An anagram for the Goldring twins' surname, Londoners' Colin and Stewart formed Gnidrolog in 1969. Joining them was bassist Peter "Mars" Cowling and drummer Nigel Pegrum, the latter having been in the pre-Uriah Heep band Spice. Gnidrolog toured extensively, supporting numerous progressive acts, as evidenced on dozens of concert bills from the era; Colin, most famously, added recorder to Yes' "Your Move" from The Yes Album. Signing to RCA records, the band released the dreadfully titled In Spite Of Harry's Toenail in early 1972.

In 1974, Jim Pembroke released a solo album, Pigworm, featuring members of both Wigwam (past and present) and Tasavallan Presidentti. Wigwam then added guitarist Pekka Rechardt for a farewell tour and live album, Live Music From The Twilight Zone, the final release from the band's (more or less) original lineup. However, a contract from Virgin Records may have enticed some of the band to reconsider. Now consisting of Pembroke, Rechardt and drummer Ronnie Österberg, Wigwam added keyboardist Esa Kotilainen and Tasavallan Presidentti's bassist Måns Groundstroem to their lineup.