Gentle Giant - Derek Shulman interview 2005

[@marshfilm]

Gentle Giant was too great for the world!

[@sspbrazil]

They were like no other band before or after them.

[@thomassicard3733]

Naaaahhhh... The world was too myopically small for Gentle Giant.

[@williamcampbell163]

Absolutely😊

[@leebaker9300]

I've never heard another band like them. It's great to see this. It's almost like Derek has no idea how good his band were. The talent on show... just incredible. After all these years, my jaw still doth drop.

[@HWYHELL2]

Dear Mr. Shulman..I'm sorry for my english..I don't write very well. Anyway... Let me tell you a litlle history. To change my life. I'm from Sao Paulo-Brazil. In 1978 I walk in the street. And see a music store.. In that time I expect to buy a music record. The King Arthur..from Rick Wakeman, In the front door of the music store was a cover....A King Of Spade...And that moment I was thinking...The King Arthur...kkkk I call the salesman and buy this album,....When I heard...Proclamation....Aspiration...I think...I became another person ...You are my idol for all those years...Thank you so much...The Gentle Giant lives in me forever...until I die.....

[@RA-VEN8]

You know he'll never see this? But I did.

[@chizmo7]

Turn the damn music off in the background. Really?

[@jacksdrums1]

yes turn it off, ugh it's annoying

[@jeanmo593]

I agree 100%, please turn it OFF!

[@jonsilence]

I guess you missed the part where they say that the background music is unreleased Gentle Giant. :)

[@MrAgentElsewhere]

Did they mention or do you know the name of the tracks? I like it very much. If you know where to find it please do tell.

[@23igna]

What can you expect. Is the guy from ''that metal show''...

[@lmnop1022]

if there MUST be background music, why couldn't it at least be something by GG?

[@hugo888888888]

it's Gentle Giant

[@lmnop1022]

Title?

[@pinkponyofprey1965]

Sounds more like someone who's influenced by John Schofield or Mike Stern. Title?

[@mavil64]

you can't have any good gentle giant pieces be background.. they are way to complex and require attention

[@ouroborosnagyok9306]

you could play Giant or Memories Of Old Days in the background

[@blueabattoir]

Gentle Giant was a genre unto themselves. Nothing else like it. Fantastic!!!!

[@wendycrawford1792]

I was introduced to Gentle Giant by my boyfriend at the time, along with many other amazing bands. It was around 1970-l was 18. I immediately fell in love with GG. I was blown away by the brilliance of their talent, every song incredible. I had the good fortune of seeing them in concert in Massey Hall in Toronto, 3 times and once in London England in 1975 at the Rainbow Theatre. They’ve always been my favourite band.

[@b2bw1955]

Went to a Humble Pie concert in Roanoke VA and had no idea who was opening for them. The lights went down and this announcer with a heavy English accent says "For their first tour of America ...welcome Gentle Giant" Then there was this explosion of music I had never heard before. They were so awesome in concert ...I could care less if Humble Pie performed. They have continued to be one of my all time fav bands ...boundless talent !!

[@sleeve51]

I love 'Glass House'.........a damn masterpiece!

[@tommyrawlings3046]

Way of Life! A classic!

[@victorborg7285]

I have every album. Always loved GG because they were in their own genre. Incredible musicians

[@WinstonGuitar]

One of the most fascinating anecdotes of the prog-rock era: Derek went on to become a senior A&R vice president at PolyGram records, signing very middle-of-the-road but soon-to-be famous rock bands. He helped sign Bon Jovi, Cinderella and Zep-ripoffs Kingdom Come. He went on to become CEO of Atco Records, signing . . . .yes. .. seriously Dream Theater and Pantera. Then, in 2010, he became President of Roadrunner records, signing. . . . wait for it. . . Slipnot and Nickleback.

[@martian9999]

versatile talent!

[@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive]

I have a personal rejection letter from Derek for my own shopped submission circa roughly 1993.

[@theqoulyv]

@@markwoollon It's not all bad, Dream Theater put out some pretty great stuff, but looking at that list nothing else there can compare to the might Gentle Giant

[@jimmycampbell78]

Well the point there is that he mostly signed bands that sold a lot of records. Not acclaimed for quality but bought up by the masses. The exact opposite of Gentle Giant which is ironic indeed.

[@jillsandwitch67]

@@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive could you post a pic of it?

[@CLabmusic]

I wasn't born yet when Gentle Giant was touring. I discovered them in the mid 90s and they have been my favorite band ever since. Much love to Derrick and the rest of the band. You have been my biggest influence!

[@LeDoctoer]

Wow, Glass House was and is one of my favorites. I have two copies of the vinyl. I've never stopped listening to it and, as I get older, find myself appreciating it more and more.

[@adrianstevens4718]

Gentle Giant is probably the best British ensemble and I love that I can now listen to all their albums

[@JerryZigmontMacWorks]

Painfully stupid music in the background.

[@drj602]

Goes well with the painfully stupid interviewer.

[@hudentdw2]

because eddie trunk is an idiot

[@wardka]

Why is it the best musicians seem to have no idea what they accomplished or how good they really are/were? It's heartbreaking.

[@tommyrawlings3046]

Robert Fripp thought King crimson sucked! Lol

[@eliecanetti]

I think the humility you need to always think you need to get better (and hence get better) translates into a general sense of humility.

[@krashboombang]

RIP, Ray Shulman. helluva a musician and band.

[@boblatzer]

Saw them 5 times. Still have my ticket stubs.

[@sammywight1423]

As good as Yes, E.L.P, BEATLES.............INCREDIBLE BAND. BETTER THAN ANYTHING IN 2017.

[@tixximmi]

Similitude of a Dream Part I and II. Neal Morse.

[@fryk2462]

@@tixximmi Have hardly no relation with original GG music, despite of Neal's known admiration on them.

[@cosmicdrifter287]

much respect for this man...

[@petewilder1303]

How did I miss this interview the last 10+ years? So good to see and hear him speak about GG. Funny story about a reunion, I was enjoying Gary Green's "Three Friends" and contacted the drummer - suggesting playing Keswick Theater in PA. Well, they actually added the summertime show and wouldn't you know it the crowd turnout was less than half the theater. Indoor summertime shows in the Philly area are tough because everyone is at the shore. I was embarrassed about the turnout, and apologized for the lame crowd after suggesting they play there in the first place. But they insisted they enjoyed themselves.

[@bmorestout]

Pete Wilder I was there and I loved every note of that set. Probably the closest I’ll get to seeing GG live. The band played though songs passionately and Gary and Malcom were incredible. Thanks for helping to make that happen for us.

[@Dirgnimai7]

I must admit that I wouldn't have thought that Eddie Trunk would know about Gentle Giant or like their music. And he asked reasonable questions. Nice job.

[@richpatz4807]

My stepbrother's old band Prism opened for Gentle Giant in 1977 at the Electric Ballroom in Dallas. They actually remained friendly for years afterward, in fact Derek worked with Prism (actually their name changed in late '77 from Prism to Hands due to the Canadian band with the same name) in 1980 producing some demo recordings. The story goes that Derek recommended to Hands NOT to continue playing progressive rock! Fast forward decades later and Hands music has been released and almost unanimously every review compares them to Gentle Giant. I just find that very ironic...on so many levels. The Electric Ballroom show was recorded for posterity and several tracks are available now on the Prism Live 75-77 CD released on ShroomAngel Records out of Houston. There are tentative plans to release the entire concert. Gentle Giant's soundcheck at that gig was also recorded and remains in the vault.

[@mcclendonreport]

Way underrated band and bandleader.

[@pasthomas]

well this is great, thanks for the upload! Derek has really lost his Scottish accent now that he's American:)

[@jimclark1374]

No he hasn't. It's not Rab C.Nesbitt, but it's a Scottish accent.

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Jim Clark I love Rab C lol

[@ytnsanw]

He never really lived in Scotland that long anyway. He really grew up in Portsmouth.

[@keithpasculli7465]

Great interview; interesting questions, great band.

[@Guitargoetz]

I have heard nothing better in the last 45 years about composition and arangemons !!! absolutely awesome !!!

[@andytate3760]

I am a huge gg fan and thank all of you for your love of what you do.. TRUELY.. this comment is to the makers of this interview.. the background music is such a distraction.. every word from Derek we hold on to..we need no distractions.. peace

[@dbc7772011]

Very good interview. Enjoyed the variety of questions. I could ask many more for example inspiration for the themes of each album. Favorite album, tour, performance? How did the wives cope with the time touring? Surprised by the height difference. Background music was distracting.

[@chrisguygeezer]

Someone edit that music out, ffs!

[@davechappelle8993]

Upon hearing Ozzy was an influence, Mr Shulman's expression at 5:12 is priceless.

[@Katehowe3010]

Does he live in the US now, as i'm sure i can detect a slight accent?

[@tixximmi]

Ozzy was a big influence to another. Frank Zappa.

[@Amsterdamagesoup]

Grazie for this interview, Gentle Giant, my family.

[@vimfuego8827]

Well first RIP Ray, Gentle Giant are becoming GIANTS in music. Admittedly, it's taken a long time but their music has become the real test of time.

[@stanley6093]

thank s for sharing

[@wendellwiggins3776]

Never seen this. finally get to see an interview

[@johnfenner8838]

Great band, great guy. 🖤✌🏼

[@jamesroman9081]

Amazing talent

[@g.g.gorrell8420]

A year later I'd still be shaking his hand. My Man!

[@joealanouf5028]

very rad!!!! this was just about the year i got into Gentle Giant. I worked at my moms market and was listening to Camel one day. At that time i was the only person in the world i knew who lied camel. and they only reason my friends like them now is because of my influence. .. anyway. listening to camel when this older women comes and and says " oh you like camel hu" i shit my self. I had to pic her brain. so what i got out of her was G G .

[@hudentdw2]

My favorite Gentle Giant album was and still is "Acquiring The Taste" the drummer that played the first 2 albums really rocked I could never quite get interested in John weathers drumming!

[@XanAxDdu]

dunno what saying since i found perfection in octopus

[@hudentdw2]

@@XanAxDdu No get me rong but I luv Octopus just drummer annoying!

[@hudentdw2]

I love the album too but I always had an issue with John's drumming too damn flat and I blame the recording engineer!

[@zichbold]

"Give It Back" from the album "Interview" is the song with the strangest rhythm I have ever heard. It was the day of my drafting. Afterwards I strolled a bit through Traunstein. In a record store I was listening to Gentle Giant's latest record, "Interview". I bought the LP and took the train home. I was like hypnotized and listened to the song in my head all day. "Just how much can you spend Give it back in the end And the time of your season Was no use, had no reason ..." There is no definite favorite song from this band, but if I had to choose one, it would be this.

[@ouroborosnagyok9306]

I actually liked Acquiring The Taste, Octopus, and The Power And The Glory the most

[@dollhaus1]

I love Gentle Giant. When I interviewed Derek Moore ( bassist ) from Nektar , he said the same thing after so many years about hits . Even though GG and Nektar are totally different bands, after listening to their own music after years,both DEREK'S said...THIS IS PRETTY DAMN GOOD.I guess after so many years ,,you realise that the music your band created ,means so much more. It's creative how GG influenced the new proggers.

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

The greatest prog band of all time. The best concerts I ever saw were GG. Live, no one even came close.

[@birage9885]

I agree with Derek on the reunion thing. It is nice to see bands get back together and all that, but rarely does the reunion music capture the same sound and feel of the original. That is why there is a such thing as recordings, so we can experience that feel over and over again. With that being said, sentimentally it is good to see bands do reunions.

[@johnsluggett1822]

"They're pretty damn good. I wouldn't sign them, but they're pretty damn good."

[@BrianIdle]

I got his autograph framed on my wall in my studio!

[@gj8683]

1:29 Columbia wouldn't release "In a Glass House" in the US because they didn't think it was commercial enough? You'd think they'd never heard of Yes or Tull, which might not have been quite as innovative, but close enough.

[@michaelwosslert9524]

How on earth can you destroy an interview with a prog giant with crummy blues ?

[@bp820]

One of the GREAT Artist in the world...

[@valcazara6091]

Fantastic man 👨!!!

[@kennywowie]

agreed on the horrible foreground music. Such a bad, bad decision. Either play Gentle Giant or nothing.

[@hugo888888888]

it's Gentle Giant

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Then tell us the song title instead of replying the same thing on every comment.

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

hugo ache you’re a gentle twat.

[@sinisterfw]

nice interview, but why use musc to accompany it.

[@iromgonendra2197]

Free hand❤❤❤

[@mrtyreus0]

Those scores would be gold.

[@manifestgtr]

Is Eddie a Gentle Giant fan? That would be incredible. I’ve always been aware that his music “fandom” is pretty complete but this is another level. I’ve been under the impression that it’s been me and about 20 other guys who still dig them haha It’s always funny to think of the career that Derek went on to have. The names he’s responsible for bringing to the public eye are shocking no matter how many times you read them. These old prog guys have had such a greater influence than the general public realize. Look at what Peter and Phil did in the 80s for godsake. They DEFINED that decade’s pop music sound and no one denies it. People can goof on prog all they want but at the end of the day, these guys were smart. The music you know and love wouldn’t be the same without them

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Gabriel was influential in sound and vision in the 80s, he used aaardman production before anyone knew who Wallace and gromit were and won awards for sledgehammer vid, Phil and peters music has always been in my life , same goes with GG as well.

[@RaelNYC]

I saw them in NY at Avery Fisher Hall.

[@josegabriellugo]

Thanks!

[@eduardkaspel8374]

gentle giant is also a music giant forever

[@ulfingvar1]

"Jumping to the enemy side," ha ha ha!!! Touché!

[@Miler97487]

I'm far more used to hearing Eddie Trunk talk about hard rock, metal and glam metal (he despises the term "hair metal") so I'm blown away to see him talk to Derek Shulman and discuss things Gentle Giant and prog. I'm more used to him interviewing the likes of Dee Snider or Michael Sweet of Stryper. But then I was listening to posts of Trunk Nation on KZbin where he emphasizes hard rock, metal and glam metal.

[@Holdington]

Might be good to include which year this was, since it was 2005 and not 2016, when you put up the video

[@carlin2235]

Derek for me is the best prog singer ever..

[@railwaystationmaster]

Firstly why do we need and background music ? pearls of wisdom from a genius do not need any distractions, that said great to hear one of the stalwarts of Gentle Giant musing over what is now 50 years of magic .

[@09mrhardabs]

would never have expected a GG interview even on vh1 classic. lame to this day there isnt the slightest hint of a reunion

[@2wayplebney]

Three Friends were brilliant, but Gary became unwell.

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

Never say Never..... So Sincere Derek......

[@rattleshakti]

Potentially great interview made unlistanable due to the crappy background music. Shame.

[@petermitchelldayton]

Old Waldorf in San Francisco 1980. Best. Show. Ever.

[@newtonty]

yes edit the background music out of this

[@sherbetimage1520]

One of my two favorite bands ever. Bought "In a Glass House" when I was 15. Saw them play in Cambridge UK. But I hear a note of sourness here, and not a spark of pleasure and pride. That's sad. Going"commercial" was the worst thing the band could have done. What were they thinking? Was the music not from the heart after all?

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

I think they were forced into it.

[@wendycrawford1792]

I totally agree with everything you’ve said, and you’re right. What were they thinking?

[@jonp4846]

So my original copy of IaGH may be worth something? I think I paid $3 for it back at the record store back in the 70's.

[@mr.kilpatrick2991]

That background music is GREEAAT! Turn it up!!

[@stevearle]

The Business of Music needs to harbour more "cocooning" bands/ artists because it naturally results in original concepts and Gentle Giant were nothing if not a fantastically original group who yes the moniker "progressive" only hints at their breadth and scope. (the last 3 albums notwithstanding).

[@artysanmobile]

Martin, the use of underscore music in an interview video is strictly amateur-hour. I hope you will take my criticism constructively.

[@alanboro]

this guy had a sense of humour back in the day, he was kind of a clown, and here he seems uncomfortable and loose.

[@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive]

Now he's an A&R guy. Makes sense.

[@PattieHD]

That's how capitalism treats artists

[@pilippepine3299]

He was the asshole of the band..no wonder he became A&R.

[@dubuqueblues69]

Wow....I actually see The Bee Gees Mr Natural on vinyl in the background. They should have played that in the background instead of the slightly obnoxious stuff as loud as Derek speaking...... Yes, I love the Bee Gees and I LOVE Gentle Giant too! Wish I had seen this interview when it aired....but amazing that VH-1 would have had something like this on. Steven Wilson's remix of Freehand is sublime!!!! Long Live Gentle Giant!!!!!

[@vbscordinatortlc9378]

One of the biggest frustrations is that these guys never reunited, and the the Shulman Brothers seemingly frowned on the Three Friends project.

[@LuisEduardoGalindo]

1 - Please turn off the unnecessary out of context background music 2- Give Sir Derek a proper chair Recommendation: play the clip at 1.25 or 1.5 speed to undermind the background

[@teleespantoso]

Someone is playing guitar in the background. Can't hear a single word.

[@TheSecondNature]

the interviewer sounds like danny carey from tool

[@ThePlungerboy]

background music is so far from what GG was that the vid is unwatchable

[@rickhorvath]

Being a record exec takes time away from revisiting your former performer self.

[@paulbennett772]

Actually, GG opened for Yes, not vice versa

[@pipreynolds123]

Good interview, horrible sound of the barely audible music in the background... turn it up!

[@davit25]

Why didn't he reference Kerry Minnear?

[@alexanderklausener1258]

Hey - why destroying this wonderful background music by such a bloody interview???

[@burnwash8174]

Horsch ma', bub - dieser Typ bringt ja die Van Halen sounds, aber vollkommen!

[@ШерлокХолмс-т1у8ж]

I'm ❤ Gentle Giant

[@eduardoferreira1963]

Love GG!

[@antoniocuesta4953]

I'm amazed that eddie trunk even knows who derek shulman is, or knows of Gentle Giant.

[@jillsandwitch67]

i like how the longer he talks the more his scottish accent creeps in

[@p-acormier5215]

I don't want to add to all the people complaining about the background music, but dam. It's like someguy thought that freestyle jazz rock would make the guest more into it talking about stuff, instead it's more like pop music in stores; just want to do what you gotta do and then gtfo.

[@gogoyubari366]

I asked Eddie Trunk if he liked prog and he responded by telling me that he didn't care for that kind of music.

[@tixximmi]

Yes the music was annoying. (background) He seemed a bit uncomfortable. But it was good to hear from him.

[@chrischoir3594]

He signed DT

[@XanAxDdu]

ma quanto cazzo è alto l'intervistatore ?

[@pauldavies1710]

'We didn't know what a commercial record was'. Pull the other one mate. "Kites" was a Top 10 hit in the UK Singles Chart in 1967.

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

He meant gentle giant not before

[@sweavenger]

I kinda refuse to believe that they wrote all of Aquiring The Taste only by going into the studio with a click track. I mean that shouldn't be humanly possible, even for Gentle Giant's standard. Yes, while it isn't their most intricate and complicated work, it's still one of their best imo. That just blew me away...

[@LOKJazz]

I wonder if his brothers even talk to him anymore. He abandoned the band on their last US tour, went to Hollywood and became a record exec. Nice...

[@jferkfjkj]

Yes. There’s a photo of the 3 brothers from a year ago

[@gerardleveque3568]

Shut that damn background music OFF!!

[@adarov]

he also signed dream theater!

[@jamesrockford2626]

pantera

[@unicornmama3071]

James Rockford nickelback

[@jamesrockford2626]

Andrea Kurry that was a screwup lol

[@unicornmama3071]

James Rockford not commercially, they were grammy award winning iirc; but Pantera is by far the more significant band. nickelback sucks

[@jamesrockford2626]

Andrea Kurry agreed