Gilgamesh (band)
| Company type | Ensemble / Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Defunct | 1978 |
Key people | Alan Gowen (keyboardist), Mike Travis (drummer), Phil Lee (guitarist), Neil Murray (bassist), Steve Cook (bassist), Trevor Tomkins (drummer), Hugh Hopper (bassist) |
| Products | Albums: Gilgamesh (1975), Another Fine Tune You've Got Me Into (1978), Arriving Twice (2000) |
Gilgamesh (active 1972–1975, 1977–1978) was a British jazz rock ensemble led by keyboardist Alan Gowen, closely linked to the Canterbury scene.
History
The formation of Gilgamesh began through the partnership of Gowen and drummer Mike Travis, initially featuring guitarist Rick Morcombe, bassist Jeff Clyne, and saxophonist Alan Wakeman. After some early personnel shifts, the group solidified as a quartet comprising Gowen, Travis, guitarist Phil Lee—who was introduced by Travis—and bassist Neil Murray. Throughout 1973, the band maintained a steady performance schedule, including shared headline appearances with Hatfield and the North, where they showcased a 40-minute composition penned by Gowen. During this period, they also produced a demo tape aimed at securing additional bookings and a recording deal.
In late 1973, Steve Cook replaced Murray on bass, though live shows became less frequent despite several sessions recorded for BBC radio. For one such session, keyboardist Peter Lemer joined the lineup. By 1975, Gilgamesh had secured a contract with Virgin's subsidiary Caroline Records and recorded their debut album at Virgin’s Manor Studio, with production assistance from Dave Stewart of Hatfield and the North.
Following plans for collaboration between Gowen and Stewart, and after Hatfield and the North dissolved in 1975, Stewart briefly performed with Gilgamesh during gigs and radio appearances. This collaboration eventually led to the creation of National Health, which briefly featured Gilgamesh guitarist Phil Lee. Later that year, Gilgamesh disbanded after a planned Scottish tour was canceled.
Gowen revived Gilgamesh in 1977, focusing on rehearsals with Murray, Lee, and drummer Trevor Tomkins. In June 1978, they recorded their sophomore album, Another Fine Tune You've Got Me Into, which was released in 1979 on Charly Records. This lineup included Gowen, Lee, Tomkins, and bassist Hugh Hopper. The band dissolved following this recording. Gowen passed away in 1981.
In 2000, Cuneiform Records issued Arriving Twice, an archival compilation featuring the 1973 demo alongside radio sessions from 1974–75 with various configurations including Gowen, Lee, Travis, Murray, Cook, Clyne, and Lemer. The collection includes previously unreleased pieces such as "Extract," part of an unrecorded double-quartet composition involving Gilgamesh and Hatfield and the North.
Deaths
Keyboardist Alan Gowen succumbed to leukaemia on 17 May 1981 at age 33.
Bassists Hugh Hopper and Jeff Clyne both died in 2009; Hopper passed away from leukaemia on 7 June at age 64, while Clyne died of a heart attack on 16 November at age 72.
Drummer Trevor Tomkins died on 9 September 2022 at age 81. Drummer Mike Travis followed in September 2023 at age 78.
Guitarist Phil Lee passed away in May 2024.
Discography
- Gilgamesh (1975)
- Another Fine Tune You've Got Me Into (1978)
- Arriving Twice (2000)
Filmography
- 2015: Romantic Warriors III: Canterbury Tales (DVD)