Van der Graaf Generator are a British progressive rock band. The band was formed in 1967 by Chris Judge Smith and Peter Hammill. From the beginning on, Hammill formed the artistic brain of the band. Smith left Van der Graaf Generator after a few years.
With their dark music and Hammill's heavy lyrics, the band didn't reach the big audience, but did build up a loyal cult-like following over the years.
In 1978 Van der Graaf Generator officially split up. Since the release of their reunion album 'Present' in 2005 they have been touring again.