I was in college in the early to mid 70's and Gentle Giant was introduced to me by my roommate. Wow! I had never heard anything remotely familiar to their creative expression. John Weathers was a GIANT among the drummers and musicians in the know. Here is a great memory. October 1974 my roommate and I purchase Power and The Glory, invite two friends, buy a case of Miller Lite beer, sit in a tight circle on the floor, and spin this album for two rotations marveling over the imagination of composition and performance. John's drumming and percussion were so dammed tasteful and solid as the band danced around his pocket. GG is the best band of the 70s, period. They were the standard of ensemble playing and musicianship. And what's even better is their music is timeless. It's as fresh today as it was back in the day. They continue to be my favorite band.
No surprise that people are talking about Gentle Giant now, there was no band like them before and no band like then since. John should be proud of what he did.
First heard Gentle Giant in my dorm at Ohio University in early '74 and FINALLY got to see them twice on the Civilian tour (Detroit and Cleveland). Having only seen Gregg with pianists Cecil Taylor in NYC and Paul Plimley in Vancouver (both sadly passed), I was only familiar with his free improvisation side. Then, when I purchased the first Interzone disc in the late 90s, I only then found out about his progressive influence, as he very openly acknowledges Gentle Giant in the liner notes. John Weathers amazed me, as he kept the band firmly anchored and propelled at the same time.
After about 1978, progressive rock was a term you didn’t use unless you wanted to be ostracized. I was very fortunate to see Gentle Giant at the Roxy nightclub in Hollywood in the 70’s.
I wish this interview went on for longer, it's such a pleasure to hear John speak about his recollections of the creative processes within Giant. His drumming has impeccable time, tastefullness and his sense of creation of space within the musical framework is brilliant
Indeed, Gentle Giant is absolutely my number one, and I was blessed to see every tour (usually twice) starting in 1975. That said, I also saw The Musical Box do each period of Genesis, and I really have to hand it to you, Mr Bendian. Your re-creation of the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and the things before that meant a lot to me because I never saw those shows when Genesis performed them. You and your bandmates were monster musicians. Thank you!
John, where is the Oakland A's hat? You were the glue that cemented the GG sound. The complexity and melodic content of each and every record was, and is still another realm of music. For the listener who invests the time, GG is an embarrassment of riches. I'm so glad that younger generations are discovering GG. Real musicians playing real instruments!
I saw gentle giant 3 times in the 70’s, and it was one of the quintessential experiences in progressive music. I have all of their albums on vinyl, including Glass House which was hard to find. Was a great time in life, and one of the greatest live acts ever! I wish someone would cover in an interview why the band faded. I’ve read tons on it but it doesn’t get to the fact that punk and one hit wonders of the ‘80’s we’re changing the landscape of music. The record studios desire to produce pop songs destroyed Emerson Lake and Palmer! YES somehow survived the change. Gentle Giant did not and I wish some of the bands like Gentle Giant had stuck to album concept ideas. They could have done it - Porcupine Tree, Flaming Lips, and some others were able to produce and survive - maybe not at stardom level, but great music. All in all, Gentle Giant is a conglomeration of jazz, rock, and blues that I believe was unsurpassed by anyone. A true stand alone band and as I said - in the top 3 best live shows ever. 😂
@@TheProgCast and yes Prog is a conglomeration for sure. Classical trained musicians from that era created these great bands. Yes, ELP, Genesis, Flash, Nectar, Pink Floyd, and Gentle Giant were all super intelligent bands creating thinking music.
Pugwash is one of my two all-time favourite drummers. The other was Ed Cassidy from Spirit. Had the pleasure of shaking hands with Ed at a show in the early 90's. Meeting anyone from GG would be a dream. I was 15 when they broke up, otherwise for sure I would have seen them. Weathers and Ray seem to have kept the lowest profiles online. Ray will be dearly missed, what a talent. I'd pay A LOT to see GG live. But I wouldn't pay to see the Eagles.
Personally I can think of several reasons for a ‘prog’ resurgence, Robert Fripp and King Crimson who never really went away, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Trey Gunn, Steve Vai, Mike Keneally, Dweezil Zappa, Ian Anderson, Stereolab and Laetitia Sadier, Porcupine Tree, Steven Wilson who has been remastering some of the classic albums, The Mars Volta who have revived the band lately, Dream Theater and Jordan Rudess ; just from my perspective, I’m sure there are a others. Of course there are some internet groups promoting bands and artists as well, the famous Aural Moon for instance.
John P, "the drummer in the back" ? I don't think so. 🙂 Mr Weathers is the most amusing drummer to watch playing in his "pyjamas". I keep my eye on him ... and ears. Love it !
The humility of John Weathers is staggering. He refers to "Mr. Palmer" and "Mr. Bruford" with great respect and speaks about how he falls short of them. Sorry John, I disagree, I love those drummers but you have your place in the progrock pantheon as the best drummer for the best progressive rock band ever. Neither of those guys (who I think the world of) could have sat in your chair.
Wish the band would have issued the lps the same. Letting another fiddle with the presentation decades later is ALWAYS a mistake. In the long run the fans want GG decisions on GG albums. Big mistake to let someone else make artistic decisions after the release
![Gentle Giant: The Most Intricate Rock Band of All Time? Part 1 [Progressive Rock Guitar]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cgzzpl0GgY0/mqdefault.jpg)
I was in college in the early to mid 70's and Gentle Giant was introduced to me by my roommate. Wow! I had never heard anything remotely familiar to their creative expression. John Weathers was a GIANT among the drummers and musicians in the know. Here is a great memory. October 1974 my roommate and I purchase Power and The Glory, invite two friends, buy a case of Miller Lite beer, sit in a tight circle on the floor, and spin this album for two rotations marveling over the imagination of composition and performance. John's drumming and percussion were so dammed tasteful and solid as the band danced around his pocket. GG is the best band of the 70s, period. They were the standard of ensemble playing and musicianship. And what's even better is their music is timeless. It's as fresh today as it was back in the day. They continue to be my favorite band.
I'm jealous but I love hearing these stories. Thanks for sharing.
Love Pugwash . His contribution to GG is immense. His drum parts are always so tasty and tasteful.
Facts.
Truth.
PLEASE try to interview Guy Evans from VDGG one day, the lack of interviews with him pisses me off.
John thank you for sharing anything related to Gentle Giant. Love your contributions
Anything for GG!!! Thank you for watching. Hope to see you at the Holiday gathering on Zoom.
No surprise that people are talking about Gentle Giant now, there was no band like them before and no band like then since. John should be proud of what he did.
First heard Gentle Giant in my dorm at Ohio University in early '74 and FINALLY got to see them twice on the Civilian tour (Detroit and Cleveland). Having only seen Gregg with pianists Cecil Taylor in NYC and Paul Plimley in Vancouver (both sadly passed), I was only familiar with his free improvisation side. Then, when I purchased the first Interzone disc in the late 90s, I only then found out about his progressive influence, as he very openly acknowledges Gentle Giant in the liner notes. John Weathers amazed me, as he kept the band firmly anchored and propelled at the same time.
Wow. You know about my other lives. I appreciate that more than you know. Not a ton of people have ears that big. JPW Rules!
Like you Gregg, I was fortunate to see GG for the final (Civilian) tour - aged 14 at The Tower Theater, Philly.
Probably the same week! Nice to hear from you man!
After about 1978, progressive rock was a term you didn’t use unless you wanted to be ostracized.
I was very fortunate to see Gentle Giant at the Roxy nightclub in Hollywood in the 70’s.
What a lovely soul and funny guy. John is amazing. Cheers!
I wish this interview went on for longer, it's such a pleasure to hear John speak about his recollections of the creative processes within Giant. His drumming has impeccable time, tastefullness and his sense of creation of space within the musical framework is brilliant
Check out the part two on Patreon- its worth it.
Always more with John and even more with him on my Patreon page. Please consider joining to support the work we do.
FIRST! Love John and always will!
But of course. He is the master.
Indeed, Gentle Giant is absolutely my number one, and I was blessed to see every tour (usually twice) starting in 1975.
That said, I also saw The Musical Box do each period of Genesis, and I really have to hand it to you, Mr Bendian. Your re-creation of the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and the things before that meant a lot to me because I never saw those shows when Genesis performed them. You and your bandmates were monster musicians.
Thank you!
Thanks Gary! The Musical Box was a joy and a labor of love to play that music for the people who are passionate about it. Thanks for watching!
My friend Gary was in that band. And John has such a great sense of humor.
John Weathers had so much groove for being in a Baroque-esque prog band. Incredible drummer!
John, where is the Oakland A's hat? You were the glue that cemented the GG sound. The complexity and melodic content of each and every record was, and is still another realm of music. For the listener who invests the time, GG is an embarrassment of riches. I'm so glad that younger generations are discovering GG. Real musicians playing real instruments!
Hear, hear!!
Can't wait for Pt.2!
It's a doozy.
John played with the Man band after G.G. and although the music was obviously less challenging his enthusiasm still shone through. Great guy!
Great to hear more from John about the history of Gentle Giant
Thanks for listening James. Always nice to hear from you...
I was a teenager in the 90s and was into prog rock and Gentle Giant big time. I was definitely an outlier tho.
I saw gentle giant 3 times in the 70’s, and it was one of the quintessential experiences in progressive music.
I have all of their albums on vinyl, including Glass House which was hard to find.
Was a great time in life, and one of the greatest live acts ever!
I wish someone would cover in an interview why the band faded. I’ve read tons on it but it doesn’t get to the fact that punk and one hit wonders of the ‘80’s we’re changing the landscape of music. The record studios desire to produce pop songs destroyed Emerson Lake and Palmer! YES somehow survived the change. Gentle Giant did not and I wish some of the bands like Gentle Giant had stuck to album concept ideas.
They could have done it - Porcupine Tree, Flaming Lips, and some others were able to produce and survive - maybe not at stardom level, but great music.
All in all, Gentle Giant is a conglomeration of jazz, rock, and blues that I believe was unsurpassed by anyone. A true stand alone band and as I said - in the top 3 best live shows ever.
😂
You saw GG three times? You lucky, lucky bastard. :) Prog is a conglomeration isn't it???
@@TheProgCast it is sad that no groups are even close to what Gentle Giant created.
@@TheProgCast and yes Prog is a conglomeration for sure. Classical trained musicians from that era created these great bands. Yes, ELP, Genesis, Flash, Nectar, Pink Floyd, and Gentle Giant were all super intelligent bands creating thinking music.
Pugwash is one of my two all-time favourite drummers. The other was Ed Cassidy from Spirit. Had the pleasure of shaking hands with Ed at a show in the early 90's. Meeting anyone from GG would be a dream. I was 15 when they broke up, otherwise for sure I would have seen them. Weathers and Ray seem to have kept the lowest profiles online. Ray will be dearly missed, what a talent.
I'd pay A LOT to see GG live. But I wouldn't pay to see the Eagles.
Don't know if they did Alucard backing Sabbath, if not they should have done.
Agreed 100%. Would have killed.
One thing I realized a couple of years ago, was the greatest bands were also the ones that had the greatest drummers .. the drummer makes the band
Truth. The list is endless.
Personally I can think of several reasons for a ‘prog’ resurgence, Robert Fripp and King Crimson who never really went away, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Trey Gunn, Steve Vai, Mike Keneally, Dweezil Zappa, Ian Anderson, Stereolab and Laetitia Sadier, Porcupine Tree, Steven Wilson who has been remastering some of the classic albums, The Mars Volta who have revived the band lately, Dream Theater and Jordan Rudess ; just from my perspective, I’m sure there are a others. Of course there are some internet groups promoting bands and artists as well, the famous Aural Moon for instance.
Prog is alive and well. The audience is smaller now but we try to keep it going out of pure love.
John P, "the drummer in the back" ? I don't think so. 🙂
Mr Weathers is the most amusing drummer to watch playing in his "pyjamas". I keep my eye on him ... and ears.
Love it !
Love it!!!
I know Derek said No Reunion, but I'm still holding my breath.
You and i have a better chance of winning the big lottery jackpot before that happens.
Such a lot of work involved. Monumentally daunting, as Gary says about the Three Friends project.
Now that his brother is gone, chances are negative.
😀😀😀😀😀
Thanks!
The humility of John Weathers is staggering. He refers to "Mr. Palmer" and "Mr. Bruford" with great respect and speaks about how he falls short of them. Sorry John, I disagree, I love those drummers but you have your place in the progrock pantheon as the best drummer for the best progressive rock band ever. Neither of those guys (who I think the world of) could have sat in your chair.
JPW - a gentleman and a scholar.
I get what he is saying. Palmer and Bruford are masters of precision along the lines of Buddy Rich.
Wish the band would have issued the lps the same. Letting another fiddle with the presentation decades later is ALWAYS a mistake. In the long run the fans want GG decisions on GG albums. Big mistake to let someone else make artistic decisions after the release
Does John still play or is he retired? Thanks!! Great series!!