National Health

The Profile

National Health were a British Canterbury-scene progressive rock group formed in 1975 by keyboardists Dave Stewart and Alan Gowen. Known for intricate, largely instrumental suites blending prog and jazz elements, they released the albums National Health (1978), Of Queues and Cures (1978), and the tribute D.S. al Coda (1982) following Gowen’s death in 1981.

Formed by Dave Stewart (Egg, Hatfield and the North) and Alan Gowen (Gilgamesh); key members included Phil Miller, Pip Pyle, and John Greaves. Ties to Hatfield and the North and Gilgamesh are prominent. The band toured extensively in 1978–1979; Playtime documents 1979 performances. D.S. al Coda (1982) was recorded as a tribute to Alan Gowen.

DeBaser’s reviews paint National Health as a cornerstone of the Canterbury scene: intricate, jazz-tinted prog with warm textures and long-form suites. The debut and Of Queues and Cures get detailed praise; Playtime captures the 1979 live shift under Alan Gowen. D.S. al Coda is remembered as a heartfelt tribute after Gowen’s passing. Dave Stewart’s first-hand “secret history” recounts lineups, tours, and the industry headwinds.