Gong (uk), support: Ava Mendoza (us)

progressive rock | psychedelic rock | experimental blues

Gong in 2026 features the longest-running line-up of this legendary international psychedelic band. The universe of Gong was created in 1969 by Daevid Allen, following a profound psychedelic vision. A founder member of Soft Machine, Allen wove his spiritual and metaphysical leanings into an evolving collective, more a mythology than a band in the conventional sense. Gong established itself as one of the most unique, innovative and experimental rock groups of the Seventies, with an experimental mix of rock, jazz, psychedelia and elements of mysticism and surrealism, all laced with a far-out sense of humour.

AVA MENDOZA is a guitarist, songwriter and composer. Best known for her solo guitar/voice performances, and as leader of the experimental rock band Unnatural Ways, she has received critical acclaim for her guitar work’s compelling combination of technique and visceral impact.
> Mendoza is unquestionably one of today’s most unique and unconventional guitar goddesses, blazing her own path between the worlds of jazz, rock and the avant-garde. On The Circular Train, the Brooklyn-based artist weaves a detailed travelogue of her own past, her ancestral homelands and the worlds of her friends and inspirations, through her angular guitar gymnastics alone. -Record Crates United

Das Konzert wird unterstützt vom Verband für aktuelle Musik Hamburg.

#### Gong

The current incarnation, who were put together by Daevid for his swansong album with Gong, ‘I See You’, continue to honour his final intent: to take the band “into new unknown heights and depths far beyond anything I could ever imagine myself”. They have composed, recorded and toured together for eleven years since Allen’s passing and they continue to espouse the ethics, attitude and lifestyle that was always at the heart of the band. This dynamic, powerful and explosive live band continue to tour internationally, including visits to China, USA, Europe, Brazil and Japan. They have released the albums ‘Rejoice! I’m Dead!’ (2016), ‘The Universe Also Collapses’ (2019), ‘Pulsing Signals’ (2021),‘Unending Ascending’ (2023), and now ‘Bright Spirit’ (2026), all on Kscope.

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#### Ava Mendoza

> “Brooklyn-based guitarist and vocalist Ava Mendoza has forged a serious reputation over the last couple of decades… an extraordinary guitarist and improviser… The overall effect is transportive and otherworldly… A stunning set, perfectly executed.” -The Quietus

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