1966

June

Mister Head is formed by Kevin Ayers, Daevid Allen, Robert Wyatt and Larry Nowlin
[--] Herne Bay, Jazz Club [Mister Head]
[--] Canterbury, The Beehive [Mister Head]

July

[--] Chalk Farm [London], Rayrik Sound Studios (Kevin Ayers Anim Publishing Demos) [Mister Head]
An acetate survives with two songs, labelled (in handwriting) "It's Happening" and "Dream Of A Pink Song". They have also circulated as "Contusions" and "Another Lover Has Gone". It is not certain which, if any, are the correct titles. Given the purpose of the session, they can both be assumed to be written by Kevin Ayers.

August

Mike Ratledge joins on organ; the band still haven't settled on a name, and according to journalist Ian MacDonald their first gig with Ratledge is performed as the Bishops Of Canterbury
[late] Coombe Springs, Midsummer Revels

September

The name Soft Machine is adopted, after William Burroughs' permission has been secured by Allen
[11-13] Hamburg (Germany), Star Club
The planned 3-night residency at the Star Club is actually reduced to half an evening, as Soft Machine are allegedly booed off-stage only a few songs into their performance (allegedly while singing "I should have known it wouldn't last")
[--] London, Marquee Club (Spontaneous Underground) [also: Donovan, AMM]
[30] London, All Saints Hall (London Free School) [supporting Pink Floyd Sound]
Larry Nowlin leaves and the band carries on as a quartet

October

[15] London, Roundhouse [IT All Night Rave] [also: The Pink Floyd]
[27] London, Tiles Club [supporting The Toggery Five]

November

[02] London, DeLane Lea Studios [sessions for Jimi Hendrix Experience "Stone Free", with Wyatt and Ayers contributing backing vocals]
[--] Soft Machine record demos of their songs for use by their management

December

[--] Robert Wyatt (and possibly Kevin Ayers) add overdubs to the Freaks Of Nature (actually Belfast Gypsies) single "People, Let's Freak Out"
[--] London, CBS Studios [sessions for "Fred The Fish" single]
[10] London, The Zebra
[17] London, The Zebra
[23] London, Blarney Club (UFO) [also: Pink Floyd]
[24] London, The Zebra
[30] London, Blarney Club (UFO) [also: Pink Floyd]
[31] London, The Zebra (New Year's Eve All-Night Dance)

1967

January

[--] London, CBS Studios (sessions for "Fred The Fish" single)
[--] London, Advision Studios (sessions for "Love Makes Sweet Music")
[07] London, The Zebra
[14] London, The Zebra
[28] London, Roundhouse [also: The Electric Poets with Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth & Robert Wyatt]

February

[03] London, Blarney Club (UFO)
[04] London, Roundhouse
[05] London, Olympic Studios (sessions for "Love Makes Sweet Music" single)
[17] London, Blarney Club (UFO) [Love Festival]
Parts of the above show were filmed by a German crew for inclusion on the film Die Jungen Nachtwandler
[18] Chelmsford, Corn Exchange [The Mooche supporting]
[22] London, Speakeasy (afternoon) (press reception for the release of "Love Makes Sweet Music")
Interviews to promote the single are broadcast on the BBC (Top Gear and journalist Barry Brown) and Radio London.
[22] London, Roundhouse (evening)

March

[01] London, Speakeasy
[03] London, Blarney Club (UFO) [support: AMMusic]
[05] Reading, Padworth Hall
[08] London, Speakeasy
[09] London, Polydor Studios (sessions for demos)
[15] London, Speakeasy
[17] London, Blarney Club (UFO)
[19] London, ICA (Destruction In Arts Symposium) [Kevin Ayers & Robert Wyatt play in an unnamed collective including Mal Dean, Rab Spall, Evan Parker, George Khan, John Stevens and Laurie Allan]
[22] London, Speakeasy
[24] London, LSE
[24] London, Blarney Club (UFO)
[29] London, Speakeasy

April

Footage of the band rehearsing at Honor Wyatt's house in West Dulwich and performing at the Speakeasy later appears in a French documentary, "Les Teenagers", released in April 1968.
[--] The group attend and play at a football match organised by a pirate radio
[--] Leicester, College of Technology
[05] London, Speakeasy
[07] London, Blarney Club (UFO) [augmented by Mal Dean & Rab Spall]
[08] London, Roundhouse (Electric Poets) [supporting Pink Floyd]
[12] London, Speakeasy
[13] London, The Electric Garden
[15] London, Roundhouse [support: The Block, Sam Gopal Indian Group]
[16] Stratford East, Theatre Royal (Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop) [also: The Social Deviants]
[19] London, De Lane Lea ("Gomeslky demos" session) (daytime)
Songs recorded : "That's How Much I Need You Now", "Save Yourself", "I Should've Known", "Jet-Propelled Photographs", "When I Don't Want You", "Memories", "You Don't Remember", "She's Gone" and "I'd Rather Be With You", all released by BYG in 1972, except for a version of "Fred The Fish", never released and presumed lost
[19] London, Speakeasy (evening)
[22] London, Roundhouse [support: The Creation, Sam Gopal Indian Group]
[26] London, Speakeasy
[29] London, Alexandra Palace (14-Hour Technicolor Dream) [also: Social Deviants, The Flies, Pink Floyd, Graham Bond Organisation, Alexis Korner, The Move, Pretty Things, Sam Gopal...]

May

[03] London, Speakeasy
[05] London, Blarney Club (UFO) [support: Crazy World of Arthur Brown]
[06] Canterbury, Technical College [also: Graham Bond, Wilde Flowers]
Some of the above concert was filmed by Hugh Hopper on his 8mm camera, but the footage is presumed lost.
[10] London, Speakeasy
[14] Stratford East, Theatre Royal (Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop) [also: The Yardbirds]
Paul McCartney in attendance at this impromptu performance, Melody Maker (20 May) reports him "raving" about SM.
[17] London, Speakeasy
[18] South Shields [nr Newcastle], New Cellar Club
[24] London, Speakeasy
[31] London, Speakeasy

June

[01] London, Happening 44
[02] London, Blarney Club (UFO) [also: Pink Floyd, Hydrogen Jukebox, The Sun Trolley, Tales of Olin]
Soft Machine appear briefly at the above concert to perform a poem for John Hopkins; this was filmed by Mark Boyle's and later released on the Gong "Montserrat & Other Stories" DVD.
[--] Chelsea, Sound Techniques [sessions for "She's Gone" c/w "I Should've Known" single, produced by Joe Boyd; "She's Gone" later released on "Triple Echo"]
[16] London, Blarney Club (UFO) [support: Crazy World of Arthur Brown]
[22] Bradford, University (8-Hour Psycho-Chromatic Fantasy) [also: Pink Floyd, Tomorrow, The Roll Movement, The Children]
[24] London, London School of Economics (A Midsummer Night's Dream) [also: Crazy World Of Arthur Brown]
[25] Deptford, Albany Institute (Pop And Poetry) [also: Gilli Smyth, Michael Chapman]

July

[early] Saint-Aygulf (France), Discothèque Interplay
Kevin Ayers: "We'd been hired to do a gig in a discotheque at a German beer festival on the beaches of the Cote d'Azur. It didn't pay. There weren't enough young people around to go to it, they were all heavy beer drinkers and they weren't in the least bit interested in the music we were playing. And so we got fired. We were sort of abandoned in the South of France with no money, we had all the gear and stuff with us though".
[14] St.Tropez (France), Café des Arts
This impromptu performance on the main square of St.Tropez is attended by, among others, American journalist Mike Zwerin and producer Eddie Barclay, who invites the band to play at his big summer party the following month, while Zwerin writes a feature on SM for Down Beat.
Kevin Ayers: "The promoter of this play by Picasso thought it would be a good idea to have us as a first part to the show to make more of an evening of it, and it worked very well. So we were hired, sort of for nothing, peanuts, but we had a great time, it was very good".
[24-] Gassin [nr Saint-Tropez] (France), Carrefour de la Foux (Festival de la Libre Expression) [music for Picasso play 'Le Désir Attrapé Par La Queue' + pre- and/or after-show performances]

August

[early] Gassin [nr Saint-Tropez] (France), Carrefour de la Foux (Festival de la Libre Expression) [music for Picasso play 'Le Désir Attrapé Par La Queue']
[08] Gassin [nr Saint-Tropez] (France), Ricky Cooper's house - Jean-Jacques Lebel's "Sunlove" happening (Soft Machine perform in the nude around a swimming pool!)
[13] St.Tropez (France), L'Epi-Plage (Eddie Barclay's 'Psychedelic Night')
At the above, Soft Machine perform "We Did It Again" (for an hour!!), as reported in the French newspaper "Le Figaro".
[--] St.Tropez (France), Voom Voom Club (SM perform at the opening of the club)
[24] Soft Machine take the ferry back to England; at Dover, Daevid Allen is refused reentry into the UK on the grounds of out-of-date visa, and sent back to Boulogne-sur-Mer the following day on the Maid of Kent; he will not come back to the UK until 1971
[26] Ryde [Isle of Wight], 69 Club at Ryde Castle Hotel
[27] London, Middle Earth

September

At Edinburgh Festival, Soft Machine and Mark Boyle provide "music and special lighting effects" to Alfred Jarry's play "Ubu Enchained", directed by Gordon McDougall and designed by Gerald Scarfe, and performed by the Traverse Theatre Club
[01] Edinburgh, Barrie Hall [Edinburgh Festival - "Ubu Enchained"]
[02] London, Roundhouse (UFO) (Release Benefit) [also: Pink Floyd, The Move, Denny Laine] (SM appearance probably cancelled)
[03] Edinburgh, Barrie Hall [Edinburgh Festival - "Lullaby For Catatonics"]
[09] London, Roundhouse (UFO Festival) [also: Pink Floyd, The Move, Denny Laine]
[15] London, Roundhouse (UFO) [support: Family]
[16] London, Middle Earth (this concert is recorded for future use - it forms the bulk of the Cuneiform Middle Earth Masters release)
[22] Bussum (Holland), Vitus Studio [Hoepla TV Filming] ("Soon Soon Soon" and "I Should've Known" performed)
[23-24] Amsterdam (Holland), The Birds [support: John Mayall]

October

[03] Paris (France), ORTF Studios [appear on the TV show "Camera III" perfoming "Clarence In Wonderland" and "We Did It Again"]
[06-07] Paris (France), Studio des Champs-Elysées ('Sainte-Geneviève sur le Tobogan') (Biennale des Jeunes Artistes) [guest: Daevid Allen, reciting poetry and dancing on stage with members of the Living Theatre]
[08] Paris (France), ORTF Studios [appear (filmed beforehand) on the TV show "Dim Dam Dom" performing an instrumental jam (possibly excerpted from "I Should've Known") and "Hope For Happiness"]
[13] London, Middle Earth
[14-15] London, Friar's Hall
[--] Cambridge
[--] Paris (France) [performance filmed for Guy Béart Show, broadcast August 25th 1968, setlist : "A Certain Kind", "Save Yourself", "Strangest Scene", "Hope For Happiness"]
[20] London, Roundhouse (Exploding Galaxy's "Bird Ballet") [also: The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Graham Bond, Dreamland Express, Sign Of Shiva]
[22] London, Roundhouse (Exploding Galaxy's "Bird Ballet") [also: The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Graham Bond, Dreamland Express, Sign Of Shiva]
[26-27] London, Roundhouse (Exploding Galaxy's "Bird Ballet") [also: The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Graham Bond, Dreamland Express, Sign Of Shiva]
[29] London, Roundhouse (Exploding Galaxy's "Bird Ballet") [also: The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Graham Bond, Dreamland Express, Sign Of Shiva]

November

[10] London, Middle Earth
[12] Rotterdam (Holland), Ahoy Hallen (Hippy-Happy Fair) (afternoon show) [support: Golden Earring]
[12] Rotterdam (Holland), Ahoy Hallen (Hippy-Happy Fair) (evening show) [support: Keith West & Tomorrow, Q65]
[17-18] Paris (France), Palais des Sports ['La Fenêtre Rose' festival, also Tomorrow, Spencer Davis Group, Dantalion's Chariot...]
During the show, Soft Machine are awarded the Ordre de la Grande Gidouille by the College of Pataphysics; Twink, Tomorrow's drummer, joins Soft Machine at the end of one of their sets. The beginning of one set ("Clarence In Wonderland" and "Soon Soon Soon") is later broadcast in the TV show "Bouton Rouge" (see Dec 09)
[24] Ilford, Baths Hall (Frenford Youth Club)

December

[--] Paris, ORTF Studios [François Bayle Acoustical Experience session) [Wyatt & Ayers guesting]
[05] London, Aeolian Hall (Top Gear) - "Clarence In Wonderland", "Soon Soon Soon", "Hope For Happiness", "A Certain Kind", "Strangest Scene" [a.k.a. "Lullabye Letter"] performed (broadcast Dec 17)
[08] London, City University
[09] The opening of a set by Soft Machine at La Fenêtre Rose on Nov 17/18 is broadcast during the "Bouton Rouge" TV show
[10] Amsterdam (Holland), Concertgebouw [supporting Electric Prunes, also Zipps]
Setlist (two sets): "Clarence In Wonderland", "Soon Soon Soon", Instrumental ("May I" middle section), "Hope For Happiness", "That's How Much I Need You Now", "I Should've Known", Organistics, "We Did It Again", "Why Are We Sleeping?", "Save Yourself", "Strangest Scene" // "Clarence In Wonderland", "Hope For Happiness", "That's How Much I Need You Now", "I Should've Known", "A Certain Kind", "Save Yourself", "Strangest Scene"
[16] London, Middle Earth
[22] London, Olympia (Christmas on Earth Continued) [also: Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Eric Burdon & The Animals, The Who (cancelled), The Move (cancelled), Graham Bond Organisation, Sam Gopal's Dream, Paper Blitz Tissue, Tomorrow]
The above festival was filmed by Tony Weber, but the footage is presumed lost (some very brief glimpses of SM can be seen during Joe Cocker's performance of "With A Little Help From My Friends")

1968

January

[12] London, Drury Lane Arts Lab
(This concert marks Graziella Martinez's last appearance with Soft Machine)
[13] London, Middle Earth
[--] Middlesborough
[30] Soft Machine (with entourage, including roadie Hugh Hopper) depart for San Francisco via New York City to embark on a nine-week North-American tour as support for the Jimi Hendrix Experience

February

[01] San Francisco, CA (USA), Fillmore Auditorium [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[02] San Francisco, CA (USA), Winterland [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Albert King]
[05] Tempe, AZ (USA), Arizona State University [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[06] Tucson, AZ (USA), VIP Club [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[08] Sacramento, CA (USA), Sacramento State College [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: The Creators]
[09] Anaheim, CA (USA), Convention Center [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: Eric Burdon & The New Animals, Eire Apparent]
[10] Los Angeles, CA (USA), Shrine Auditorium [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: Blue Cheer, Electric Flag]
[11] Santa Barbara, CA (USA), Robertson Gym [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: East Side Kids]
[12] Seattle, WA (USA), Center Arena [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[13] UCLA, CA (USA), Ackerman Union Grand Ballroom [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[14] Denver, CL (USA), Regis College/Fieldhouse [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[15] San Antonio, TX (USA), Municipal Auditorium [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: The Moving Sidewalks, Neal Ford & The Fanatics]
[16] Dallas, TX (USA), State Fair Music Hall [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: The Moving Sidewalks, Neal Ford & The Fanatics]
[17] Fort Worth, TX (USA), Will Rogers Auditorium [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: The Moving Sidewalks, Neal Ford & The Fanatics]
[18] Houston, TX (USA), Music Hall [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: The Moving Sidewalks, Neal Ford & The Fanatics] (two shows)
[21] Philadelphia, PA (USA), Electric Factory [supporting Jimi Hendrix] (SM appearance cancelled)
[22] Philadelphia, PA (USA), Electric Factory [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: Woody's Truck Stop] (two shows)
[23] Detroit, MI (USA), Masonic Temple [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: MC5, The Rationals]
[24] Toronto (Canada), CNE Coliseum [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: The Paupers]
[25] Chicago, IL (USA), Civic Opera House [supporting Jimi Hendrix] (two shows)
[27] Madison, WI (USA), The Factory [supporting Jimi Hendrix] (two shows)
[28-29] Milwaukee, WI (USA), The Scene [supporting Jimi Hendrix] (two shows)

March

[02] New York City, NY (USA), Hunter College [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: John Hammond, Jr]
[03] Columbus, OH (USA), Vets Memorial Auditorium [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: 4 O'Clock Ballroom]
[04-06] New York City, NY (USA), The Scene
[08] Providence, RI (USA), Brown University - Marvel Auditorium [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[09] Long Island, NY (USA), State University [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[10] Washington DC (USA), Hilton Hotel - International Ballroom [supporting Jimi Hendrix] (two shows)
[11] New York City, NY (USA), The Scene
[14] New York City, NY (USA), The Scene
[15] Worchester, MA (USA), Clark University - Atwood Hall [supporting Jimi Hendrix] (two shows)
Part of Soft Machine's performance at the above show can be heard in the background of an interview with Jimi Hendrix recorded backstage.
[16] Lewiston, ME (USA), Lewiston Armory [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[19] Ottawa (Canada), Capital Theatre [supporting Jimi Hendrix] (two shows)
[21] Rochester, NY (USA), Community War Memorial [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: Rustics]
[22] Hartford, CT (USA), Bushnell Memorial Hall [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[23] Buffalo, NY (USA), Memorial Auditorium [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[24] Flint, MI (USA), IMA Auditorium [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[26] Cleveland, OH (USA), Public Music Hall [supporting Jimi Hendrix] (two shows)
[27] Muncie, IN (USA), Lion's Delaware Co. Fairgrounds - Teen America Building [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: The Glass Calendar]
[28] Cincinnati, OH (USA), Xavier University Fieldhouse [supporting Jimi Hendrix] (two shows)
[29] Chicago, IL (USA), University [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[30] Cincinnati, OH (USA), University of Toledo Fieldhouse [supporting Jimi Hendrix] (two shows)
[31] Philadelphia, PA (USA), Arena [supporting Jimi Hendrix]

April

[04] Virginia Beach, VA (USA), (SM appearance cancelled)
[05] Newark, NJ (USA), Symphony Hall (SM appearance cancelled)
[06] White Plains, NY (USA), Westchester County Center [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[mid] New York City, NY (USA), Record Plant Studios [sessions for "The Soft Machine"]
[19] Troy, NY (USA), Armory [supporting Jimi Hendrix]

May

[04] Robert Wyatt, Hugh and Brian Hopper and ex-Animals guitarist Andy Summers (who played his last gig with Dantalian's Chariot on April 19th) jam together at Summers' London flat
It is decided that Summers will be joining the band for their next American tour
Wyatt, Summers, Ayers and Ratledge begin rehearsals at Graveney and Canterbury
[04-09] Rome (Italy), Palazzo del Sport (Rome Pop Festival) (SM appearance cancelled)
[17] IT publishes an article about Soft Machine in which Robert Wyatt says that the group "will be concentrating on work in America during the summer", announces that Andy Summers has joined and they are busy rehearsing, and apologises on the band's behalf to their British fans for cancelling recent British gigs.
[--] London, Roundhouse (Middle Earth) [guest: Andy Summers]
Setlist: Collective Improvisation, "Hope For Happiness" incl. "Joy Of A Toy", "That's How Much I Need You Now", "I Should've Known", "We Did It Again"

June

[05] Dearborn, MI (USA), unknown venue (dubious)
[10] nr Houston, TX (USA), The Cave
A letter from Andy Summers to Jeff Dexter from late June mentions that the band spent five days in Texas. In his autobiography, Summers cites this as the first date on the US tour
[12] Cambridge, King's College [also: Pink Floyd, Ed Leo Trio, Trevor Hall] (SM appearance cancelled)
[14] Detroit, MI (USA), Grande Ballroom [support: Wilson Mower Pursuit, Oaesse]
[15] Detroit, MI (USA), Grande Ballroom [support: The Pack, The Up]
[--] Akron, OH (USA), unknown venue
[--] Davenport, IA (USA), unknown venue
[22] Wyatt attends a concert at the Scene club in NYC where Jimi Hendrix jams with Larry Coryell
Hugh Hopper resigns as roadie, and Ted Bing takes over; Andy Summers leaves ("Kevin really wanted the band to be a three-piece... So when we finally got to New York City he got me out of the band") and Soft Machine are again a trio

July

[11] New York City, NY (USA), Museum of Modern Art ("Jazz In The Garden" Series)
[15-17] Pink Floyd are also in New York City, appearing at The Scene for three nights, and Wyatt's friendship with fellow drummer Nick Mason solidifies. Mason: "[Robert & I] spent time together in New York when Soft Machine were touring with Hendrix. We were all holed up in the same hotel there".
[30] Bâton-Rouge, LS (USA), Lakeshore Auditorium/Independence Hall [supporting Jimi Hendrix]

August

[02] San Antonio, TX (USA), Municipal Auditorium [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[03] Dallas, TX (USA), Southern Methodist University/Moody Coliseum [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[05] attend Ten Years After's gig at The Scene (NYC) which includes a jam with Jimi Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell and Larry Coryell
[10] Chicago, IL (USA), Auditorium Theatre (two shows) [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[11] Davenport, IA (USA), Coliseum Ballroom [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
Setlist (incomplete): "Lullabye Letter", "Priscilla", "We Did It Again", "Why Are We Sleeping?", "Joy Of A Toy", "Hope For Happiness", "Clarence In Wonderland", "You Don't Remember", Improvisation, "10.30 Returns To The Bedroom"
[16] Columbia, MD (USA), Merriweather Post Pavilion [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
Setlist (incomplete): "Joy Of A Toy", "Hope For Happiness", "Clarence In Wonderland", "You Don't Remember", Improvisation, "10.30 Returns To The Bedroom"
[17] Atlanta, GA (USA), Municipal Auditorium (two shows) [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: Eire Apparent, Amboy Dukes, Vanilla Fudge]
[18] Tampa, FL (USA), Curtis Hixon Hall [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[20] Richmond, VA (USA), The Mosque (two shows) [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[21] Virginia Beach, VA (USA), Virginia Beach Dome (two shows) [supporting Jimi Hendrix; also: Eire Apparent]
[23] New York City, NY (USA), Flushing Meadow Park/Queens [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: Chambers Brothers, Big Brother & The Holding Company]
[25] Framington, MA (USA), Carousel Theatre (two shows) [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[25] A 25-minute live performance by Soft Machine (recorded ca. October 1967) is broadcast on French TV under the title "Ce Soir On Danse Avec Les Soft Machine" in the Guy Béart Show
[26] Bridgeport, CT (USA), Kennedy Stadium [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: Eire Apparent]
[30] Salt Lake City, UT (USA), Lagoon Opera House [supporting Jimi Hendrix]

September

[01] Denver, CO (USA), Red Rocks Park [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: Vanilla Fudge, Eire Apparent]
[03] San Diego, CA (USA), Balboa Stadium [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: Vanilla Fudge, Eire Apparent]
[04] Phoenix, AZ (USA), Memorial Coliseum [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: Vanilla Fudge, Eire Apparent]
[05] San Bernardino, CA (USA), Swing Auditorium [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[06] Seattle, WA (USA), Centre Coliseum [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[07] Vancouver (Canada), Pacific Coliseum [supporting Jimi Hendrix, also: Vanilla Fudge, Eire Apparent]
[08] Spokane, WA (USA), Coliseum [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[09] Portland, OR (USA), Memorial Coliseum [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[13] Oakland, CA (USA), Coliseum [supporting Jimi Hendrix]
[14] Hollywood, CA (USA), Hollywood Bowl [supporting Jimi Hendrix]

October

Robert Wyatt makes solo recordings at TTG Studios in Hollywood, and also records backing vocals for Eire Apparent ("The Clown") and Eric Burdon & The New Animals ("River Deep, Mountain High"). He also participates in a recorded jam with Jimi Hendrix, Zoot Money and Andy Summers.

November

"The Soft Machine" is released

December

[21] A reformed Soft Machine begins rehearsals with Hugh Hopper replacing Kevin Ayers on bass
[28] London, Roundhouse [Andy Summers, Zoot Money, Hugh Hopper & Robert Wyatt; setlist includes "Dear Mr. Fantasy", "Why Don't We Do It In The Road?"]

1969

January

London [rehearsals for "Volume Two"]

February

London, Olympic Sound Studios [sessions for "Volume Two"]
[18] London, Royal Albert Hall [supporting Jimi Hendrix; also: Mason/Wood/Capaldi/Frog]
Setlist: "Pataphysical Introduction 1" / "A Concise British Alphabet", "Hulloder" / "Dada Was Here" / "Thank You Pierrot Lunaire" / "Have You Ever Bean Green ?" / "Pataphysical Introduction 2", "As Long As He Lies Perfectly Still", "Fire Engine Passing" / "Pig" / "Orange Skin Food" / "A Door Opens And Closes" / "10.30 Returns To The Bedroom"

March

[01] London, The Royalty Theatre (Middle Earth) [support: Egg, Arcadium]
London, Olympic Sound Studios [sessions for "Volume Two"]
[14] London, Bedford College (Rag Ball) [support: Timebox, Steve Miller's Delivery]
[27] London, 100 Club [with Brian Hopper] [support: Jody Grind, Spirit Level, Forest]
[28] Groningen (Netherlands), De Jong [also: Outsiders]
[29] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Paradiso [also: The Pretty Things]
Setlist: "Hulloder" / "Dada Was Here" / "Thank You Pierrot Lunaire" / "Have You Ever Bean Green ?" / "Pataphysical Introduction", "As Long As He Lies Perfectly Still", "Hibou, Anemone And Bear", "Fire Engine Passing" / "Pig" / "Orange Skin Food" / "A Door Opens And Closes" / "10.30 Returns To The Bedroom"
[30] Southsea [Portsmouth], King's Theatre (Fusion Of Jazz & Pop) [also: Roland Kirk Quartet]

April

[--] London, unknown studio (Ratledge and Hopper overdub instrumental parts to Wyattt's "Moon In June" demo from October 1968 at TTG Studios)
[--] York, York University
[12] Birmingham, Mothers Club [also: The Deviants]
[13] London, Country Club [also: Hard Meat]
Setlist: "Moon In June", collective improvisation, "Mousetrap" / "Noisette" / "Backwards" / "Mousetrap Reprise", "Hibou, Anemone And Bear", "Esther's Nose Job"
[19] Genève (Switzerland)
[20] Fribourg (Switzerland), TV filming
[25] London, Ronnie Scott's (rehearsal filmed for French TV, "Esther's Nosejob" performed) (see May 24)

May

[03] London, Abbey Road Studios (Syd Barrett session; versions of "No Good Trying", "Love You", "Clowns & Jugglers" (aka "Octopus") recorded)
[09] Kensington [London], Royal College Of Art [also: Eire Apparent]
[10] Norwich, Earlham Park (East Anglia Rag Barbecue) [also: The Hollies, Spooky Tooth, Gun, Marmalade]
Brian Hopper joins Soft Machine as a semi-permanent member for live gigs in England only
[18] London, Parliament Hill Fields (Camden Free Festival) [also: Forest, Procol Harum, Third Ear Band, Yes, Blossom Toes] [with Brian Hopper]
[23] London, Lyceum (Midnight Court) [with Brian Hopper] [also: Procol Harum, Mighty Baby]
[24] a performance of "Esther's Nosejob", filmed at Ronnie Scott's club in London on April 25, is broadcast on French TV
[25] London, Roundhouse (Fairport Convention benefit) (SM appearance cancelled)
[31] London, Roundhouse (Accord International Ball) (Camden Fringe Festival) [with Brian Hopper] [also: Johnny Dankworth Orchestra, Cleo Laine, Paco Pena, Merrymakers Jamaican Steel Band]

June

[01] Birmingham, Mother's Club [with Brian Hopper] [support: Babylon]
[07] Plymouth, Van Dike Club [with Brian Hopper]
[10] London, BBC Maida Vale Studios (Top Gear) - "Facelift" / "Mousetrap" / "Backwards" / "Mousetrap Reprise" and "Moon In June" performed (broadcast Jun 21) [with Brian Hopper]
[10] Cambridge, Midsummer Pop Festival [also: Brian Auger & The Trinity, Junior's Eyes] (SM cancelled?)
[15] Hampstead [London], Country Club [with Brian Hopper] [support: Jody Grind]
[17] London, EMI Abbey Road Studios (sessions for Kevin Ayers "Joy Of A Toy" album) ("Song For Insane Times" recorded)
[21] Plymouth, Van Dike Club [with Brian Hopper]
[23] London, EMI Abbey Road Studios (trio sessions for "Joy Of a Toy Continued" on Kevin Ayers "Joy Of A Toy" album + keyboard overdubs for "Song For Insane Times")
[24] London, ICA (with the Sensual Laboratory) [also: Kevin Ayers (short solo set)]
SM's performance takes place halfway through the run of Mark Boyle's first major exhibition. The concert is recorded by Bob Woolford, and excerpts are later used for the Spaced projet. The encore, "We Did It Again", is a Japanese-only bonus track on Live At Henie Onstad Art Centre 1971.
[25] Paris (France), Bataclan [also: Martin Circus, Triangle, We-Free, Ghilain...]
Setlist: "Moon In June", "Facelift", "Clarence In Wonderland", "Mousetrap", "Noisette", "Backwards", "Mousetrap reprise", "Hibou, Anemone and Bear", Improv, "Esther's Nosejob"
[28] Brighton, The Dome

July

[--] London, recordings for "Spaced" [with Brian Hopper]
[06] London, EMI Abbey Road Studios (R.Wyatt basic tracks for "Town Feeling" and "Clarietta Rag" on Kevin Ayers' "Joy Of A Toy" album)
[08] London, Marquee Club [with Brian Hopper] [support: Circus]
[11] London, Park Royal Classic Cinema (Brunel University Students' Midnight Rave No.3) [with Brian Hopper] [also: Blodwyn Pig, Aardvark, Good Earth]
[15] London, EMI Abbey Road Studios (R.Wyatt basic tracks for "Eleanor's Cake" on Kevin Ayers' "Joy Of A Toy" album)
[18] Oxford [with Brian Hopper] (?)
[18] London, Lyceum [with Brian Hopper] [also: Circus, East Of Eden, Made In Sweden]
[25] SM (trio) appear on the French TV programme "Tous En Scène", performing an excerpt from "Esther's Nosejob" (probably filmed late June)
[29] London, EMI Abbey Road Studios (R.Wyatt basic tracks for "Lady Rachel" on Kevin Ayers' "Joy Of A Toy" album)

August

[05] London, EMI Abbey Road Studios (M.Ratledge keyboard overdubs for Kevin Ayers' "Stop This Train")
[06] London, Regent Sounds Studios [H&B.Hopper publishing demos: "The Big Show", "Memories", "She Loves to Hurt", "Impotence"]
[08] Lewes, Plumpton Race Course (9th National Jazz & Blues Festival) [with Brian Hopper]
Setlist: "Moon In June" (first attempt), "Moon In June" (second attempt) [total: 9mn]
[09] Birmingham, Mother's Club [with Brian Hopper]
[22] Bilzen (Belgium), Jazz And Pop Festival [also: Blossom Toes, Marsha Hunt & White Trash, Bonzo Dog Band, Brian Auger & The Trinity, Steve Shorter & Tilly Set, Taste, Humble Pie]
An interview and an almost complete rendition of "Moon In June" appears in a film of the festival

September

[--] "Volume Two" is released
[05] Sunderland, Locarno
[07] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Concertgebouw [also: Jethro Tull]
Setlist: "Moon In June", "Facelift", "Eamonn Andrews", "Mousetrap" / "Noisette" / "Backwards" / "Mousetrap Reprise", "Esther's Nosejob", Improv, "We Did It Again", "Noisette"
[09] Hilversum (Netherlands), taping Twien show for NCRV TV, presented by Thijs van Leer (Focus) (broadcast Oct 3) [also: Living Blues]
[15] Edmonton [nr London], Cook's Ferry Inn [with Brian Hopper]
[18] London, EMI Abbey Road Studios (sessions for Kevin Ayers' "Soon Soon Soon", with R.Wyatt on drums)
[20] London, Hyde Park (free concert) [also: The Deviants, Al Stewart, Quintessence, Edgar Broughton Band]
The above performance was filmed by the Videoheads crew. Setlist: "Eamonn Andrews", "Mousetrap", "Noisette", "Backwards", "Mousetrap reprise", "Esther's Nose Job"
[22] London, Roundhouse (premiere of Peter Dockley's "Spaced" multi-media show, with pre-recorded music by Soft Machine with Brian Hopper)
[29] Edmonton [nr London], Cook's Ferry Inn [with Brian Hopper]

October

[01] The group's equipment is stolen, but is recovered later
[02] London, Marquee Club
[03] Romford [nr London], King's Head
[04] Manchester, University - Students' Union
[05] London, Lyceum [also: VdGG, Chicken Shack]
Setlist: "Moon In June", "Facelift", "Eamonn Andrews", "Mousetrap", "Noisette", "Backwards", "Mousetrap (reprise)", "Esther's Nose Job", Improv, "Facelift" middle section reprise, "Dedicated To You But You Weren't Listening", "We Did It Again", "Noisette" (reprise)
Elton Dean, Lyn Dobson, Mark Charig and Nick Evans join Soft Machine (and Brian Hopper is no longer involved in the band)
[late] Liverpool, University (debut performance by the septet)
[28] Amougies [nr Tournai] (Belgium), Mont de l'Enclus (Byg/Actuel Music Festival) [also: Captain Beefheart, East Of Eden, Fat Mattress, Zoo, Chris McGregor Sextet, Steve Lacy, Alan Silva, Musica Elettronica Viva...]
Setlist: "Moon In June", "Facelift", "Eamonn Andrews", "Mousetrap" / "Noisette" / "Backwards" / "Mousetrap Reprise", Drumlink, "Esther's Nosejob" / "Pigling Bland" / "10.30 Returns To The Bedroom" // "Hibou, Anemone And Bear"

November

[03] Paris (France), Pop-Club radio show (one-hour live performance + interview)
[08] London, Regent St. Polytechnic
[10] London, BBC Maida Vale Studios (Top Gear) - "Instant Pussy" [R.Wyatt solo], "Mousetrap" / "Noisette" / "Backwards" / "Mousetrap Reprise" / drumlink / "Esther's Nosejob" performed (broadcast Nov 29)
[11] London, Ronnie Scott's [supporting Thelonious Monk]
[15] Dagenham, The Village Roundhouse [support: Keith Tippett Group]
[17] Dunstable, Civic Hall [support: Forever More]
[18] London, Ronnie Scott's [supporting Thelonious Monk]
[22] Bordeaux (France), Alhambra Théâtre (Sigma V festival)
[24] Romford Market, King's Head
[26] Liège (Belgium), Sart-Tilman
[27] Bruxelles (Belgium), Théâtre 140
[28] Paris (France), Europe 1 Studios (afternoon) [radio recording]
[28] appear on the TV show Dim Dam Dom, filmed playing "Esther's Nose Job" and "Backwards" in and near the newly re-built Gare Montparnasse in Paris. Hugh Hopper is not present and a roadie (possibly) and Robert Wyatt (in close-ups) are seen playing bass instead. The band are miming to excerpts from the November 10th BBC session.
[29] Coventry, Lanchester College of Technology

December

[01] Strasbourg (France), Théâtre National
Segments of the above concert ("Eamonn Andrews" and "Hibou, Anemore & Bear", interspersed with interviews of audience members) are shown on the regional TV programme "Est Panorama", broadcast Dec 20.
[02] Nancy (France), Salle Poirel
[04] Thonon-Les-Bains (France), Maison des Arts et Loisirs [support: Introversion]
[05-06] Lyon (France), Théâtre du VIIIème
[07] Paris (France), ORTF Studios ("Pigling Bland", "Facelift" and "Hibou, Anemone And Bear" are performed live during the TV show "L'Invité du Dimanche")
[08] Paris (France), Salle de la Mutualité
[09] Paris (France), Théâtre de l'Est Parisien
[10] Mulhouse (France), Rallye Drouot
[11] Sochaux (France), Salle de l'Hôtel de Ville
[13] Marseille (France), Nouveau Gymnase
[15] Dijon (France), Amphithéâtre Aristote
[16] Beaune (France), Sous les Halles (cancelled)
[17] Tours (France), Grand Théâtre (quartet with Lyn Dobson)
[18] Bourges (France), Maison de la Culture (quartet with Lyn Dobson)
[19] Amiens (France), Maison de la Culture (quartet with Lyn Dobson?)
[20] Le Havre (France), Théâtre de l'Hôtel de Ville (quartet with Lyn Dobson?)
Mark Charig and Nick Evans leave

1970

January

[04] Croydon, Fairfield Hall
[10] London, University College [support: Sam Apple Pie]
[11] Birmingham, Mothers Club
[12] Hull
[16] Rotterdam (Netherlands), De Doelen [filmed by VPRO TV]
[17] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Concertgebouw
[18] Groningen (Netherlands)
[20] Bremen (Germany), Radio Bremen TV Studio 4 [Beat Club filming]
[21] Kiel (Germany), Mensa am Westring
[23] Hamburg (Germany), University
[24-25] Berlin (Germany), University
[28] Gand (Belgium), Casino
[30] Gand (Belgium), Casino (7pm) / Berchem [nr Anvers] (Belgium), Shaffy Theater (10pm)
[31] Breda (Holland), Turfschip

February

[01] Courtrai (Belgium), Halles (3pm) / Ostende (Belgium), Palais des Fêtes (8pm)
[10] London, BBC Maida Vale Studios [backing Kevin Ayers on Top Gear session, with Nick Evans]
[13] Swansea (Wales), University College (quartet without Elton Dean)
[14] London, London School of Economics (quartet without Elton Dean) [also: Mike Westbrook Band]
[17] London, Marquee Club [also: Timebox]
[21-22] Nanterre [nr Paris] (France), Théâtre des Amandiers
[24] Annecy (France), Théâtre Municipal
[25] Beaune (France), Sous Les Halles
[26-27] Grenoble (France), Maison de la Culture
[28] Lyon (France), Salle Rameau

March

[02] Paris (France), Théâtre de la Musique [broadcast on French TV in two segments on 30 April and 23 July 1970]
Setlist : "Eamonn Andrews", "Mousetrap / Noisette / Backwards / Mousetrap Reprise", "Out-Bloody-Rageous" // "Facelift", "Slightly All The Time", "Moon In June", "12/8 Theme", Vocal Improv, "Esther's Nose Job"
[03] Orléans (France), Théâtre Municipal
[05] Petit-Quevilly [nr Rouen] (France), MJC Maxime Gorki
[10] Nantes (France), Cinéma Le Paris (quartet without Elton Dean)
[11] Brest (France), Palais des Arts et de la Culture
[12] Le Mans (France), Théâtre Municipal
[13] Caen (France), Comédie de Caen (quartet without Elton Dean?)
[14] Paris (France), Conciergerie du Palais [also: Kenny Clarke Trio]
[15] Reims (France), Maison de la Culture André Malraux (without Lyn Dobson?)
Lyn Dobson leaves

April

[04] Köln (Germany), Sporthalle (Kölner Festival) [also: The Nice, Procol Harum, Colosseum...]
[10] London, IBC Recording Studios (session for "Third")
[20-25] London, Ronnie Scott's Club [supporting John Williams]
Setlist: (1st set) "11/8 Theme", "Out-Bloody-Rageous", "Eamonn Andrews", "Mousetrap", "Backwards", "Mousetrap Reprise", "Hibou, Anemone And Bear" / (2nd set) "Facelift", "Moon In June (coda)", vocal improvisation, "Esther's Nose Job"
[26] Croydon, Fairfield Hall

May

[04] London, BBC Maida Vale Studios (Top Gear) - "Slightly All The Time" / "Out-Bloody-Rageous" / "Eamonn Andrews" performed (broadcast May 16)
[06] London, IBC Recording Studios (session for "Third")
[21] London, Paris Theatre (BBC In Concert) - "Facelift" / "Esther's Nosejob" performed (broadcast May 31)
[23] Bath, Twerton Park (Spring Music Festival) [also: Fleetwood Mac, Juicy Jucy, Wishbone Ash, Quintessence, Matthews Southern Comfort]
[24] London, Queen Elizabeth Hall (Festival of Progressive Music) (two shows)

June

[06] "Third" is released
[10] Leeds, City Hall (postponed to 26?)
[11] Birmingham, Town Hall
[12] Sproatley [nr Hull], Burton Constable Hall ("All Night Again") [also: Free, Mighty Baby, Michael Chapman, Titus Groan, Jan Dukes De Grey, Blondell, Chest Fever]
[13] Manchester, Free Trade Hall
[14] Edinburgh, Usher Hall
[17] Bristol, Colston Hall
[26] Leeds, Town Hall
[28] Rotterdam (Netherlands), Kralingse Bos (Holland Pop Festival) [also: Caravan, Pink Floyd, The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane...]
[29] Den Haag (Netherlands), Gemeentemuseum
As at the ICA a year earlier, the above performance takes place halfway through the run of an exhibition by Mark Boyle (16 May to 12 July).

August

[05-06] Biot [nr Nice] (France), Popanalia Festival [also: Voyage, Country Joe, Rare Bird, Joan Baez, Gong] (SM appearance cancelled)
This festival degenerates into a riot just before Soft Machine's planned appearance; consequently the second day is cancelled, including performances by Derek And The Dominos, Balls, Traffic and Pink Floyd
[08] Lloret De Mar [nr Barcelona] (Spain), Revolution Club
[13] London, Royal Albert Hall [Henry Wood Promenade Concert]
[17] London, BBC Radiophonic Workshop
[27] London, BBC Radiophonic Workshop

September

[01] London, BBC Radiophonic Workshop
[06] Hampstead [London], Country Club [E.Dean-R.Wyatt-N.Whitehead-M.Charig]
[early] Islington [London], pub (rehearsals)
[17] London, Camden Theatre (Sounds Of The Seventies) - "Out-Bloody-Rageous", "Slightly All The Time", "Mousetrap" and "Esther's Nosejob" performed (broadcast Sep 25)

October

[03] Neuchatel (Switzerland)
[09-10] London, Ronnie Scott's
[13-16] London, Olympic Sound Studios (sessions for "Fourth")
[19] London, BBC TV Studios (perform "Neo-Caliban Grides") ['Anatomy Of Pop' filming]
[23] Eindhoven (Holland)
[24] Rotterdam (Holland), De Doelen
[25] Amsterdam (Holland), Concergebouw
[27-28] London, Olympic Sound Studios (sessions for "Fourth")
[31] London, University College [also: Writing On The Wall]

November

[07] Reading, University (New Union Building / Whiteknights Park) [support: High Tide]
[08] London, Roundhouse (Implosion) [also: Brinsley Schwartz, Third Ear Band, Andy Roberts]
[09] London, Olympic Sound Studios (sessions for "Fourth")
[15] London, Lyceum (debut performance) [Centipede]
[16-18] London, Olympic Sound Studios (sessions for "Fourth") ("Teeth" recorded)
[20-21] Bordeaux (France), Alhambra Theatre [Centipede]

December

Robert Wyatt helps form parallel group Symbiosis, with Gary Windo (tenor sax), Mongezi Feza (pocket trumpet), Steve Florence (guitar), Roy Babbington (bass) and Keith Tippett (electric piano)
[05] London, Bedford College (debut performance) [Symbiosis]
[11] Cambridge, Red Cow [Symbiosis]
[15] London, BBC Maida Vale Studios (Top Gear) - "Virtually" and "Fletcher's Blemish" performed (broadcast Jan 02)
[27] London, Roundhouse [Soft Robert a.k.a. Symbiosis + guest: Pip Pyle] [also: East Of Eden]

1971

January

Keith Tippett has now left Symbiosis
[05] London, Ronnie Scott's Upstairs [Symbiosis]
[07] Liverpool, Royal Philharmonic Hall
[09] Brighton, Big Apple
[11] London, BBC Maida Vale Studios (Top Gear session) [Symbiosis]
[14] Bruxelles (Belgium), ULB - Auditorium Paul-Emile Janson (Pop At The University) (afternoon)
[14-15] Bruxelles (Belgium), Théâtre 140 (evenings)
The second set is filmed and broadcast on Belgian TV ("Pop Shop" programme)
[16] Nancy (France), Festival Pop de Nancy [also: Pete Brown & Piblokto, Gong, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Ritchie Havens, Tear Gas + local groups]
[17] Liège (Belgium), Conservatoire
[26] Bradford, College
[29] Canterbury, University Of Kent - Darwin College
[30] Lanchester Arts Festival [Centipede]
[31] Paris (France), Palais des Sports [also: Kevin Ayers & The Whole World, Gong] (This festival is cut short after a riot, leading to the cancellation of planned performances by Soft Machine, Iron Butterfly and Yes)

February

[05] Norwich, University of East Anglia
[06] London, University College [Symbiosis]
[07] London, Roundhouse (Release Benefit) [support: Daevid Allen & Friends, Kevin Ayers & The Whole World, Elton Dean Quartet, Symbiosis, Ivor Cutler, Ralph McTell]
[10] London, BBC Studios (Top Gear) [backing Kevin Ayers, also: D.Bedford, L.Coxhill, N.Evans]
[12] Portsmouth, Polytechnic [also: Quiet Sun] [Symbiosis]
[13] London, Bedford College [Symbiosis]
[14] Hampstead [London], Country Club [Symbiosis]
[20] Champigny-sur-Marne [nr Paris] (France), Centre Culturel Gérard Philipe (cancelled - replaced by Gong)
[27-28] Hovikødden [nr Oslo] (Norway), Henie Onstad Arts Centre (Lys-Jazz-Pop Vinterfestival)
These concerts, part of a music festival that also features performances by the likes of Terje Rypdal, Jan Garbarek, Karin Krog and Steve Kuhn, mark Soft Machine's final collaboration with Mark Boyle, in this instance using existing films rather than slide projections of chemicals and various fluids (it is uncertain whether Boyle was involved on both nights or just the first).
[28] "Fourth" is released

March

[02] Copenhagen (Denmark), unknown venue
[05] Arhus (Denmark), unknown venue
[07] Bristol, University [Centipede]
[11] London, Paris Theatre (Soft Machine & Heavy Friends BBC broadcast) (broadcast Mar 21)
Setlist: "Blind Badger" [ED Quartet with Mike Ratledge], "Neo-Caliban Grides" [with Phil Howard], "Out-Bloody-Rageous [excerpt]" / "Eamonn Andrews" / "All White" / "Kings And Queens" / "Teeth" / "Pigling Bland" [joined by Ronnie Scott, Mark Charig, Paul Nieman and Roy Babbington on the last two pieces]
[15] Enschede (Netherlands), Twentse Schouwburg
[17] Zwolle (Netherlands), Buitensocieteit
[19] Rotterdam (Netherlands), De Doelen
[21] Breda (Netherlands), Turfschip
[22] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Concertgebouw
[23] Bremen (Germany), Gondel Filmkunsttheater (Radio Bremen broadcast; also Bremen TV filming, broadcast Mar 27)
Setlist: "Facelift" / "Virtually" / "Slightly All The Time" / "Fletcher's Blemish", "Neo-Caliban Grides", "Out-Bloody-Rageous" / "Eamonn Andrews" / "All White" / "Kings And Queens" / "Teeth" / "Pigling Bland"
[27] Berlin (Germany), Deutschlandhalle (Arts Festival) [also: Family, Yes, Man]
This concert (part of a festival celebrating British art, music and theatre organised by Berlin's Akademie der Kunst) marks Soft Machine's last collaboration with Mark Boyle's Sensual Laboratory
[27] Guildford, Civic Hall (cancelled?)
[29] Manchester, Free Trade Hall

April

[03] London, Royal Festival Hall [support: Ivor Cutler]
[05] Brighton, The Dome
[15] Watford, Town Hall (Friars) [support: Loudon Wainwright III]
[23] Bournemouth, Winter Gardens

May

[05] London, Regent St. Polytechnic (Oz Benefit) [also: Traffic]
[14] Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, City Hall

June

[01] London, BBC Maida Vale Studios [Top Gear] - "Grides", "Dedicated To You But You Weren't Listening" [R.Wyatt solo], "Eamonn Andrews" / "All White" performed (broadcast Jun 26)
[07-11] Rotterdam (Netherlands), various venues [Symbiosis]
[26] Leeds, unknown venue
[27] London, Coliseum / Sadler's Wells

July

[05] Newport, RI (USA), Newport Jazz Festival (afternoon) [also: Miles Davis, Weather Report] (festival cancelled after riots)
[07-12] New York City (USA), Gaslight [support: Loudon Wainwright III]
[--] Boston, MA (USA), unknown venue
[--] Canton, OH (USA), unknown venue
[--] Akron, OH (USA), unknown venue
[--] Colombus, OH (USA), unknown venue
[--] Cleveland, OH (USA), Musicarnival (Thistledown Racetrack / Warrensville Heights)
[16-17] Detroit, MI (USA), Eastown Theater [also: Humble Pie, Yes, Savage Grace]
[--] Chicago, IL (USA), unknown venue
[20-21] New York City, NY (USA), Beacon Theatre [supporting Miles Davis, also Richard Pryor] (two shows)
[--] Houston, TX (USA), unknown venue
[25 or 26] San Antonio, TX (USA), Jam Factory
[27] Mamaroneck, NY (USA), Playhouse [also: Fluid, Mixed Emotions]
[28] Soft Machine return to England

August

Robert Wyatt leaves Soft Machine and is replaced by Phil Howard

September

[10] Rotterdam (Netherlands), Zuidplein (AHOY Festival) [also Colosseum, Help Yourself, Fairport Convention, Incredible String Band, Seatrain, Solution, Everly Brothers...]
[11] Paris (France), Parc des Sports de la Courneuve - Grande Scène (Fête de l'Humanité) (evening) [also: Steve Waring & Roger Mason, Joan Baez]
[12] Paris (France), Parc des Sports de la Courneuve - Discothèque (Fête de l'Humanité) (afternoon) [also: Magma, Gong]
[20] Liège (Belgium), Conservatoire
[24] Venice (Italy), Casino Lido

October

[10] Frankfurt (Germany), Kongreßhalle [support: If]
[11] Heidelberg (Germany), unknown venue [support: If]
[13] Düsseldorf (Germany), Rheinhalle [support: If]
[14] Stuttgart (Germany), unknown venue [support: If]
Typical setlist on this tour: "Neo-Caliban Grides", "All White", "Slightly All The Time", "11/4 Theme", "Drop", "MC", "Out-Bloody-Rageous", "As If", "Pigling Bland"
[17] Donaueschingen (Germany) (Donaueschinger Musiktage Festival) [also: Don Cherry, International Free Jazz Orchestra feat. K.Wheeler, T.Rypdal, A.Mangelsdorff, W.Breuker, JF Jenny-Clark & H.Bennink, Krysztof Penderecki]
[21] Dijon (France), Théâtre
[22] Nancy (France), unknown venue
[24] Le Creusot (France), Maison des Arts et Loisirs
[26] Paris (France), TNP (two shows) ('Newport à Paris' Festival) [also: Gary Burton (solo)]
[29] Lille (France), Eglise St.Etienne (Pibloktorama) [also: Gong with Kevin Ayers]

November

[03] London, Phoenix Jazz Club [E.Dean/P.Howard Duo]
[07] West Berlin (Germany), Philharmoniehalle (Berliner Jazztage '71) [also: Don 'Sugarcane' Harris, New Violin Summit]
Setlist: "Neo-Caliban Grides", "All White", "Slightly All The Time", "11/4 Theme", "Drop", "MC", "Out-Bloody-Rageous", "As If"
([11] Walthamstow, North London Poly [E.Dean/P.Howard Duo])
([12] Loughton, College [E.Dean/P.Howard Duo])
[13] Canterbury, St. Thomas Hall
[15] London, BBC Playhouse Theatre (Top Gear) - "Drop", "As If" and "Welcome to Frillsville" performed (broadcast Nov 24)
[16] London, BBC Maida Vale Studios (Sound Of The Seventies) - "From A Work In Progress", "As If" / "Pigling Bland" performed (broadcast Dec 20); "Neo-Caliban Grides", "All White" and "Slightly All The Time" performed (broadcast Jan 10)
[19] Stirling, University
[20] Edinburgh, University
[22-24] London, Advision studios (sessions for "Fifth": "All White" (2 takes) and possibly others)
Paul Rutherford (trombone) sits in with Soft Machine on the next three dates
[25] Newcastle, City Hall [also: Loudon Wainwright III]
[26] Manchester, Free Trade Hall [also: Loudon Wainwright III]
[27] Liverpool, Stadium [also: Loudon Wainwright III]
[29] London, Royal Albert Hall [also: Loudon Wainwright III]
[30] Sheffield, City Hall [also: Loudon Wainwright III]

December

[01] Leeds, Town Hall [also: Loudon Wainwright III]
[02] Portsmouth, Guildhall [also: Loudon Wainwright III]
[06] Birmingham, Town Hall [also: Loudon Wainwright III]
[06-08] London, Advision studios (sessions for "Fifth": "Drop" and possibly others)
[09] Bristol, Colston Hall
[10] London, Country Club ["A Quartet" : E.Dean, K.Tippett, N.Whitehead & R.Wyatt]
[19] London, Rainbow Theatre [Centipede]

1972

January

Hugh Hopper and Mike Ratledge decide to replace Phil Howard with John Marshall
[13] London, ICA (photo session)
[29] Arhem (Netherlands), Rijhalle
Phil Howard leaves after this last gig.

February

[03-05] Putney, Cherokee Studios (rehearsals)
[21-25] London, Advision studios (sessions for "Fifth")

March

[02] London, Rainbow (rehearsal)
[04] London, Chelsea College of Art [support: The Peelers]
[08] Wolverhampton, Connaught Hotel (MU Rock Workshop [J.Marshall, R.Babbington & C.Spedding]
[12] London, Rainbow Theatre (cancelled)
([20-21] Marshall in Germany, recording with Volker Kriegel)

April

[15] Bolzano (Italy), Palaghiaccio
[16] Verona (Italy), Lem Club
[17] Padova (Italy), Teatro Corso
[18] Genoa (Italy), Teatro Alcione
[20] Cardano (Italy), Discoteca Nautilus
[21] Toscanella [nr Imola] (Italy), Piro-Piro Club
[22] Bergamo (Italy), Palazzo dello Sport
[23] Rome (Italy), Bob Club
[24] Rome (Italy), Piper Club

May

[02] Paris (France), Olympia (Pop Week) [broadcast on Europe 1]
The above performance was later released as Live In France.
[03] Bordeaux (France), Théâtre de l'Alhambra
[04] Agen (France), Stade
[05] Montpellier (France), Chapiteau
[07] Paris (France), ORTF TV (broadcast on Télé-Dimanche) ("Pigling Bland" performed)
[08] Rouen (France), Le Cirque
[09] Caen (France), Palais des Sports [also: Titanic]
[10] Le Mans (France), Rotonde des 4 Jours [also: Titanic]
[12] Tourcoing [nr Lille] (France), Le Fresnoy
[13] Montreuil [nr Paris] (France), Parc Montreau (open-air gig)
[15] Toulouse (France), Palais des Sports
Elton Dean leaves; he is replaced by Karl Jenkins (ex-Nucleus) on reeds and keyboards

June

Due to John Marshall suffering from illness, a planned appearance at London's Kings Cross Cinema and a tour of Germany and Holland are cancelled at the last minute
[17] London, King's Cross Cinema (cancelled)
[21] Groningen (Netherlands), Stadsschouwburg (cancelled)
[22] Eindhoven (Netherlands), Stadsschouwburg (cancelled)
[23] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Concertgebouw [also: It's a Beautiful Day] (cancelled)
[24] Rotterdam (Netherlands), De Doelen [also: It's a Beautiful Day] (cancelled)
[25] Den Haag (Netherlands), Circustheater [also: It's a Beautiful Day] (cancelled)

July

[07] London, Kings Cross Cinema [also: Matching Mole, Just Us]
[09] Oxford, New Theatre [also: Matching Mole, Just Us]
[11] London, BBC Studios (Top Gear) - "Stumble" / "L.B.O." / "As If", "Fanfare" / "All White" / "M.C." / "Drop" performed (broadcast Jul 18)
[12] London [Battersea], Tennyson Secondary School ('Music Alive' filming for ILEA's Education TV)
[16] Croydon, Greyhound
[20] London, BBC Paris Theatre [In Concert] - "Fanfare" / "All White" / "Slightly All The Time" / "M.C." / "Drop" / "Stumble" / "L.B.O." / "As If" / "Riff" (broadcast Sep 02)
[22] Malvern, Malvern Winter Gardens / GT
[25-27] London, Advision Studios (sessions for Hugh Hopper "1984") [HH, John Marshall & others]

August

[01-03] London, Advision Studios (sessions for Hugh Hopper "1984") [HH, John Marshall & others)
[06] La Rochelle (France), Salle des Sports (Estival)
The band are interviewed and filmed performing "Fanfare" / "All White" during soundcheck
[08] St. Nazaire (France), unknown venue
[09] La Baule (France), unknown venue
[10] Le Touquet (France), unknown venue
[11] Dunkerque (France), unknown venue
[12] Berck-sur-Mer [nr Montreuil-sur-Mer] (France), Hôpital Maritime ("free concert for long-term patients from eight hospitals in the area")
[15] Châteauvallon [nr Toulon] (France), Théâtre Antique (Festival de Châteauvallon)
[17-19] Hammamet (Tunisia), Centre Culturel
[24] (Switzerland)
[25] Genève (Switzerland), unknown venue

September

[03] Stratford, Theatre Royal [Karl Jenkins Band]
[08] Scheeßel (Germany), Rock Festival [also: Chicago, King Crimson, Lou Reed, Buddy Miles, Chuck Berry, Ten Years After, Nucleus, Odin]
Reportedly the above festival attracted a 35,000-strong crowd
[09] Alphen aan den Rijn (Netherlands), Sporthal [support: Alquin]
[10] Bergen (Netherlands), Duinvermaak
[14] Tilburg (Netherlands), Stadsschouwburg
[15] Rotterdam (Netherlands), De Doelen [support: Matching Mole]
[16] Den Haag (Netherlands), Circus [support: Matching Mole]
[17] Amsterdam (Netherlands), Concertgebouw [support: Matching Mole]
[18] Borgerhout [Anvers] (Belgium), Cinéma Roma [support: Matching Mole]
[19] Bruxelles (Belgium), Salle de la Madeleine [support: Matching Mole]
[20] Liège (Belgium), Conservatoire [support: Matching Mole]
[21] Gand (Belgium), Cinéma Capitol [support: Matching Mole]
[22] Groningen (Netherlands), Stadsschowburg [support: Matching Mole]
A planned 5-week American tour (including six concerts with Miles Davis) due to begin on September 29th is cancelled

October

[07] London, BBC Kensington House (Sounds Of The 70s) - "The Soft Weed Factor", "Fanfare" / "All White" / "Between" / "Riff", "Gesolreut" / "EPV" / "Stumble" performed (broadcast Nov 24)
[20] Brighton, The Dome (recorded for "Six Album") [also: Mick Greenwood]
[21] Birmingham, Beltry Hotel [also: Mick Greenwood]
[22] London, Coliseum / Sadler's Wells [also: Mick Greenwood]
[23] Wolverhampton, Civic Hall [also: Mick Greenwood]
[26] Leeds, City Hall [also: Mick Greenwood]
[27] Manchester, Free Trade Hall [also: Mick Greenwood]
[28] Edinburgh, Empire Theatre [also: Mick Greenwood]
[30] Leicester, De Montfort Hall [also: Mick Greenwood]

November

[01] Guildford, Civic Hall (recorded for "Six Album") [also: Mick Greenwood]
[03] Norwich, St. Andrews Hall [also: Mick Greenwood]
[04] Northampton, Civic Hall [also: Mick Greenwood]
[10] Newcastle, University [also: Mick Greenwood]
[18-24] London, CBS studios (sessions for "Six Album")
[27-30] London, CBS studios (sessions for "Six Album")

December

[01] London, CBS studios (sessions for "Six Album")
[03] Croydon, Fairfield Hall (Benefit for SPACTICS) [also: Medicine Head, Ron Geesin, Ivor Cutler & John Peel]
[04-05] London, CBS studios (sessions for "Six Album")
[mid] Soft Machine perform "The Soft Weed Factor" / drum solo / "Gesolreut" for the French TV programme "Rock En Stock" (broadcast Jan 30), sharing the programme with Kevin Ayers & Decadence
[15] Montbéliard (France), Halle Polyvalente (org. by Maison des Arts et Loisirs) [support: Iris]
[15] Sochaux (France), unknown venue (?)
[17] Besançon (France), unknown venue
[20] Liège (Belgium), Conservatoire
[21] Stoke-on-Trent, unknown venue
[29] London, BBC TV "Full House" Recording - "Fanfare" / "All White" and "Gesolreut" performed (broadcast February 17)

1973

January

[11-14] Madrid (Spain), M&M Club
[16] Barcelona (Spain), Antiga Capella de l'Hospital della Santa Creu (broadcast Apr 2 in "Jazz Entre Amigos" programme on UHF TV)
[20] Cossato (Italy), La Cossatese
[21] Cavallermaggiore (Italy), Le Cupole
[22] Bologna (Italy), Palasport
[24] Naples (Italy), Teatro Mediterraneo
[25] Rome (Italy), Piper Club
[26] Florence (Italy), Teatro Astoria
[28] Venice (Italy), unknown venue
[29] Bergamo (Italy), Palasport
[30] Genoa (Italy), Teatro Alcione (or Jan 31)
[31] Mestre (Italy), Teatro Corso

February

[01] Cardano (Italy), Nautilus Club
[--] "Six Album" is released
[22] Cambridge, Corn Exchange (Benefit for Shelter)
[24] London, Rainbow Theatre [support: Hatfield And The North, Ivor Cutler]

March

[27-28] Belgium, TV broadcast

April

[14] Southend, Technical College Students' Union
[22] Dortmund (Germany), Westfalenhalle (Great Easter Circus) [also: Emerson Lake & Palmer, Stone The Crows, Atomic Rooster, Chris Farlowe, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Jackson Heights, Rare Bird, Stray Dog, Epitaph]
[27] Newcastle, Mayfair Club
[29] Mannheim (Germany), Festival
The above is Hugh Hopper's last gig with Soft Machine. By now only Mike Ratledge remains from pre-1972 line-ups.

Chronology part 2