Memory:Dave Sorter

From Gentle Giant Home Page
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This fan memory was written by Dave Sorter.

My first of two encounters with Gentle Giant was July 23, 1976. Single then and able to spend spare money on things like 8-track tapes and concerts, a friend and I purchased tickets for the concert at the Seattle Coliseum (now called Key Arena). We were so excited as the headline band was Yes and we were both big fans. The opening act was a group unknown to my friend or I named Gentle Giant. I remember going to my favorite record store and asking about GG. The owner played a couple of tracks for me of Free Hand……and I was sold. I purchased the 8-track and fell in love with the band.

The concert was even more than I could have expected. GG was extraordinary, and they came back for an encore. I think the phrase “Oh My god these guys are good” was uttered a few thousand times around me. After the concert, I began my search for all recordings GG.

Eight months later…….March 26, 1977………now married… ….for only five weeks……my friend and I were in-line at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle to see Starcastle open for Gentle Giant. Tickets back then were festival seating, and we arrived many hours in advance of the show to ensure good seating. When they opened the doors, we literally had to run for our lives and hope that we did not trip! We ended up sitting four rows back in the center (well worth the harrowing experience of a running crowd). Sitting this close, it was a phenomenal experience watching GG master their instruments. One that I will never forget. I consider these two concerts to have been the best musical experiences I have had.

Today I STILL own the 8-tracks and several albums. But just so you know…..I have come into the modern age and have a very complete set of CD’s. And that same woman I married over 26 years ago…we are still married…and we still listen to Gentle Giant.