Gryphon is an English progressive and medieval folk band formed in London in 1972 by Graeme Taylor, Richard Harvey, Dave Oberlé, and Brian Gulland. They signed with Transatlantic Records and released their self-titled debut album in June 1973. The band gained national exposure through BBC Radio features and performed at Shakespeare celebrations at St. Paul's and Southwark Cathedrals. Their second album, Midnight Mushrumps, was released in April 1974 and featured an 18-minute title track composed by Harvey. The group also composed and recorded music for a stage production of Shakespeare's The Tempest at the National Theatre, which opened at The Old Vic in April 1974. In December 1974, they released Red Queen to Gryphon Three through Bell Records and toured North America and the United Kingdom as the opening act for Yes. Following the releases of Raindance (1975) and Treason (1977), the group disbanded in late 1977 due to a loss of momentum, the rise of punk rock, and Harvey's developing outside projects. After a hiatus, the band performed a reunion concert on June 6, 2009, at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, and resumed active status in 2015. Their subsequent studio albums include ReInvention (2018) and Get Out Of My Father's Car! (2020).
