It is hard to believe, but it was 30 years ago today (March 12, 1978) when the Rock in Opposition (RIO) festival was held at the New London Theatre. Hosted by Henry Cow, the lineup included

• Henry Cow (England)
• Stormy Six (Italy)
• Samla Mammas Manna (Sweden)
• Univers Zero (Belgium)
• Etron Fou Leloublan (France)

Later festivals would include Art Zoyd (France), Aksak Maboul (Belgium), and Art Bears (replacing the then defunct Henry Cow), but it was this one chance meeting of the five original bands that would change the face of avant/progressive rock forever.

Samla Mammas Manna and Univers Zero are still active bands and have been known to headline various progressive rock festivals around the world. Etron Fou Leloublan is long gone, but it's spirit continues with Volapük.