Charles Snider's blog

Gong Lives! Viva Gong!

"Featuring the voice of Daevid Allen on two songs and guest appearances from Steve Hillage and Didier Malherbehe, Rejoice! I'm Dead! is the 2016 release (and 28th album) from the enduring legend that is Gong.

Original members John Goodsall, Percy Jones and Kenwood Dennard have reformed Brand X and a tour this Fall is in the making. See you in Chicago!

Esoteric Recordings today announced a new Van Der Graaf Generator album, Do Not Disturb, anticipated on September 30th, 2016. Always good news...

Another rare VDGG clip unearthed by Herman Permentier:

“Support the crowdfunding campaign for the first #TangerineDreamDocumentary - Let's make the dream come true!

#D97Mania is sweeping the nation!

From Isao Tomita's Facebook page:
"Isao Tomita, composer and synthesizer artist, died May 5, 2016 of chronic cardiac failure at 2:51 p.m. at Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital. He collapsed around noon in his home and was taken to the hospital, where he passed away with family at his bedside.
Private funeral ceremonies attended only by family took place on May 7th and 8th.
We announce this news with great sadness.

A second documentary on Magma is looking for backers, please give them a look if you are so inclined, I did!

Very sad news to report, Keith Emerson took his life today, Friday March 11th at his home in Santa Monica, CA. Evidently the keyboardist suffered neurological damage to his right hand which subsequently led to depression. Truly heartbreaking.

The Enid's Robert John Godfrey recently announced his retirement from touring due to health reasons, and also took the opportunity to "take a swipe at prog musos", including one Steven Wilson. To quote Mr. Godfrey, “The thing that pisses me off so much about the prog scene is that it is “all about” muso rock. It’s all about people like Steve Wilson who possess all the talent and all the production genius (and has made a great name for himself) … but who offer absolutely no content that is memorable or meaningful.