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Gong is not just a band—it’s a planet; an entire musical ecosystem in constant transformation. We had the chance to attend their concert at Hotel Cecil in Copenhagen during the Universal Ascension 24 Tour, and it was an experience that far exceeded our expectations.
Approaching a seminal band from the 1970s psychedelic progressive scene, now without its brilliant founder Daevid Allen and its original members, inevitably raised questions. What should we expect? A nostalgic tribute to classics like Angel’s Egg, Radio Gnome Invisible, or Flying Teapot?
Instead, we found much more: not an archaeological monument to past glories, but a living organism, capable of evolving and surprising.
What we experienced was not a nostalgic revival but an immersion in a forest teeming with ideas and sounds. The new Gong lineup doesn’t merely preserve their iconic sound—characterized by its time changes and unmistakable tones—but reinterprets, renews, and lets it bloom with fresh inspirations.
The New Gong Lineup
On one side, we have the members who joined in 2010: Fabio Golfetti (guitar), Dave Sturt (bass) and Ian East (saxophone, flute), whose psychedelic and ambient sounds chase melodic visions infused with jazz elements.
On the other side, the 2014 additions—just before the passing of Daevid and Gilli: Kavus Torabi (vocals, guitar), Cheb Nettles (drums), bringing a modern progressive rock edge to the mix.
This combination creates a new sound formula brimming with creative freedom.
The Interview
We had the privilege of meeting the band after the concert. Once they had greeted their fans, Kavus and Fabio welcomed us backstage, where we had the chance to talk with them. Their seemingly contrasting personalities form the driving force behind this new chapter of Gong.
The Concert
The setlist was carefully crafted to showcase the band’s new talents, focusing solely on new compositions and a few songs from the transitional period with Daevid.
Kavus’ mystical and magnetic energy took center stage in tracks like Choose Your Goddess, where Cheb’s rhythmic drive conjures marching atmospheres reminiscent of Tool before bursting into a psychedelic frenzy.
Meanwhile, Fabio’s ethereal guitar intertwined with Dave’s bass and Ian’s brass, turning the concert into a timeless journey. Tracks like Through Restless Seas I Come, seamlessly flowing into Lunar Invocation, were true sonic odysseys.
Throughout, the familiar Gong elements—time changes, psychedelic textures, and unique rhythms—acted as the glue holding everything together.
The encore, Insert Yr Own Prophecy, was unforgettable: a masterful piece of musical architecture that united the band’s past and present in one spectacular track.
A Living Legacy
It’s impossible to separate Gong’s story from the individual contributions of its musicians. This concert wasn’t just a celebration of their legacy but a testament to a creativity that continues to evolve.
Daevid Allen was more than a brilliant “mastermind”; he was a mentor who embraced the artistry of his fellow musicians, entrusting them with freedom. Gong has never been just a band—it’s a shared creative playground, a living entity destined to grow and explore.
And today, more than ever, their message is clear: Gong is alive. This is a concert you don’t want to miss!
Set List
My Guitar Is a Spaceship
Kapital
All Clocks Reset
Rejoice!
Forever Reoccurring
Tiny Galaxies
My Sawtooth Wake
Through Restless Seas I Come
Lunar Invocation
IAO Chant & Master Builder (with Hello Me by Daevid Allen as an introduction)
Choose Your Goddess
Encore:
Insert Yr Own Prophecy
LINKS
GONG
Web: https://www.gongband.com/the-band/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gongband/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044177869204
Bandcamp: https://gongband.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/47yvARr7dCOKqvjDVwfbf3
Kavus Torabi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kavus_torabi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KavusTorabi/
Bandcamp: https://kavustorabi.bandcamp.com/album/the-banishing
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/18EAWcuzknkoGJSH6xjX5j
Fabio Golfetti
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabio.golfetti/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabiogolfetti
Bandcamp: https://fabiogolfetti.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rCPgWyNOdWEX19D0YrahT
