“they captured the classic progressive rock spirit compellingly” David Edwards
Who are Outside The Original
Outside The Original is an exciting project from James Finnigan of Hue and Cry and Stiltskin fame.
We are a prog rock show performing the music of ELP, early Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull.
We aim to perform these classics with authenticity and flair, to keep this music Live for future audiences.
Having played coast to coast in Scotland, Outside the Original has firmly established themselves, as the only must see prog rock show in the UK.
Outside the Original perform an exciting 2 hour show, where you will hear prog classics including Firth of Fifth by Genesis, Heart of the Sunrise by Yes and the King Crimson classic 21st Century Schizoid Man as well as many other genre defining classics. Indeed the band recently performed the seminal album by Genesis 'Foxtrot' including Suppers Ready in its entirety.
“Don’t miss this journey through the sounds that defined a generation!”
James Gerry Suzanne
Band Members
Outside The Original are a 6 piece band comprising 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
George Glen on bass guitar and guitar
Kizzy George GG
TESTIMONIALS
DAVID - THE VENUE, DUMFRIES OCT 2025
“To 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."
RUSSELL - FEB 2025
“Currently 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 have”
ROBERT -
“One of the best bands I have ever seen, Including the bands they were covering. Superb.”
KENNETH - BACKSTAGE AT THE GREEN, KINROSS FEB 2025
“This was my 3rd OTO gig and never been other than blown away by the musicianship and quality of the setlist.”
JIMMY - THE FORUM STUDIOS, DARLINGTON NOV 2024
“Really 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 ‘turn that bloody row down’ x”
DAVID - THE FORUM STUDIOS, DARLINGTON NOV 2024
"It 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 Finnegan’ 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!"
JAMES - IVORY BLACKS, GLASGOW NOV 2024
“Excellent concert. Nailed all the songs… Heart of The Sunrise blew me away: absolutely stunning.”
JETHRO - IVORY BLACKS, GLASGOW NOV 2024
“Our 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.”
JOHN - RUSHFEST MAY 2024
“Incredible talent, top tier musicianship and awe-inspiring set… mind blowing stuff! What a privilege to have been there. Thank you OTO."
RICHARD - RUSHFEST MAY 2024
“Absolutely loved the set. Firth of Fifth brought tears to my eyes."
DEREK - RUSHFEST MAY 2024
“I 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.”