Grey Blue Theory: Lost Prog Rock Innovators

Shoulda Beens

Join us as we unravel the story of Grey Blue Theory, a group of 16-year-olds who, in 1968, were pioneering an early version of prog rock. Hear the band explain their innovative approach to songwriting, their obssessive, eardrum-bursting practice regimen, and relive their victory over Eddie Money at a local Battle of the Bands, which ended in an unforgettable brawl. Plus, for the first time since 1968, hear the band's unfinished masterpiece, the six-part song cycle "Straight Line Up and Down.”

The story of Grey Blue Theory is one of unfulfilled dreams and missed opportunities. Despite catching the eye of London music insider Rick Gunnell -- as well as lucking into a private performance at the home of one of the greatest hit songwriters of the 1960s -- the band never made it to the big time. In this episode, members of the Grey Blue Theory reflect on their journey, candidly exploring the band’s struggles before, during, and after they broke up. Their reflections on what might have been provide a poignant look at the era's challenges, and their eventual personal triumphs.

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1. Show Intro (00:00:00)

2. Who were the Grey Blue Theory? (00:00:35)

3. LISTEN: "Straight Line Up and Down" (00:01:08)

4. The GBT's songwriting process (00:07:08)

5. Eddie Money and the Manhassett Battle Of the Bands Incident (00:08:22)

6. LISTEN: "Magic Word Sandman" excerpt (00:11:45)

7. The GBT play at Hal David's house (00:13:26)

8. Rik Gunnell and the GBT's big chance (00:15:14)

9. The band calls it quits (00:18:05)

10. Where are they now? (00:20:28)

11. It's 1987, and Eddie Money is STILL a sore loser (00:22:04)

12. Advice from the band, and a happy/sad goodbye (00:23:25)