Ahead of the release on 4 July 2025 of his latest ‘songstory’ “The Overstayer,” Van der Graaf Generator co-founder Judge Smith has released “The Overstayer – Part 2” as a preview of the piece.
Featuring legendary Van der Graaf sax man David Jackson and his daughter Dorie Jackson, there are strong elements of the early VdGG sound throughout “The Overstayer – Part 2” also recalls the early soundtrack work of Michael Nyman and the serious absurdity of Cardiacs, while Dorie Jackson’s harmony vocals are both beautiful and disquieting.
Stream “The Overstayer – Part 2” on Bandcamp:
Although “The Overstayer” is about the contentious subject of illegal migration, Smith handles it with skill and sensitivity. The full press release follows below. Associated imagery is available HERE.
Following the release of “The Overstayer,” the live premiere of Smith’s “Requiem Mass” will take place on Saturday 12 July 2025 at the Holy Sepulchre Church, Holborn, London EC1. Tickets available HERE. A magnum opus of Heavy riffage, massed voices and classical orchestration, “Requiem Mass” is a Choral/Prog/Rock classic with an extraordinary backstory, and one of Smith’s key works.
Read our Exclusive Interview with Judge Smith here: [Interview] Exclusive interview with Judge Smith of Van der Graaf Generator