ProgStock 2025 - October 9-12, 2025 International Progressive Rock Festival The Williams Center, Rutherford, NJ

Featuring Steve Hogarth of Marillion, IO Earth,  Pattern-Seeking Animals, Mike Keneally & Beer For Dolphins, Derek Shulman, Armando Gallo, Kevin J. Anderson  and Many Others!   The American Northeast’s Only International Progressive Rock Festival, takes the stage October 9-12, 2025, at the Williams Center, 15 Sylvan Street, in Rutherford, NJ. There are a variety of tickets available, including VIP Passes. Visit The Direct Ticket link at ProgStock.simpletix.com/   Experience ProgStock, The American Northeast’s Only International Progressive Rock Festival, now in its 9th incredible year at the Williams Center in Rutherford, New Jersey. From October 9th through October 12th, your favorite progressive rock artists, up close and truly personal. Stunning performances and unique collaborations…far beyond a typical festival or meet-and-greet, ProgStock is a deep, rich, and fully immersive musical community with a convention atmosphere.   Pattern-Seeking Animals   This year, you’ll experience headliners IO Earth and the Orchestra of Sound & Emotion, Pattern-Seeking Animals, and Marillion’s Steve Hogarth, in his first-ever US solo appearance as h Natural. There will also be special, once-in-a-lifetime performances by Melanie Mau & Martin Schnella, We Came From Space, Rachel Flowers, Points North, Funhouse Mirrors, Peter Jones of Camel and Tiger Moth Tales, Discipline, Flaming Row, Dave Bainbridge & Sally Minnear, Mike Keneally & Beer for Dolphins with Rick Musallam, Bryan Beller and Joe Travers, Kate Hinote Trio, The Cyberiam, and for the first time as SERENGAZER…Saga’s Michael Sadler with his son, Seren, and Jimmy Keegan, Matt Dorsey and Paul Bielatowicz.   Derek Shulman, Gentle Giant frontman and successful record industry executive, will discuss his new career-spanning book, “Giant Steps,” with synthesizer pioneer, Larry Fast (Synergy). Famed rock-n-roll journalist and photographer, Armando Gallo, will fascinate you with incredible stories and showcase his renowned work. World-famous science fiction author, Kevin J. Anderson, co-author of books from the Dune saga and of the Clockwork Angels series with Neil Peart of Rush, will exhibit his most recent works, up close and personal. EMEAPP, a collector and preserver of historically significant rock-n-roll gear, will demonstrate some amazing music technology. Annie Haslam of Renaissance, Michael Bennett of ProgDay, and Victoria Flowers will share their fine art. World-renowned pumpkin sculptor, Deane Arnold and his team will dazzle you with their art and even teach you to sculpt. PLUS…Spontaneous performances by Robeone and other visiting musicians, new album listening parties, and many more once-in-a-lifetime experiences await you in the Plaza every day at ProgStock.   Thursday, October 9 starts off the party with a separately ticketed prefestival show featuring the Rush tribute band, Fred Barchetta, with an opening set by Robeone (Robert Schindler) and followed by Last Call Live, a pro-am showcase of progressive musicality, featuring ProgStock attendees and some members of our mainstage lineup. Passes to ProgStock are going fast and are still on sale now at ProgStock.com. Don’t miss seeing these rare performance artists, October 9th through 12th at the Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ.! Rachel Flowers Quotes:  “It was just incredible, in every way! wow…Wow…WOW! What a thrill to be there and see those incredible bands. I almost do not have sufficient words to describe how fantastic the entire experience was.”  — RH, 5-Year Patron of ProgStock   “I have been working in this field of music for over fifty years as a recording artist, producer and advancing the technologies necessary to this style of music. ProgStock Festival has given me the opportunity to interact with my fan base and for me to work with and encourage the next generations of artists.”  – Larry Fast, Synergy Electronic Music, Inc. Derek Shulman   Official website: https://www.progstock.com Direct Ticket Link: ProgStock.simpletix.com/   Livestreaming Ticket Link: Stageit.com/ProgStock

Gentle Giant's OCTOPUS remixed by Steven Wilson Out Oct. 27

Gentle Giant On Facebook
twitter.com/GGIANTMUSIC

video EPK:

Gentle Giant’s iconic album, OCTOPUS has been remixed by Steven Wilson and will be released on October 27, 2015 in both BLU-RAY/CD and CD formats.

Originally released in 1972, OCTOPUS is Gentle Giant’s fourth album. The album features band members: Gary Green (guitars, percussion), Kerry Minnear (keyboards, vibraphone, percussion, cello, vocals), Derek Shulman (vocals, alto saxophone), Phil Shulman (saxophones, trumpet, mellophone, vocals), Ray Shulman (bass violin, guitar, percussion, vocals), John Weathers (drums, percussion, xylophone).  The album was produced by the band and engineered and mixed by Martin Rushent.  

The album has been tastefully remixed by Steven Wilson who also remixed Gentle Giant's 'The Power & The Glory' in 2014. Also included is a bonus of Steven’s mix of live 15-minute concert performances of "Excerpts from Octopus"  from the band's 1976 tour.

New sketches by Roger Dean (who produced the original UK album cover) will be included in the new packaging as well as artwork from the USA album (an octopus in a jar created by Charles White).  

The Blu-ray’s remixed album and added 15 minutes of live excerpts will be in 96/24 PCM, DTS 5.1 Surround Sound Master Audio.  The Blu-ray also includes instrumental mixes of 5 of the original 8 tracks from this album. Also included is the flat transfer of the original mix of the album.  

The OCTOPUS releases will be through Caroline-UMG in North America, and on Soulfood in the rest of the world on October 27.

TRACKLISTING
• 1. The Advent Of Panurge *
• 2. Raconteur Troubadour   *
• 3. A Cry For Everyone
• 4. Knots
• 5. The Boys In The Band *
• 6. Dog’s Life 
• 7. Think Of Me With Kindness
   • 8. River
• 9. Bonus Live “Excerpts From Octopus 1976”
* Original stereo mixes and Penteo surround sound upmixes
       

LABEL: ALUCARD
ARTIST: GENTLE GIANT
TITLE:  OCTOPUS STEVEN WILSON
RELEASE DATE:  27 OCTOBER 2015

Ed Arnold Heads to Gentle Giant in-store in Philadelphia, October 1

Phoenixville, PA's Ed Arnold once met Gentle Giant guitarist Gary Green ("he's great, laid back"). Now Ed wants to meet the group's leadsinger Derek Shulman, "he was an interesting vocalist; I'm gonna encourage him to play live again. He always seemed so intense... it might be intimidating."

Back in the late 1970s, Ed discovered the music of Gentle Giant, a progressive rock band whose Octopus and Three Friends are available as special digipacks on the band's label Alucard and distributed through EMI Records. These re-masters are from the original 1/4 inch tapes of these Seminal British Progressive Rock Recordings. As he did for Gentle Giant's earlier re-releases, Fred Kevorkian re-mastered these two additions to the available Gentle Giant catalog. Ecstatic music fans of many generations, most notably contemporaries of the UK-based group who recorded and toured from 1970 till 1980, have been excited about the new releases.

In the case of Ed Arnold, it was in homeroom, 1978, "I had a cool teacher who had a record player, and he always brought in interesting music for us."

This Saturday, October 1, at 2 PM, Ed will have taken the bus, train or maybe have driven in to "Philly." He hasn't quite decided how he's getting to the City of Brotherly Love, but he will be at F.Y.E. Music, 100 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, for Gentle Giant's first in-store in 30 years. Gary and Derek will be on hand to autograph THREE FRIENDS and OCTOPUS. The phone number for F,Y.E. is 215-496-8338.

The albums are available on at
http://www.amazon.com/Octopus-Gentle-Giant/dp/B005G0YP3M/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1312829910&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Friends-Gentle-Giant/dp/B005G0YP3C/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1312828329&sr=1-1

One of the most renowned bands that came out of the British Progressive Rock Movement, Gentle Giant spent their decade together pushing musical boundaries and continually taking chances. Their music, while rooted in rock, had overtones of classical European composition, American jazz, British soul, medieval and even blues. They seamlessly integrated these disparate styles into the melting pot that epitomized the essence that was Gentle Giant.

Gentle Giant fans range from Ozzy Osbourne, Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, Trey Anastasio of Phish, Mike Portnoy and Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold, Kerry Livgren of American progressive rockers Kansas to guitarist Peter Banks of Yes, and--of course--Ed Arnold!

GENTLE GIANT'S ALUCARD MUSIC RELEASE OCTOPUS and THREE FRIENDS, DISTRIBUTION THROUGH EMI RECORDS.

EMI Unleashes New Digital and physical remasters from the original 1/4 inch tapes of these Seminal British Progressive Rock Recordings on September 27, 2011

Hollywood, California - September 27, 2011 Roger Dean's infamous Octopus and Martin Birch's original Three Friends artwork will adorn the special digipacks which are heading to your favorite music store on September 27th 2011. You can acquire another taste of Gentle Giant with the original U.K. Artwork and remastered music on CD or via digital download.

The albums are already listed as pre-sales on Amazon at
http://www.amazon.com/Octopus-Gentle-Giant/dp/B005G0YP3M/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1312829910&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Friends-Gentle-Giant/dp/B005G0YP3C/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1312828329&sr=1-1

One of the most renowned bands that came out of the British Progressive Rock
Movement, Gentle Giant spent their decade together pushing musical boundaries
and continually taking chances. Their music, while rooted in rock, had overtones of classical European composition, American jazz, British soul, medieval and even blues. They seamlessly integrated these disparate styles into the melting pot that epitomized the essence that was Gentle Giant.

Gentle Giant fans range from Ozzy Osbourne, Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, Trey
Anastasio of Phish, Mike Portnoy and Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater,
Avenged Sevenfold, Kerry Livgren of American progressive rockers Kansas
to guitarist Peter Banks of Yes.

Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater said, “Gentle Giant was one of my biggest musical
Influences in the days when I left Juilliard and my classical path of becoming a
concert pianist. My mom wouldn't like Gentle Giant because of that fact, but
hell, I am at least making a living playing music!”

Peter Banks called them “ahead of most of those groups at the time - they were
quite exceptional.”

Livgren said, “Gentle Giant was one of my favorite groups. Their albums Three
Friends and Octopus had a remarkable originality, good musicianship, and
philosophically interesting lyrics. I also had the pleasure of seeing them in
concert, and appreciated the energy of their performance.”

Three Friends, the group's first self-produced work (after two times in the
studio with Tony Visconti) and their first-to-be-released in the US, propelled
the group into one of the hardest edged progressive bands of their day. Of
Octopus, the All Music Guide's Dave Thompson says “…it's astonishing just how
little Octopus has dated…an album that has withstood the test of time a lot
better than anyone might have expected."

As he did for Gentle Giant's earlier re-releases, Fred Kevorkian re-mastered
these two additions to the available Gentle Giant catalog.

Complete with the original Roger Dean artwork (on Octopus) and Martin Birch
cover (on Three Friends), these two epic Gentle Giant recordings also include
over 30 minutes of rare bonus music. The packaging also features special booklets
with up-to-date reminiscences of these albums by the band members, as well as rare
photos from the time.

Ray, Derek, and Phil Shulman, Kerry Minnear, Malcolm Mortimer and John Weathers
are all available for interviews in anticipation of these blockbuster re-releases.

Track line up (note: Bonus track only on digital albums)
Octopus, 1972:
1. The advent of Panurge.
2. Raconteur Troubadour.
3. A Cry for Everyone.
4. Knots.
5. The Boys in the Band.
6. Dog's Life
7. Think of me with Kindness.
8. River.
9. Bonus Track-"Excerpts from Octopus" recorded live at the Calderone Theatre,, Hempstead, NY, July 3, 1976

Three Friends, 1972:
1. Prologue
2. School Days
3. Working All Day
4. Peel The Paint
5. Mister Class and Quality.
6. Three Friends.
7. Bonus Material.
i. Prologue from Concert tour in New Orleans September 1972.
ii. Peel the Paint-recording drums and bass in studio.
iii. alternative guitar and drum solo recording Peel the Paint.
iiii. Recording vocals harmonies on "Three Friends".

Web site: http://www.gentlegiantmusic.com
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/GENTLE-GIANT/121160188790
Twitter twitter.com/ggiantmusic
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/gentlegiantplaying

EMI TO RELEASE GENTLE GIANT's ALBUMS IN CD FORMAT

NOTE: THIS MEDIA RELEASE HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF JAN. 27, 2010.


(IN A GLASS HOUSE, THE POWER & THE GLORY, FREE HAND out January 26, More discs, DVDs and gift packs to follow in 2010)

On January 26, 2010 Gentle Giant will be re-releasing three CDs: In A Glass House (originally released 1973), Free Hand (1975) and The Power & The Glory (1974) via their own Alucard label through EMI Music's Label Services unit and Caroline Distribution.

On February 9: Interview, Playing the Fool: the Official Live will be released.   On February 23, look for The Missing Piece and Giant for a Day in CD formats.   Later this year there will be vinyl releases of the catalog.   Look for a new DVD, GG at Winchester College, which is the first show that Gentle Giant ever performed; it includes songs never released on any commercial release.   Box sets and live recordings are also being planned.    

All seven of the albums are remastered from the original 1/4 inch tapes through Hi-Resolution (24bit 96k) transfer that the band recorded at UK's Abbey Road Studios in the 1970s.   Band member Ray Shulman was in charge of the new remasters.

This progressive rock band, which was active from 1970 through 1980, was made up of multi-instrumentalists, and lived to expand the frontiers of contemporary popular music at the risk of becoming very unpopular.   The group's dozen albums combine a range of musical styles-jazz, pop, classical, British soul, rock, blues, medieval, pop, blues, Gentle Giant's legacy has become influential to a range of artists from the arena rock, jam band, virtuoso players, chamber pop, jazz, and-of course-progressive rock genres.   

FOR JUST THE DIGITAL RELEASES, the band chose favorite live versions of songs from each album and some obscure radio sessions. Two of the bonus tracks “Intro 74” and “Intro 76” were partially re-recorded, embellished and remixed by Kerry Minnear of the group.    

Minnear, plus Gentle Giant bandmates Ray Shulman, Gary Green, John Weathers, and Derek Shulman are available for interviews.   Other promotion includes radio, print, Internet, and mobile phone outreach.    
 
http://www.blazemonger.com/GG/Gentle_Giant_Home_Page

EMI TO RELEASE SEVEN GENTLE GIANT IN DIGITAL FORMAT ON NOVEMBER 10

http://www.blazemonger.com/GG/Gentle_Giant_Home_Page
Private Page for Media, Journalists includes downloads and other bio and press materials.
http://www.gentlegiantmediakit.com


On November 10th 2009 Gentle Giant will be digitally releasing seven of their best-known albums and tracks in digital form for the very first time via their own Alucard label through EMI Music's Label Services unit.

This progressive rock band, which was active from 1970 through 1980, was made up of multi-instrumentalists, and lived to expand the frontiers of contemporary popular music at the risk of becoming very unpopular." The group's dozen albums combine a range of musical styles-jazz, pop, classical, British soul, rock, blues, medieval, pop, blues, Gentle Giant's legacy has become influential to a range of artists from the arena rock, jam band, virtuoso players, and chamber pop genres.

In a Glass House, The Power & The Glory, Freehand, Interview, Playing The Fool-The Official Live, The Missing Piece and Giant For a Day will become available through all digital channels.

The digital releases will also include previously unheard bonus tracks and artwork.

The band has chosen favorite live versions of songs from each album and some obscure radio sessions. Two of the bonus tracks “Intro 74” and “Intro 76” have been partially re-recorded, embellished and remixed by Kerry Minnear of the group.

Minnear, plus Gentle Giant bandmates Ray Shulman, Gary Green, John Weathers, and Derek Shulman are available for interviews. Other promotion includes radio, print, Internet, and mobile phone outreach. Digital listening parties are being set up on line, and will include competitions to win special Gentle Giant gift sets.

More Gentle Giant music will be available in a variety of formats in 2010, starting with the January release of the seven CDs Re-Mastered from the original 1⁄4 inch tapes through Hi-Resolution (24bit 96k) transfer. First quarter of 2010 will also find box sets and Limited Edition Vinyl LPs.

GENTLE GIANT DIGITAL RELEASES

TRACK LISTINGS

IN A GLASS HOUSE - 1973
1.The Runaway
2. An Inmates Lullaby
3. Way Of Life
4. Experience
5. A Reunion
6. In A Glass House

Digital Bonus Tracks:
The Runaway/Experience Live 1975
Way Of Life - Radio Session 1973

THE POWER AND THE GLORY - 1974
1. Proclamation
2. So Sincere
3. Aspirations
4. Playing the Game
5. Cogs in Cogs
6. No God's A Man
7. Valedictory
8. (The Power And The Glory)

Digital Bonus Tracks:
Intro '74
Proclamation - Live 1975
Aspirations - Radio Session 1974
Cogs In Cogs - Live 1975

FREE HAND - 1975
1. Just The Same
2. On Reflection
3. Free Hand
4. Time To Kill
5. His Last Voyage
6. Talybont
7. Mobile

Digital Bonus Tracks:
Just The Same - Live 1975
On Reflection - Radio Session 1975
Free Hand - Live 1975



INTERVIEW - 1976
1. Interview
2. Give it Back
3. Design
4. Another Show
5. Empty City
6. Timing
7. I Lost My Head

Digital Bonus Tracks:
Intro '76
Interview - Live 1976
Give It Back - Live 1976

PLAYING THE FOOL - THE OFFICIAL LIVE - 1977
1. Just the Same
2. Proclamation
3. On Reflection
4. Excerpts from Octopus
5. Funny Ways
6. The Runaway
7. Experience
8. So Sincere
9. Free Hand
10. Sweet Georgia Brown (Breakdown in Brussels)
11. Peel the Paint / I Lost My Head

Digital Bonus Tracks:
Just The Same - Radio Session 1975
Excerpts From Octopus - Radio Session 1973

THE MISSING PIECE - 1977
1. Two Weeks In Spain
2. I'm Turning Around
3. Betcha Thought We Couldn't Do It
4. Who Do You Think You Are?
5. Mountain Time
6. As Old As You're Young
7. Memories of Old Days
8. Winning
9. For Nobody

Digital Bonus Tracks:
Two Weeks In Spain - Live 1978
I'm Turning Around - Live 1978
For Nobody - Live 1978

GIANT FOR A DAY - 1978
1. Words from the Wise
2. Thank You
3. Giant For A Day
4. Spooky Boogie
5. Take Me
6. Little Brown Bag
7. Friends
8. No Stranger
9. It's Only Goodbye
10. Rock Climber

Digital Bonus Track:
Giant For A Day - Live 1980