An Interview with Derek Shulman of Gentle Giant

[@1359401]

The greatest most criminally underated band ever

[@ralphmarrone3130]

Absolutely!

[@1359401]

@@ralphmarrone3130 Oh god yeah f yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@spriggan3935]

Not so underrated... in the Seventies they were VERY popular in continental Europe and particularly in Italy... their albums reached the charts. And I see / hear many new bands that write stuff very Giant related. So...

[@1359401]

@@spriggan3935 Compared to all the album sales, radio airplay, promotions and accolades/recognition of other bands of the day like yes elp jethro tull genesis king crimson pink floyd etc etc hell yeah they were criminally underated-they should have been a lot bigger noticed and respected than all those bands and then some. Glad to see they are getting more of the respect and recognition they deserve these days though

[@peterduff3082]

100 % agree

[@daegabmusic59]

Gentle Giant: one of the best things that happened to music ...ever!

[@a.s.vanhoose1545]

Easily

[@jeddak]

Interesting to note that SAGA, one of my favourite prog bands, was heavily influenced and inspired by Gentle Giant. There's definitely a lot of fun rhythmic complexity in their music which harkens back to GG.

[@jeddak]

9:30 ironic that the multi tracks for _In A Glass House_ - the favourite of many fans, including myself - are missing.😢

[@1359401]

@@jeddak I saw an interview with their bass player Jim chricton(Not sure if i spelled that last name right)he said GG is/was the greatest band ever

[@1359401]

@@jeddakI I have seen interviews and read articles of the sagas lead singer and bassist saying indeed they like/love GG-for the record i also like saga

[@chazblitz]

You just don't see bands like Gentle Giant pop up. They were one in a million.

[@TheVinylGuru]

chazblitz FOR REAL.

[@NikolaiDubinin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpjZlXewo8SSf68

[@knightvisioniixv]

This is *really* unbelievable. One of my favorite content creators actually conversing with the singer multi-instrumentalist, founder (and later, manager) for one of my top favorite bands, ever. Mr. Shulman looks great. Overall, I'm so glad to see GG getting *so* much love, even if it's happening long after the band ended. I'm practically speechless.

[@PixieSpright]

You so took the words out of my mouth. Pete is doing such great things, especially recently. And GG... I can't even try to express.

[@1359401]

@@PixieSpright I will express it for you-the greatest most legendary genius criminally underated band ever.

[@Bruford79]

"True it looks better, tide looks like turning, So all in all we feel we are alright"!!!!!!!

[@jazzandrocknroll3235]

Awesome interview! Gentle Giant are one of the best bands ever, simply untouchable prog with beyond mind-blowing musicianship!

[@MusicMan73790]

I love GG. And, I love "CIVILIAN"!!!!! They rocked in a great way on that LP. Some wonderful stuff on Civilian.

[@leebaker9300]

Gentle Giant are incredible, even though many times they made me feel like throwing my bass into the wall. They were jaw-dropping instrumentalists and I cannot count how many times in my life people have walked into the room and seen me with headphones on, seemingly in a trance (probably drooling a little bit) and asking what the heck I was listening to. I would unplug the jack to show them - 3 1/2 bars in, they understood. Their sheer brilliance will ensure their status as survivors. Thank you Pete and Derek. All the best to you both during this difficult period. Keep on bringin' the smiles! We all think of Gentle Giant with kindness. Straight up truth.

[@moethemoon]

I relate to it making me want to throw my bass on the wall SO MUCH. They’re amazing

[@RaphaeladeOliveira]

Fantastic interview, Derek seems to be a wonderful human being! Thank you for sharing this moment with us! Waiting for Proclamation !!

[@mariov1347]

Gentle Giant, one of the greatest bands i know. This is music.

[@redlinenantlersstudio6076]

I want to participate in the competition but I have a boxed set already. I'd love another one but somebody else deserves it. I really just want Derek to know that he has participated in music that a new generation is reaching. I'm 17 and he has inspired to me to make my own music, and I want nothing more than for them just to hear the music. I don't want major recognition, I just want my heroes to know what they have meant to me.

[@Dragineez774]

And THAT is the highest compliment ever. Pursue that dream. You have fine mentors.

[@Secretrealmtube]

Brilliant! I have just collected up all 11 studio albums. 2 of which proved to be quite hard to source. Binge listening to them daily. All the best Pete and Derek!

[@michelleangers342]

Wonderful!!! Thank you so much for bringing Mr. Shulman to us.

[@Ghoopty]

“Let’s not try to be a band we’re not.” Respect.

[@Ghoopty]

That’s what I hear. It is sad. I’ve specifically avoided those albums because of their reputation. But you gotta admit, they held out for a long time. It had to be hard to be a prog rock band on a major label in the late 70s. Times they were....uh.......changing.

[@jeffersoncamargo3738]

One of the bands I've been listening the most in the past one year or so. Each listening is a new song within that song. Unique band!

[@danieleliseev2847]

I'm sorry that I was able to watch this interview with a delay of about two months! But better late than never. :) Derek Shulman is an extremely charismatic person and I can listen to him for hours. I absolutely share his opinion that the album Civilian is a really good album and I don't understand why a lot of Gentle Giant fans don't appreciate it properly.

[@paulayers1111]

This is WONDERFUL

[@kieranbolton4826]

Started listening the Gentle Giant after hearing them on Fish’s Radio show a few years ago. I initially thought they were quite a difficult listen. Then I watched them play on KZbin, saw the brilliance and now can’t get enough of them.

[@JeremyVaughanPostcards]

Power and the Glory is my favourite. Started listening to Gentle Giant about a year ago.

[@josecandal9412]

Amazing interview! Thanks Pete, Gentle Giant is one of the best prog-Rock bands that ever existed, one of my favorites. This is a treasure, thanks again!

[@francoisrochette3808]

It's great to watch Derek so humble and in very great shape. Also talking about the others guy's in the band and their contributions. Saw them many times live. Also had the chance to met them back stage. Very nice people. Best live act I had ever seen. They were truly all magical musicians and Derek was a hell of a show man kind of Chief orchestra dress in Merlin the Wizard. He was unique and so great to watch. Now I hope that the new remastering of the original albums made for the Treasure Box set will be available as a stand alone. I have been told that the not necessary compression from the last remasters has been remove and that we finally got a audiophile sound. Thanks for the excellent interview.

[@pernauldthevisch5907]

Best band of all time!!!!!!

[@edwardcratty638]

Saw the band open for Jethro Tull, 2 different times. After the first time I went to local record store and ordered all 3 of the first albums....They did very well with Tull audiences...Jethro Tull seemed to go out of their way to promote the band and help them sound great.

[@ghiaman65]

Edward Cratty Here, too. Saw them open for Tull in Chicago, 1972. Awesome concert.

[@rohmer50]

I saw that show in New Haven. Incredible.

[@joelestes2257]

IA always had a lot of resect for the Giant. In fact in a 1991 interview he mentioned this: I did actually call Derek Shulman with regard to a possible reformation of Gentle Giant with a view to playing a few concerts together with Tull. As I expected, he did not think that it would be possible but, as I equally expected he was very, very pleased to be asked. I am sure all the boys from Gentle Giant are most flattered of the longstanding interest and affection demonstrated by their numerous fans in many countries. I am happy for them. The entire inview can be seen here gentlegiantmusic.com/GG/Ian_Anderson_interview_regarding_Gentle_Giant

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Thank you for your review with Derek Shulman of Gentle Giant.🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@Exterwin74]

Amazing ! Great to see this genious

[@bmardon2112]

Power and the Glory is absolutely outstanding, excellent choice Mr Shulman.

[@therealslipperman8700]

Just found this interview today. Thanks Mr. Pardo. Made my year. Giant fan of great fanaticism since 75'. Ya read the comments here and you start to remember why these guys were/are so beloved. Standing in line for tickets and hanging out before and after Giant shows(I saw them thrice). The fans KNEW the music in a way you didn't see a lot in other rock bands. I decidedly remember when people were PISSED that Phil was no longer in the band. Not a bad thing. Both hilarious and beautiful. GG fans just KNEW the music was created for THEM exclusively! This is because they had to EARN listenership. That effort built a brand of endearment that was difficult to match in the era. Extraordinary Rock act. Never been any one else remotely like them.

[@garyfogel]

Gentle Giant has incorporated every style of music and with great taste

[@mariotarticchio]

I'm a italian guy of 72 and I want to say thank you for the beautiful music you have given us. I saw Gentle Giant live in Amsterdam in 76 and I still remember that concert. Still now days if I want listen good music and relax myself I play any of your record. I think your music it's like a good wine, get better with passing time.

[@charleslyall5857]

Gentle Giant have created music which is timeless and brilliant. Unsurpassed.

[@rabarebra]

This is just unbelievable. Gentle Giant is fantastic! Thanks, Pete.

[@charlesrambeau519]

I just discovered GG this year. I have no idea how i missed out on them all these years. Absolutely the most underrated band of all time. And this interview with Pete (the best interviewer in the business) Derek Shulman was great. Derek is the nicest guy ever. Im diving into the whole catalog now after falling in love with the 1st four albums.

[@alexsuarez1843]

Great interview, thanks Pete! Derek rocks!!

[@josephbunone6126]

To the average listener, you have to have a mind for music,an appreciation of the sounds they created ,and know they are beyond Brilliant! I’m a drummer and to play their songs takes Horrific Talent. I love Giant and hope at least for their sake keep in touch with each other and celebrate their success over and over, thx for the Interview.

[@heliodecastro9926]

God bless the GIANT

[@velvetlandscape]

Such an interesting interview, I bought a double album Giant Steps when I was still at school and was hooked and later became a musician myself, so inspiring.

[@marcocayuso]

Wonderful inverview! I am a huge fan since 70s, and we have never enough of Gentle Giant... So it is a great oportunity to hear stories and memories from one of the creators themselves. Thanks a lot to Derek for sharing with us (and of course for the amazing music), and to Pete Pardo for the lovely work.

[@dougmcauliffe2253]

Woah! Pete Pardo and Derek Shulman on one screen together?!? I don't think my computer can handle this much power! Just listened to In A Glass House earlier today, one of my all time favorites.

[@GnomeChomskyOG]

So glad to hear Derek highlight Inside Out - such an incredible and criminally underrated song. Patient, atmospheric, and meaningful, yet simple and catchy, but without being cliche. The masterful production accentuates the atmosphere perfectly. And that build into the bridge, then further into the chorus - HOLY SHIT - as powerful as anything GG ever created.

[@marctoupin3968]

Thank you very much for this great interview Pete. Always nice to hear Derek telling stories. He's such an interesting guy.

[@robertbullis6962]

Pete, you made my day! Can,t wait for proclamation.

[@Quarnoz]

Great interview! Even though I have a chunk of these albums already, Derek sold me on the box set, and I just ordered a copy. Being 35 years old, Gentle Giants were well before my time. When my brother bought their debut based off the artwork alone, their sound was so mind-blowing to us. They deserve to be mentioned alongside Yes, Genesis, Crimson, ELP, all the big progressive rock of the era. For those who want to get into the band, I usually spot their records for very good prices on vinyl at flea markets and second-hand stores (at least in Canada). Theirs and Tull albums are thankfully quite plentiful.

[@lylesmith9547]

GG is so majorly underrated. Unreal talented band.

[@1359401]

They are/were the greatest most criminally underated band ever

[@jaimealvarez143]

Excellent interview. I hope this adds something useful to the great comments that have been posted here.. I have been a GG fan since very early in the 79's when (believe it or not) their albums were edited in.. Venezuela!. I am a musician, record collector (15.000 +), radio producer and record shop owner. From that perspective I have to say that in my case (and for several friends of mine) we adapated to punk, new wave, and then all thge way down to indie and contemporary genres and sub genresn and without trau7ma, but that doesn't mean we stoped revisiting GG. Actually I must say that GG's music have got old much better than band like ELP or Yes ( I don't mean nothing bad by that). Many people praised them for their obvious instrumental skills. I praise them for that and for compostional skills. Ok. It is understood that they were not able to jump on the 80''s wave. But the bands that did, really dissaponted their fans (Genesis pop albums, ELP´s Love beach). I don't judge them. Being a professional musician is about making a living. But the Power and the Glory of GG is having understood when to stop. I Consider that I am sayiong this and I LOVE Civilian and Derek is right about Inside Out, great, great song indeed. Yeah, GG didn't survive the 80's. This is why... Even when trying to get commercial, their music demands an musical intelligence that unfortunately is not common on this planet. I am not surprised that 3000 boxes sold out. You understimated your fan base by far Dear Derek. You could have sold 6,000 to 8,000 copies I think. Even considering that it migt be pricey in countries where you have lots of fans like Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela. I am really glad I found this. You, your brothers and collaborators have been part of my life soundtrack for decades. And yes you look quite well anrd young. Many thanks for this Pete. Well balanced and smart INTERVIEW.

[@lucaspineda8115]

I can't express myself enough for seeing this interview! Thank you so much for this !!

[@rocky-o]

derek!...wow..great interview...'octopus', 'power and glory', 'free hand'...so good...be well pete...peace...rocky

[@petersharp7644]

Truly original and innovative. God bless Gentle Giant.

[@elfensteen5222]

WOW this is just a geat treasure from a great great best band ever thank you Derek and Gentle Gaint for al the great music you did gave us.., thank you Pete and lots of love from netherlands

[@ProgRockKeys]

So, a virtual reunion in a few weeks, and 3 more Steve Wilson 5.1 remixes to come next year? That’s some breaking news right there!

[@coreycrossman3447]

This guy makes me happy to be a fan GG one of the most honest hard working and talented bands ever

[@railwaystationmaster]

A complex and fascinatiing interview with a unique musician whose band GG defies description but creates a magical backdrop where geniuses preside and enchant a discerning audience .

[@diannecarpenter7718]

I have the Gentle Giant CD box set!! I love it!!🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@godbluffvdgg]

OH MAN!! Thanks so much for informing me of this Treasure Box...As a Giant head for decades I can't wait to get one...Such a great Band and a great interview! Whoa! 445.00 bucks!...Ouch...I wish I could afford it...

[@celiotintorifilho8966]

here in Brasil have never seen them alive but we are one of the lovers of that beautiful craziness and happy different sound that made us dream of forests stories places people love and magic , thank you very much for all Derek you are beautiful

[@SupremeMrRici]

I can't hold my anxiety to see the Proclamation video. Awesome video!

[@robertjewell9727]

What an ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC interview! Thank you, Pete! Thank you, Derek!

[@gregvanblair9096]

This made my day, week & month...what a joy! As I've always said "Peter Hammill was my favorite artist, but Gentle Giant was my first love, my favorite band". Just recieved the new boxset, they did a fabulous job...with top quality and almost all new live stuff. My first real rock concert was they in Spring of 1977, plus I was fortunate to see there final show at the Roxy...a few of us were truly blessed to go back stage to visit with the band. The details of the even is the thing dreams are made of...Thank You Gentle Giant!!!

[@fenham]

Never been as flabbergasted at the collective musicianship in a band than when I saw Gentle Giant touring at the release of Octopus. Prior to GG none of the bands I'd seen up to that point used anything other than the standard guitars, keyboards & drums. Then these blokes were on stage playing great rock music but with a trumpet, violin, cello, saxes, tuned percussion etc., etc. Each member was a brilliant player of their primary instrument but were so versatile and good with whatever else they picked up and played. An astounding band. And onya Derek! Power and the glory has been my favourite since its release. Thanks for this Pete!

[@HighnoonsVinyl]

Thanks for the great interview with Derek. Gentle Giant is one of those bands that feels like a special secret handshake. You teach it to people, but a lot dont get it, but when you find someone who knows how to do it, you instantly bond. Would have loved to be able to spring for one of these boxes, the amount of content is just amazing.

[@tomgarb6302]

Great vid, good to hear his perspective. Interviews feel better like this as you pretty much let Derek run with it. TV chatshows hosts should pay special attention here. Cheers

[@maxklein7269]

Amazing Gentle!!!!!!!!!

[@enricopaoli1183]

What an AMAZING band!

[@danielguimaraes8705]

Wonderful interview! Gentle Giant is timeless!

[@U2WB]

In A Glass House and Power and the Glory are my two favorites. Free Hand is the album which got me hooked, and Three Friends reeled me in.

[@antoniocuesta4953]

Awesome interview! Derek seems like such a cool and genuine guy.

[@panleszek]

These were in fact truly interesting stories about how GG started that were told...I was listening to this interview with such a pleasure ...thank you so much !

[@diannecarpenter7718]

I love the box set Derek Shulman showed!!🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@szunkov]

One of the best prog rock band ever. I discovered GG 30 years ago, when someone gave me "The Power and the Glory", a record that blew my mind inmediatly. Love all your records, especially "Playing the Fool"... awesome

[@Carlo8836]

An incredible musician to interview!

[@PauloCarnaxide]

True legend... amazing!

[@beyondz55]

WOW! Major props for landing this interview! What a legend!!!! Gentle Giant is one of the greatest bands of all time.

[@CaryOn11]

Thanks Derek and Pete. Great interview! I am life long fan of what I consider to be the most original band of the rock genre. Hail to the power and the glory that is Gentle Giant!

[@GSM8591]

This was really a pleasure to watch. Pete, nice of you to let Derek do most of the talking. More interviews of this type would be great to see. Many thanks

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Check out my recent interview with Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash, and tomorrow, Neal Morse!

[@NP-ip3nj]

Really cool to hear a member reflect on their time in GG. Great interview. Power and the Glory is my favourite as well!

[@mdart2567]

Great stuff what a great life this mans lived the Pantera story was fascinating.

[@alanmilne1070]

As Gentle Giant said...I Lost my Head . Brilliant band

[@martinbrodie8507]

I was fortunate to be in high school from '71-'75 and listened to GG on vinyl.

[@andyhbassman]

Thank you Shulman brothers et al for bloody great entertainment over several decades. I think GG were always a conundrum, always top class musicianship and then quirky humour thrown in. You kept us on our toes! Love your work and very much appreciate your catalogue of music. You were truly explorers. Merci beaucoup. And good interview too!

[@petertrotman7708]

Civilian cd is worth £1,400.06 on Amazon, God knows how much that big box set is gonna be. Totally agree with Derek when he said when the fans want you to do the same album over and over again, it stifles creativity. Win or lose an artist has to be free. They gave us a great 10 yrs, Nice interview. Thanks for this.

[@TractorCountdown]

This is such a treat - thank you Derek and Pete!

[@pedrozappa]

Thanks for this Derek and Peter!

[@monty6545]

Great to see Derek Shulman again, what an incredible band this was and still is for me. 1978 Sight and Sound at the BBC what a performance and the sound is just epic . Thank you GG for everything you gave us !

[@shyshift]

I started with The Power and The Glory in 1974, so it warmed my heart to see Derek choosing that as his favorite album. It’s mine too. Great interview Pete. I got Unburied Treasure in the second run of 1,000 very lucky because I couldn’t afford it in 2019.

[@edwarddavis4631]

Loved your interview with derek schulman........great band.....i bought a dvd concert with 2 dvds recorded in many places costed me 100 dollars and that was 15 years ago.......thank you....good show

[@edwarddavis4631]

In a glass house and free hand.....their 2 best albums......although i love them all

[@MyVeryHappyDay]

Fantastic interview, Pete. Where would we ever be able to experience this if not for you! Love GG music and I want that boxset. 🥴

[@mattplou6199]

Loved that

[@vitorrezende9546]

Derek Shulmann. Genious

[@wakeupjonny]

so interesting to hear Derek tell about the birth of the band ,and the famous stars that were involved, Bowie, Elton, tony visconti....

[@DeadSeaGenesis]

Just an absolutely phenomenal interview! Thank you!

[@terrywillson3041]

Another excellent and fascinating interview.

[@tranquilitybase6417]

Great interview. Really miss these guys.

[@djhans-kansas8505]

Thank you Pete for introducing me to Gentle Giant through your videos !! ... Started listening to them a few months back, and I kind of worship them now. Really really inspiring music, can listen to it all day!!! There are so much detail packed in those songs, that its a new experience everytime I give them another listen.. This was just what i needed to see, great interview !! Right now if i should pick one as my favorite, it would be "Aquiring the Taste" ... I really like the dark, strange and mystical vibe they went for on this. And something about Kerry Minnears vocals are so hauntingly beautiful. But its really hard to decide my favorite... all the albums are great !! "Octopus" "Three Friends" "The Power and the Glory" I even feel the need for "The Missing Piece" occasionally ... Not so much "Giant for a Day" but its not the worst thing ever... Its just really overshadowed by the other stuff....

[@jg12357]

Wow, just wow. This is amazing, Pete. Many thanks to you and Derek for this. Thanks for turning me on to Gentle Giant!!!

[@Rowenband]

Thanks for this nice moment.

[@augustyoung9582]

This is so cool, hearing it from Mr. Derek Shulman himself here at Sea of Tranquility! Back in 2015, I was fortunate enough to meet and chat a little with Gary Green who's such a nice bloke too. Long Live the Giant, amazing job Pete!

[@joelestes2257]

I saw Genesis at the Fox theater in Atlanta in March of 1977. It was a fantastic show and afterward we were all excited and ebulant when a guy in front of us turned and said " they were pretty good but I saw Gentle Giant here night before last and they were absolutely incredible!"

[@MrPraffa]

Cool chat, thanks! I discovered GG a few years ago because they were mentioned by Akerfeldt (I'm a big Opeth fan) in an interview, and it opened up a new world for me! Love them now and I pick them over Genesis or Yes. I was born in '78, so I really missed out on not being able to see them live, what a blast would have been!

[@jkljkl1945]

Wow! A treat!

[@DonHornsby]

Thanks for this video. This is a prime example of how to interview. Pete is a masterful and personable interviewer - who allows the guest to express as much as he or she would like to share at the time. Excellent.

[@vincenzopasquarelli1381]

Great Gentile giant .....thank you v

[@vincenzopasquarelli1381]

Very much for the wonderful music

[@laurieallain206]

A Rock Band for sure. Saw them in Moncton NB Canada. So awesome we drove to Montreal to see their next show.