Gap Band: 1983 newspaper profile

Here's a newspaper article about The Gap Band from April 1983 which discusses several interesting points and features a number of quotes from Charlie Wilson. It is pointed out that, even though they had sold millions of records and had several hit singles, a lot of people still didn't know who they were at the time (sadly, many people still don't!).

Gap Band: 1982 newspaper profile

Here's a newspaper clipping from the summer of 1982. The article is basically a review of Gap Band IV but also includes information on the group's background and recent history.

Gap Band: Round Trip contemporary album review

Here's a positive record review (published in January 1990) of The Gap Band's 1989 release Round Trip. For this album, The Gap Band had moved to Capitol Records and also had a number a number one hit on the American R&B charts with "All of My Love." Kudos to the reviewer for actually mentioning the final track on the album (a track which was only on CD and excluded from the LP release due to time constraints) which means he most likely listened to the whole thing.

Gap Band V: opposing viewpoints

Here are two contemporary reviews of Gap Band V: Jammin'...one negative and one positive. Both reviews are quite brief and I get the feeling that neither reviewer actually listened to the album or at least listened to it very closely. Both reviews make sure to mention the single "Party Train" and to the Stevie Wonder connection, but they don't say too much else. "Jam the Motha," a track not mentioned in either write-up, is easily one of The Gap Band's most monster tunes and likewise "I'm Ready" ranks up there with the catchiest stuff the group ever did. Gap Band V is not just a selection of songs, however, it is an excellent overall album, something that both reviews failed to see. Even the four-star review labels the LP as being the product of "transition" in their musical career. And the reviewer giving the album one-star seems to be upset that has progressed at all.


Bad review (complete with borderline racist remarks):

Good review:

Gap Band VII record review

Here's a positive review of Gap Band VII, originally published in January 1986. The reviewer calls the album "truly inspired" and I have to say that I completely agree with him!

Gap Band: Summer 1987 stadium shows

In case you were wondering what The Gap Band was doing in the summer of 1987, they spent some of their time playing a few of the largest venues in North America. Alongside several other funk and soul groups and artists, The Gap Band took part in a series of shows under the Budweiser Superfest banner. Sounds like a good time!

Gap Band in Pittsburgh 1982

Here's a quick newspaper blurb and image concerning a Gap Band concert at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena on August 18, 1982. As the article states, the opening acts were Zappa & Roger, Grandmaster Flash and Goodie. Proving that The Gap Band was in the same league as other big acts of the day, the retractable roof of the Civic Arena was to opened for the show.

Gap Band VII classic album review

Here is an overwhelmingly positive review of Gap Band VII originally published in February 1986. I agree with everything that the reviewer writes, though perhaps I am little more fond of "special extended dance remixes" than he seems to be!

Gap Band: 1982 concert review

Here's a review of a August 28, 1982 live performance by The Gap Band at the Lakeland Civic Center in Florida. Soulsonic Force opened the concert (apparently with a 15 minute set), followed by Goodie and then Zapp & Roger. As the reviewer states, Roger and Zapp brought down the house with a very strong performance but The Gap Band did not take the stage until over an hour later. The long wait led to a loss of crowd energy, but still they "put on nothing less than a great show." They also came back for an encore, so I'm guessing it was worth the wait!

However, not everyone had a good time at the show. 12 people got busted at the concert and the article below details one drug-related arrest that occurred in the parking lot.

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Gap Band: 1983 concert review

Here's a review of a live show by The Gap Band that took place at the Milwaukee Arena on October 27, 1983. Midnight Star and Zapp were the support acts. The reviewer seemed to enjoy the show overall, complimenting opening act Midnight Star, slightly deriding Zapp, and giving major praise to the headlining Gap Band. I wish I could have been there!

Review of The Gap Band (1977)

Here's a contemporary review of The Gap Band's 1977 self-titled album. The tone of the review is overwhelmingly positive, with the writer using adjectives like "powerful" and "unique." The author's biggest endorsement comes at the end of the review when he states that the album is "something you should hear if you care about contemporary American music at all." I guess he liked it!