Hillage, Steve

A mainstay in the progressive scene, Steve Hillage's earliest work goes back to the Middle Earth club in the late 60s with Arzachel, playing alongside bands like Pink Floyd and Tomorrow. After a break to attend University, Hillage returned to music, first returning (ever so briefly) with Dave Stewart for the eponymous Kahn album before joining Kevin Ayers' Decadence. From there, he would spend the next three years in the classic Gong trilogy line-up where he would meet future partner Miquette Giraudy. In the mid 70s he departed Gong for a successful solo career which carried him into the early 80s. Hillage then turned to production, working with several of Virgin's "new wave" acts' seminal releases. By the 90s, he would return to performing, but this time inspired by the burgeoning techno scene. System 7 carries on to this day.

Founded: 1951

Location: London, England

Website: System 7 website