Alan Gowen (19 August 1947 – 17 May 1981) was an English fusion/progressive rock keyboardist, best known for his work in Gilgamesh and National Health.
Gowen left National Health in 1977, though returned briefly for the recording sessions of their first album.
In 1978, Gowen formed Soft Heap with Elton Dean, Hugh Hopper, and Pip Pyle.
With Dave Sheen replacing Pyle, the band toured as Soft Head in the summer of 1978.
Before a Word is Said (1981), recorded with Richard Sinclair (bass, briefly in Gilgamesh), Phil Miller (guitar, from National Health) and Trevor Tomkins (drums, from Gilgamesh), was the last album Gowen recorded before his death from leukaemia in 1981.