Every month we get inside the mind of one of the biggest names in music. This issue, it’s Dave Oberlé. As a founder member of Gryphon, the percussionist and vocalist was responsible for helping to bring quirkiness and curiosity to the band’s musical output. Inspired by medieval and renaissance music, jazz, rock, and folk, Oberlé has remained a constant within the band alongside multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Brian Gulland. He’s also guested on albums by Steve Howe, Wire and Gandalf’s Fist. He looks back on a life that even led to him working on a metal magazine.

Words: Malcolm Dome

 Dave Oberlé is mostly known for being one of the founder members of Gryphon, who were among the truly individual bands on the progressive scene in the 70s. Formed in early 1972, they released five studio albums before splitting up in 1977. While they never enjoyed major commercial success, Gryphon’s unique, quirky musical affectations were well received They also toured incessantly, including the US with Yes in ’74.

The percussionist/vocalist has been part of the reactivated band since their reunion in 2015, during which time they’ve issued two more albums, 2018’s ReInvention and the recent Get Out Of My Father’s Car!. And they continue to attract new fans.

Away from Gryphon, Oberlé contributed to the debut album from Wire, 1977’s Pink Flag, adding backing vocals on the track Mannequin. And he was also one of the guest vocalists on Gandalf’s Fist’s 2014 album A Forest Of Fey. Two years later, the band invited him back to sing on Pastor Simon from the album The Clockwork Fable.

Gryphon’s  latest  album, Get  Out  Of My  Father’s  Car!

Apart from his musical activities, Oberlé was the first advertising manager of Kerrang! Magazine. In this role, he played a key role in establishing it as the premier heavy metal publication in the 1980 s. He was also, until recently, one of the directors of Small Blue, a computer software company.

However, it’s his long association with Gryphon that’s made Dave Oberlé’s reputation in the progressive world. It’s astonishing to think the band will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their formation next year!

Dave Oberlé keeping the rhythm in 1972.

PRESS/GRYPHON ARCHIVE

Do you come from a musical family at all?

Well, my mother played the piano, and that had an influence on me. I recall standing next to her as she played both classical and contemporary stuff.

What was the first instrument you played?

When I was four or five years old, I found a pair of meat skewers in a wooden box and started to use these as makeshift drumsticks. It’s fair to say that was my first instrument, and from there I was hooked on the idea of being a drummer.

What appealed to you about becoming a percussionist?