Van der Graaf Generator was a progressive band that felt uncomfortable with the `label-' progressive. They were characterized by Peter Hammill's extreme singing and heavy use of organ and highly intelligent and powerful lyrics; yet their influences included classical, electronic, jazz, blues and even soul. Eclectic could be just as good a definition of their music as progressive.
At Manchester, student: Peter, Christopher Smith and Nick Pearn met and formed a band, adopting the name- Van der Graaff Generator from the electrostatic accelerator.
Tony Stratton-Smith began to manage the band as Robert Banton replaced Nick Pearn and after picking up Guy Evans (drums) and bass player- Keith Ian Ellis
In 1969, they supported Jimi Hendrix at the Royal Albert Hall. After a few single releases, Nic Porter replaced Ellis and saxophonist David Jackson auditioned and joined the band. In 1970 `The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other' album was released on the Charisma label with an intensive British tour.
With Porter leaving, `H To He Who Am The Only One,' was released (with Robert Fripp as guest guitarist).
After a tour of Britain and Europe, Hammill recorded his first solo album- `Fool's Mate,'
After `Pawn Hearts' was released, poor sales (except for Italy), Van der Graaf disbanded.
Peter Hammill resumed his solo career, releasing `Chameleon in the Shadow of the Night.' VDGG members sessioned on the album and some toured with him. Nic, Guy, David and Hugh collaborated in the project and some of them toured with Peter. Hammill then released a book of lyrics and poetry- `Angels, Killers, Refugees,' was published in London by Charisma Books.
After more solo albums, Van der Graaf Generator reformed again with their 'classical' line-up - Peter, Hugh, Guy and Dave - and released `Godbluff.' The band toured extensively in Europe and even appeared for the first time in America (for a few shows).
`Still Life,' a wonderful VDGG album full characteristic strong emotion continued the busy activity of Hammill solo and VDGG albums.
In 1977, Hugh and David quit and the band found replacements and shortened the name to- Van der Graaf.
During a gig at the Marquee, London, January 16, 1978, the band recorded and released a live album- `as Vital / Van der Graaf Live' (Hammill released `The Future Now)' and after a two month European tour Van der Graaf, with little money to show for all their labor- broke up for the final time.
Hammill has published a number of books based on his powerful lyrics and emotional poetry, he has created well over 30 solo albums of various styles and ambitions. His intensity in concert is always honest, powerful and emotional.
In 1991, a private reunion of the band's classic lineup was created at Sue Jackson's birthday party. The band played "House With No Door", Sleepwalkers", "Still Life", "Refugees" and "Arrow".
On November 3, 1996, another reunion of VDGG at the Union Chapel in London. The concert was recorded and released in 1997.
Discography
People You Were Going To / Firebrand (Single) 1968
Afterwards / Necromancer (Single) 1969
The Aerosol Grey Machine 1969
The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other 1970
H To He Who Am The Only One 1970
68-71 (Compilation)
The Quite Zone / The Pleasure Dome 1977
Vital / Van der Graaf Live (Live album) 1978
Rock Heavies (compilation) 1980
Maida Vale (Live compilation) 1994
The Union Chapel Concert 1997
Peter Hammill Solo Albums
Chameleon in the Shadow of the Night 1973
The Silent Corner and the Empty Stage 1974
The Love Songs (compilation) 1984
The Margin (Live album) 1985
Roomtemperaturelive (Live album) 1990
The Fall of the House of Usher 1991
There Goes The Daylight (Live album) 1993
Offensichtlich Goldfisch 1993
The Peel Sessions (Live compilation, 1974-88) 1995
Typical. Solo Performances 1999
