Not only Peter Hammill was doing all those voices, but David Jackson was doing all the winds and Hugh Banton was doing all the organs AND basses. These guys were just a whole orchestra by themselves.

Peter hammill uses his voice like an instrument. Growling, squeeling, shrieking, whispering, singing softly to provide whatever is necessary for that part of the song

Fripp's contribution to this is so subtle and so intergrated you might miss it. A staggering piece of music. unique.

"I love Van der Graaf cause they were a band that were on the edge, and although they had quite complex arrangements, they made some great sounds. An they were an incredibly depressing band, music to commit suicide to and that's why I loved it, because it was so out there." Bruce Dickinson

Hammill is my favorite singer/songwriter ever but it's so sad that he is such an unknown name even among music nerds. He is the epitome of sincerity and integrity in music and he is completely fearless and uncompromising. Listening to this man (especially his solo stuff) is an almost religious and very intimate experience. And that VOICE!!!

That moment at 20:40 is one of more terrifying moments in the history of prog. The song had already been building tension up until that point, but that switch just feels like a complete descent into madness. Only King Crimson have managed something similar in their music. Not the most pleasant sound, but geez is it powerful.

This song is pure briliance. The whole album is totally unique and way ahead of it's time.

Peter Hammill does all the vocals. (His solo work is amazing.)

I think the foghorns in Part 2 are actually supposed to be the horns of two ships, trying to warn each other before they collide. The lighthouse-keeper sees the collision and can't do anything to stop it, and the rest of the song unfolds to tell us his reaction to the tragedy he was helpless to avert.

One of the very best Prog Rock suites by one of the best bands of the genre. Period. Peter Hammil is genius.

Parafin wax was used to light lanterns after whale oil stopped being used

Peter Hammill The Silent Corner and Empty Stage.. Absolutely incredible album. It is worth your time to listen to it.

As a fan of both prog and metal (most of what you've been reacting to), Peter Hammill remains both my favorite vocalist and lyricist of all time. His 70's output both with VDGG and solo was astonishing, and he has continued to produce excellent album after excellent album up until today. Unfortunately many people may only have heard Peter screaming "Shock" on the chorus of Peter Gabriel's "Shock the Monkey and not be familiar with his work and his fantastic songwriting. Glad you've given VDGG a chance, Doug! There's a lot more out there that would warrant reactions.

My all time favourite VDGG track. There's a second layer to the story which is the the lighthouse keepers' inability to save his marriage or relationship so that's one reason for the different voices, the other two being the lighthouse keeper's reaction to the horror that waits in the sea and the third the disassociation from reality and descent into madness.. There are sounds in this song when all instruments come together that are just eerie and awesome and totally unique. What a song, what a band. There is no comparison.

I’ve recently learned that lighthouse keepers often were hit with mental problems due to exposure to vapours from the mercury used in the light-reflecting mechanism. They often had to rid the mercury of soot by manually pouring it through cloth. Kind of like mad hatters :)

Peter Hammill vocals and songwriting are out of this world, and sadly he's probably the most unrecognized prog rock hero. You should listen to "Pilgrims" and "The Undercover Man", for me these two songs are the two most emotional music pieces ever writen.

I don't think one can find a more masterful, eloquent lyricist and composer than Peter Hammill in all of rock. Prog or otherwise. VDGG was huge in Europe. Still are. For a time Genesis was their opening act on tours. I had the pleasure of seeing Hammill live around 40 years ago in a very small club in Cleveland, OH. He performed solo. Just piano. He still covered many VDGG songs with just piano and vocals. Amazing! Thank you, Doug, for reacting to this. A deeper dive into more VDGG will not disappoint you.

Finally, to all the people who asked this song. Great work Doug. You're already like a friend to me, although you have no idea. I watch you nearly every day. God bless you.

All Peter Hammill making the voices and lyrics. That dude is my favorite person in all of Rock, tied with Jim Morrison. The creativity is truly INSANE. Listen to Arrow, Man-Erg, Undercover man, Still Life, La Rossa, and so many more. Everything is a masterpiece in my mind.

David Jackson on double saxophone is legitimately to die for. Watch the live version of this. Brings whole new meaning to the beauty of it. The drumming, organ, winds, voice, etc.. etc.. everything is so in tune. I have no clue how this band went so unnoticed. They were big elsewhere, but Peter Hammills solo work is purely incredible as well. The best is that it is their life and they never truly went for success, but to express.

The line "I can see the lemmings coming, but I know I'm just a man" is an allusion to the other two songs on the album, "Lemmings" and "Man-Erg". "Lemmings" is about someone watching the lemmings jumping into the sea and asking himself if he should join; in the end he decides not to. "Man-Erg" is about someone realizing there is a good and a bad side inside of him; he speaks of a killer and of angels living inside him and in the end comes to the conclusion that he is just a man, and that killers and angels all are a part of him. So it is a concept album indeed.

As a Floyd fan since Meddle, and a Yes fan since Fragile, I was recommended the album Pawn Hearts by a guy at a record store in 1976. I'll never regret buying it. One of my favorite albums. Thanks Doug for the episode!

VDGG were one of the most ORIGINAL of the PROG innovators with their dark mysterious voids of sonic self reflections. I think the ending needed to sustain the ascension of this Keeper (physically or etherically) I think the dot dot dot was intentional

As one of the aging prog-heads who requested this song, a heartfelt thank-you! I'm well aware that this material can turn off many if not most listeners, so it was refreshing to see you engaging with a completely open mind and digging right in, and your reactions were priceless. "weird e minor"... nice. stepwise motion up and down representing the waves... I actually hadn't thought of that. And glad you dug the whole-step creep-up in the final section... it's one of my favorite techniques and I've used it in my own pieces. I don't think there's any pre-recorded, i.e. nature, sound in this track... it's all the musicians, mostly extended techniques from Jackson on multiple saxophones, sometimes played two at a time à la Roland Kirk, and much studio work with filters and overdubs. As an aside, I'm encouraged to see so many high-quality comments on this video! there is an audience for this stuff, niche though it may be. thanks for connecting more of us. now we need to produce more weird unpopular out-there shit like this. ;-)

I clicked this... and immediately thought to myself, "Who the actual FU*K is reacting to VDGG!??!!?!?" Man, this channel is sick!!!!!!!

I concur with the voices below. "Childlike Faith in Childhood's End". I saw Hammill perform solo once. The experience was like willingly giving oneself over to a vampire. He drew every bit of energy we were willing to give, but the gift of our "blood" was well worth the performance he gave. One of the most difficult yet rewarding of prog rock bands.

Another of my top 5 prog classic. Yes, Peter Hammil is the only singer. His voice is incredible. David Jackson on sax is a pure genious. You should see him playing two saxos simultaneously. Hugh Banton on keyboards creates a fascinating ambiance. Guy Evans on drums, is more than a drummer. He's a true musician. No double pedal here ;-) and he sounds great. Did you notice there's no bassist ? With Genesis, King Crimson (so sorry you can't react to their music), Yes and EL&P, VDGG made the musical background of my youth. I'm 62 now and still listening to these great creators.

I am sure that many people agree with me here that the next VdGG needs to be "Sleepwalkers" from "Godbluff" (1975) - another insane Epic that will blow Doug Helvering out of water

SHM is simple harmonic motion in physics, although it's probably also a pun on HMS - His/Her Majesty's Ship in the british navy. Peter Hammill studied Liberal Studies in Science at university, so there are a few science references in his songs

"I don't hear much guitar." That was VdGG in the early 70s. I think they threw a lot of people off guard with that no-guitar approach.

I get literal chills over Hammill’s vocals in the middle section even after hearing this for the 500th time

Note the subtle spelling of the final lyrics, it is intentional, not a typo: ALL THINGS ARE A PART ALL THINGS ARE APART ALL THINGS ARE A PART Meaning IMHO: All things are a part of the whole All things are separated from each other All things are a part of the whole

Scorched earth is probably my favourite VDGG song. It's 9 minutes and it's pulverising from start to finish pretty much. How they're able to pack so much music and changes into a 9 minute space is amazing

The most underrated rock band in the history

It's quite interesting that you mention Musique Concrète because Hammill straight up did some Musique Concrète on his own (the name should set your expectations: "Gog - Magog (In Bromine Chambers)"; a piece whose later half I consider to be the sounds of Hell itself)

Peter Hammill/VDGG have an insane discography. They have a lot of mind-blowers.

All vocals are done by Peter Hammill, he us a very gifted singer.

The section around 11:47 sounds like Messiaen, which makes sense since Banton is a classically-trained organist. He's released at least one album of Bach. In fact, a lot of the "bass" is him pedaling.

I love Peter Hammill's perspective on this aspect of being a sort of guardian but what if you get it wrong? Modern equivalent would be air traffic controllers. By the way Doug keep going with VDGG, the Godbluff and Still Life albums are awesome

You are not going to get this recommendation from many others, but another 20+ minute epic you should try is Mumps by Hatfield and the North. You will not be disappointed.

Doug, since you're escalating on the scale of "prog wierdness" (Pink Floyd to Yes to Genesis to ELP to King Crimson to VDGG), the next natural step would be Gentle Giant! Perhaps "Knots", maybe?

Thanks for a fantastic reaction video to the greatest progressive rock epic there is! Peter Hammill's lyrics and his voice is absolutely fantastic! Hugh Banton's monster organ (with its entrails hanging out) makes the most fantastic sounds. David Jackson is a fantastic saxophone-player known for often playing two saxes at the same time. There is also Robert Fripp (of King Crimson) playing electric guitar on this album. All in all quite an odd instrumentation! There is probably just one progressive rock band with a more unortodox instrumentation and that is the Belgian band Univers Zéro (half a rock band, half a chamber ensemble). Their instrumental piece "Dense" from the album Ceux du Dehors (1981) is well worth listening to! On Peter Hammill's solo album In Camera (1974) there is actually a musique concrète piece called "Magog (In Bromine Chambers)". Hammill has made circa 40 studio solo albums, while VdGG has made 13 studio albums.

One of the most brilliant pieces of music ever created, IMO. Always fun to watch somebody take it in for the first time

Really enjoyable watching the Classical Composer be totally engaged in this unique VDGG music that still sounds as weird and wonderful as when I heard it 50 years ago. Great fun!

This was incredible... I had never heard this song !!! I had heard other songs by them but not even that could prepare me. I absolutely cant be happier, this is just unbelievable!

Scherazade by Renaissance?

VdGG were unique, one reason was Peter Hammill, the other the choose of instrumentation and the ability of going from pastoral to pre-punk-like aggressive tones

This was a deep cut in 1971, haven't listened to it in ages. Great to see a reaction. Hammill's work with Robert Fripp on his "Exposure" album is well worth a listen!

Please react to Peter Hammill - A Louse is not a Home. Love the videos! ❤️❤️❤️

AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE!!!!! Peter Hammill's voices and lyrics, the Jackson's saxes, the keyboards of Banton, all that with the pure subtle drums of Evans... all in a perfect mood! Like Miles already said: it must have been made in heaven! And the stereo mix of 2021 is even better!... Thanks VDGG for this MASTERPIECE!!!

Wow, this takes me back! So happy that people are still discovering this today, like I did ages ago. Fantastic group of musicians.

Alright! So with Van der Graaf and King Crimson, you’ve started on the path of the Music that Bites Back! From here, it’s on to RIO (Rock In Opposition). Bands like Henry Cow, Univers Zero, Sammla Mammas Manna, and Etron Fou Leloublan await you.

Vdgg is just astonishing. So much power . For me my favorite is Sleepwalkers. The greatest lyricist in prog by miles. Such unique set up for a band of that era. Peter's solo records are amazing as well which everyone played in too. Something like 13 or 14 records total in like 7 or 8 years together between vdgg and solo

I’m very glad you got to experience this haunting eldritch masterpiece Doug, I highly recommend you check out more of Van der Graaf Generator’s music, especially the track “Childlike Faith in Childhood’s End” as recommended by others. I would also LOVE to see you react and dissect jazz rock band Soft Machine’s Slightly All The Time”, it’s a very musically interesting jazz piece with lots of great saxophone work and master class musicianship.

It's Peter Hamill's singing all along, and the fact you ask is a testament to the guy's incredible voice range and emotional richness: he goes from the heavenly falsetto to the rough-edged, even jagged and desperate voice tone just like it's a cakewalk.

A fun fact since you also react to a lot of Iron Maiden. Bruce Dickinson has stated Peter Hamill among his biggest influences as a vocalist. You can definitely hear some similarities in their projection of powerful, distorted and theatrical vocals.

"Lost" is another great VDGG song

Hi Doug I would add the relevance here of Hammill's training by the Jesuits, Catholicism's ideological special forces unit as he later called them. There's more than a touch of contemporary Christian existentialism here, especially if the lyrics are read allegorically. The closing line, playing on the ambiguity of 'a-part', is very likely an allusion to Yeats' The Second Coming (things fall apart etc). VDGG seem the supreme example of Edward Macan's argument that the secularization of Church training is an overlooked influence on English prog. Many proggers had public school choirboy backgrounds and Hugh Banton went on to develop a successful line in electronic church organs.

After more than 40 years this record remains the Absolute to me, the summit, the lighthouse, the guide

Hammill is the greatest lyricist ever.

Excellent that you are doing some Van der Graaf Generator, they were so innovative and Peter Hammill, is a talented song writer and extraordinary lyricist with a very unique vocal style

Peter Hammill, best singer AND lyricist ever

All of VDGG 70's output is among the very, very best of progressive rock, and this song in particular is one of many masterpieces from those albums.

Hey the vocalist was Peter Hammill all the way through, he was and still is an amazingly distinctive and versatile singer

The end sounds like angelic redemption rising into the heavens

This is not kindergarten music like Dream Theater, this is real deal!

This is just the greatest progressive band of all times. And one the best band in history. Happy there's some reaction video for Peter Hammill's work. The vocals are all from Peter Hammill. He liked to change his voice according to the lyrics, like in a play. I would love you react to more from this wonderful band. There's no guitar in VDGG but in this track Robert Fripp (from King Crimson) plays some.

One of the most unique and incredible bands of all time. Their music transcends genre. Legends.

Doug's breakdown was a revelation and made me re evaluate my opinions . I always found this track a challenging listen at the time even though I was a VDG fan. Finally 50 years later I recently played it again and was instantly blown away. The whole album is a masterpiece and I now think that it's possibly the best Prog album I've ever heard. Better late than never and I guess that some things are meant to happen in the right moment.

Doug...you should do a workthrough of Jethro Tull's "Thick as a Brick"...

Also, for Friday sections, as you love doing prog suites, I'd love to see a full Jethro Tull's "Thick as a Brick" (or even "A Passion Play")

Hey Doug, Congratulations, you "survived" VDGG's A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers :-) Yes, it's Peter Hammill doing all the voices. Their instrumental work is mainly centered on Banton's keyboards (highly customized for the period) and Jackson's saxophones (highly customized too, electrified, and yes he can play two at the same time live) plus the incredible drums from Evans. You said "fascinating" several times and "unique piece" and you're right: VDGG never tried to go commercial. Peter Hammill plays electric guitar but mostly on his solo albums (with the support of the VDGG members...) VDGG + Peter Hammill discography is gigantic. Even a punk singer like Sex Pistols' Johnny Rotten considers Peter Hammill the God Father of pre-punk. As a supporting sample you can browse the Nadir's Big Chance album (1975) there: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qLGfg5RqvK7HdnU.html. Try also "Open your eyes". Beyond the pre-punk aspect, one song beats all the others in this album: "The Institute of Mental Health". All the pre-punk God Father thing is kind of BS IMHO, you can find plenty of burgeoning proto-punk work everywhere. First example to come to mind: Detroit-based MC5 - Kick out the jams (1969) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r9x6erSQ1c_beWQ.html Lyrical content: yes, all Peter Hammill lyrics are pretty heavy. You won't find Girl meets Boy and will live happily after in his songs. After his divorce, Peter Hammill wrote one of the most sad song one can listen to: "(On Tuesday She Used To Do) Yoga" from the album "Over" where the electric guitar lacerates like a scythe: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qsyibNGV0L3coHU.html The theme of survival and rebirth is very present in Peter Hammill's work. See for instance "Lost And Found" from the same album: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bM6Iq9x709yamHk.html You can find similar "we don't give a s..t about commercial" bands. Take for example the Kraut Rock period in Germany during the 60s. For obvious reasons Germany is and stays apart of the cultural and musical affairs of the world, also the British Invasion is in full swing. The frustated younger German musicians thus had to explore "new" music and do their own things between themselves. The most famous being Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream. But it's only the tip of the iceberg. Try the list below to find works that are also unique and different: Can / Halleluwah from the Tago-Mago album (1971): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fdZmorOqttS8ZmQ.html Neu! / Hallogallo (1971): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/sNSUo8xp2bS-qYU.html Neu! / Negativland (1971): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nM6ZgdeS09ytnZs.html You can look for Amon Düül on KZfaq and dig into the results. Sounds like Jefferson Airplane or Greatfull Dead but through a "let's make it much weirder" filter. Here is a band that really really did not give a s..t: Faust. Example: It's a Rainy Day (Sunshine Girl) 1972: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fbioqbSeubreZX0.html A song where the economy of lyrics is astonishing :-) Even more for the beat! Virgin Records signed them not really knowing what they were doing, ROFL. Ten years later, Kraut Rock has become "Euro Rock" and still lived on. Example: Die Krupps - Wahre arbeit, wahrer lohn (1981): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ep9ofc5235zHm5s.html (unfortunately they later ended up going commercial) It beats Suicide IMHO. They are all different, but most importantly, their music is timeles. Interestingly it's always artists who have something to say who write the songs that will last (they are even catchy sometimes). For example: Dubioza kolektiv "Himna generacije", kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kJuoqMSmqb3cias.html. Your channel is very interesting. Thank you for bringing the musician expertise to the things we listen too. I'm very appreciative and we are learning things. Keep on the good work! TYVM. Warmest regards, Dominique

Saw them live in 2011, Never heard about them beforehand, had to pick between them and The Stranglers. I am so glad I made the choice to watch their show. Incredible musicians! Peter Hammill is a wonderful person to watch! Totally electrifying!

Didnt know these guys before! Absolutely gonna add them to my smoking playlist! Feels like Maiden and King Crimson had a kid. Thanks to the people suggesting this masterpiece and thanks to you bringing it to us! Edit: The Spy by The Doors would be definetly worth your time!

If you liked this, try "A Louse is Not A Home" by Peter Hammill (and definitely his most acclaimed song). It's one of the best solo songs by the singer of VdGG. It has all the past members of VdGG. Also maybe could do "The Sleepwalkers" by VdGG

All things are a part. All things are apart. Doug, there's a live video recording of the whole piece that's just amazing. They have the whole studio filled with hundreds of candles, very atmospheric. You can find it on KZfaq with an annoying watermark. I have it on the GODBLUFF DVD where it is a bonus track.

I was lucky enough in my university days in the early 70s to see many of the top prog bands live, but VDGG at the Cambridge Corn Exchange (the Godbluff tour) remains one of the most extraordinary gigs ever. They had an almost punk like attitude in that they were simply determined to play in their own way regardless of whether the audience liked them or not. Hammill's vocal power was unequalled by any other singer I have seen before or since, and the musicianship was superb. Above all, their use of dynamics gave them a power that even heavy metal bands could not match - and that was without a bass player and with minimal guitar. Still one of my top 5 gigs of all time.

Doug, if you want to further hear the close connection between modern classical music and prog, I would suggest listening to the Belgian progband Univers Zero and especially their album Ceux du Dehors (1981) with tracks such as Dense, Bonjour Chez Vous and Combat. They played a dark, medieval, atmospheric music inspired by composers such as Bela Bartok, Stravinskij, Iannis Xenakis and Huybrechts. Also the French Zeuhl progband Magma, led by Christian Vander, is worth a listen.

That is Peter Hammill singing as his voice was capable of multiple textures! Peter was an underrated vocalist because of his eccentric (yet incredibly successful) approach. Once upon a time Van Der Graaf toured with Genesis per the Charisma label both bands recorded on.

Excited for this one! To answer your question @ 7:41 , the only vocalist is Peter Hamill, I feel like his unique voice contributes a lot to the Van der Graaf sound. I also want to thank you for these videos!! I’ve enjoyed these works of art (they obviously are) for many years but, thanks to your analysis, I’ve come to appreciate them in a different way! Please keep it up with the Prog epics, I dunno if this might be your cup of tea, but it may be worth a shot to give Italian Progressive Rock a go… Ill Balletto di Bronzo has a fantastic concept album called YS, might be a long piece but just an analysis of the first two “Incontros” is worth an analysis video. All the best from Mexico!!

There is a live version of this song. If I'm not mistaken it was recorded in Belgium. It's truly impressive seeing the four of them playing this live.

The vast majority of vocals come from Peter Hammill, I've always loved his voice, he looks like a very ordinary gent, but can sound like an angel or completely deranged and all points in between.

My all time favourite Prog track. It’s been part of my musical life for over 40 years and I never tire of it.

So many good suggestions! I'll throw two to the mix: Gates Of Delirium (Yes, from the album Relayer), and Song of Scheherazade from the album Song of Scheherazade and Other Stories, by Renaissance - if you can, do the live version on Live at Carnegie Hall. Attention: it's a whole side! If you decide to listen to other Renaissance songs, I suggest Ashes Are Burning or A Song for All Seasons or... any other from their 70s output. I hope this comment gets many likes, to convince you to lend a ear (well, both ears 🙂) to this fantastic and unfortunately overlooked prog band, Renaissance. Cheers to all!

How about some Italian prog? Zarathustra by Museo Rosenbach is a great prog epic.

Here's another one I think you might enjoy; U.K.'s debut album, featuring their opening number, a 3-part 13 minute Suite called 'In the Dead of Night'. Part 2 is called 'By the Light of Day' and part 3 is 'Presto Vivace and Reprise'. 'Nevermore' is the other track I think you'd enjoy and from their second album, 'Carrying No Cross'. A 12+ minute Prog masterpiece.

Finally van der graaf generator :) i hope you listen other songs of this group. Great work!

Yes. Peter Hammill was singing all the vocal parts on this. I was blessed to see him live in Quebec City in the 80s and what a range of expressivity he had.

Interesting tidbit about David Jaxon. The foghorns you hear are him playing not one but TWO saxophones at the same time, harmonized. He did this quit a bit in his time with the band.

Welcome, maestro, to the uniqueness that is VDGG. Unique in their selection and combination of instruments and that awesome skinny poetic and composing genious of Peter Hammill. Yes, he is the only one that sings. Next time please do try the (least experimental) but majestic musical jewels: "Man Erg" and "My Room"...

when the drummer is named Guy, you know it's gonna be good, that's a law of the Universe

legendary. genesis, vdgg, and gentle giant are the holy trinity.

A couple of things. Peter Hammill said in an interview that VDGG's aim from the start was to create a "glorious racket" (oh I love this one!). And classically trained organist Hugh Banton gives a lesson on working Hammond and Farfisa organs to their respective limits.

I never heard these guys until about two years ago, even though I've been a fan of Yes and ELP for decades. Very talented. I also really like "Refugees" as well.

There's tons of more "listenable" VDGG songs (i.e. not this crazy in terms of dissonance and such). You should try Scorched Earth, The Undercover Man, Man-Erg, Childlike Faith in Childhood End or La Rossa.

It is just Peter singing. I was fascinated by this album and was lucky enough to see Peter Hammil doing a small live show in Liverpool back in the early 70s

Oh, and I always understood "Lighthouse Keeper" to be a metaphor for himself and the band as the keepers and us, the acid-soaked audience, as the navigators. Peter is pretty frank about the drugs in interviews.

One of my all time favourite bands. Saw them live 3 times and also a Peter Hammill solo gig in the 1970s. The memory of them opening with "Lemmings" at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester in 1972 still gives me chills to this day!

I have heard very little of VDGG. This song almost made me insane just listening to it. Wow. What an epic. I love when emotion is expressed so well in a song. This definitely hit the nail on the head, Thanks again, Doug.

ya Doug ya ya Thank You for the break down...... Hammill ...is amazing I saw him in SF acapella so great. hope you can do more Van Der Graaf or Peter Hammill...Keep up the great work!!!!!