Memory:John Kelly
Like many Americans, I had never heard of GENTLE GIANT until one fall evening in 1972 when I drove the 100 miles from little DeLand, Florida to see JETHRO TULL's "Thick As A Brick" tour in the Jacksonville Coliseum.
Tull was on top of the world, with "Aqualung" and "Thick As A Brick" both at the top of the album charts within that year. The Coliseum was packed with wildly dressed rock fans waiting to see the eccentric Ian Anderson and company.
But for an hour or so, the anxiety of seeing Tull was quenched as soon as Gentle Giant hit the stage. They were one of the most colorfully dressed bands I'd ever seen (of course I was but a 17 year old from a small southern town), and their platform shoes--GIGANTIC! And then the music began. As I recall, they began with "Prologue" from "Three Friends," and I specifically remember "Working All Day." Incredible.
An hour later they waved goodbye, played an encore (which was demanded by the Tull-anticipating crowd), and left for good.
Only Tull could have topped Giant's performance--which they did. It is still the BEST concert I've ever attended.
The next day I immediately began my search for a copy of "Three Friends."
Giant never played in Florida again as far as I know, but the memory remains.