Van der Graaf Generator are an English progressive rock band, formed in 1967 in Manchester by singer-songwriters Peter Hammill and Chris Judge Smith. They were the first act signed by Charisma Records. They did not experience much commercial success in the UK, but became popular in Italy during the 1970s.
In 2005 the band reformed, and they are still musically active with a line-up of Hammill, organist Hugh Banton and drummer Guy Evans. Wikipedia lists three current members and seven former members.
Peter Hammill – Vocals, Guitars, Piano, Keyboards, Bass (1967–1972, 1975–1978, 2005–present)
Peter Hammill co-founded the band with Chris Judge Smith. He is credited with lead and backing vocals, guitars, electric and acoustic piano, keyboards and bass, and is a current member.
Hugh Banton – Organ, Piano, Keyboards, Bass Pedals, Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals (1968–1972, 1975–1976, 2005–present)
Hugh Banton plays organ, piano, keyboards, bass pedals and bass guitar, and sings backing vocals. He is a current member.
Guy Evans – Drums, Percussion (1968–1972, 1975–1978, 2005–present)
Guy Evans plays drums and percussion and is a current member.
Chris Judge Smith – Drums, Percussion, Wind Instruments, Vocals (1967–1968)
Chris Judge Smith co-founded the band in Manchester. He played drums, percussion and wind instruments and sang backing and lead vocals from 1967 to 1968.
Nick Pearne – Organ (1967–1968)
Nick Pearne played organ in the band from 1967 to 1968.
Keith Ellis – Bass Guitar (1968–1969)
Keith Ellis played bass guitar from 1968 to 1969. He died in 1978.
Nic Potter – Bass Guitar, Guitar (1969–1970, 1977–1978)
Nic Potter played bass guitar and guitar in two stretches, from 1969 to 1970 and from 1977 to 1978. He died in 2013.
David Jackson – Saxophones, Flute, Piano, Backing Vocals (1969–1972, 1975–1977, 1978, 2005–2006)
David Jackson played alto, tenor, baritone and soprano saxophones, flute and piano and sang backing vocals. He was a member in 1969 to 1972, 1975 to 1977 and 2005 to 2006, and was a guest for two concerts in 1978.
Graham Smith and Charles Dickie
- Graham Smith – violin (1977–1978)
- Charles Dickie – cello, piano, synthesizer (1977–1978)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Van der Graaf Generator? Singer-songwriters Peter Hammill and Chris Judge Smith formed the band in 1967 in Manchester.
Who is in Van der Graaf Generator now? Peter Hammill, Hugh Banton and Guy Evans, who are all listed as current members since the 2005 reformation.
Where was the band popular? They did not have much commercial success in the UK but became popular in Italy during the 1970s.
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