Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation - Why Does Gentle Giant never reunited?

Print Page | Close Window

Why Does Gentle Giant never reunited?

Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
Forum Description: Discuss specific prog bands and their members or a specific sub-genre
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=128448
Printed Date: November 29 2024 at 09:59
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Why Does Gentle Giant never reunited?

Posted By: yogev
Subject: Why Does Gentle Giant never reunited?
Date Posted: February 12 2022 at 03:37

They split back in 1980, but why they never reunited?

since the break up the bandmates did so much things related to gentle giant: reissues, boxets, websites, last year they did that big project were many fans have volunteered to do a remake to the classic track "Proclamation", even the band's social media is very active. So why they never reunited? even for a show (as far as I know). imagine getting new a Gentle Giant album. (plus they're all still alive)

Replies:

Posted By: enigmatic
Date Posted: February 12 2022 at 06:45

Why? Simple reason: Derek Shulman.
Listen to his interview on YT. He explained it very well.
Just search for "Derek Shulman on the chances of Gentle Giant reunion".

Ray Shulman has never been interested in GG reunion either. Excerpt from his interview in Q magazine:

Q. What chance of a Gentle Giant reunion?

Ray Shulman. "NONE, the thought is quite hideous. I don't think even a one-off would work. The idea of having to re-learn my parts is daunting but, I suppose perfectly possible. What would be the point though? It's over."

Posted By: Jacob Schoolcraft
Date Posted: February 12 2022 at 14:37

I recall Derek Shulman mentioning in an interview that the band of Shulman Brothers had not played their instruments in years. If that's true then it would require a whole lot more discipline than it took putting the original band together and rehearsing till polished in 1970. ..and if in fact he was generally throwing a hint to the interviewer and expressing that there are reasons why specific people in the music industry want to leave it. It's apparent that the Shulman Brothers could have inevitably turned away from that idea of Gentle Giant reforming.

It's probably that they are conditioned by a new way of living their life ...who knows? It is true that a certain reality can set itself up for some musicians after they travel the road for years , making aired appearances, bad weather, and physical breakdown from the road can tare you down and make you feel unhealthy.... without the drugs .and a experienced musician will do anything they can to escape the business. Maybe they don't want to do 6 or 7 bookings . Maybe they never want to see another truck being loaded with equipment a road crew for the rest of their lives. It's possible that they no longer desire something that they used to desire when they were young. Something they had ambition to pursue. An experience they appreciated, but prefer to not relive.

Posted By: Boojieboy
Date Posted: February 14 2022 at 11:44

They're aren't into nostalgia, and geezers getting back on stage. Derek Shulman's already explained it repeatedly. One of the few who understands and respects the elements and chemistry that originally bring a band together, to create. When that's gone, it's important to realize, and not start faking things.

Now, some of the others - say Gary Green and Malcome Mortimore - are more open to it, and have no problem continuing on, and in fact have been doing a nice job of it. But even that doesn't go under the title "Gentle Giant".

Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 14 2022 at 12:08

Some members such as Gary Green were open to the idea but not all. Plus at some point they led very different lives and it wouldn't have been practical. As was mentioned, Derek was probably the biggest obstacle. That said they did do a reuninon video in 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYjFP8gildU" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYjFP8gildU

Here are the results of a poll I did a while back. http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=124920&KW=gentle+giant" rel="nofollow - http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=124920&KW=gentle+giant

Posted By: Zeph
Date Posted: February 14 2022 at 12:27

Judging by what many 70’s bands put out when making something these days, I wouldn’t hold my breath expecting magic.

Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 14 2022 at 12:49

From a prog purist perspective I would say it's probably a good thing they didn't continue becuase they probably would have gone in an even more commercial or pop direction. Genesis were ok with that but GG wouldn't have been.