Mother Gong

**Mother Gong** emerged as a dynamic offshoot of the legendary psychedelic/prog collective Gong, spearheaded by Gilli Smyth (aka Shakti Yoni) after her departure from the original band in the mid-1970s. Known for her signature "space whisper" vocals and avant-garde spirit, Smyth infused Mother Gong with feminist themes, cosmic mysticism, and a playful yet politically charged energy. The project became a rotating collective of musicians, poets, and performers, blending trippy rock, spoken word, and theatrical experimentation. Their live shows – captured in releases like *Live in Amsterdam* and *Glastonbury 79 & 81* – were legendary for their improvisational flair and counterculture vibe.

Over decades, Mother Gong released genre-defying albums like *Fairy Tales* and *Wild Child*, weaving mythology, ecology, and social commentary into their sound. While rooted in Gong’s mythology (see the *I Am a Tree* title), they carved their own path with a focus on collaborative, ritualistic performances. Gilli Smyth remained the project’s heart until her passing in 2016, leaving a legacy of fearless creativity and communal music-making.

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