AQUALUNG by OTO
Outside The Original
We hope you enjoy our NEW release, now streaming on all major platforms.
ABOUT OTO
"đđŽđđŹđ˘đđ đđĄđ đđŤđ˘đ đ˘đ§đđĽ" - The UK's premier Prog Rock Classics Show.
Formed by James Finnigan (formerly of Hue and Cry and Stiltskin), we are a band of highly accomplished musicians who love nothing better than getting on stage and playing our hearts out for the good people that take time out to come see us.
We replicate the music we grew up with from YES, Genesis, ELP, King Crimson, Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull with precision and integrity, giving our audiences a taste of nostalgia from a time when music was only on vinyl!
With many songs to choose, from these genre defining bands, expect all the great classics - Roundabout, Supper's Ready (in entirety), Karn Evil 9, Court of the Crimson King, Us and Them and Aqualung to name but a few.
A must see show for any Prog Rock fan!
UPCOMING May GIGS
New Release
TESTIMONIALS
TOMMY POW - CGCM ROCK RADIO
Recreating A Bygone Era
The normal rule of thumb here at CGCM is to focus fully on new and original artists. I am breaking the rule ever so slightly for this. I do hope to be forgiven by the powers that be and that I am not struck down by lightning or anything!
Rather unexpectedly, I was told by a friend that I should go and check out this band called Outside The Original. Thanks to my friend, I ended up going and having an excellent night in one of Edinburghâs most attractive venues (with superb sound, it is made for music).
The band cover artists like Genesis, Floyd, King Crimson, ELP and more. The 6-piece beautifully recreate the music of a bygone era in an entertaining way. The band are comprised of Gerry Phimister on lead vocals, James Finnigan on lead guitar, Suzanne McKenzie on keyboards and backing vocals, George Falconer on drums and backing vocals, Kizzy Yeudall on saxophone and additional keys and finally George Glen on bass guitar and guitar. One of the band has performed, I believe, with both BB King and Nile Rodgers, and another was part of the band Stiltskin and has worked with Scottish band Hue And Cry. The pedigree is there for sure, but so is the love. I could tell easily how much they loved playing the music of these prog greats.
One Moment Rollicking, The Next Having Shivers
Some of the things I noticed were during (firstly) âGet âEm Out By Fridayâ from Genesis was the guitar tone. It was spot on. If I closed my eyes, it could have been the original being played. The band presented the drama, the humour and pathos of the piece so well with singer Gerry managing to portray the various characters within the song.
I also love the spirit and energy they brought to âKarn Evil 9âł (first impression) by ELP. It was a rollicking, hard rocking version which had my head going and had me singing along!
One of the absolute highlights of the show was âStarlessâ from King Crimson, it was truly beautiful. The interplay between sax and guitar gave me shivers. Not an easy song to play (mind, are any of these actually easy to play? Probably not.), but it was so precise. If memory serves, before this specific song Gerry described this as âmore prog than progâ whilst laughing (he also asked cheekily if there âany prog fans in,â the answer was definitely a yes).
Wonderful Acoustic Piece
In the second set, there were not that many songs, then again when one of the songs is âSupperâs Readyâ you are leaving not much time for other tracks. I thought they did a great job on it and a special credit for also playing âHorizonsâ before it. Hearing that acoustic piece was wonderful. I could have heard a pin drop. They opened the set actually, with âHoedownâ by ELP which got the toes tapping.
Some fine harmonies between guitar and keys on this. Fast but tight. We had 2 sections of Floydâs âDark Side Of Moonâ played, firstly âMoneyâ, allowing more sax soloing then beautifully and melodically into âUs And Themâ. I also liked the ending they did to âLong Distance Runaroundâ by Yes. A little extra guitar if my memory serves me correctly.
A Great Night Out For Classic Prog Fans
As I said, as a site we donât normally review non-original bands, but I felt that this was not just a âgigâ but more a show. It was bringing the past back to life. For those who are maybe just a tad too young (or far too young) and missed out on hearing this music played when it came out in a live environment this is a great way to experience it.
It was presented as a sit-down show (the venue was all-seated, which is very unusual) so folks could sit with beer or two and relive the glorious 1970s progressive music scene. Anyone who loves the bands mentioned (and others similar, they didnât do all the bands on their posters) and wants to enjoy that music presented in a first-class way should go and enjoy themselves. I had a blast. Great night out for any prog lover!
EDDIE MCFADDEN - KISS THAT PROG - LISTEN LANARKSHIRE
 âAnother great time was had by all last night at Ivory Blacks in Glasgow as Outside The Original took to the stage for a night of progressive rock that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly alive. Ask any fan of bands such as Yes, Genesis, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and Pink Floyd which tracks they'd most love to see preformed live and I'm pretty sure almost all of them would have been in last night's setlist.
There was no hiding the quality of the musicianship. Each member had their moment without ever tipping into indulgence. Intricate guitar work intertwined with atmospheric keyboards, an occasional layer of saxophone in all the right places, while the rhythm section anchored everything perfectly. Vocally, the delivery was confident and expressive. It can't be easy to walk on stage and deliver classic lyrics by the likes of Jon Anderson, Peter Gabriel or Greg Lake but it was all there and more.
With every passing year it becomes less likely that any of these prog rock anthems will ever be played live by the acts who delivered them back in the late 60's and early 70's. If live music from this era is important to you, watch out for Outside The Original. Their next gigs are on 17, 18 & 23rd April when they'll be at the Source in Carlisle, the Cluny in Newcastle and the Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh respectively. Outside The Original didn't just play a set - they delivered an experience immersive, skilful and quietly ambitious and I look forward to seeing them, live again.â
DAVID - THE VENUE, DUMFRIES OCT 2025
âTo have such a fantastic gig performed by masters of their individual art deserves greater recognition than I could provide for this fantastic band! The years were lifted from my soul as the tracks progressed practically note perfect. A sublime experience which I do hope to repeat. Thanks for a magnificent excursion into those days of my youth.â
RUSSELL - FEB 2025
âCurrently listening to Yes, Going for the one. I know it's Yes, but all I can see in my head is Outside the Original, that's the kind of effect you guys haveâ
KENNETH - BACKSTAGE AT THE GREEN, KINROSS FEB 2025
âThis was my 3rd OTO gig and never been other than blown away by the musicianship and quality of the setlist.â
JIMMY - THE FORUM STUDIOS, DARLINGTON NOV 2024
âReally enjoyed last night x especially the King Crimson and ELP stuff. I kept having flashbacks of being 16 years old playing my records in my bedroom. The only thing missing was my Dad shouting up the stairs to âturn that bloody row downâ xâ
DAVID - THE FORUM STUDIOS, DARLINGTON NOV 2024
âIt takes a very talented and confident tribute band to perform the music of Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, ELP, King Crimson and Rush in front of an audience that have loved every note for half a century, but James Finneganâ Â Scottish collective, Outside The Original, did so with aplomb. Assured vocals across all the styles with the quality of the guitar playing shaping the music perfectly. All the band played their part, with vibrant bass, keyboards and drums throughout. Majoring on classic Genesis - Supper's Ready, The Musical Box and Firth of Fifth were all highlights, as well as Yes - Yours is No Disgrace and Heart of the Sunrise were phenomenal; they captured the classic progressive rock spirit compellingly. Throw in Sheep, Karn Evil 9, YYZ and Schizoid Man into the pot amongst others, and you really had a fun evening for the healthy audience turn out to enjoy. Thanks again to Mike Prendergast of Gasto Productions for another great Forum evening!â
JAMES - IVORY BLACKS, GLASGOW NOV 2024
âExcellent concert. Nailed all the songs⌠Heart of The Sunrise blew me away: absolutely stunning.â
JETHRO - IVORY BLACKS, GLASGOW NOV 2024
âOur first experience of OTO, we were super impressed - great musicianship and such a tight band, playing some of the most complex material of the rock genre.â
JOHN - RUSHFEST MAY 2024
âIncredible talent, top tier musicianship and awe-inspiring set⌠mind blowing stuff! What a privilege to have been there. Thank you OTO.â
RICHARD - RUSHFEST MAY 2024
âAbsolutely loved the set. Firth of Fifth brought tears to my eyes.â
DEREK - RUSHFEST MAY 2024
âI can't put into words what it was like standing feet away from the stage, truly captivated by what I was watching and listening to. Having seen Yes, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Carl Palmer and Steve Hackett live many times over the years, seeing their music played at close quarters in an intimate venue takes the experience to a new level.â