Gentle Giant evolved from the ashes of Simon Dupree and the Big Sound, best known for the hit single "Kites". As was often the case in the late sixties, after the initial chart success, the band decided to change their name and decamp to the country to rethink their sound. The result was a string of successful LPs that displayed an extraordinary mixture of rock, classical and mediaeval music. Based around the Shulman brothers, the band quickly acquired a large cult following the world over. Concert tours in Europe and America became ever more grandiose and elaborate - and then came along punk. As with many bands that were seemingly killed off by the new wave revolution of 1976/77, Gentle Giant's music has endured over time.

About the Author

Paul Stump is often an outspoken commentator on popular music, he has written articles for many magazines and newspapers and is an authority who has written extensively on the English progessive rock scene. He is the author of Go Ahead John: The Music of John McLaughlin and Digital Gothic Critical Discography of Tangerine Dream both for SAF Publishing, as well as books on Roxy Music and The Music's All That Matters, the definitive analysis of Progressive Rock in Britain.