A true English eccentric passes away...*Daevid Allen* led one of the truly eccentric paths of his generation.
In thrall to modern and experimental jazz, the aspiring artist became a fulcrum of the Canterbury Scene.
Deeply, devoutly English, he began fusing jazz with rock, aiding the rise of Soft Machine before forming Gong.
A multi-discipline, multi-generational experience, Gong's labyrinthine output has little to no regard for genre.
Truly freaky, their studio output was emboldened by lengthy, mystical live performances which seemed to use Allen's unique stage presence as a fulcrum.
Diagnosed with cancer in February, the performer was told he had six months to live. This morning (March 13th) news broke that the jazz-prog giant had passed away, with Allen’s son, Orlando Monday Allen, posting the following note on Facebook:
“And so dada Ali, bert camembert, the dingo Virgin, divided alien and his other 12 selves prepare to pass up the oily way and back to the planet of love. And I rejoice and give thanks,” he wrote. “Thanks to you dear dear daevid for introducing me to my family of magick brothers and mystic sisters, for revealing the mysteries, you were the master builder but now have made us all the master builders. As the eternal wheel turns we will continue your message of love and pass it around. We are all one, we are all gong. Rest well my friend, float off on our ocean of love. The gong vibration will forever sound and its vibration will always lift and enhance. You have left such a beautiful legacy and we will make sure it forever shines in our children and their children. Now is the happiest time of yr life. Blessed be.”
Just before he died, Allen was shown a fan-made video for 'Occupy'. Check it out here.
Photo via *Classic Rock*
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