Mahavishnu Orchestra - Meeting Of The Spirits/You Know You Know

Meeting Of The Spirits/You Know You Know - The Mahavishnu Orchestra - Live at the BBC 1972
John McLaughlin - guitar
Jan Hammer - keyboards
Jerry Goodman - violin
Rick Laird - bass
Billy Cobham - drums
A special thanks to the BBC for graciously allowing this video to exist here.

[@CoolCoverBro]

One of my favorite stories regarding this amazing band is that when they opened for Frank Zappa back in the early 70's, Zappa was so blown away and was determined to form a new group that included Chester Thompson, Ruth, and George Duke as a response to the power of Mahavishnu Orchestra. Imagine being a band that blew Frank Zappa's mind!

[@thomasschreiber9559]

I've heard it said that the Mother's of Invention were trying to imitate Mahavishnu.

[@Mooseman327]

Mahavishnu blew everyone away. The promoters, wanting to introduce Mahavishnu to rock audiences, had them open for the best of the bands of the time (Zappa, Garcia, the Allman Brothers) and, pretty quickly, no one wanted to follow them. The headliners often got booed (even Zappa) and when they opened in Boston for The Jerry Garcia Band in 1971, half the audience walked out on Garcia. I know because I was one of them. Fortunately, word of mouth led to them heading their own shows and the rest is history.

[@JoryGKenneth]

this is what zappa's drummers thought about the mahavishnu orchestra - you'll have to search for it here ... but it's absolutely worth it kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnjIi3qof5Z8ebM

[@russl9029]

@@Mooseman327 how could you walk out on Garcia?

[@gillan5]

So what? I never liked that weirdo music of Zappa. Mahavishnu is the real deal.

[@buzzkemper]

When I was a senior in high school, our art teacher allowed us to bring in records to play during class. My classmates brought in Bob Dylan, Three Dog Night, Don McLean, etc. I brought in Birds of Fire. Many of my classmates thought I was nuts, but a few really liked it; most of them had no idea music like this existed. I still enjoy this band today.

[@pauljordan4452]

When I was in 9th grade, our mathematics teacher allowed a CD to be brought in to listen to during the weekly 90 minute class - classes were 50 minutes usually. Most of the soundtrack was rubbish. You had great taste compared to my classmates.

[@timmy707707]

Our Jazz Band teacher pretty much made Birds of Fire and The first Billy Cobham record required listening. He was only a few years older than some of us and had played awesome sax in touring bands...he was quite the fusion fan. have to thank him for turning me onto this whole musical direction.

[@carlostropadesousa5893]

Razão da evidência desta banda: eram TODOS muito bons … Razão da dissolução desta banda: eram TODOS demasiado bons. Mas, reparo , só há 2 músicos que tocavam sempre: o incrível baterista, Cobham, e o “apagado” baixista, Laird, cuja noção de tempos ainda hoje tenho dificuldade em reproduzir. Por isso dizer “apagado “ é dizer que nos deixamos ofuscar pelo brilho das superestrelas, que nunca aceitariam um músico menor no controle dos tempos…

[@stanmccray4361]

I was a sophomore or junior in college when I first saw the Orchestra. I couldn't listen to my favorite "other, regular music' for about a week!

[@toughenupfluffy7294]

Birds of Fire is a rough one to start out with, but it's rotally amazing once you get it.

[@johnnylilja3687]

It was a turning point for me at 71-72. Beatles had quit, Hendrix died. New exciting music emerged, Mahavishnu, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Pink Floyd made Meddle, Yes made Close to the Edge. Amazing musicm We were so spoiled a few years with all the good albums from these groups.

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

Exactly my experience at that time as well. Throw in Tull and Gentle Giant and the list is complete!!

[@LobbingBobTheNobAcrossTheGob]

And Kansas

[@christinacooper988]

What about King Crimson, VDGG, Soft Machine…

[@erianersitetras7172]

And Rush, and Miles Davis

[@toughenupfluffy7294]

Billy Cobham blows away all competition. I've seen him at this energy level non stop for two friggin hours. He's a monster.

[@starboy1100]

Cobham is the absolute best. Hands down. It’s uncanny how he lays down the rhythm in complete step with the other instruments.

[@martinriewski4946]

Cobham was really monstrous on McCoy Tyner's Fly Like The Wind.

[@sledzeppelin]

I saw him live a few months ago and he still has it.

[@kevenreynolds333]

don't forget Lenny White He's a monster too...Return to Forever rocked it !!!

[@auryconceicao2630]

Rayford Griffin (Jean Luc Poty)

[@hugoruda9049]

Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever, and Weather Report were the giants of fusion

[@deannewberry8219]

'' please don't ever forget MICHAEL URBANIAK '' S FUSION !!! FUSION IS A EUROPEAN THING ... ALWAYS WAS & WILL BE ... FACE IT ''

[@evanboothe5649]

I believe you’re forgetting the Electrik Band and the Pat Metheny Group.

[@mikecimerian6913]

Vision of The Emerald Beyond, Birds of Fire and Apocalypse. My teen years.

[@josemiguelpallaresdiaz2054]

inventada por Miles Davis: In a Silent Way, Bitches Brew, Live Evil

[@dondrysdale7297]

yes, and you could still get played on a rock station with it until the tragedy of 1980.

[@WilliamEPoole]

One of the greatest bands ever formed.

[@KareemPilot]

+William E. Poole Yup. Just an absurd level of ability and vision. McLaughlin is one of the most original, inimitable guitarists that ever lived and he could not have found more ideal bandmates, especially Cobham who best understood his lightning intensity

[@WilliamEPoole]

+Clogg I saw both formations of The Mahavishnu Orchestra and the original lineup was far superior. That's not to say the second group was less talented but when you have people like Cobham, Goodman, Hammer & Laird, the choice is obvious!

[@KareemPilot]

Definitely agree. The second one was obviously a highly skilled group and Michael Walden's crazed Keith-Moon-With-Jazz-Chops sound was definitely a lot of fun to listen to but the first group was a tighter unit with a more cohesive vision. They were definitely locked in.

[@modalbackingtracks7546]

+William E. Poole don t agree , the quality of the music is really higher on apocalypse and visions .

[@KareemPilot]

Just don't see it, but to each his own. Not that I don't like that stuff, too, mind you

[@yahhearsme376]

I didn't realize Jan Hammer was part of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Awesome! Jan Hammer and Jeff Beck produced some beautiful sounds together, as well.

[@johnnylilja3687]

Check out Hammers and Goodmans album "Like children"

[@eroldcroft3045]

Beck said mahavishni simplified jazz and complicated rock n roll. Add in tommy bolins influence, you have blow by blow, wired, live with the Jan hammer group and there and back. It ain't rocket science.

[@user-wf4fv4oc1h]

Jeff Beck wanted to get in on the new fire. So he got Vishnu Drummer Narada and Jan Hammer. Those are his best albums - Blow by Blow, Wired and There and Back. Insane.

[@steech193]

Simon Phillips is the drummer on There and Back.

[@DrummerDanVa]

It is amazing to think this is over 50 years old. I am glad I was alive during this period of music.

[@fueledbylove]

Me too, but 50 years used to seem a lot longer!

[@gregparrott]

I bet your glad to still be alive in time to post your comment just 2 months ago. So am I, as this music was part of my youth a half century ago.

[@LobbingBobTheNobAcrossTheGob]

I wish I was. But no… I was born in 2008. 40 years after what is currently my favorite era of music.

[@savageminstrel]

When I was a kid in the 70's this band blew me away, it is definitely a jazz/raga fusion band. McLaughlin took Indian raga rhythms and structure and applied it to his jazz. The repeating phrase throughout the piece is typical of Indian ragas where each member took a turn playing variations, until in the end it reaches a crescendo where they all play the phrase together. I love this stuff.

[@dondrysdale7297]

yes--it is also what was know as jazz/rock fusion, which John was part of the crowd that had worked with Milles Davis, and they started the scene because they were disillusioned with were jazz was heading then.

[@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq]

Good analysis. This is indeed modal, not tonal, music. "Mode" being a group of notes making scales that, unlike during a harmonic progression, do not go back to a "tonic," or tonal center. Very refreshing not to listen to tonal music all the time. Weather Report's was also modal music, and so was Soft Machine's.

[@Methilde]

@@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq My favorits Jazz Rock bands with Miles Davis, and weather Report, Soft Machine, saw them all in Paris and couldn't make a ranking.

[@deannewberry8219]

MICHAEL WALDEN EARLY 1974 ... KALAMAZOO MICH. .... GOOD FRIEND '' ... '' NATIVE AMERICAN '' ... NICEST GUY .... NOW PLAYING W/ are you ready ? .... '' JOURNEY '' ...... ouch !!

[@jackarcher7495]

Spot on, savageminstrel. My gosh, I loved those records back then. It still sounds great to me, if I listen with different ears now.

[@ianedmonds9191]

The Drummer is amazing - He reacts to the improvisations amazingly quickly. Top job him. Luv and Peace.

[@newagain9964]

Billy Cobham. Jeff Beck called him the best drummer he ever heard. And actually declined working with him “I’m not up to that standard.”

[@MrGiorgioud]

For a period in the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s Billy Cobham was regarded as the best drummer in the world. Now you know why...

[@paullevine1813]

@@MrGiorgioud He still is & those of us that know who he is already know this.

[@jackwezesa1081]

Billy Cobham .

[@mariacarvalho7260]

I had the privilege to attend his concert in Lisbon in last May. Pure magic!!🥁🥁🥁🎵🎼

[@GodsUnrulyFriends]

I first heard Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1975. I haven't recovered. These guys took music to another level.

[@63Baggies]

Another solar system....

[@1NcognitoXx]

Im first hearing them now. Its like its not only music but an endlessly intricate demonstration of the capabilities of each instrument... its a tough one to explain. Like each one is out on display for us to experience separately, yet all together at once.

[@madjackblack5892]

I bought Birds of Fire back then on vinyl. Blew me away and I've been hooked since.

[@christinaneugebauer5559]

Indeed 🌺🙏🏼 experinced him in Copenhagen in 1975,and it was mindblowing,nothing less.But with Jean Luc Ponty on the violin.❤️

[@chumbels]

Birds of fire. Superhuman gods...

[@sallyainsworth6799]

That is one of the greatest performances I've ever seen. I'm in shock.

[@L.ARTISTE19]

There is a live concert LP from Central Park, NYC, called Between Nothingness And Eternity. In my opinion, the best live album I've ever heard.

[@marklfazey9705]

Well @ Sally Ainsworth , no be in shock , This is what’s possible, as you appreciate this I need your phone number and we can intellectualise about this subject Hahahaha Bless x .

[@Mooseman327]

I saw them live in Symphony Hall in Boston right around this time, early 1972. Just a wonderful experience. You should hear the power of Cobham's drumming live.

[@johnmalenchek6597]

Saw this band live more than fifty years ago. My hearing still bears the scars and my mind is still blown. All hail Mahavishnu

[@VideoMask93]

MacLaughlin's playing under the violin solo may be one of the coolest solo accompaniments I've ever heard.

[@stettan1]

His comping of Miles' solo on Right Off, from the Jack Johnson album, is also very very cool

[@Watersnake777]

That guitar weighed over 30 pounds, 100 pounds with the hard case. Built in preamp and everything. He didn't carry it around for looks.

[@KitLaughlin]

Billy Cobham: the greatest.

[@grokeffer6226]

He's on tour. You might want to see if he's playing near you some place. I'm going to try to see him in a couple of months.

[@problemchimp4231]

Never a greatest...you know that.

[@KitLaughlin]

@@problemchimp4231 OK; agree. Truly great, then. :)

[@demultiplexeur2]

John Mac Laughlin is the greatest.

[@freddiesoverbite6162]

I remember when I was 18 a friend of mine brought me inner mounting flame and birds of fire. He said “ I bet you’ll like this” . He was wrong… not only did I like it… it essentially changed my whole life.

[@jorgemacal3020]

That happened to me ✌☮👋

[@ellisweiner6405]

Goodman is a master. Jean Luc Ponty, okay. This is transcendent. Cobham...I'm speechless.

[@edtaskin4117]

Jean-Luc Ponty isn't in this video, the violinist is Jerry Goodman.

[@tunjilardner5784]

Along with Return to Forever the dual sound track to my teenage years in Lagos, Nigeria. Yeap.. you heard me Lagos, Nigeria! Billy Cobham is well, BILLY COBHAM! Incredible music... nothing quite like it these days.

[@Mynamesalexa]

Paul McCartney recording Band on the Run there in Lagos Nigeria

[@jasonwhalen6264]

What I wouldn't give for one night of live music in 1960s/70s Lagos. Were you around during the Fela years?

[@martinbe5111]

Missing weather report

[@chrissquire8542]

... Rainbow in London, 1980; Cobham, McLaughlin, and Jack Bruce together. Wow....

[@arthurpay2619]

Of course Billy’ is over the top! Fuck!

[@aliensporebomb]

McLaughlin - one of the rare breed of musicians who actually used the 12-string neck on his doubleneck. It wasn't for looks. What a terrific band and a great performance.

[@tagadabrothersband]

Wich famous guitarist used a doubleneck just for the 6-string neck ?

[@adityaroy7616]

@@tagadabrothersband Jimmy Page tbf

[@garysangiacomo8016]

I have been listening to Mahavishnu since 1971

[@crab-dogjones4659]

One of the few players for whom the double neck guitar is more than a gimmick.

[@Br0ccoliface]

i’m uninitiated, what purpose does it serve

[@crab-dogjones4659]

@@Br0ccoliface In this case it lets him switch between 12 string guitar and 6 string guitar on the fly. For a lot of folks that would be pretty frivolous but he makes good use of both textures.

[@dondrysdale7297]

that's because they were just as much a jazz band as rock, in which you have to know what your doing all the way around.

[@thatmatt41]

I'd argue that most musicians that used double necks had good reason to? Page, Lifeson, Lee, Rutherford, Slash? All of them had practical uses for double necks. The only musician I can think that actually uses one exclusively as a gimmick is Rick Neilsen.

[@markusantonio4866]

John played that double neck with control like a Beastmaster.

[@brianalston8309]

This is what's called fusion. It's jazz and rock beautifully blended together by extraordinary jazz artist.

[@dondrysdale7297]

ya, thanks--i guess a lot of guys don't know it was John and those other guys that had worked with Miles Davis in the 60s who were disillusioned with were jazz was heading then, so they stated the fusion scene.

[@Methilde]

In France, e just call it jazz rock and few people love it.

[@SvenTviking]

It’s self indulgent noodling.

[@turntogod4410]

@@SvenTviking if it's just self indulging noodling produce a piece like it

[@crungefactory]

@@SvenTviking yes, your statement is self indulgent noodling

[@danno9608]

Johnny Mac is 80 years young today! Happy Birthday to one of the greatest guitar players to ever walk this planet!

[@batmanjones5202]

Very likely the best electric guitar player ever, The great Jeff Beck said so. Therefore, it's true.

[@srimaddukuri]

IMO, the single greatest - acoustic or electric.

[@geoffmerrill164]

Saw Mahavishnu Orchestra in Madison WI, in the Stock Pavilion, with a friend in spring of '73 or so. Tripping. (Which was rather besides the point, with these guys, actually.) Walking back home we looked at each other and said, 'Now they're going to ask us how it was.' We smiled, and knew in that instant the meaning of 'beyond words.'

[@willem9688]

Damn, first time in my life the drummer gives me goosebumps. So relaxed yet so powerful. What a great band.

[@tripdjoint]

You can never do it like a black man do it.

[@marshalbird7321]

Billy Cobham is one of the greatest! drummers ever!!!

[@Yngsatchvai]

DAVE Weckl did same thing for me. He and chick corea and frank gamble. Amazing drummer!!

[@willem9688]

@@Yngsatchvai Cool, I'll check it out, thanks.

[@Yngsatchvai]

@@willem9688 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4ilnImrmLuAebs

[@josephobenauer3093]

This great band inspired me to carve wood. I sucked as a guitarist. Love the Mahavishnu.

[@alcoholya]

cool man.. they inspired me to make my own home made dildos. I suck at guitar too!

[@davidevans3175]

It was a mind fuck in 1972, believe me.

[@ClarenceHW]

David.... indeed it was, I saw them at my high school auditorium, had graduated 4 years earlier and was in music school. I could only take about 2/3 of the concert, top of head was ready to explode. Didn't touch an instrument for a week.

[@dennymcfastlane8530]

Yes indeed, first witnessed Live in 72'--A wonderfully wICkEd Concert!!!

[@dan0711123]

I believe

[@kevgh3869]

The Great Pat Metheny seeing them for the first time in the 70's 'couldn't believe a band like this actually existed'.

[@metal666shark]

still is

[@gregoryhillis3420]

I went to an Emerson Lake & Palmer concert at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco in March of 1972, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra opened for them. I had never heard of John McLaughlin or any of the other musicians. Their set was unreal, unlike anything I had ever experienced. They blew ELP off the stage.

[@larkstonguesinaspic4814]

It's so awesome you had the experience of seeing them in those years. How did the ELP crowd react? Were they totally blown away?

[@gregoryhillis3420]

@@larkstonguesinaspic4814 it's been 50 years so I don't remember everything too clearly lol. My sense is that some were impatient to hear ELP, but that most of the audience were stunned by the Mahavishnu set, which was like a revelation.

[@artsnips9186]

I was at that show. I was a year out of high school. My older brother had hipped me to them. So out comes this guy in a white suit, short hair and a double neck guitar. Then the hammer came down. The crowd didn't know what hit them. Cobham had people shaking their heads. Indeed, I'm sure ELP must have been thinking, "Oh, shit"...

[@gregoryhillis3420]

@@artsnips9186 haha that matches my recollection exactly!

[@richardboettger6761]

Two very different interpretations of other musical styles. I have been a fan of both bands my entire life, but it's hard to compare the raw explosive jazz of mahavishnu with a classical stylings of ELP.

[@tejkarangehlot4741]

Ok .. mahavishnu orchestra.. name adopt from lord vishnu.. Love from 🇮🇳

[@dsnodgrass4843]

I stan for Rick Laird as Most Patient Bass Player of All Time.

[@manlypedro75]

LOL

[@garyl8356]

Well I don't listen to John for the bass solo!

[@lundkd10]

Ok as a bass player guy I find this comment totally funny!

[@dsnodgrass4843]

@M T If you think that's all that the term "patient" encompasses, that says far more about you than me. Couple that with your strange aggression in trying to "jazzsplain" Mahavishnu to me, who's actually played the stuff before; makes me real glad i don't have to "perform in a group improvisational situation" with you, and makes me pity the musicians that do.

[@dsnodgrass4843]

@@lundkd10 It's meant fondly. I play bass behind a couple virtuoso folks myself, so I relate a lot to what Rick did; holding the song together as all that accumulated brilliance swirled around him. I try to emulate that all the time.

[@johnculbreth4543]

Billy Cobham is unreal in this performance!

[@stompfolks]

it's him really

[@teddavidcompositions3744]

Another 1970s band with Billy Cobham that still blows me away is Dreams. Their first, self-titled album is amazing.

[@williambeck6364]

New. York. City. !

[@lucguenette7534]

I was sixteen when introduced to this, now 65 and still facinated by this, ok , sti...

[@SpringoStar]

Jerry Goodman...Ah, One my my favorite Violin Gods as a fiddler... :)

[@luckyphilable]

RIP Rick Laird legendary bass player.

[@carle5997]

Rip Rick mahavishnu orchestra forever

[@kennseidelin4166]

Billy Cobham shows What it means to play drums.Beautifully 👍

[@nmeau]

Amazing how he carries and reflects the other soloists all through

[@user-wf4fv4oc1h]

Cobham is my fave. He plays so well with melody and listens so well to others. I learned so much from him. I have met him a couple of times and he is a total gentleman. Billy is tops. Jerry played with my brother on his album and was also a total gentleman. God Bless them all.

[@jazz4asahel]

I saw The Mahavishnu Orchestra live at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, ca. 1974. John asked for a bit of silence before beginning the set. In which the sensation that the seats and everything in the house were rising up and moving through space. We all came down fifteen seconds later and the music began.

[@ceepatton7172]

why is this band not in the r&r hall of fame is beyond belief. They are all virturos. They cook. And Cobham caught his drumstick.

[@timmullins995]

For the same reason that most of the great, underground supergroups of the era haven't made it in yet. Not enough play time on the AM radio.

[@flame-sky7148]

Its amazing isn't it. I find it ironic that Mahavishnu has more live shows on Wolfgang's Vault Concert page than any other rock band from Bill Graham's collection.

[@namebrandmason]

I’d like the answer to be “because they aren’t a rock band,” but Public Enemy is in said hall of fame. I wish McLaughlin, Cobham & co all the praise they can get, but the RnR Hall of Fame has rapidly become less a museum then a tourist trap.

[@jamescourier1545]

That hall of fame is SHIT. That's why. Far too many politics involved......

[@jeepercreepers54]

@@jamescourier1545, agreed. They made a mockery of themselves. How do you do that?

[@mathieumoreau1649]

Fall of 1983, UMASS Amherst, one of my dorm floormates turned me onto Mahavishnu and the Dregs in the same wonderful night. Always been thankful for that.

[@melodymakermark]

I saw Jeff Beck’s live version of this (You know, you know) in 2019, with Jeff, Rhonda and Vinnie all taking a solo. Fantastic performance. As for this vid, Billy was an unbelievable drummer. The SPEED he displays at times is jaw dropping.

[@pauljordan4452]

My former neighbour was also Rhonda. Psychotherapist and jazz bassist for decades. She loved Return to Forever.

[@yellodread]

Billy Cobham is a living legend. I was lucky enough to have toured with him in Turkey and Cyprus as a percussionist in one of the opening bands. The greatest thrill came not from playing before crowds of people in exotic paces, but watching him perform night after night after night. He and his band almost never repeated a playlist and his drum solos were musical universes of their own. Meeting him I saw that for such a powerful, talented, accomplished and experienced man, he was extremely humble and treated everyone around him with deep respect and kindness. His band had nothing but great things to say about him. An incredible musician and an incredible human being.

[@haroldwyant6074]

Saw Mahavisnu open for Frank Zappa right after campus shootings. The Orchestra blew all the naysayers away. Folks left when Zappa came on. KENT STATE was never the same

[@FusionHowie]

I spooge on my screen every time I hear Jan Hammers Moog solo, like hearing Holdsworth! Hits a spot deep in my spine....

[@timhoovermusicman]

I prefer his Miami vice stuff.

[@CorePathway]

Spine?!?

[@Poeme340]

you nailed it.👍👍

[@matthewJ142]

Holdsworth, another great

[@jimroche4109]

During the Vietnam war the band played on the Boston common, it was a tumultuous time in the city. For a few hours they brought their magic and the city was at peace.

[@electrolytics]

I would say it was tumultuous time in Vietnam. I'm so glad that the students and other riff raff in Boston found a brief moment of peace. It must have been so horrible for them there in the Boston Commons.

[@iga279]

Brilliant team of musicians, every single one of them.

[@univibe23]

They're all such amazing musicians but that drummer is Crazy Good!!!!

[@evergreengunnut1621]

That's Billy Cobham

[@aidanschram9652]

"That drummer"

[@dondrysdale7297]

there is one story of him when he was still in the army, and one Friday he was woodshedding in a room that he got locked in by accident for the weekend, and he had got called AWOL before Monday. if you were as dedicated as he, which is what it takes, stuff like that can happen.

[@aquamarine99911]

@@evergreengunnut1621 I think you meant to say "That's Billy f'n Cobham".

[@Methilde]

@@aidanschram9652 My favorite one with Robert Wyatt.

[@horatiotrismegistus616]

Thank you, Universe. Thank you, Infinity. Thank You All.

[@dustindaniels8917]

Well said

[@desmondpitoyi4250]

I grew up with this music. My late uncle (may his soul rest in grace) used to make me listen to it. As a nine‐year‐old, I had no clue what was going on. But now I've been well‐schooled and attuned... I'm now in the know! Thanks to you, uncle!

[@JDODSON7]

We're all just trying to catch up, man. That's what life's about.

[@AxiomApe]

@@JDODSON7 Well said ✌

[@COTG666]

I remember when I first heard them in the 70s. I didn't think it was possible that mere mortals could do this. Then I realized they were not mere mortals, they are legends.

[@garykay7418]

there was never another fusion band like these guys.

[@srimaddukuri]

Agree.

[@jjpopnfresh6822]

Billy's open hand technique flows so effortlessly

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

He's a lefty, I think.

[@johnb.3476]

I just got turned on to this band today. Oh my! So much! Billy Cobham blows my mind!

[@albdoce]

The best power group EVER assembled!

[@matthewJ142]

DiMeola, McLaughlin, Lifeson, Santana, May. The greatest guitarists still alive right now. I swear I saw John on the subway once but was in such awe of him I didn't want to bother him. Never knowing if he probably was coming up with something in his head!🤪

[@matthewJ142]

@Andy Butler I personally prefer Martin Barre of Jethro Tull but Brian has soul and he is in my top ten along with David Gilmour and Gary Moore and Clapton

[@davecummings2424]

Santana & McLaughlin are probably my favorite guitarists. McLaughlin, Al DeMeola, and Paco de Lucia have a great album called "Saturday Night in San Francisco".

[@charleswinokoor6023]

I saw them about 10 times when I was in high school and shortly thereafter. The latter part of ‘72 was their best period. By mid ‘73 the thrill was gone.

[@graemeheape2679]

They don’t make bands like this any more Billy Cobham on drums a genius

[@jamespayne5188]

This band changed my musical life back in the early 70s. Still sounds amazing today.

[@grantjohnson7129]

I agree with what you said two years ago and you probably haven't changed your mind, so I guess the tragedy is we'll never meet.

[@dondrysdale7297]

thanks--i first heard them in the early 80s, and they began a musical quest for me unlike anyone else.

[@Mikex0123]

Nice performance by all of them. Billy Cobham is amazing at the end.

[@usmessenger3199]

ONE OF THE GREATEST BANDS OF MUSICAL GENUIS. PURE GENUIS.😎🎸🔊🎶🎼☮️ BOB.

[@danruetenik3583]

I bought my Fibes kit 40 years ago and still playing them...They sound great

[@WilliamWilsonEgoliGolf]

William Emanuel Cobham Jnr. - my favourite drummer ever!!!

[@dondrysdale7297]

one story he has: he was woodshedding one Friday when he was still in the Army, and he got accidently locked in the room. he was called AWOL until Monday.

[@mainzergirl9610]

Absolutely killer drummer. Magical.

[@DrummerDanVa]

Seeing Mahavishnu live was one of the most amazing musical experiences I ever had. Seeing Billy Cobham behind those clear Fibes drums with his speed and power was a new experience for me at the time. I also loved Return to Forever and thought they were maybe cleaner while Mahavishnu was more power. The early 70s was a GREAT time for bands made up of REAL musicians.

[@richierich8412]

Drum Solo: Hypnotic!

[@ralfschabatka6468]

Best drummer in history

[@chicmim]

Jerry Goodman was a former member of the Flock. Awesome.

[@arniesilverberg764]

Went to a concert in Central Park in 1973 to see this group. An outer body experience then and now. The best!!

[@user-cr3wm2ed7t]

Dejo mi testimonio : mas de mil veces habre oido este tema y siempre con el mismo sentimiento de estar oyendo algo nuevo . es increible !!! Todo el grupo es de otra galaxia con John McLaughlin a la cabeza ( TREMENDO GUITARRRRRRISTA ).Dentro de muchos años , se hablara de ellos como ahora hablamos de la transicion entre el Barroco y el Clasicismo .Ellos fueron el inicio de otra grandiosa epoca de la musica , Jazz progresivo .... etc SIento que son como mis hermanos ...

[@sammy2840]

Saw them in '73 in Iowa City at the Field House. Was a music major and these guys blew my mind. This square looking dude walked on stage in all white (short hair) with a double neck and lit it on fire! I swear he told Cobham to play the drums as fast as you can and I will keep up on the guitar! Awesome. John also played guitar on Miles "Bitches Brew" album...the best Jazz album of all time in my opinion! If Miles picked him...he had to be the best!

[@SuperAllanjames]

Check out "Extrapolation" from before McLaughlin joined the Miles Davis crew. John McL' + Saxophonist John Surman.

[@deannewberry8219]

'' I Saw the last minute , last u.s. show .. DEC. 30 1973 ... DETROIT '' .. the audience ... almost had a stunned feel '' .. as they were exiting .. like they just musically .. GOT THERE ASS KICKED '' !! ... '' SO COOL '' ......

[@jeffreynolin9339]

@@deannewberry8219 I saw them (and God) at Ford Auditorium in ‘72.

[@deannewberry8219]

@@jeffreynolin9339 '' I'M VERY JEALOUS ''... I KNOW , I KNOW IT WAS GREAT '' !!!

[@deannewberry8219]

John & Billy got along at first ... but as time went on ... just a rumor I heard '' .... may not be true .... I don't know ''

[@StellarFella]

Saw this band in June of 72. They opened for Led Zepplin with Emerson, Lake & Palmer being the third act. What a concert!

[@XanAxDdu]

e la madonna.....!

[@mikehinterschied]

Man! What a show that must have been.

[@StellarFella]

@@mikehinterschied It was in the old Long Beach Auditorium? It was with steep seats and with balconies. Lots of wood.

[@srimaddukuri]

RIP USA…

[@hihats]

Billy F'ing Cobham

[@kevgh3869]

Dude is the best drummer ever. Has some amazing albums!

[@funkyalfonso]

Kev G. I guess Jimi thought so.

[@oneworld9071]

Bilham Cobly, indeed :) Ever hear his "Spectrum" LP? and to think Jan Hammer's primary instrument was drums...... talent overload.

[@curiousnomad]

Amazing to think not long before this he was playing with Horace Silver.

[@deannewberry8219]

'' 250 TO 300 sit ups back stage before every show .. just to get ready ''

[@Razzjenk]

What a time warp. I loved Inner Mounting Flame and so much about Mahhavishnu John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham (!) and Jan Hammer.

[@johnmochan2321]

Look into Mr John Mcloughlin eyes with Jerry Goodman's intro and Billy's percussion WTF for me i cried still do .All of them so respectful of each other truly a rare example of true musicianship. I feel very fortunate of sharing this line up twice wow.

[@dante666jt]

Imagine crying

[@wanderowa]

During that violin solo my tears came out...

[@davidjohnson8054]

OMG... Listened to this album till two am when I was a teenager...

[@jeffglazer5418]

I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH JERRY GOODMAN. HE IS A VIRTUOSO OF THE VIOLIN!

[@srimaddukuri]

That’s pretty dope…

[@AdrianPaco]

This is an epic fact in the history of the music. It's so beautiful and powerful.

[@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq]

Yes, epic, like Genesis back then in a different genre.

[@neilfurby555]

One of very best bands ever, absolutely unique, what a brilliant performance ... Mesmerising

[@chuckufarley1343]

Billy Cobham. BEST. DRUMMER. EVER!

[@miltonkeynes3090]

Billy Cobham. Wow. That guy is awesome.

[@sleuth2077]

The interplay bw Cobham and Goodman is such a treat to hear. This music speaks too me on so many levels.

[@srimaddukuri]

Agree.

[@lisaandjasonmusic8272]

Timeless. Love this as much as I did 50 years ago.

[@bufatutuagonistes8876]

What incredible music. Been listening to and engaged by music since I was a teenager in the early Sixties when my buddies and I smoked French cigarettes in folk cafes and my girlfriend and I snuck into jazz clubs to hear Miles Davis and Nina Simone. Music is important to me. This is as good as it gets. Crazy but all too human that the musicians making such beauty couldn't work and grow together. Ego is a powerful negative force. But what beauty they made. The first album, with the mostly acoustic solo side, can still send shivers down my spine, as in Follow Your Heart. Here that stunning feeling is again. What creativity. Listening to JM playing this song recently, at J. Beck's recent memorial concert with Ronda, pairs so well with this. Thanks to the OP.

[@MrBlackbass59]

This guy, John McLaughlin, BLEW ME AWAY when I first saw this band on TV!

[@ianedmonds9191]

The chops on display here are "give up your chosen instrument for good." Jan Hammer never fails to amaze me with his expression on synth and he really sets the bar for any soloist on keyboard. John McLaughlin is my god tier inspiration both as a guitarist and as a person. Don't know the violin guy but he's crazy talented. As is the bassist and Drummer. Just an amazingly talented set of people playing together really really well. No egos. Just amazing music. Luv and Peace.

[@s6y9l]

Violin guy, Jerry Goodman, bassist, Rick Laird, drummer, Billy Cobham

[@troyjones2358]

Why give up your instrument? Just practice.

[@RicardoMunoz-sj3gn]

Hablo español mi amiga fue em Argentina trajo El disco bellissimo buenisimo hoy vivo en italia

[@RicardoMunoz-sj3gn]

Grande jam hammer

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@troyjones2358 It was a bit of Hyperbole but yes agree. Stages of seeing Instrument gurus: Despair, Interest, Inspiration, Practice. Great point. Luv and Peace. (And Practice. :-)

[@tonymilosh1691]

Probably,the best jazz-rock band,ever!!!

[@bobbylawson2712]

matter of opinion I'd say... certainly great. I'd side with Return to Forever in the best category!

[@terrinbrysman6811]

Tony Milosh what about Dreams

[@terrinbrysman6811]

I would also like to add the group called Chase. By far the best horns ever

[@creativesource3514]

Steely Dan

[@dondrysdale7297]

i have no question they were a phenomenon that was truly a one and only for various reasons.

[@timothydillow3160]

"The truly happy man can connect the morning of his life with the evening."

[@matthewJ142]

Jan Hammer will mostly be remembered for Miami Vice but real lovers of music will remember him as one of the greatest keyboardists up there with Chick, Hancock. Emerson, Wakeman, Rick Wright, T. Lavitz(look him up)

[@pastorfuzz367]

I was changed after seeing them. In a good way. 1972.

[@sethmoore8484]

This is insanely well recorded; all of the various instruments' tones come through very clearly. Thank you for uploading!

[@FrankMarcianoHoboken]

Seton Hall Prep, 1972 NJ senior year, coolest guy at the school turned me on the Inner Mounting Flame, didn't like it then, but over the years it haunted me to become one of my favorite works of art, just so great to actually see the musicians play the instruments. Love it !!!

[@marioblues8074]

Najlepszy ZESPÓŁ, jaki kiedykolwiek słyszałem !!! Wirtuozeria bez granic !!!!

[@tomekhauzer]

Dobrze się słucha. Polskie SBB odwołuje się między innymi do dokonań Mahavishnu.

[@marioblues8074]

@@tomekhauzer Zgadza się, tylko to nie ta liga !

[@whatevershebrings]

Beautiful footage of the extra-terrestrial MO playing some of their finest pieces...elasticity and fluidity are words that come to mind. Cobham's Fibes drum set is a work of art!

[@bassmickeyd]

I saw this band in Toronto with Zappa. (71?) ... What a monster show.

[@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq]

Most professional and even famous guitar players must remain speechless when listening to McLaughlin.

[@victorgallagher6312]

I discovered this band from reading the Aerosmith Biography “Walk This Way”. They were a opening band for them. I don’t understand why I have never heard of this band. Love them all!!! ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻

[@marvymarier8988]

Beacon theatre , early 70's ,appeared with Steve Miller acoustic tour . As you expect I was blown away. Bought Devotion a week later ! God blessed me !

[@paulcatania1315]

Cobham: The power, the syncopation! Just watched a video of Rick Laird playing upright bass live in London, 1965 with Wes Montgomery. He looks straight-laced, wearing a suit and playing traditional jazz. That patch Jam Hammer is using on the Moog is the same one he used on Quadrant 4, a track on Billy Cobham's album, Spectrum, with Tommy Bolin on Guitar.

[@garynash7594]

My first experience with live music!! This tour, this band.... They prayed first... Mind blowing!!!🌌🎆💥🌠😔🤯

[@agerven]

Only knew there was a band once, named "Mahavishnu Orchestra". Never heard any music from them before, and never knew who was in it. Now i see this lineup and i am astonished. Know them all, as great musicians, from other (later) work. They perfectly perform these astounding compositions live here. What a discovery!

[@atrezoa]

this is probably 71-72 and john is out there looking like the sqaure banker neighbour, just melting everyones mindjuice!!!

[@ivanabudo3562]

This music is from Heaven! Hammer on Keyboards, synths and Cobham combo is just the funkiest sound. Riley and Goodman are simply sublime to the ears. McLaughlin is at his best...simply a Masterpiece of Music for Eternity!

[@jazz_addict7079]

Others will disagree, but for me, this band will always be the supreme fusion group, above all others.. . it's not "just" the playing, but the material, as well. . .