Hi everybody,

In case anyone's interested, the new VdGG biography (which I co-
wrote) is now available. Members of Genesis (Phil Collins, PG, Steve
Hackett) have contributed to it (this is *THE* most extensive
coverage of the '71 Six Bob tour, where Genesis opened for VdGG,
anywhere). Also in the book is prog artist Paul Whitehead, producer
John Anthony (who's production work includes VdGG, Genesis, Queen,
Roxy, The Tubes), and Armando Gallo (the Genesis biographer) - all
have been interviewed extensively. So has Dave Anderson (Amon Duul
II & Hawkwind) and a bunch of people from the Charisma Records
office (as well as memebers from old Charisma bands including Rare
Bird, Audience, and Lindisfarne). Several musicians have been
interviewed (including John Frusciante [RHCP], Graham Coxon [Blur],
Gary Lucas [Capt Beefheart's Magic Band], Marc Almond, Colin Newman
[Wire], Arthur Brown [God of Hellfire], and several others, as well
as music producers [Sir George Martin, Shel Talmy], movie directors
[Jonathan Demme, Anthony Minghella], and authors [Ian Rankin, MichelFaber]). It's pretty damned comprehensive and the VdGG guys are
pretty happy with it. So are we!

It's a BIG book; hardcover, and over 300 pages. There are nearly 300
photos, in both color and b&w (most never before seen). If anyone is
interested, the link is:

http://www.vandergraafgenerator.co.uk/book_sell.htm

Thanks!

Jim Christopulos

Barrie Wentzell is one of the premiere photographers in rock (having snapped Hendrix, the Beatles, Zeppelin, and others - including prog-rock stalwarts Yes, Genesis, and Van der Graaf Generator). He kindly contributed to the VdGG book with several photos from the late 60s - early 70s. He has a killer website at http://www.barriewentzell.com/

Paul Whitehead is a prog artist extraordinaire, having done covers for Genesis, VdGG, Le Orme, and others. He allowed us to use several of his prints for the book and was also interviewed extensively.

Both have recently written us with their impressions of Van der Graaf Generator - The Book:

"I was instantly transported back to 'Old Soho' and London via your Dr. Who's 'Tardis' time machine, and was back 'where we once belonged' in the Ship, Charisma Records, The Nellie Dean, The Speakeasy, The Marquee and La Chasse. Fantastic job in taking us back to A PERIOD OF FUN, EXPERIMENT AND FEARLESSNESS, that may never be repeated. You told me lotsa stuff about old friends, faces and places that I'd forgotten or never really knew 'till I read your 'back pages'. Thanx for the inspiration and pressure to personally look back and remember a band who at the time I thought was so obscure, innovative, imaginary and creative and now are legendary."
- Barrie Wentzell


"Very cool - written in a very entertaining way, and some of the artifacts (like the pink gig sheets) are fascinating. There is even some art in there that I'd completely forgotten about, like the poster with the pillars; somewhere in the smoke filled crevices of my mind I remember making that. I think VdGG are finally being recognized for what they were; a very brave and original ensemble of brilliant uncompromising artists whose influence was a million times larger than the number of records they sold. I'm glad that someone felt the need - and spent the time - to put the whole story down on paper." - Paul Whitehead