C.", "One Three Nine", "Seven For Lee"
[04-06] Paris (France), Théâtre Campagne-Première (postponed)
[05] London,
Bedford College
[--] Liverpool, Eric's
[16] Oxford, Polytechnic [Lol Coxhill benefit]
National Health embark on an extensive European tour
Setlist: "TNTFX" / "Silence", "Squarer For Maud", "Dreams
Wide Awake", "Nowadays A Silhouette", "The Rose Sob" / "Play
Time", "Toad Of Toad Hall", "Seven Sisters", "TNTFX (reprise)"
(+ occasionally "Fourfold", "Shining Water")
Tour of the Netherlands - March 25th to April 2nd
[29] Maassluis (Netherlands), Toverbal Club
[30] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg
[04-15]
Scandinavia (Finland/Sweden)
[05] Stockholm (Sweden), Mariahisse
[07] Uppsala
(Sweden), Musikforum
[17-25] Spain
[--] Barcelona (Spain), La Paloma [also: Etron Fou
Leloublan]
[--] Sant Pau d'Ordal (Spain)
[--] Zaragoza
(Spain), Discoteca Liverpool
[27-28] Bresse-sur-Grosne (France), A L'Ouest de la
Grosne [guest: Alain Eckert - guitar]
[29-30] Paris (France), Théâtre Campagne-Première
[01-02] Paris
(France), Théâtre Campagne-Première
[03] Nancy (France), Palais des Congrès
[04] Thionville (France)
[05] Lille (France), Faculté
[06] Longuyon [nr Longwy] (France), Salle du Forum
[10-14] Paris (France), Théâtre Campagne-Première (8pm)
Planned US tour is postponed to later in the year
[31] Stroud, Subscription Rooms (cancelled?)
National
Health play their only Italian gig at a festival organised by
Massimo Costa and Arci Provinciale in the former Mattatoio
(slaughterhouse) in Rome.
[16] Rome (Italy), Mattatoio Testaccio (Festival Rock al
Mattatoio)
Typical
setlist on the US tour: "Dreams Wide Awake", "TNTFX" /
"Silence", "Seven Sisters" (incl. "Foetal Fandango"), "Toad Of
Toad Hall", "Nowadays A Silhouette", "The Rose Sob" / "Play
Time", "Squarer For Maud" (+ occasionally "A Fleeting Glance")
[05] Boston, MA (USA), Modern Theater [support: Etron Fou
Leloublan]
[06] Philadelphia, PA (USA), The Hot Club [support: The
Rippaparts]
[07] New York City, NY (USA), Bottom Line [support: Chris
Rush] (two shows)
[08] Hartford, CT (USA), Trinity College [support: Etron Fou
Leloublan]
[11] Toronto (Canada), The Edge
[12] Ann Arbor, MI (USA)
[13] Chicago, IL (USA), Gaspar's [later Schuba's]
[19] Lawrence, KS (USA), Opera House
[21] Atlanta, GA (USA), Capri Theater
[26] Bryn Mawr [nr Philadelphia], PA (USA), The Main Point
[support: Newlight]
[28] Washington DC (USA), Ethical Society
[29] Roslyn, NY (USA), My Father's Place
[30] New York City, NY (USA), The Squat Theater (two shows)
[also: Bob Ostertag & Fall Mountain]
Setlist [1st show]: "Squarer For Maud", "Seven Sisters",
"TNTFX" / "Silence", "Dreams Wide Awake", "The Rose Sob" /
"Play Time", "Nowadays A Silhouette", "Toad Of Toad Hall"
[2nd show]: "Squarer For Maud", "Seven Sisters", "The Rose
Sob" / "Play Time", "Nowadays A Silhouette" [feat. Peter
Blegvad], "TNTFX" / "Silence", "Walking The Dog" [feat. Peter
Blegvad & Michael Lawrence], "Toad Of Toad Hall", "Dreams
Wide Awake"
[01]
Hartford, CT (USA), Trinity College
Immediately upon returning to the UK, Alan Gowen, John
Greaves and Pip Pyle join Elton Dean for a Soft
Heap tour of Northern England, organised by the Jazz Centre
Society
[04] York, Arts Centre [Soft Heap]
[05] Sheffield, Brincliffe Oaks Hotel [Soft Heap]
[06] Manchester, Band On The Wall [Soft Heap]
[07] Liverpool, Blue Coat Hall [Soft Heap]
[08] Leigh, Library [Soft Heap]
[10] Dundee, Royal Centre Hotel [Soft Heap]
[11] Glasgow, Maryhill Community Hall [Soft Heap]
[12] Edinburgh, Carlton Studios [Soft Heap]
[17] Nurmes
(Finland)
[18] Kuopio (Finland)
[19] Mikkeli (Finland)
[20] Tampere (Finland)
[21] Helsinki (Finland)
[25] Turku (Finland)
[26] Uppsala (Sweden)
[27] Stockholm (Sweden)
[28] Linköping (Sweden)
[29] Örebro (Sweden)
[01] Växjö
(Sweden)
[02] Vänersborg (Sweden), Stadsteatern
Setlist (probably incomplete): "Seven Sisters" (incl.
"Foetal Fandango"), "A Fleeting Glance", "The Rose Sob" /
"Play Time", "Dreams Wide Awake", "TNTFX" / "Silence", "Toad
Of Toad Hall"
Alan Gowen leaves and National Health split up
Dave Stewart (keyboards) and Pip Pyle (drums) record demos as a duo : "13/8 Tune", "Matching Green", "Bismarck City", "Binoculars" and "Seven Sisters"
[mid] Rapid
Eye Movement begin rehearsing, with a line-up of Dave
Stewart (keyboards), Pip Pyle (drums), Jakko Jakszyk (guitar
& vocals) and Rick Biddulph (bass)
[28] Bishop's
Stortford, Triad Centre [Rapid Eye Movement]
[01] Lille
(France) [Rapid Eye Movement]
[02] Reims (France), Maison de la Culture André Malraux
[Rapid Eye Movement]
[03] Loos-en-Gohelle (France) [Rapid Eye Movement]
[04] St.Avold (France) [Rapid Eye Movement]
[05] Schiltigheim [nr Strasbourg] (France), Salle des Fêtes
(Festival Intra Musiques) [also: St Ehrart, Alesia Cosmos
Furi Show, Vent d'Est] [Rapid Eye Movement]
Setlist: 13/8 Tune, "One More Time", "(There Is) No Reward",
"Waking Up Is Hard To Do", "Hat Of Truth", "Seven Sisters",
"Dear Clare", "Matching Green", "Share It" / "Fitter Stoke Has
A Bath" / "Bryden 2-Step", "Mekanik Dancing", "Bismarck City",
"One More Time"
[07] London, City Of London University [Rapid Eye Movement]
[12] Sallaumines [nr Calais] (France) [Rapid Eye Movement]
Setlist: "One More Time", "(There Is) No Reward", "Waking Up
Is Hard To Do", "The Mensa Membrane" [P.Pyle], "Hat Of Truth",
"Seven Sisters", "Dear Clare", "Matching Green", "Share It" /
"Fitter Stoke Has A Bath", "Mekanik Dancing", "Bismarck City",
"One More Time"
[14] Manresa (Spain), Sala Loyola[Rapid Eye Movement]
[15] Canet de Mar [nr Barcelona] (Spain), Teatre Odeon [Rapid
Eye Movement]
[16] Bangnolia (Spain) [Rapid Eye Movement]
[17] London, University Union (Mallet Street) [also: Aswad]
[Rapid Eye Movement]
[18] Barcelona (Spain), Casino La Alianza de Pueblo Nuevo
[Rapid Eye Movement]
[19] Bilbao (Spain) [Rapid Eye Movement]
[20] Mondragon (Spain) [Rapid Eye Movement]
[22] Vitoria (Spain) [Rapid Eye Movement]
[23] Ovideo (Spain) [Rapid Eye Movement]
[22-23] Bresse-sur-Grosne (France), A L'Ouest De La Grosne [Rapid Eye Movement] (?)
[13] Bishop's Stortford, Triad Centre [Rapid Eye Movement]
[19] Dave Stewart appears on "Top Of The Pops" with Colin Blunstone, performing their single "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted" (the performance is repeated on Apr 2)
[11]
Leicester, Phoenix Theatre [Rapid Eye Movement]
[12] Bishop's Stortford, Triad Centre [Rapid Eye Movement]
Mark Hewins replaces Alan Gowen in Soft Heap after Gowen is
hospitalised
[15] Cardiff [Soft Heap]
[25-27] The album "Before A Word Is Said" is recorded at
Alan Gowen's flat in Tooting (South London), by Gowen, Phil
Miller, Richard Sinclair and Trevor Tomkins
[02-04] Final
sessions for "Before A Word Is Said"
[12] London, New Victoria Apollo Theatre [supporting Jack
Bruce & Friends] [Rapid Eye Movement]
[16] Bagneux [nr Paris] (France), Théâtre Victor Hugo [Rapid
Eye Movement]
Setlist: "I'll Stand On My Own", "Let's Get The Day
Underway", "Ingmar Bergman on the Window Sill", "Christine
Condition", "This is Not What I Want", "Straining Our Eyes",
"Matching Green", "Cathedral Park", "What Becomes of the
Broken-Hearted", Untitled Instrumental, "Mekanik Dancing",
"Allo Darlin I Work On The Fair", "Waking Up Is Hard To Do",
"(There Is) No Reward"
[17] Alan Gowen dies of leukaemia
[26] London, The Venue [Rapid Eye Movement]
[27] Alan Gowen's funeral
[08] London, 100 Club (Tribute to Alan Gowen) [National Health (two sets), Rapid Eye Movement (trio without Jakko), E.Dean-P.Miller-R.Sinclair-N.Morris jam, E.Dean-P.Miller-H.Hopper-P.Pyle, J.Hastings-P.Lee-J.Clyne-T.Tomkins]
[24] Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin appear on "Top Of The Pops", performing their single "It's My Party" (the performance is repeated on October 8)
[06] London,
Matrix Studios (sessions for National Health's "D.S. Al
Coda" begin)
Guests include Elton Dean, Jimmy Hastings, Richard Sinclair,
Amanda Parsons, Barbara Gaskin and Annie Whitehead
[15] Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin again appear on "Top Of The
Pops", performing their single "It's My Party" (the performance
is repeated on Oct 22 and Nov 5)
[30] Loos-en-Gohelle [nr Lille] (France) [supporting Agence
Tass, also: The Work, Geoff Leigh...] [Soft Heap]
[01] Reims
(France) [Soft Heap]
[02] Strasbourg (France), ACFT [Soft Heap]
[09] London, Matrix Studios (mixing sessions for "D.S. Coda"
& photo session at British Museum) [National Health]
[04] Douai
(France) [Soft Heap]
[05-07] Bresse-sur-Grosne (France), A L'Ouest De La Grosne
[Soft Heap]
[08-09] Lyon (France) [Soft Heap]
[10] Nancy (France) [Soft Heap]
[02]
St.Brieuc (France) [Soft Heap]
[03] Trégunc (France) [Soft Heap]
[04] Zuydcoote (France) [Soft Heap]
[05] Lillers (France), Scandinavy Express [Soft Heap]
[06-07] Lille (France) [Soft Heap]
[08] Patay [nr Orléans] (France) [Soft Heap]
[09-10] Paris (France), Dunois [Soft Heap]
[14] London, Bull & Gate [Phil Miller Quartet]
[15] London, Merlin's Cave [Soft Heap]
[25] London, Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[16] London,
Merlin's Cave [Soft Heap]
[23] London, Merlin's Cave [In Cahoots]
[24] London, Cricketers Club [In Cahoots]
[02] London,
Merlin's Cave [EDQ feat. Harry Beckett, Pip Pyle, Nick
Evans?, Marcio Mattos?]
[22] London, Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[30] London, Merlin's Cave [EDQ feat. Harry Beckett, Pip
Pyle, Mark Hewins]
[01] London,
Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[21-24] Paris, Dunois [ED Trio with John Greaves & Marcio
Mattos]
[01]
Bresse-sur-Grosne (France), A L'Ouest De La Grosne [Soft
Heap]
[03] Dijon (France) [Soft Heap]
[04] Genève (Switzerland) [Soft Heap]
[06] Annecy (France) [Soft Heap]
[07] Béziers (France), Le Croque-Note [Soft Heap]
[10] Ghent (Belgium) [Soft Heap]
[11] Metz (France) [Soft Heap]
[26] Liverpool [Soft Heap]
[27] London, Tom Hall's Tavern [Soft Heap]
[31] London, BBC Maida Vale 5 Studio (Jazz In Britain)
(broadcast Jul 19) [Soft Heap]
[31] Fulham, King's Head [Soft Heap]
[01] London,
Merlin's Cave [Soft Heap]
[03] London, Empress [EDQ feat. Pip Pyle]
[07] London (rehearsal) [In Cahoots]
[08] London, Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[15] London, Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[20] London, Cricketers Club [In Cahoots]
[24] London, unknown venue [EDQ]
[29] London, Merlin's Cave [EDQ with Pip Pyle, Marcio Mattos
& Harry Beckett]
[07] London,
Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[18] London, Cricketers Club [In Cahoots]
[20] London, Merlin's Cave [In Cahoots]
[21] London, Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[03] London,
Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[06] St.Albans, City Hall ("A Summer Psychedelic Experience")
[Stewart-Gaskin] [also: The Prisoners, The Milkshakes, The
Sting-Rays, The Escalators, The Remayns]
This 4-hour event, described by its organisers as "the
first-ever garage festival", degenerates into a riot, with
Stewart-Gaskin & co barely making it out alive, and losing
part of their equipment in the process; interestingly the
audience that night included jazz legend Gil Evans. The line-up
for this unique performance included Steve Franklin and Phil
Hodge (keyboards), Jakko Jakszyk (guitar & vocals), Anji
Britten (backing vocals) and Andy Duncan (drums)
[17] London, Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[23] London, Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
National Health (Phil Miller, Dave Stewart, John Greaves
and Pip Pyle), plus guests Elton Dean, Jimmy Hastings and
Barbara Gaskin, briefly reconvene for two performances of Alan
Gowen's material (plus new compositions by Miller - "Above And
Below" - and Greaves - "Swelling Valley") as part of the
Edinburgh Festival
[26-29] London (rehearsals) [National Health]
[30-31] Edinburgh, Queen's Hall (Edinburgh Festival)
[National Health]
[14] London,
Merlin's Cave [EDQ with Harry Beckett, Paul Rogers & Pip
Pyle]
[15] London, Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[16] London, Empress [EDQ with Paul Rogers & Pip Pyle]
[22] London, Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
Setlist: "Above & Below", "Second Sight", "Nowadays A
Silhouette", "Eastern Region", "Hard Shoulder", "Calyx", "Your
Root 2"
[28] London, Merlin's Cave [In Cahoots]
[13] London,
Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[15] London (rehearsal) [In Cahoots]
[17] London, BBC Studios (Jazz Today) (broadcast Nov 14) [In
Cahoots]
[20] London, Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[14] London,
BBC Radio Studios [BBC3 'Jazz Today'] [In Cahoots]
[16] London, Bull & Gate (with Steve Cook on bass) [In
Cahoots]
[08] London,
Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[21] London, Merlin's Cave [In Cahoots]
[29] London, Bull & Gate [In Cahoots]
[12] Dave Stewart (and Barbara Gaskin again) appear on "Top Of The Pops" alongside Nigel Planer (aka Neil), performing his single "Hole In My Shoe" (the performance is repeated on Jul 26)
[22] London, Hammersmith Odeon [Nigel 'Neil' Planer, with D.Stewart, B.Gaskin, R.Biddulph, Jakko...]