Soft Machine were formed in 1966 and issued their first single in early 1967. Shortly after that, the original line-up including founding members Daevid Allen, Kevin Ayers and Robert Wyatt went into the studio with producer Giorgio Gomelsky to record some demos. These were not issued at the time but, eventually came to light four years later on the French Byg label (and subsequently re-issued many times over the years on different labels).
Their first proper LP was released in 1968 around the time that they were touring with Jimi Hendrix. By that time, Daevid Allen was gone from the line-up which was a precursor for numerous changes over the years.
I think that the first album of theirs that I heard was their third record imaginatively called Third. It was a sprawling double LP set with a single track on each side. It remains a favourite of mine to this day.
I’ve done a bit of searching and have compiled a selection of video clips covering 1967 to 1971 for your dining and dancing pleasure.
This must be the earliest clip of the band. It includes Daevid Allen reading his poetry. It was recorded at the legendary UFO in London, 1967.
Another clip from 1967 featuring Kevin Ayers on vocals (Daevid Allen is gone).
Possibly my favourite clip of the band. Love on French TV in 1968. The audience really get into it and a couple even join them on stage to dance.
A live performance from 1969.
A live performance of Out-Bloody-Rageous from their Third album. Paris 1970.
Finally, an entire concert from Belgium in 1971.
Phew!!!
