The Incredible String Band - Ithkos and Rehearsal

Segment from James Archibald's film Rehearsal showing the Incredible String Band rehearsing their prog-rock epic Ithkos in 1973. Yep, I said "prog rock" - this isn't vintage ISB I'm afraid, but it's still interesting. Mainly for the look of boredom on Robin's face and his complaining about a section being vastly too long, Mike telling the drummer off, and because despite that, what's here still sounds better than the final version that made it onto their Hard Rope & Silken Twine album in 1974.

The final live footage was filmed at Bristol's Colston Hall on 23.10.73

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Rehearsal
• robin williamson
• mike heron
• hard rope
• silken twine
• 1973
• 1974
• ISB
• James Archibald

[butterybiscuits67]

@makellys How did you get the Often Imitated DVD? I saw a little info on it online but don't know where to look for it

[makellys]

@butterybiscuits67 Do you know I'm not really sure. I've had it a few years and I know someone sent me a copy rather than me downloading it, but I'm not sure who sent it. I'd offer to burn you a copy but my dvd writer doesn't work on my computer.

[bigted644]

I'm thinking you must own a copy of the rare video "I Looked On" which was only available through the "Be Glad" fanzine: I have number 16 of 50 and it is one of my most treasured posessions! I saw the band perform ITHKOS at Birmingham Town Hall and it was an amazing experience live, totally absorbing and Malcolm's finest moment. The bickering during rehearsal is so like the Beatles in Let it Be....

[makellys]

@bigted644 ah no I have the later Often Imitated Never Duplicated DVD, which i think was an updated version of it. There should probably be an updated version of that now with all the new footage that's surfaced. I'm still undecided on Ithkos myself - some good moments, and some, er, not so good moments.

[67psych]

I have wanted to see this since the early 1990's! thanks for posting!