Stillbirth of the Blues

Wetherby, a sprawling mass of humanity perched high above the Vale of York can claim many things of note - it was, for instance, the birthplace of the fourth century pontiff Clive Bishop, of whom nothing is known and the town where TV celebrity Jed Baxter was born and raised. In the field of Rock Music, however, it has had little to distinguish it from thousands of other dormitory towns strewn across the land. With one notable exception

Amongst devotees of Progressive Rock, the name Vasco da Gama is revered. This is due in no small part to a string of hit records and sell-out shows in the late 1970's. A remarkable achievement considering that the nation was gripped at the time by disco fever and the New Wave with acts like Boogienites and Jilted John sweeping all before them. For the Gama Men Wetherby was home. And in the field of Prog Rock, they had few equals. From their inception in 1976 to their farewell in 1979, Gama built a reputation as an exciting, dynamic combo…

In 1976, at a time when British society was on the rocks, the dumbing down of popular culture began to gather pace. Indeed many experts and entertainment technicians believe the seeds of destruction, the bitter fruits of which are all too evident today, were planted and nurtured during this period. It is important to note that in the mid 1970's the celebrity-obsessed culture, so prevalent in the 21st century, was only in it's infancy and it was possible to have a good night out for less than €7 It was from within this unpromising environment that Gama struggled towards the light, reaching out for a higher ground. They have never been nominated for an Ivor Novello award, they have never courted fame and they have never become part of the popular consciousness in the way that Robbie Wiliams and BA Robertson have. Equally, they have never soiled themselves. So what. Anyone can do that. God Bless 'em.