Kevin Ayers with Steve Hillage on guitar - Paris Dec 1972

[@johnnybsteelriff]

Always amazed me how Kevin wasn't massive...great songs, witty incisive lyrics -a bit of Lou and a bit of Ray Davies in there....Steve Hillage is great on this bit of film too...marvellous

[@eightyoutube11]

He went over their heads. Not because Ayers was insanely complex and clever, the common man just likes his music real ABC. They like jim morrison poetry.

[@losttango]

I read an appreciation of him somewhere which contained the line (I misquote): "Every time he appeared on the verge of major success he would disappear to somewhere that sun and good wine were plentiful supply".

[@deejannemeiurffnicht1791]

Absolutely. Hillage's reach is so wide, yet tailored tightly around the groove ALWAYS. A shame Hillage doesn't have a rootsy set outlet like this currently. Especially with today's technological advantages he's so good at employing in all his ventures. Saw Kevin with Daevid Allen, mid 90s in Glasgow's King Tuts. Kevin providing a wonderful soulful folksy ground setter for Daevid's very psychedelic godess invoication that night. Very beautiful. Also unofficially starred a Paisley crusty who handed out copious fungus when or if required. Daevid showed skill in facillitating that so dam well.

[@tuffgonggbUNCTION]

KEVIN 'MOJO'❤ AYRES

[@joehardcastle1056]

​@@deejannemeiurffnicht1791can you remember the year? Seen Ayers a couple of times and used to go to King tuts all the time. Think I missed a special night there!

[@keep_it_tidy56]

Brilliant, this is a real gem. Steve Hillage gets a couple of great solos in.

[@peterfreeman6677]

In December 1972 Kevin Ayers went on an extensive French tour (with Archie Leggett, Eddie Sparrow and Steve Hillage, playing as 'Decadence'). He was in Paris or nearby on December 1st, 8th to 14th, 17th and 21st. The performance on the 8th was recorded for a radio show ("Pop Club"), and the one on the 14th at Nanterre was filmed for the "Rockenstock" TV programme on the 30th. Only two songs were broadcast : "Stranger In Blue Suede Shoes" and "Why Are We Sleeping". This then must be from the Nanterre gig on the 14th.

[@borninparis]

It can't be the Nanterre gig. I was there, They played normally on stage, fronting the audience, not like here in circle with the drummer facing him and his mike stand. I also remember they came on stage late, the claim being they had to borrow instruments as the band's gear was still going thru custom from Belgium.

[@alanjohnmarshall4471]

The man they couldn't tame, he loved life, humanity, music. Never surrendered to the bull.

[@milesdufourny4813]

What a fantastic version of "Why Are We Sleeping?"

[@samkimmins]

Wow thank you for posting! I finally got to see Kevin live purely by accident, when he played ‘oh what a dream’ at a Syd Barratt tribute gig at the Barbican, london. Such a hidden gem. Could have been massive but somehow wasn’t - I guess for us fans that makes him seem even more special - our hidden secret

[@byronmusic8723]

I love Kevin. He always attracted great players to join him. Hilliage - great solo-

[@jackelder6047]

I can’t believe everytime I hear the Kevin Ayers fellow I’m astounded… and look - it’s Hillage just …. ….being a guitar player/ fucking love it

[@MartijnHover]

I was a big fan back in the 70s, but never got to see him live. Never realized he was quite a tall dude until KZbin. 🙂

[@annecaro.3956]

This is what we call MUSIC !

[@BillOdyssey]

Magnificent

[@althepalno1164]

The first 2 albums by Soft Machine starred Kevin Ayers, Mike Ratledge, Robert Wyatt and Daevid Allen. Wonderful slice of music history.

[@Elvin_Pelvin]

that is not correct - Kevin was only on the first Soft Machine LP and Daevid Allen did not play on any Soft Machine LP. He was on the very wonderful single 'Love Makes Sweet Music' and there are demo recordings of variable quality and aborted recordings for prospective releases ('Fred the Fish' and 'She's Gone').

[@althepalno1164]

@@Elvin_Pelvin Thanks 👍

[@igorbielinski9718]

@@Elvin_Pelvin Did not DA appear on SM nr 0 - In the beginning. Had it on cassette for almost 40 tears

[@Elvin_Pelvin]

@@igorbielinski9718but that wasn't a 'proper' LP - it was demos recorded in 67 and released on Charly records in the mid 70's - it was a cheap and shoddy release as an example the cover picture showed the line up of Wyatt, Ratledge and Allen but with Elton Dean instead of Kevin Ayers!! (The songs had also previousy been available on the BYG label). It has its charm - Robert Wyatt's voice is especially good and it is interesting to hear early takes on later official releases but the songs are un-developed and some of Daevid Allen's guitar playing is pretty terrible. I would have loved there to have been a properly recorded / produced LP with that line in 1967.

[@HomeOfHappyPixels]

This is one of the most amazing things I’ve seen in a long while! Yet it happened a long while ago…

[@johnmartin5153]

This is friggin awesome ! Love it

[@tonylarossa8445]

Kevin Ayers is one of my favourite wordsmiths. He tells stories in a song, impressive stuff 😉🙏❤️

[@stevestubberfield]

Love it.......fantastic footage Kevin Ayers wow......and i have always been a huge fan of Mr.Hillfish and his guitar playing from KHAN to GONG and also his solo stuff....thanks for this...

[@jpb6013]

Thank you, very much.

[@Simbosan]

The magic touch. Best British guitarist

[@onezitman]

till ollie joined the group!

[@peterolsson3662]

Great Version of why are we sleeping. Very deep lyrics.

[@simonKagree]

Really nice sound mix.

[@Njal55]

What a gem.

[@plumtreecopserecords]

😎just spotted this....Magic....thanks for posting🤓🎼

[@jasonpfinch]

Great to see them together.

[@troycfrantz]

We don't get to hear much of Kevin Ayers, here in the USofA. He reminds me of some aspects of Lou Reed. This is cool! Thank You very much, indeed, Steve!

[@GeorgeHenderson]

Like the Velvet Underground, Kevin's band The Whole Earth included modern experimental sounds, and just as the Velvets had earlier worked with Lamont Young, Kevin in the Soft Machine days had worked with Francois Bayle (French electronic and misique concrete pioneer); also, in 1974 Kevin would connect with Nico and John Cale for a historic recording - making your analogy spot on indeed!

[@wholeworld399]

​@@GeorgeHenderson/ ENO = mc² . . 😊

[@VladDImpala]

​@@wholeworld399 *Kevin also worked with guitarist Andy Summers before Summers joined The Police. Kevin should have been massive, but most people simply don't have good taste in rock and pop music. Also, his drug and alcohol abuse didn't help the situation. RIP Kevin.*

[@wholeworld399]

@VladDImpala / I'm a Bowie, Gabriel, Eno, fan. .as well as K. Ayers, Oldfield, Hillage, etc. .I had a chance to meet John Cale back in the early 80s. .and several of my other heroes. .thanks for your comment. .

[@wholeworld399]

@VladDImpala / I'm aware that Summers was with him also Steve Hillage. Andy was also with the New Animals. .

[@turnerthemanc]

You can hear the seeds of Hillages "sound" working its way into his playing here.

[@philipparsons7364]

Kevin Hillfish !!! Great stuff Ayers & Hillage Wish I was There

[@richardlawton9240]

I loved this. Stranger in blue suede shoes is a hilarious song about the old hippy dream that illicit substances could change the world. I mean, what could happen if you gave a square person a "cigarette"? And then a brilliant version of "Why are we sleeping." This appeared on the first Soft Machine album, where the song was (i feel) swamped Mike Ratledge's keyboards. I think there's a much better dynamic range here, and there's some unsual and beautiful guitar by Steve Hillage. This is a great slice of history of the Canterbury scene.

[@jhjl1]

I love the reference to Jean Sibelius Symphony No. 5 starting at 9:32

[@jhjl1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIO2Z5d_nNOSh6s

[@croiners4166]

Wow!

[@chriscatton705]

This is INCREDIBLE!!

[@guitarbassamp4823]

Brilliant 🎸🎶

[@deafboyone]

Legends

[@stephenbudd3771]

Is the only Pre-Gong footage of Hillage ? Very Velvet Underground…

[@paddas1612]

😊 Thanks for posting 👍

[@philippebyrnes1213]

Thanks! Love Kevin, love Steve.

[@elgonm289]

Absolutely brilliant, thanks for posting 🙏🙏🙏

[@d_walsh]

Yes, thank you very much. ;)

[@dmr9767]

1:35 absolutely stunning!!

[@273brown]

Fantastic footage ! Thank you very much for posting. Made my day!

[@docnflossie7351]

Amazing

[@Liz00772]

Adoro ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Wow , when you consider that Hillage , Oldfield and Halsall all played in various KA line ups he certainly knew talent

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

I had that same shirt bassist is wearing in 72-73.

[@croiners4166]

Wow!❤

[@gb5uq]

And remember folks, whatever she brings..... we sing, OK 😄

[@kellymelrose8527]

i wish he'd done an autobiography ...it would have been great

[@dragisaantic6568]

❤❤❤

[@Geops108]

Why ARE we sleeping?!💥

[@Elvin_Pelvin]

I have heard that Steve Hillage was not happy in this combo largely because alcohol was also a prominent member of the band. Anyway he would soon jump ship and join up with Gong. He must have been drawn into the Gong circle partly because of (relative to Ayers song structures) musical freedom they offered and the associated psychedelic drugs. Gong's 'The Flying Teapot' LP was released in May 1973. The recording must have been done in the first quarter of 1973 [quote from wiki] 'According to Daevid Allen, "Steve Hillage arrived eventually, but there wasn't a lot of space left. He played some rhythmick wa wa [sic], some jazzy chords and a spacey solo on 'Flying Teapot'."

[@markfarmer979]

Well of course Ayers himself had been far more experimental in Soft Machine (thanks for spotting my idiotic Soft Cell error). Ayers next guitarist was Ollie Halsall and then Andy Summers toured with him. Mike Oldfield played both bass and guitar at different times. You would hardly say that Ayers was short of excellent musicians.

[@Elvin_Pelvin]

​@@markfarmer979 and he remained experimental (with the emphasis on 'mental') on his LPs up to and including 'The Confessions of Dr Dream'. Also Kevin Ayers himself had briefly joined Gong in 1971. [by the way I'd like to hear Kevin Ayers with Soft Cell!!! ahem!!! - of course when / if you do correct your post my little hint won't make any sense at all]

[@keltyk]

bass player Archie was from Glasgow. It was a hard drinking city and he looked like a drinker. Kevin, of course was very very fond of booze. The drummer would've been into a drink too, maybe, if he kept company like that.

[@amyokaya8669]

Who’s on bass? Loving the groove on Blue Suede Shoes.

[@gidouille]

Archie Legget I think.

[@BitterScene1]

Kevin always attracted the best musicians to play with him . . . including it seems King Charles II and the b*stard lovechild of Ronnie Wood and Lovejoy.

[@roryosullivan5278]

Growing to like Kevin Ayers. Hillside Village is God...

[@Olegzyan]

kick ass rock!

[@choppado]

Archie Leggett on bass, **Eddie Sparrow on drums, there doesn't seem to be a keyboard player as far as I can tell

[@steveh77]

Actually it is Eddie Sparrow on drums ☀️

[@choppado]

@@steveh77 You're right! I should have been paying more attention to the drumming style than the fuzzy picture

[@anthonybowers7571]

English Lou Reed or American Kevin Ayers ? seeing this now provoked the thought :)

[@MJK4444]

What is the name of the first song here? I love it!

[@xrayspectator]

"Stranger in Blue Suede Shoes". You will find the studio version of this song on the album Whatevershebringswesing

[@c.chelseathedog7987]

Glance the live version with Ollie Halsall on the guitar ! I ´m sure you ´ll love it too ! From deep south of France, C.& Chelsea the Dog. 🐉🔬🐲

[@pressureworks]

Steve Hillfish !

[@psevin2]

Just prior to the recording of Bananamour?

[@steveh77]

After the recording of Banamour. That was done in London prior to the French tour where this was recorded ☀️

[@pressureworks]

Someone was obsessed with extreme close ups.

[@LULLYxoxo]

What is the name of the song at 9:26?

[@steveh77]

Hi the song is "Why Are We Sleeping" - the specific bit that starts at 9:26 is an improvised instrumental section.

[@roxaneandphilipgrim5980]

I keep hearing lou reed!

[@c.chelseathedog7987]

Kevin Ayers …!!!! The kind of guy,that even if you ´re a guy you go with …;Direct !! 🖐😀🦊…pop …⁉️

[@HippieDavid61]

Yes he should have been much bigger😊

[@ryannelson1666]

What’s that first song?

[@anyanikolaeva9619]

“Stranger In Blue Suede Shoes” off Kevin’s 1971 album “Whatevershebringswesing”.

[@outtathyme5679]

Sounds a bit like VU’s I’m Waiting for my Man

[@canterburied]

a little bit of gong

[@keltyk]

Hillage was pretty good by then, but he was a mis-match for this band. A bit overkill really; a bit too proggy for Kev and the guys. Ollie Halsall was perfect

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Drummer ?

[@deejannemeiurffnicht1791]

Pretty much what Velvet Underground and 13th Floor Elevators had already been acheiving from the mid 1960's. Nice to see UK and Aussie guys ''get' it. Such a pity psychadelic rockabilly R&B never got given much of a chance outwith Creadence copy-cats.

[@tuffgonggbUNCTION]

Gitaarrrr,RiFFMieStAR

[@dirkcampbell5847]

Hillage's virtuosity outshines Ayre's simplicity by a long way.

[@eightyoutube11]

Other way around

[@milesdufourny4813]

Ayers' "simplicity" is the hook of the song, Hillage's "virtuosity" is for decoration.

[@stogjol]

they compliment each other -- each & every musician on this & the songs --indeed why are we sleeping?

[@markgardner1020]

Hillage! All that hair...

[@satyagraha3564]

A hippies ,,,,,hippy. !!!

[@royferguson3909]

The best Keven fact is he is from Herne Bay . we are all as cool as fuck Herne Bay is the best😅

[@lw1zfog]

Planet Thanet though

[@tuffgonggbUNCTION]

Jimi Hendrix shoe rubbed off on KEVIN,

[@rod9050]

Kevin ayers sounded a bit shaky steve hillage saved the day

[@joeturner8368]

What an insane thing to say after watching this. I love Hillage's playing, but Kevin Ayers is amazing in this video... it could've been almost anybody on lead guitar amd this would still be an incredible show.