Canterbury Scene

Steve was studying History and Philosophy but spent a good deal of time jamming with other musicians active on the scene in those years. He was particularly friendly with the members of Caravan, and through them he was able to get a record deal.

Steve Hillage talks about his early days in Canterbury:

Canterbury was the springboard to Hillage’s later success. He formed his own band in 1971 called Kahn but they broke up after only one album. Hillage toured and played with other Canterbury affiliated musicians like Ayres and joined Daevid Allen’s band Gong, which is where he developed his trademark guitar playing style.

He is widely regarded as a virtuoso guitar player, drawing comparisons with Eric Clapton amongst others.

In 1975 Hillage went solo, recording two albums ‘Fish Rising’ and ‘L’. By 1977, the Progressive Rock scene fell out of favour, replaced by the harsher sound of punk but Hillage kept recording in his own style and is still playing live today.

His performance at the Lounge on the Farm Festival on 10th July 2009 will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Kent from 7-10pm.