Gentle Giant - Knots & Octopus Features - Live 1974

[@jamiepastman5594]

this performance proves they are the most original band of all time, nobody sounds anything like them

[@1359401]

Also prooves they/are were the greatest band ever

[@jamiepastman5594]

@@1359401 yep

[@jitkafarina3841]

I concur.

[@EpicMetalTime]

Gary Green is the most underrated guitarist ever, his bluesy riffs is my favorite thing about GG, also the bass lines are very original and well played.. heck, everything about them is great

[@frankpatterson2025]

IT's frikkin' Celtic Rock, before U2 and Simple Minds, only they were infinitely more talented and infinitely more adventurous. the acoustic sections are definitely, with the pan flute, seeing shadows on the stones at Stonehenge, alright. Live acoustic to ripping electric, seemlessly

[@synthonaplinth5980]

While Gary is great I would say that Allan Holdsworth is the most underrated guitarist ever.

[@Claytone-Records]

And Gary seems to be rocking a Yamaha acoustic here.

[@gavinbowie452]

No Other Band Could Touch The Giant!

[@Rupert14]

Gary Green is one of my guitar heroes.

[@cleitontiktok7376]

R.I.P Ray Shulman

[@chungiemunchin]

I saw them live when they were opening for Jethro Tull and I will say that anyone there that evening were awe inspired by this band! Waves of the crowd would stand up spontaneously and without warning after a display of incredible virtuosity or tightness by the band. When they played low, you could hear a pin drop in the hall. The crowd was on the edge of their seats throughout this band's performance. Keep in mind, most of the crowd had never heard of them before that night!

[@rohmer50]

I saw them open for Tull too. One of the best concerts I've ever attended.

[@thekeywitness]

A Giant-Tull double bill must have been a glorious night out.

[@jurgennaeve3897]

so ging es mir auch, als "Vorgruppe" von JT und ich war total hin und weg, selten danach in meinem langen Konzertleben eine bessere Liveband (vielleicht Elbow) gesehen. War das 1972oder 1973???

[@iamdamosuzuki_]

Ngl I feel like Gentle Giant would be a very hard band to follow up, even for Jethro Tull

[@dr.joelnathanson2450]

Nearly 50 years later, their music still sounds fresh, contemporary and original. One of my all-time favorite bands.

[@christianparent5591]

Giant was and will ever be the most unique, creative, powerful, funky, colorful band in the history of rock, progressive rock. Nothing compares to these guys, live or studio. Saw them 5 or 6 times in Montreal which seems to have been a regular stop in the 70's for them. Still have some vivid memories of those incredible shows.

[@jamminjoseph]

I do too, I saw them too back in the day, 4 shows over a several year period that were all top flight, with great sound. The audiences and I were always stoked, I'm not surprised they are still picking up fans!

[@tixximmi]

Except Zappa. This was done in '74. Listen to Roxy and Elsewhere, also around 74. (live album) No comparison. But I still like GG.

[@graemeyetts3465]

I love Yes, King Crimson, Barclay James Harvest, Genesis etc etc and saw them all. PFM, FOCUS CWOAB, Dream Theater FLOYD and ELP. This all British group are and were the greatest but made no real money 🙄 They should have been called GENIUS GIANT.

[@tixximmi1]

I would give that to Zappa but certainly a group that was uniquely unique. Their shows were always good and interesting. Sometimes the audience were like deer's staring into the headlights. Seems like GG is getting their fame today rather than 50 years ago. Always a fun band to watch.

[@gringochucha]

Man I envy you so much. Would’ve loved to see them live. No other band compares ❤

[@michaelspadaro6]

it's such a damn shame these lads never had the same level of recognition or fame as jethro......but honestly, most of the best music is never the most popular.

[@tixximmi1]

Or Zappa. But both groups respected GG.

[@martinbrodie8507]

What a phenomenal duet by Gary and Phil!

[@1359401]

gary and ray not phil

[@matheus.l.rego6]

Possibly the best perfomance of prog rock bands

[@tlatol12345]

Did you see Focus - Hamburger Concerto (Don Kirsner's Rock Concert 1974)?

[@tlatol12345]

Also: Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Pictures at an Exhibition (Full) Live 1970 - Remastered

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

He did say possibly? Genesis on Belgian pop shop 1972 is a particular fave of mine.

[@hNsGregrz]

Possibly yes. Though, King Crimson is till touring, and to see 3 drummers play in 13/8 with a cello tuned guitar, a normal guitar (who also sings), together with a guy who plays almost any instrument you can blow into is pretty special as well. It's hard to say one thing is better than the other, but gentle giant certainly was very, very special.

[@matheus.l.rego6]

@@hNsGregrz Yeah King Crimson def should be mentioned, their old live perfomances were great, but i am sooo fucking addict to the new ones with 3 drummers.

[@chungiemunchin]

i AM SO GLAD THAT WE HAVE THIS BAND DOCUMENTED ON VIDEO! I have found that when I try to tell people just how incredible this band was live, no words in the English dictionary exist to amply describe them. But with these videos of them live, well...a picture worth a thousand words. I saw them live and to this day, it was the best concert I have ever seen. And that was in 1973!

[@lucasgarcia-lm4pr]

Que suerte has tenido de ver en vivo a estos maestros. Unos genios!!!!!

[@Adibarum]

when it come to making Progressive Music these guys are top of the food chain..absolutely Brilliant

[@jamiepastman5594]

yes, they are the greatest, I agree

[@tonymain341]

Ray Shulman was a gentle giant, brilliant human being and musician, he will be surely missed by all..😎👍

[@building436]

How cool they are to solve such a musically difficult "task"! Fascinating! RIP Ray Shulman. What a great musician

[@camilobedex]

I didnt know that you could rock so hard with an acoustic guitar.

[@Herreken]

That part was awesome.

[@minimalizam006]

There is NO SIMILAR BAND like Gentle Giant! Rare and genious! THEY RULEEE!!!!

[@jamiepastman5594]

yessir!

[@Lapatusia]

Simply the VERY BEST 70s PROGRESSIVE EXPERIMENTAL GROUP ever. Nothing comes close in musicianship and creativity

[@Olegzyan]

they demonstrate state of the art and top of the line musicianship. unparalleled band. no doubt about that.

[@philipatoz]

These guys thought much more like an orchestra and chorus than they ever did a rock band. And while they were undoubtedly prodigies, they always focused on enhancing the track, as opposed to merely showing off their chops. And the amazing thing is that were able to make all those little quirky bits, odd noodlings and time signatures fit the overall songs - which has a lot to do with what made GG really special and so much fun to watch and listen to. What a ton of talent they had! They were never huge rock stars, always had more of a cult following, but boy, do they ever have an amazing musical legacy to be proud of!

[@HochaPocha]

This perfomance is just the best thing I've ever heard, even better than the studio version...those guys are genius

[@TheMaxriver]

met these guys in Quebec City in 1973. The show was the 'big bang' in my musical head. I love the drummer even more. He is an 'insane saint'.

[@morado666]

The kings of experimental proggressive rock !!!

[@gringochucha]

These guys always had killer riffs.

[@christophergazeent2121]

Did my Music Theory IV final project on this song :)

[@MrEmafon4]

Was it a research of some sort ?

[@VoluntaristJAM]

Cool! How well was it received by the prof and class?

[@alejandrocorona1766]

@@VoluntaristJAM well, this may be a hint of how GG is going down on young people kzbin.info/www/bejne/opWtgH-EoZVoac0

[@MaysMusic1]

Yo broooooo this is gonna sound like an odd request. But can I get that project?

[@MaysMusic1]

Not using it or anything lol I’m just hoping you wrote out the music for the guitar duet

[@flopesmello]

R.I.P. Ray Shulman. You'll be missed, indeed!

[@NickEvans-u4q]

One of my favorite live performances. RIP Ray Shulman.

[@jurgennaeve3897]

by far one of the greatest Live Bands of all time!

[@2wayplebney]

The creative rivalry between Gary and Ray is splendid to behold. As is the gurning.

[@stargate1555]

It's no wonder nobody covers Gentle Giant. Ever.

[@Bunny99s]

You can find many covers on YT :) Though you're right that no bigger band would cover GG as they are too niche and too unique.

[@stargate1555]

@@Bunny99s I'm 70 years old. Took piano lessons in the early 1960's in elementary school. Choir and band drums in junior high late 1960's. Fully accomplished percussionist in High School circa 1970's. I studied music theory, music performance, music literature, and music composition at NTU 1970's. I'm a progressive and rock band drummer, guitarist, flutist, and keyboardist for the last 5 decades circa 1970's-2020's. I have my own style and I'm quite accomplished musically......but I don't dare try to replicate or even try cover Gentle Giant....they're out of my league. Yup, I have all their albums and I have drawn inspiration from their music. Gentle Giant is kind of "out there" and that's what drew me into their stuff in the first place. I do however have some cool compositions and works of my own.......♫♪♪♪♪♪♫ Peace/rockn' Roll

[@stephm-p2839]

Love Giant! saw them many times back in the 70s! No-one like them.. RIP Ray

[@alanconrad8490]

Saw them LIVE back then....can you say PHENOMENAL ????

[@martinbrodie8507]

Saw them at Atlanta's FOX Theater in '77. Epic!

[@zeuhlgirl]

Thank you so muy ray ,rest in peace

[@stephanebelleau]

This live rendition is just incredibly enjoyable.

[@josephbunone6126]

One of the greatest Progressive Rock bands since the British Invasion , each musician plays multiple instruments. They rock on forever .

[@ulfingvar1]

Absolutely brilliant!!!!!!! Most undeservedly underrated band of the 70s. Thank God they seem to have found a new audience in our musically drained times.

[@maximemailloux9680]

ulfingvar1 i have 29 years old and have discover by myself GG at the âge of 13 with my best friend. They are the best prog band ever and still my favorite group !

[@progisloveprogislife4501]

Gentle giant forever ma dude

[@monos33]

Acoustic masterpiece. This stuff is just brilliant.

[@DX7036]

4:41 - when you finally gain the courage to speak to the girl you like but she doesn't even notice you.

[@horseyhorselips3501]

Hahahahaha yeah, I went to the pharmacy today and I heard the lady pharmacist mention my name as I'm walking up about 20 feet away. And as I get to the window to drop off my empty scrips, I hear her say "Speaking of the Devil" oh GOD what did I do now. If I wasn't so old and have so many medical issues, I'd ask her out, maybe I'll do it anyways, even if she says No. She Is the Most Beautiful Woman I ever set my Eye's ON.

[@Pauly421]

Still better than never having tried my man.

[@lilacrain3283]

Michael Orzolick Do it Michael! Shoot that shot!

[@zackzallie8735]

Prog rock memes are the best!

[@yadaidiott]

this rendition is incredible i watch this multiple times every day and i hope to play at the level of them someday

[@jamiepastman5594]

that's awesome man, keep at it! There is nothing better in life than to be a powerful musician in full control of your instrument. Nothing else in life will ever give you the feeling of joy that you get when you master your instrument, and play with others who have too. Nothing, I guarantee

[@WalterSobchak1000]

I could have listened to hours of Gary & Ray on those acoustic guitars, magical talent

[@ronkozlowski8169]

The tubes without the theater. Still good toons/tunes.

[@RonF-q3l]

I loved The Tube's! They're not even in the same Library with Gentle Giant.........

[@thomasberlinghoff2416]

GOD.....I used to love seeing these guys. Never a letdown. Some of the best talent & “Showmanship” ever!

[@tykle666]

Their musicianship is outstanding! It's amazing how tight they are.

[@frankpatterson2025]

Came from living together and practicing 16 hours a day for 2 1/2-3 years depending on who you believe. And I believe either one. They tried to change with the times. YES stayed the course. ELP wavered, Rush was from Canada (Tea Party, too, even more "progressive", but no honorable mention) QOTSA are probably the closest to being prog. TCV was DEFINITELY Prog, on deaf M'F ears. That stuff was flawless.

[@gerrymcfarlane2615]

Good grief. Stunning playing. And writing. Decades ahead of everybody.

[@nicksimms3771]

Derek's face at 1:47 when the harmony fails 😂

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Nick Simms he isn’t impressed lol

[@jehki-sammeli]

Not even bad, look Kerry's face at 1:12 when he thought something went wrong :D

[@thewordofgord]

Believe me friends, i saw them here in Toronto four times between 73 and 76 and they were this good every time. Immaculate precision matched with fierce rock energy. wordofgord

[@jerroldreams9106]

These guys rocked. RIP Ray Shulman 1949-2023.

[@Huija]

Still ahead of their time!! Bring back the 70's!!!!

[@ozuidema]

Stunning how they manage to play this complex music live. They even deviate significantly from the studio versions and still make them sound fantastic, in spite of the fact that this is very much “composed” rather than “improvised” music. The should be referred to in the same breath with Mozart and Beethoven.

[@jamiepastman5594]

yes, they rewrote much of their material for live, rocked it much harder. The highlight of their shows was always hearing how they rearranged their classic tunes, it was always a huge thrill

[@teddingtontcu]

The only solution is a time machine!

[@thegreatmuta]

People will be watching this in 100 years time and their jaws will still be dropping!

[@dalespencer657]

The challenge is, whilst appreciating this magic and wonder… keeping a straight face. 😊

[@deluge71]

Amazing performance!

[@georgebirch5635]

Wow, do I sure miss these guys! Alot of current musicians should be embarrassed!

[@stonyhil]

Simply brilliant 😎🙏♥️👍

[@suphiresa]

16 dislikes? I don' t understand, perhaps they are right, because this music is pure art! The greatest band ever in the Universe.

[@1359401]

+suphi diner 16 misguided clueless punks you are absolutely a gazillion percent correct-GENTLE GIANT is/was the greatest most underated band ever in the universe

[@robertovillelaneto4464]

18*

[@olddoggeleventy2718]

kanye...lol he hates eveything....like mikey used to....lol

[@fetteshice]

Perhaps art isn't just what you do not understand or cannot listen to.

[@markproctor8857]

Probably the Little Mix generation who know feck all about real music.

[@dougquidam1258]

Brilliant. Octopus is my favourite GG album. But to see and hear live footage. Awesome.

[@FoxtronInk]

A piece of art for us to enjoy.

[@WinstonGuitar]

Even among Prog circles, they really never get their due.

[@arno-luyendijk4798]

That remains a matter of debate. On the one hand, you have the prog bands who here and now, or many times make it to the commercial public by finding something between artistic challenge and ear-friendly accessibiliy. On the other hand, and I think you have to share GG amongst those, you have the musician-musicians who shun commercial qualities and go for a complete musical challenge. Sometimes that is a little too much for many ears used to a little more mainstream chord melodies, but GG never seemed to make a point of that small success (see for many quotes from the members during their existence on that). However, I share myself to musician-related prog fans, and from the first moment I heard and taped the Three Friends album, this band continued to fascinate and challenge me. Well, that is my part of loving music. It may be this music is too difficult for others to grasp: well, I won't treat them less for it. Each one to his own.

[@PattieHD]

These guys were actually progressive. Not progressive™, as Yes or Genesis, but actual progressive artistic minds who so happened to love rock and roll

[@WinstonGuitar]

@@PattieHD You are correct - back in the day, they really rocked out in their concerts, with song structures that allowed for some serious jamming. Yes, did that occasionally, i.e. the extended ending of Starship Trooper with Steve's 3-chord rock-out, but seldom.

[@PattieHD]

Don't get me wrong, I adore Yes, Howe is one of my favourite guitar players out there, but I don't see them as progressive musicians. I see them as Progressive Rockers, if you know what I mean. When "progressive rock" becomes a label, it stops being progressive. It becomes a to-do list to be "prog", songs have to be long, sound in a certain way and have very particular elements that make it a progressive song. That's bollocks if you ask me, and it's totally ok if they wanna do it that way, but why call it "progressive" when it really isn't? Of the popular musicians, I'd say Gentle Giant, King Crimson and Zappa are the most worthy of the "progressive" *title*, not label

[@iluvpepi]

That duel acoustic guitar section ❤️‍🔥

[@jcaster2000]

This is pretty amazing...damn I love this band...

[@Olegzyan]

The Lonely Rocker likes this band. It's merely superb!

[@simonfuller7331]

Superb musicians, saw them several times at college gigs in and around London in the 70's. Want an unusual time signature? Look no further than Gentle Giant!

[@maximemailloux9680]

My best band ever and im 29. Genious music !!!

[@1359401]

They are/were the greatest most criminally underated band ever

[@dougquidam1258]

Wow! Amazing version. One of my favourite albums. Frank Zappa mentioned in an Acid Rock magazine interview that this was one of his faves at the time, so I checked it out.

[@jamiepastman5594]

Yes he did. The only 2 bands Zappa ever said he liked were Gentle Giant and Allan Holdsworth.

[@Stevesupcom]

One of the best bands ever.

[@groverbaker6404]

The most fantastic band we ever saw!! Simply phenomenal!! 1972 with tull...incredible..thanks for a Killer video

[@jperryfan]

This is all about interplay and composition. Not jamming, I like both. The difference is one wrong note and everyone knows it.

[@TheYopogo]

If music has two purposes, expression and exploration, this is the ultimate example of the latter.

[@mohitoness]

you can't have one without the other brother... it's good because it has both

[@spacechickurantian5794]

I hope your not saying that gg's music is emotionless. I find it very moving.

[@beyondz55]

I got 1,300 vinyl and GG records are some of my favorite. The live album Playing the Fool is one of the best live records of all time! Excerpts from Octopus is a spectacular live arrangement of album highlights. Truly one of the greatest bands of all time.

[@mioluce]

this is probably the greatest thing i have ever heard. And I've been listening to these guys for more than 2 years

[@freedom_aint_free]

Totally dope harmony!

[@gamesdonovan7666]

baianoise totally for sure dude! word to your mother!

[@TheGameNoire]

Gentle giant fan and an ancap? You don't see that too often.

[@smorrow]

@@TheGameNoire I wouldn't be surprised if Woods liked GG...

[@piccolina721]

Saw them live, they were switching instruments among one another, while performing, multi- talented they played 5 different instruments each, they rank #3 in my all time favorite bands !! IMHO

[@VoluntaristJAM]

Fabulous! The acoustic interlude is a real treat.

[@tonyrome3119]

will there ever be such talent and musicianship as this again?

[@davesantos]

Ray & Gary duelling chords is such a beautiful thing to watch... This band was really made of giants.

[@beatnik1954]

Long time favorite since '73.

[@grainy8films]

I saw these guys and it was AWESOME, Gary Green is a great player! They’re all great players!

[@HasenBinSober]

I saw this band twice and I wish they would get together so I could see them again. They were incredible!

[@bubbaz7064]

Simply fantastic.

[@theloniousratledge8835]

Grande creatività del rock progressivo, questi erano i grandi Gentle Giant, molto popolari in Italia 45 anni fa.

[@joshtowers4860]

1:43 and Derek's like WHICH ONE OF YOU FUCKED IT

[@1359401]

+Josh Towers To me it looks like derek didnt hold his vocal part long enough or cut it short because everyone else is still singing-No big deal either way-still damm great

[@joshtowers4860]

+1359401 I think it was actually cause Gary or Kerry's bass harmony was a little flat, that's why he made that face and stopped short. Derek was most likely the choir boy of the lot, so the bass root of a chord being flat is probably blasphemy to him haha.

[@joshtowers4860]

+1359401 I think it was actually cause Gary or Kerry's bass harmony was a little flat, that's why he made that face and stopped short. Derek was most likely the choir boy of the lot, so the bass root of a chord being flat is probably blasphemy to him haha.

[@kennywowie]

good call, I vote Kerry off a bit though he is my all-time favorite. Such an incredible piece of writing and performing. My bro and I were the only people I knew for years who were into these guys though others were...we didn't know them. GG was our secret band I guess.

[@fbird-nn9jq]

There are only a few bands I've come to like so much. I can't forget the impact of the first time I watched it at a record store called "CD Corner" in Osaka. It's a band I still love.

[@olddoggeleventy2718]

These guys were great...still are. My brain hurts trying to wrap my mind around the music, the progressions, the musicianship. It was more than progressive, at least to me it was. Yes, Malmsteen, and yes even Frank Zappa ( who I adore.) were hard pressed to be as classy as GG. IMHO. Have a nice day you all !

[@jabr6349]

Finalmente encontrei o que minha alma procurou por tanto tempo. Estou emocionado! Finally I found what my soul has been looking for for so long, I am excited.

[@alanFconrad]

I love Gentle Giant....creativity at its' finest

[@sarahbrightly4307]

The bassist is fantastic.

[@alekseydaniloff1987]

Честно признаться, я некоторых групп таких, как Gentle Giant, не знал. Спасибо современной рок-музыке, в целом бездарной, что невольно приходится обращаться к старине и открывать для себя новое. Один из моих любимых альбомов

[@morvelification]

i love how you can hear gary through the mic toward the end and in the duet amazing

[@kingcurry6594]

I find it almost inconceivable that they could play this live.

[@josephdurbin8736]

Gary Green on guitar moved to the United States and has lived in the small city Princeton, IL since 198. He plays with a few local bands. A lot of great music from the Illinois area. Too bad no one wanted to try Prog Rock.

[@U2WB]

My all time favorite band.

[@1359401]

The greatest most criminally underated band ever

[@JamBear]

These guys are incredibly talented. They all play like 4 or 5 instruments. Now we have miley cyrus.

[@maraboo72]

But at that time we also had Gary Glitter. I'm not sure if it was so much better than MC.

[@JamBear]

maraboo72 For sure. There are plenty of talented artists around today, but they seem to more and more be swamped out by personalities rather than actual talent.

[@61pokepi]

Gentle Giant weren't very popular back then if I recall correctly

[@AwalAhmadFadhillah]

Funny things for me because I am not into the 'usual' type of prog like YES or ELP. I am more into Haken/Native Construct type, and finding this brought undefinitable joy of happiness ;-;

[@VoluntaristJAM]

Lol - don't remind us - we're here to revel in the past!

[@PinkeMar]

INCOMPARÁVEL ESTE SOM PROGRESSIVO ATONAL, PURO ROCK...

[@frankpatterson2025]

No habla espanol, y'all! But I agree with everything you said!

[@PepeLuguillo]

@@frankpatterson2025 He is talking portuguese, although portuguese and spanish are similar

[@HGPTW]

Saw them live - they really were this good!!

[@totonto]

In 1979 I was working with Nash the Slash and FM. Nash said "These guys are touring Canada, can you handle it? " The Giant, uh yeah. Best, most talented band I ever worked with.

[@mejsjalv]

Gotta be fair with music nowadays. Or ever. It's never fair to compare commercial pop music to Gentle Giant. What we see here is an oddity. The level of musical skill here is so off the charts high it's borderline ridiculous On top of that they pull it off live. Pretentious? No way. It's not as if they're "faking it", pretending to be something they're not.

[@frankpatterson2025]

+10k

[@jesusvazquezvega5622]

Unas de mis bandas preferidas del rock progresivo los maestros gentle giants los mejores.

[@dustindeleon8667]

Check out Once and Future Band for your faith in modern music restored

[@SurreyMan0409]

I’m a pretty good musician (so I’m told) but the level of GG was truly extraordinary. I can imagine one person thinking it might be fun to write songs in polyrhythms, but for five people to share this understanding, and to be able to play that way, is almost beyond belief. I’m a fan of Keith Emerson and Patrick Moraz, but GG are way beyond them. Unless there’s another band I haven’t heard of (I’m 65!), then GG were and remain the absolute pinnacle of not just rock, but any musical genre.

[@dr.phantom5147]

I saw them twice in Montreal in the 70s.It was jaw-dropping

[@trishchips6188]

Absolute class..!!!

[@alanmclean5151]

Memories of old days

[@adrianbeaumont6745]

GG are a force to be reckoned with. They're out on their own. Genius 🎶❤

[@jethrobeto]

Fantástico!! Wonderfull!!

[@MarceloCaldi]

I'm a great fan of this group!!!!! Amazing....