1968

May

Henry Cow is formed by Fred Frith and Tim Hodgkinson. Original line-up includes Andy Spooner (harmonica), Rob Brooks (guitar), Joss Grahame (bass) and David Attwooll (drums). Spooner : "I played harmonica when the band was more folk-blues orientated but we were always experimental, including original material". 

June

[12] Cambridge, Homerton College (Architects Ball) [supporting Pink Floyd]
Spooner : "The Pink Floyd set at the Architects Ball included a very long drum solo as there was a power failure !" 

October

Andy Powell replaces Grahame on bass

1969

April/May

Revelation Fun Fair 

June

[--] Chetwynd Room
[--] Cambridge, King's College Common Room
[08] Cambridge, Midsummer Common (Cambridge Midsummer Pop Festival)
Henry Cow open this 4-day (May 8-11) festival at 2pm on Sunday June 8th. Headliners include the Edgar Broughton Band (8th), Blossom Toes (9th), King Crimson and Brian Auger Trinity (10th) and Family (11t), and also appearing are East of Eden, Roy Harper, Audience, The Strawbs and the Third Ear Band.
[10] Cambridge, Trinity College (May Ball) [supporting Deep Purple]
[11] Cambridge, Peterhouse College (May Ball) [supporting Fleetwood Mac]
Spooner, Brooks and Atwood leave, and the band carries on as a trio (with Powell doubling on drums)

September

Powell leaves. John Greaves joins on bass, but no steady drummer is found until much later. FF: "We spent more time playing as a trio without a drummer than we did with a drummer in that period. Frank Perry auditioned with us but wasn't interested in the job - he auditioned us, effectively. Ashley Brown was a jazz drummer who auditioned but didn't fit... Neither of them was ever Henry Cow's drummer. Sean Jenkins did join for a while, but he was in another band, the Elastic Band, and had to travel a long way to work with us, and since we didn't have any money, he kind of lost interest after a few months".

Autumn

"Trapezium" Rock Ballet
Homerton Dance
Shelter Benefit 

1970

September

Frith, Hodgkinson and Greaves move into a house together. JG: "Things started to get serious... the pattern of endless rehearsal/jams begins...".

1971

May

Win John Peel's "Rockertunity Knocks" competition
[04] London, BBC Maida Vale Studios [Top Gear show] - "Hieronymo's Mad Again", "Poglith Drives a Vauxhall Viva" performed (broadcast May 29)
Martin Ditcham replaces Sean Jenkins on drums

June

[15] Cambridge University, Pembroke College
[--] Cambridge, Technical College
[24] Glastonbury Festival [also: Uncle Dog, Linda Lewis, Third Ear Band, Gilberto Gil, Fairport Convention, Edgar Broughton Band, Mighty Baby] 

July

[21] Cambridge, County School

September

[12] Ashdon, Ivy Todd Farm [also: Pink Fairies, Hawkwind, Mighty Baby, Uncle Dog, Formerly Fat Harry, Skin Alley, Amon Din, Magick Michael]
Ditcham leaves to join Nucleus. Chris Cutler replaces him.

October

[20] Cambridge, Dorothy Ballrooms [supporting Velvet Underground, also Formerly Fat Harry]

Autumn

Warwick University
Bristol University
Cambridge, Architecture Faculty

1972


February

[10] Colchester, Essex University (Miners' benefit) [also: Lol Coxhill]
Henry Cow join the Ottawa Music Company (started a few months earlier by Chris Cutler - before he'd joined HC - and Dave Stewart, and including members of Egg plus Jeremy Baines, Anthony Marshall and others) for a series of three concerts billed as "Ottawa 3"
[25] London, St.Martins College of Art [Ottawa Music Company]
[26] London [Battersea Rise], Emanuel School [Ottawa Music Company]
[28] London, Playhouse Theatre [John Peel show] - "Teen Beat", "Rapt In A Blanket", "I Came To See You" performed (broadcast Mar 14) [guests: Geoff Leigh & Dave Stewart]

March

[06] Redhill, Market Hall [Ottawa Music Company]
[16] Colchester, Essex University [supporting Amon Duul II]

April

Henry Cow write and perform music for Robert Walker's production of Euripides' 'The Bacchae'
[01-07] Watford, Palace Theatre (writing/rehearsals) ['The Bacchae']
[08-13] Watford, Palace Theatre (performances) ['The Bacchae']
[17] Hounslow [London], Isleworth Polytechnic
[30] Watford, Palace Theatre (matinee) [Ottawa Music Company]

May

[08-13] Cambridge, Arts Theatre ['The Bacchae']
Geoff Leigh joins
[20] Hounslow [London], Isleworth Polytechnic [also: If, Pete Sully]

June

[22] Roehampton, Parish Hall [Ottawa Music Company]
[24] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Paradiso [Lady June's Linguistic Leprosy, feat. Henry Cow]
[25] London [Bethnal Green], York Hall (Young Socialists Pop Concert & Rally) [also: McGuiness Flint with Paul Jones, Ram John Holder, Snake Eye, Fumble]
[28] London, Architectural Association

July

[25-30] Edinburgh, Traverse Theatre (Edinburgh Festival) (series of six concerts in two halves: "A Metaphysical Introduction To Hollywood Thibet" and "Pas D'Elle Yeux, Rhône Que Nous") (with the Cambridge Dance Group and artist Ray Smith)
GL: "The daily schedule was quite tough - a lunchtime concert without the dancers, featuring performance artist Ray Smith, then two performances with the dancers"

August

[11] London School of Economics, Old Theatre ("Monday 11th, 1pm")
[21-26] Edinburgh, St. Patrick's School (Edinburgh Fringe Festival) (with the Cambridge Dance Group) (with activities by Ray Smith)

September

[10] Harrow, Roxbourne Park [also: Spike, Mantra, Thunderclap Newman's Incomparables, Ginger Johnson's African Drummers, Bruin]
[23] Cambridge, Fisher House

October

Launch a regular series of events and concerts under the name Cabaret Voltaire in London
[06] Kensington Town Hall (Cabaret Voltaire) [also: Kevin Ayers]
[17] London, BBC Langham Studio 1 [John Peel show] - "With The Yellow Half Moon & Blue Star", "With The Yellow Half Moon & Blue Star Part 2" performed (broadcast Nov 14) [guest: DJ Perry (speech)]
[27] Kensington Town Hall (Cabaret Voltaire) [also: Khan, Ray Smith, Bob Bery] 

November

[17] Kensington Town Hall (Cabaret Voltaire) [also: Jack Monck, Lady June, Anthony Marshall, Tony Wilkes]
[24] Cambridge, St.Mary's School
[30] Cambridge, Architecture Faculty

December

[05] Kensington Town Hall (Cabaret Voltaire) [also: Dave Stewart, Mont Campbell, Anthony Marshall - final Ottawa Company performance]

1973

January

[06] Watford, Kingham Hall
[19] Hounslow [London], Isleworth Polytechnic

February

[02] London, London School of Economics
[23] Swansea University Arts Festival

March

[06] London, Shaw Theatre (Camden Festival) [also: Principal Edwards' Magic Theatre]
[09] Watford, Watford Boys Grammar School / New Theatre [also: Rogerama]
[11] London, Roundhouse (The Changing Face Of Jazz/Rock) [also: 'In C' (Terry Riley) by Paul Buckmaster, Morris Pert & Peter Robinson, Keith Tippett's Ovary Lodge, 25 Views Of Worthing]
Establish the Explorers Club at the London School of Economics
[14] London, LSE Old Theatre (Explorers Club) [also: Derek Bailey, Lol Coxhill]
Appear at the Bath International Music Festival
[20] London, Northern London Poly [also: Supersister]
[24] London, Architects Association [with Portsmouth Sinfonia]

April

[07-11] Manor Studios ("first exploratory sessions")
[24] London, BBC Langham Studio 1 [John Peel show] - "Nirvana For Mice", "Guider Tells of Silent Airborne Machine", "Nine Funerals of the Citizen King", "Bee" performed (broadcast May 8)
[27] London, LSE Old Theatre (Explorers Club) [also: Rain in the Face, Ray Smith, DJ Perry]

May

[04] London, LSE Old Theatre (Explorers Club) [also: Ron Geesin, Mont Campbell Wind Quartet, Ray Smith, DJ Perry, Alpha]
[05] London, beneath Westway [also: Sniff & The Tears]
[10] Sign with Virgin
[11] London, LSE Old Theatre (Explorers Club) [also: Derek Bailey, Christine Jeffries, Ray Smith, DJ Perry]
[12-14] Manor Studios (sessions for Leg End)
[15] Cambridge, Fisher House
[16-17] Manor Studios (sessions for Leg End)
[18] London, LSE Old Theatre (Explorers Club) [also: Ivor Cutler, Lol Coxhill, DJ Perry, Ray Smith]
[30] Bath, Holbourne Museum (Bath International Festival) 

June

[02] Roehampton, Parish Hall (Benefit for Servile House Home for the physically handicapped) [also: Hatfield and the North]
[03-08] Manor Studios (sessions for Leg End)
[09] London, Shepherd's Bush / Magic Roundabout [also: Gong, GVTC, Clancy, Chilli Willi, Help Yourself...]
[10-14] Manor Studios (final sessions for Leg End)
[16] Huddersfield, Greenhead Park
[17] York, Arts Centre
[18] Manchester, Forum Theatre
[25] London, Queen Elizabeth Hall [Mike Oldfield "Tubular Bells", feat. Fred Frith, Tim Hodgkinson, Geoff Leigh and John Greaves]
[26] nr Coventry, Warwick University
[29] Reading, Arts Exchange

July

[08] Harrow, Headstone Manor Park [also: Global Village Trucking Company, Mantra, Byzantium, Half-Human Band]
[19] Manor Studios (mixing session for Leg End)
[20] Basildon, Arts Centre
[21] Ealing, Technical College
[30] Bath, Other Festival

August

[05] London, Roundhouse (Greasy Truckers Benefit) [also: Kevin Ayers & 747, Global Village Trucking Company, Glencoe, Keith Christmas]
[06] Harrow, Technical College
[09] Cambridge, Fisher House
[31] Leg End is released

September

[08] Kensington [London], Commonwealth Institute [with Kevin Coyne]
[21] Reading, Town Hall [with Faust]
[22] Cambridge, Corn Exchange [with Faust]
[24] Southampton, Guildhall [with Faust]
[29] Dagenham, Round House [with Faust]
[30] Guildford, Civil Hall [with Faust]

October

[01] Dunstable, Queensway Hall [with Faust]
[05] Birmingham, Town Hall [with Faust]
[06] Newcastle, City Hall [with Faust]
[08] Sheffield, City Hall [with Faust & Kevin Coyne] (?)
[09] Bristol, Colston Hall [with Faust]
[11] High Wycombe, Town Hall [with Faust]
[13] Aylesbury, College of Further Education
[14] Chelmsford, Chancellor House [with Faust]
[17] Hove, Town Hall [with Faust]
[20] Cambridge, Corn Exchange [with Faust]
[21] London, Rainbow Theatre (guests: DJ Perry (text), Ray Smith (ironing), Jane Colling & Sarah Greaves (painting), David Gale's Lumière & Son (performance art), Jean-Hervé Péron, Mark Charig & Phil Minton (trumpets), Lol Coxhill, Gary Windo, Gary James & Elton Dean (saxophones), Mike Westbrook, Edward Ray Smith & Nick Evans (trombones), Peter Blegvad & John Miles (clarinets), Jeremy Baines (flute & medieval instruments)...) [with Faust]
[22] Wolverhampton, Civic Hall [with Faust]
[27] Liverpool, Stadium [with Faust]
[31] start rehearsal for The Tempest (see November)

November

[01-17] Henry Cow rehearse, then perform at the Watford Palace Theatre as part of Jon Chadwick's production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest", the music of which was composed intermittently over the previous year
[04] Henry Cow are filmed by a French TV crew as part of a documentary on Virgin Records while recording at the Manor; the resulting improvised music is later used as Henry Cow's side of the Greasy Truckers compilation
[21] London, Dingwall's
[22] Reading, Arts Exchange
[24] Bracknell, Sports Centre [supporting Man, also Ace]
[25] Chipping Campden (Gloucestershire), Folkshop
[26] Chelmsford Prison
[29] Bexhill, De La Warr Pavillion [with Faust] (?)
[30] London, BBC TV Studios, Shepherds Bush (Mike Oldfield "Tubular Bells") [Fred Frith, Tim Hodgkinson, John Greaves and Geoff Leigh join members of Gong and Soft Machine plus Mick Taylor, David Bedford, Ted Speight and Jon Field]

December

[01] Maassluis (Netherlands), De Toverbal
[02] Maasbree (Netherlands), MAF Centrum
[03] Delft (Netherlands)
[06] Schoonhoven (Netherlands), Vakschool [afternoon]
[06] Zwolle (Netherlands) [evening]
[07] Den Haag (Netherlands), Paard van Troje
[08] Rotterdam (Netherlands), Eksit
[09] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg
Geoff Leigh decides to leave, "unhappy with the increasingly sheduled group life"
[17] Yeovil, Technical College

1974

January

Lindsay Cooper joins on oboe and bassoon
[18] Guildford, Surrey University [supporting Stackridge]
[19] Hounslow [London], Isleworth Polytechnic (lunchtime)
[19]
Guildford, Surrey University (evening)
[20] Crewe, Crewe & Alsager College of Higher Education [also: Hatfield and the North]
[25] London, Peanuts [also: Rocks Off]
[26] Bristol, University [also: Dudu Pukwana]

February

[01] Birmingham, College of Further Education [also: Fumble] (?)
[02] Hornsey, Town Hall (Benefit for E.A.F.T.) [also: Global Village Trucking Company]
[07] London, Torrington [also: Isotope]
[14-28] Manor Studios (sessions for "Unrest")
Slapp Happy are leaving the studio as they arrive, having just completed their first LP for Virgin

March

[07] Southampton University [supporting Return To Forever]
[08] Hemel Hampstead, Arts Centre
[09] London, Bedford College - Students' Union
[12] Cambridge, Lady Mitchell Hall [also: Gong]
[13] Norwich, St.Andrews Hall [also: Gong]
[18] Nottingham University [also: Global Village Trucking Company]
[19] Birmingham, University [supporting Return To Forever]
[23-31] Manor Studios (more sessions for "Unrest")

April

[01-02] Manor Studios (sessions for "Unrest")
[10] Brest (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[11] Rennes (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[12] Bordeaux (France), Salle des Fêtes du Grand Parc (Bérêt Cosmique) [with Kevin Coyne, also: Stradivarius]
[13] Mont-de-Marsan (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[15] Arles (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[16] Clermont-Ferrand (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[17] Paris (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[18] Orléans (France) [with Kevin Coyne]
[25] London, BBC Langham Studio 1 [John Peel show] - "Pigeons: Ruins / Half Awake, Half Asleep / Bittern Storm Over Ulm" (broadcast May 9)
[late] Chris Cutler joins Gong as temporary replacement for Pierre Moerlen (three UK gigs) 

May

[01] Cambridge, Midsummer Common Free Festival
[08] Woolwich, The Tramshed
[10] St.Albans, College of Education
[14] London, Nova Studios (session for unreleased Slapp Happy "Europa" single)
[15] Reading, Town Hall
[18] Bryanstan School
Beefheart tour - Geoff Leigh guests on a couple of dates
[23] Reims (France), Patinoire [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[24] Jouy-en-Josas [nr Paris] (France), HEC [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[25] Lyon (France), Palais d'Hiver [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[26] Arles (France), Théâtre Antique [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[30] Loughborough, University [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[31] Norwich, East Anglia University [supporting Captain Beefheart]

June

[01] Leeds, University [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[02] Beck (Holland), Pink Pop Festival [afternoon]
[03] Birmingham, Town Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[04] Newcastle, City Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[05] Glasgow, Apollo [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[06] Edinburgh, Caley Cinema [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[07] Sheffield, City Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[08] Manchester, Free Trade Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[09] London, Theatre Royal Drury Lane [supporting Captain Beefheart] [guest: Geoff Leigh]
[10] Hove, Town Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[11] Oxford, New Theatre [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[13] Cambridge, Lady Mitchell Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[14] Bracknell, Sports Centre [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[15] Liverpool, Stadium [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[16] Bristol, Colston Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[17] Swansea, Brangwyn Hall [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[20] Bruxelles (Belgium), Auditorium 44 [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[21] Venlo (Netherlands), Concertgebouw [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[22] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Concertgebouw [supporting Captain Beefheart]
[23] Rotterdam (Netherlands), De Doelen [supporting Captain Beefheart]

July

[06] Ewell, Technical College (Benefit for Watchfield Free Festival) [also: Half Human Band, Lightship]
[11-15] Fred Frith records his "Guitar Solos" album for Caroline

August

Chris Cutler joins Gong as temporary replacement for the departing Pierre Moerlen

September

Henry Cow tour Holland as a quartet, without Lindsay Cooper. Cutler: "We came off the Beefheart tour in more or less a state of shock. We had always prepared each concert as a unique event, rearranging the material and writing new bridges between pieces; now suddenly we found ourselves playing the same set night after night. We decided that we needed to stop performing and think about what to do next. Fred, Tim, John and I agreed to fulfil our last outstanding concert obligations without Lindsay - a tour of Holland. We didn't want to play any existing material so we secluded ourselves for a week in Fred's parents' cottage outside York where, restricting ourselves to the first bars of what later became 'Living In The Heart of the Beast', we worked up a 35-40 minute piece unlike anything else we did before or after"
[13-17] Skipton [nr York], Village Hall (rehearsals)
[19] Nijmegen (Netherlands), Doornroosje
[20] Den Haag (Netherlands), Paard von Troje
[21] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg
[22] Maassluis (Netherlands), De Toverbal
[25] Enschede (Netherlands), Technische Hogeschool Twente
[26] Halsteren (Netherlands), Verenigings Gebouw
[27] Vlissingen (Netherlands), De Piek
[28] Groningen (Netherlands), Vera Club
[29] Delft (Netherlands), De Eland

October

[10] Winchester College of Art
[12] Manchester, Polytechnic (All Saints) [also: Hatfield and the North]

November

[05] London, Royal Festival Hall [D.Bedford's 'Stars End' feat. Fred Frith & Chris Cutler]
[22] Wilmslow, School ???
After discussions with Slapp Happy, it is decided to merge the two groups
"Desperate Straights" is recorded at Manor Studios (another track recorded during this session, "War", is later used for "In Praise Of Learning"; "A Worm Is At Work", also from this session, is later included on Virgin's "V" compilation)

1975

January

The newly merged Henry Cow/Slapp Happy reconvene to rehearse material for its second album, in the gymnasium of St.Christopher's school

February

Sessions for "In Praise Of Learning" begin at the Manor
[21] "Desperate Straights" is released

March

Sessions for "In Praise of Learning" continue

April

[mid] The merger ends - Anthony Moore wants out, Peter Blegvad wants to limit his involvement to nine months and Dagmar Krause joins the new Henry Cow
[late] Rehearsals start with Robert Wyatt for the following month's Paris concert; on this occasion, Lindsay Cooper rejoins, and eventually decides to stay on

May

Setlist for the three European concerts with Robert Wyatt : First set: "Beautiful As The Moon..." / "Nirvana For Mice" / "Ottawa Song" / "Gloria Gloom" / "Ruins" / "...Terrible As An Army With Banners". Second set: "Muddy Mouth (a)" / "Solar Flares" / "Muddy Mouth (b)" / "5 Black Notes and 1 White Note" / "Muddy Mouth (c)" / "Muddy Mouse", Improvisation [ca. 11-12 minutes], "Bad Alchemy" / "Little Red Riding Hood Hit The Road", "Living In The Heart Of The Beast". Encore: "We Did It Again" (Paris only)
[08] Paris (France), Théâtre des Champs-Elysées [augmented by Robert Wyatt]
[09] Lyon (France), Salle Molière (free concert)
[09] "In Praise of Learning" is released
[15] Aix-en-Provence (France)
[17] Grenoble (France), Palais des Sports (Festival) [also: Magma, Mahjun, Mama Béa Tékielski]
[21] London, New London Theatre [augmented by Robert Wyatt]
[23] Utrecht (Netherlands), Rasa
[24] Vlissingen (Netherlands), De Piek
[25] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg [support: Eyes & Ears]
[27] Rotterdam (Netherlands), De Lantaren
[--] Helsinki (Finland)

June

[06] London, Cultural Association [Lol Coxhill Trio with Fred Frith (guitar) & Colin Wood (cello)]
[18] Bruxelles (Belgium) [with Gong, Magma, Hawkwind & Man]
[19] Bordeaux (France), Gradignan [with Gong, Magma, Hawkwind & Man]
[20] Poitiers (France), Arènes [with Gong, Magma, Hawkwind & Man]
[21] Nantes (France), Palais des Expositions [with Gong, Magma, Hawkwind & Man]
[22] Paris (France), Ancienne Gare de la Bastille [with Gong, Hawkwind & Man]
[23] Toulouse (France) [with Gong, Magma, Hawkwind & Man]
[25] Metz (France) [with Gong, Magma, Hawkwind & Man]
[27] Rome (Italy), Piazza Navona [augmented by Robert Wyatt] [with Gong]

July

The band remain in Italy and begin to arrange meetings with sympathisers, organisers and journalists; within 10 days they've been invited to play at several PCI festivals (most precise dates/locations missing)
[12] Magliana (Italy)
[13] Palermo (Italy)
[17] Taranto (Italy)
then a 4-day drive across Europe to...
[25] Oslo (Norway), Høvikodden Arts Centre
[31]
Bergen-op-Zoom (Netherlands), De Botte Hommel

August

[05] London, BBC Maida Vale Studio 4 (John Peel show) - "Beautiful As The Moon..." / "Nirvana For Mice" / "Ottawa Song" / "Gloria Gloom" / "...Terrible As An Army With Banners" performed (broadcast Aug 18)

September

[25] Rome (Italy)
[27] Catania (Italy), Festa d'Unità
[28] Milazzo (Italy), Festa d'Unità
[30] Reggio Calabria (Italy), Parito Radicale

October

[02] Genoa (Italy)
[03] Milan (Italy), Teatro Lirico
[05] Rome (Italy)
[12] Pordenone (Italy), Palazzo Dei Marmi
[13] Udine (Italy), Palamostre Auditorium
[17] Nancy (France), Festival Jazz Pulsations [also: Barre Phillips solo]
[18] Paris (France), Halles de la Villette (Benefit for the Communist paper "Rouge") [also: Captain Beefheart, John Cale, Osibisa]
[25] Massy-Palaiseau (France), Centre Omni-Sports (Festival de Massy) [also: Max Roach Quartet, Irene Schweitzer]

November

[02] St.Benoît-de-Carmaux (France), Salle des Fêtes de Font Grande
[05] Toulouse (France)
[06] Carcassonne (France)
[07] Montpellier (France)
[15] Rennes (France)
[16] Fresnes [nr Paris] (France), MJC
[18] Bordeaux (France), Festival Sigma
During their performance at the Sigma Festival, Henry Cow and the Mike Westbrook Brass Band appear in different parts of the same building; at the end of Henry Cow's concert, the Brass Band entered the hall playing a New Orleans funeral march while Henry Cow were dancing - a precursor to the following year's Orckestra
[22] Metz (France)
Planned 30-date UK tour (their first for nearly two years) is cancelled; only two dates remain; Henry Cow claim to have been the victims of an "elaborate hoax"
[29] Manchester, University Union

December

[05] Glasgow, Strathclyde University

1976

January

[22] Kingston-upon-Thames [nr London], Kingston Polytechnic
[23] Maidstone, College of Arts
[30] North London Poly (Holloway Road)
[31] London, LSE (People's Free Festival Benefit)

February

[07] Colchester, Essex University (cancelled)
[21] Norwich, University of East Anglia (cancelled)

March

[13] While rehearsals of new material are underway for an upcoming tour of Scandinavia, John Greaves announces his intention to leave
[26] Hamburg (Germany), NDR Jazz Workshop
Setlist: "Beautiful As The Moon...", "Nirvana For Mice", "Ottawa Song", "Gloria Gloom", Improv, "Ruins", Improv, "...Terrible As An Army With Banners"
Henry Cow return from Hamburg with bassist Uli Trepte, who rehearses with the group for a while; when he doesn't work out, Steve Beresford is considered as replacement, but ends up not joining either

April

[09] Grenoble (France) (cancelled)
[30] Nancy (France) (cancelled)

May

HC tour Scandinavia as a quartet (Frith, Hodgkinson, Cooper, Cutler), as Dagmar is ill in Hamburg
[12] Helsinki (Finland), Tavastia Club
[13] Turku (Finland), Konsettitalo
[16] Oslo (Norway)
[18] Uppsala (Sweden), V-Dala
[19] Stockholm (Sweden), Jarlateatern
[21] Västerås (Sweden), Musikforum
[22] Sundsvall (Sweden), Musikforum
[23] Umeå (Sweden), Stacken
[26] Trondheim (Norway), Studentersamfundet (broadcast on Tonkraft radio programme, Jul 14)
[28] Göteborg (Sweden), Sprängkullen (recorded for Sveriges Radio "Tonkraft") [broadcast Jul 14/17]

June

[06] London, New London Theatre [FF solo supports Daevid Allen & Euterpe]
[14] Georgie Born joins on bass/cello
Dagmar Krause rejoins

August

[20] York
[21] Folkestone, Town Hall [also: Night Fire, Dharma Dance Band]
[25] Vevey (Switzerland), Swiss TV "Kaleidospop" filming
Setlist: "Beautiful As The Moon...", free, "...Terrible As An Army With Banners", "No More Songs", "Living In The Heart Of The Beast", free, "The March", "Erk Gah"
[27] Lausanne (Switzerland)

September

[04] Sapinhaut [nr Saxon] (Switzerland)
[08] Milan (Italy)
Setlist: Improvisation, "Erk Gah", "Ruins", "Bittern Storm Over Ulm", "The March", Nirvana Variations, "...Terrible As An Army With Banners", "Would You Prefer Us To Lie ?", "Living In The Heart Of The Beast"
[10] Torino (Italy)
[16] Trieste (Italy)
[17] Udine (Italy) (cancelled because of earthquake)
[18] Bologna (Italy)
[23] Benuvento (Italy)
[24] Taranto (Italy)
[26] Palermo (Italy)
[28] Roma (Italy)
[29] Padua (Italy)

October

[01] Vicenza (Italy)
[02] Venezia (Italy)
[23] London, New Cross Goldsmith College
[26] Southend-on-Sea, Lindisfarne Centre (Southend Open Door Arts Festival) [also: Lol Coxhill & Gerry Fitzgerald, Red Square]
[31] London, Almost Free Theatre (debut performance by the Feminist Improvising Group, featuring Lindsay Cooper and Georgie Born)

November

[09] Dijon (France), Salle Fontaine d'Houche
[10] Paris (France), France-Musique Studio 109 ["Ecoute"] (broadcast Nov 15)
[11-12] Paris (France), Théâtre de la Renaissance [support: Carpe Diem] (average attendance 280 people/night)
[13] Mulhouse (France)
[16] Longlaville (France), MJC
[17] Reims (France), Centre Saint-Exupéry
[18] Nancy (France), Salle Rencontres (Concert ATEM)
Setlist: Improvisation, "Erk Gah", "No More Songs", "Ruins", "Bittern Stom Over Ulm", Improv, "The March" // "Beautiful As The Moon...", free, "...Terrible As An Army With Banners", "Living In The Heart Of The Beast"
[19] Hénin-Beaumont (France), MJC
[24] Bourges (France), Maison de la Culture
[25] Chaumont (France), Salle des Fêtes
[26] Belfort (France), Pépinière
[27] Louveciennes (France), Salle des Fêtes de la Mairie [support: Etron Fou Leloublan]
[30] Grenoble (France)

December

[01] Grenoble (France) [also: Zao, VdGG...]
[02] Nice (France), Faculté de Lettres
[03] Aix-en-Provence (France) [also: Etron Fou Leloublan, Zao]
[04] Avignon (France), Théâtre du Chène Noir
[05] St.Chamond (France), Cinéma Variétés
[06] Montpellier (France), Campus
[07] Tarbes (France), Le Parnis
[08] Toulouse (France), Théâtre du Taur
[10] Limoges (France), Centre Gagan
[11] Bordeaux (France)
[13] Orléans (France)
[14] St.Quentin-en-Yvelines [nr Paris] (France), Maison pour Tous
[17] Reims (France), Centre Saint-Exupéry
[19] London, Other Cinema (Music Against Capitalism)

1977

January

[14] Rehearsals begin for upcoming tours
Typical setlist: free, "Erk Gah", "Ruins", "Bittern Storm Over Ulm", free, "The March" // free, Nirvana Variations, "...Terrible As An Army With Banners", "No More Songs", "Joan", "Teenbeat", free, "Would You Prefer Us To Lie ?", "Living In The Heart Of The Beast"

February

[01] Cambridge, Lady Mitchell Hall
[02] Leeds, University
[04] Nottingham, Victoria Leisure Centre
[05] Coventry, Warwick University
[13] London, Wandsworth Town Hall
[18] Pavia (Italy)
[19] Genova (Italy)
[20] Parma (Italy), Cinema Olimpico
[21] Milano (Italy), Teatro Lirico
[22] Siena (Italy)
[23] Roma (Italy)
[24] Pisa (Italy)
[25] Torino (Italy)
[26] Bergamo (Italy)
[27] Firenze (Italy)
[28] Padova (Italy) 

March

[01] Vicenza (Italy)
[02] Cremona (Italy)
[03] Brescia (Italy)
[04] Milano (Italy)
[05] Udine (Italy)
[06] Mestre (Italy)
Formation of the Orkhestra, featuring all members Henry Cow and the Mike Westbrook Band plus singer Frankie Armstrong
[13] London, Roundhouse (Moving Left Revue) [Orckestra - debut performance]
Setlist: "Wheel Of Fortune", "Beautiful As The Moon...", "Django", "God Bless The Child", "Naima", "Mourn Not The Dead", "Anthem", "Jackie-ing", "On Suicide", "Lady Howard's Coach", "Kanonensong", "Santiago, You Are Suffering", "Let The Slave" / interval / "Serpent Maigre", "Bartlemy Fair", "The Saucy Sailor", "Little Duke Arthur's Nurse", "Sovay, Sovay", "Jack The Lad", "Holy Thursday", "I See Thy Form", "Alabama Song"
[21] Brive (France)
[22] Bordeaux (France)
[23] Poitiers (France)
[25] Orléans (France)
[26] Rennes (France)
[27] Paris (France)
[28] Clermont-Ferrand (France)

April

[20] Liverpool, Eric's Club
[22] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg (?)
[23] Etten-Leur (Netherlands), De Nobelaer
[24] Maassluis (Netherlands), De Toverbal
[26] Anvers (Belgium), De Muze
[27] Bergen-op-Zoom (Netherlands), De Botte Hommel

[30] Stockholm (Sweden), Mariahisse

May

[02] Uppsala (Sweden)
[03] Arhus (Denmark)
[08] Ludvika (Sweden), Musikforum
[09] Göteborg (Sweden), Sveriges Radio - Studio 4 ("Tonkraft") (broadcast Jun 08/11)
Setlist: free, "Erk Gah", free, "Ruins", "No More Songs" [P.Ochs]
[11] Helsinki (Finland), Tarastia Club
[14] Göteborg (Sweden), Renstromska Museet
[15] Oslo (Norway), Folkestius [also: Hopper-Dean-Tippett-Gallivan]
[16] Uppsala (Sweden), Musikforum
Setlist: free, "Erk Gah", "Ruins", free, "The March" // Untitled Piece (Cooper), "On Suicide", free, "Teenbeat", "Would You Prefer Us To Lie ?", "Living In The Heart Of The Beast" // "No More Songs"
[18] Bruxelles (Belgium), Halles de Schaerbeek
[19] Vlissingen (Netherlands), De Piek
[28-29] Battersea, Arts Centre (Music for Socialism festival) [guests: Frankie Armstrong & Lol Coxhill...] [also: People Liberation Music]
[30] Southampton, Solent Suite [support: Red Balune]
[31] Bath, Brillig Arts Centre [support: Red Balune]

June

[01] Plymouth, Lower Guildhall or Woods [support: Red Balune]
[02] Exeter, St.George's Hall [support: Red Balune]
[03] Cardiff, Temple of Peace [support: Red Balune]
[08] Hull, University [with Lol Coxhill]
[09] Brighton, Polytechnic (Brighton Contemporary Festival of Arts) [support: Etron Fou Leloublan]
[10] Southend, Queen's Hotel [support: Etron Fou Leloublan]
Setlist: free, "Erk Gah", "Ruins", free, "The March" // "On Suicide", free, "Living In The Heart Of The Beast" // "Teenbeat"
[12] Guildford, Civic Hall [support: Etron Fou Leloublan]
[13] Cambridge, Lady Mitchell Hall [support: Etron Fou Leloublan]
[14] Leeds
[22-24] rehearsal with Orckestra
[25] Sierck-les-Bains (France), Festival du Château [also: National Health, Surya, Faton Cahen solo, Carmina]
[26] London, Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre [Orckestra]

July

[31] Lindsay Cooper takes part in National Health's gig at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London 

September

Dagmar Krause is no longer part of Henry Cow's performing line-up, although she is to participate in future recording projects.
[09] Arzignano (Italy), Piscina Communale (Zona Festival)
[10] Cremona (Italy)
[11] Livorno (Italy)
[16] Milan (Italy), Teatro Uomo [Orckestra]
[17] Modena (Italy), Festival Nazionale dell’Unità [Orckestra]
Setlist: "Wheel Of Fortune", "Teenbeat Introduction" / "Nirvana Variations", "...Terrible As An Army With Banners", "Naima", "Mourn Not The Dead", "Jackie-ing", "Lady Howard's Coach", "Kanonensong", "Let The Slave", "Bartlemy Fair"
[18] Udine (Italy)
[19] Firenze (Italy), Casa Del Popolo
[22] Verona (Italy)
[23] Lecco (Italy), Teatro Palladium (Como Festival)
[24] Lugano (Switzerland), Festival [also: John Cage, Dieter Schnebel, Christian Wolff]
[25] Cantù (Italy), Autunno Musicale (Como Festival) [also: Stormy Six]
[27] Mestre (Italy) [also: Etron Fou Leloublan]
Setlist: free, "Viva Pa Ubu", "Nirvana For Mice", "The Big Tune" (various bits), free, "Ruins", "Bittern Storm Over Ulm", free, "Jackie-ing", free, "Teenbeat"
[28] Roma (Italy) [also: Etron Fou Leloublan]

October

[02] Napoli (Italy)
[05] Valence (France) [also: Etron Fou Leloublan]
[08] Paris (France), Hippodrome [also: Etron Fou Leloublan, Albert Marcoeur]
[17] Nancy (France), Chapiteau de la Pépinière (Nancy Jazz Pulsations) (3pm) [support: Ran Blake (piano solo] [Orckestra]
[18] Henry Cow join the Italian cooperative L'Orchestra
[19] Henry Cow's contract with Virgin is terminated
[31] Nottingham, University

November

[01] Leeds, University
[05] Manchester, Polytechnic [with Frankie Armstrong]
[08] Rennes (France)
[09] Bourges (France)
Setlist: "The Big Tune" (various bits), "Nirvana For Mice", "Jackie-ing", "Erk Gah" (excerpt 1), free // "Ruins", "Bittern Storm Over Ulm", free, "Viva Pa Ubu", "Nirvana For Mice", "The Big Tune" (more), "Erk Gah" (excerpt 2) // "Teenbeat"
[10] Angers (France), Salle Beaurepaire
[18] Woluwé-St.Lambert [nr Bruxelles] (Belgium), UCL [also: Univers Zéro]
[20] Paris (France), Hippodrome (Fête du Nouveau Populaire de Paris) [also: National Health, Buffy Ste Marie, Larry Martin Factory] [Orckestra]
[20] Dagmar Krause leaves Henry Cow
[22] Limoges (France)
[24] Bilbao (Spain)
[25] Madrid (Spain), New M&M Concert Hall
[also: Suck Electronic Enciclopedic]
[26] Barcelona (Spain), Casal Claret [also: Suck Electronic
Enciclopedic]
[29] Zaragoza (Spain), University
[also: Suck Electronic Enciclopedic]
[30] Barcelona (Spain), Zeleste Club

December

[02] Freiburg (Germany), University
[03] Munich (Germany), Theater
[05-06] visit & book Sunrise Studios in Switzerland; meet with Jean Karakos and Jacques Pasquier re: future plans in France.
[09] Fribourg (Switzerland), Université - Auditorium Maximum
[15] Hamburg (Germany)
[16] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Melkweg [also: Red Balune] [guests: Annemarie Roelofs, Geoff Leigh]
Setlist: "Viva Pa Ubu", "The Big Tune" (bits), free, "Ruins", "Bittern Storm Over Ulm", "Half The Sky", "Erk Gah", "Teenbeat", free, 3/4 Theme, Unknown 

1978

January

[10] Genève (Switzerland)
Setlist: "Over The Rainbow", "The Big Tune" (fragments), "Viva Pa Ubu", more fragments, free, "Erk Gah", "Teenbeat"
[13] Zurich (Switzerland), Aula Rämibühl
[14] Luzern (Switzerland), Kunstmuseum
[15-29] recording sessions at Sunrise Studios, Kirchberg (Switzerland), with Dagmar Krause, produce material that is later mainly used for Hope & Fears by Art Bears, as well as "1/2 The Sky" which appears on Henry Cow's "Western Culture", and two out-takes ("Slice" and "Viva Pa Ubu") that later appear on a RéR sampler

February

A large part of February is taken up by a British tour supported by the Arts Council
[03] Birmingham, Aston Centre for the Arts - Music and Theatre Studio
[04] Sheffield, Hurfield Campus
[05] Manchester, Royal Exchange Theatre
[06] Liverpool, Christ's College
[07] Huddersfield, Town Hall
[08] Scunthorpe, Foxhills School
[10] Bristol, Arnolfini
[11] Bridgwater, Arts Centre
[13] Coventry, Warwick University (Arts Centre)
[14] Brixton, Lambeth Town Hall [also: Red Balune, Alvaro]

March

[08] Aberdeen, Arts College
[09] Edinburgh, George Square College
[12] London, New London Theatre Drury Lane ("Rock In Opposition" concert) [4pm-10.45pm]
[14] Leicester, Phoenix Theatre (Leicester Rock Festival) [support: Stormy Six]
[15] Henry Cow officially announce they will break up at the end of August 1978; CC: "After deciding to split up we consciously organised eight months of music, to visit and say goodbye to everyone who had supported us through the years, and we wrote a complete set of new material"
[15-18] additional sessions for Art Bears' Hopes & Fears at Kaleidophon Studios, London (D.Krause, F.Frith and C.Cutler, with guest appearance by L.Cooper)
[18] London, Middlesex Hospital Medical School (Benefit for Other Cinema) [also: Red Balune, Ens]
[22] Bremen (Germany), Radio Bremen Studios [radio broadcast]
[26] Stockholm (Sweden)
[27] Uppsala (Sweden) [also: Samla Mammas Manna]
[28] Stockholm (Sweden), Kulturhuset (radio broadcast) [Orckestra]
[29] Linköping (Sweden)
[30] Norrköping (Sweden) [Orckestra]
[31] Kalmar (Sweden), Folkets Park

April

[01] Lund (Sweden) [also: Samla Mammas Manna]
[02] Göteborg (Sweden), FFS [Orckestra]
[04] Oslo (Norway), Château Neuf [Orckestra]
Following the Scandinavian tour, Henry Cow are booked for appearances on their own in Spain; but Lindsay Cooper has to go back to England for personal reasons, and Georgie Born decides to leave the band
The remaining members of Henry Cow - Fred Frith, Tim Hodgkinson and Chris Cutler - ask Phil Minton (of the Westbrook Band and Orckestra) to join them for the tour, performing under the name of The Lions Of Desire
[09] Barcelona (Spain), L'Aliança [The Lions Of Desire] [also: Gotic]
[13-14] Valencia (Spain) [The Lions Of Desire]
[15] Madrid (Spain) [The Lions Of Desire]
[16] Torello [nr Barcelona] (Spain) [The Lions Of Desire]
[18-19] Chalon-sur-Saone (France) [The Lions Of Desire]
[20] Paris (France) (France-Musique radio session) [The Lions Of Desire]
Back in England, Lindsay Cooper rejoins the band and Henry Cow is resurrected
The band finish their engagements in France and Italy as a quartet with various guests - Yochk'o Seffer (saxes), Henry Kaiser III (guitar) and Annemarie Roelofs (trombone and violin), the latter ending up joining the band permanently for the remaining concerts

May

[15] Art Bears' "Hopes And Fears" released on Henry Cow's own label RéRecords
[17] Paris (France), Hippodrome de Pantin [Orckestra]
[18] Nancy (France), Kiosque de la Pépinière [also: Etron Fou Leloublan] [Orckestra]
[19] Longaville (France), Salle Robert Schumann [Orckestra]
[20] Loos-en-Gohelle [nr Lille] (France) [also: Terje Rypdal Quartet]
[21] La Celle-St. Cloud (France), MJC Nord (Festival de Jazz Progressif) [also: Terje Rypdal Quartet, Jacques Thollot Sextet, Cohelmec, Dharma, Quintet 78]
[22] Poitiers (France)
[23] Orléans (France), Carré St.Vincent [guests: Marcoeur brothers]
[24] Bordeaux (France), Salle des Fêtes du Grand Parc (Althagore Festival) [also: Yochk'o Seffer Neffesh Music, Terje Rypdal Quartet]
[25-26] Toulouse (France), Théâtre du Taur
[27] Castres (France), Théâtre Municipal [also: Verto, Benoît Widemann]
[28/30] Sète (France)

June

[03] Salon-de-Provence (France)
[04] Privat (France) (cancelled?)
[06] Bellay (France)
[08] Lyon (France), Rock'n'Roll Mops [guest: Henry Kaiser]
Setlist: "Viva Pa Ubu" / Excerpts from Fred's Long Piece, "On The Raft", "Half The Sky" [intro] / "Falling Away", Improvisation, "Industry", "Ruins", "Slice"
[10] Angers (France), Salle Beaurepaire [guest: Henry Kaiser]
Ann-Marie Roelofs joins Henry Cow permanently
[13-17] Paris (France), Théâtre Campagne-Première [also: Art Ensemble of Chicago]
[28] Wandsworth [London], Town Hall (Wandsworth Against Racism) [also: Matumbi]
Henry Cow pull out of the above concert (which would have been their last in the UK) following a dispute during soundcheck

July

Italian tour - typical setlist: "Viva Pa Ubu" / Excerpts from Fred's Long Piece, "On The Raft", "Half The Sky" [intro] / "Falling Away", Improvisation, "Waking Against Sleep", Woodwind Piece, "Industry", "Look Back", "Ruins" (Variations), "Fanfare", Improvisation, "Slice"
[07] Milano (Italy), Festival Della Gioventu
[09] Monza (Italy), Festa del PdUP (Partito di Unità Proletaria)
[13] Torino (Italy), Rignon
[14] Torino (Italy), Parco Sempione
[15] Piacenza (Italy), football stadium
[17] Brescia (Italy), Festa d'Unita
[20] Roma (Italy)
[23] Cervia (Italy), Festa di Unita Proletaria
[24] Pavia (Italy), Castello Visconteo
[25] Milano (Italy), Piazza Del Duomo [members of Stormy Six sit in]
[27] recording sessions for "Western Culture" begin at Sunrise Studios, Kirchberg (Switzerland)

August

[08] end of the recording sessions
Henry Cow split up

November

[22] Kirchberg (Switzerland), Sunrise Studios (sessions for Art Bears "Winter Songs" begin)

December

[05] Kirchberg (Switzerland), Sunrise Studios (sessions for Art Bears "Winter Songs" end)
[08] Kirchberg (Switzerland), Sunrise Studios (Rock In Opposition collective meeting)

1979

January

Marc Hollander invites Chris Cutler and Fred Frith to participate in the second Aksak Maboul record; to this end the new band rehearse in a mansion, play one concert, then drive out to Sunrise Studios to record the album, following which they play a few more concerts

March

[04] Lille (France), Salle du Conservatoire [F.Frith & C.Cutler]

April

For the following (their only ever tour), Art Bears are joined by Marc Hollander (keyboards & clarinet) and Peter Blegvad (bass, guitar & voice)
[15-24] Brixton [nr London], Cold Storage Studios (rehearsals) [Art Bears]
[29] Milan (Italy), Teatro Dell' Elfo (Rock In Opposition Festival) [Aksak Maboul]
[late] Carpi (Italy) (first date on tour) [Art Bears]
[30] Cantu (Italy) [Art Bears]

May

[01] Milan (Italy), Teatro Dell' Elfo (Rock In Opposition Festival) [Art Bears]
Setlist: "Riddle", "First Things First", "Winter/War", "Force", "The Tube", "Moeris Dancing", "Piers", "On Suicide", "Maze", "The Dividing Line", "The Skeleton", "Man & Boy", "Three Wheels", "The Dance", "The Hermit", "A Little Something", "Alcohol"
[early] Rome (Italy) (stay for a week, playing in 3 different clubs and in Frosinone) [Art Bears]
[07] Rome (Italy), Murales [Art Bears]
[15] Angers (France) [Art Bears] (cancelled?)
[16] Charleville-Mézières (France), Théâtre Municipal [Art Bears]
Setlist: "The Winter Wheel", "Riddle", "First Things First", "Winter/War", "Force", "The Tube", "Joan", "The Summer Wheel", "Moeris Dancing", "Piers", "The Dividing Line", "The Skeleton", "Rats & Monkeys", "Man & Boy", "Three Wheels", "The Dance", "The Hermit", "A Little Something", "Mr Rainbow", "Strayed"
[17] Nancy (France) [Art Bears]
[18] Harelbeke [nr Courtrai] (Belgium), Ontmoetingscentrum [Art Bears]
[19] Lille (France), Chambre de Commerce [Art Bears] (without Dagmar - Frith on vocals)
[21] Reims (France), Centre St.Exupéry
(without Dagmar - Frith on vocals) (postponed from 16th) [Art Bears]
[25] Prague (Czekoslovakia), Lucerna Hall (8th Prague Jazz Days Festival) [Art Bears]

August

Aksak Maboul complete recording and mixing of the album at Sunrise Studios

December

[10] Strasbourg (France), Association Culturelle du Fossé des Treize [Frith-Cutler duo]

[19] Bruxelles (Belgium), Raffinerie du Plan K [Frith-Cutler duo]

[20] Anvers (Belgium), King Kong [Frith-Cutler duo]

1980

February

Tm Hodgkinson forms The Work

August

[24] Kirchberg (Switzerland), Sunrise Studios (sessions for Art Bears "The World..." begin)

September

[07] Kirchberg (Switzerland), Sunrise Studios (sessions for Art Bears "The World..." end)