Colosseum (band)
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Colosseum is a British progressive rock band formed in 1968 by drummer Jon Hiseman, tenor sax player Dick Heckstall-Smith and bass player Tony Reeves, who had previously worked together in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. Dave Greenslade, on (organ), was immediately recruited, and the line-up was completed by Jim Roche on (guitar). Roche only recorded one track before being replaced by James Litherland, (guitar and vocals).
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[edit] History
Colosseum made their live debut in Newcastle and were promptly recorded by influential BBC Radio One DJ John Peel for his Top Gear Radio program. This appearance gained them valuable exposure and critical acclaim.
Colosseum's first album, Those Who Are About To Die Salute You, was released by the Fontana label in 1969. Colosseum's second album, also in 1969, was Valentyne Suite, notable as the first release from Vertigo Records, the first label to sign heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath. Vertigo Records was a branch of Philips, established to sign and develop artists that did not fit the main Philips Records brand.
Dave "Clem" Clempson replaced James Litherland for the third album, The Grass Is Greener, released in 1970 and only in the United States. Mark Clarke then replaced Tony Reeves on bass, and Hiseman recruited vocalist Chris Farlowe to enable Clempson to concentrate on guitar. This is considered to be the definitive Colosseum line-up, which recorded the 1970 album Daughter of Time.
In March 1971, the band recorded its concerts at the Big Apple in Brighton and at Manchester University. Hiseman was impressed with the atmosphere at the Manchester show, and the band returned five days later for a free concert that was also recorded. The recordings were released as a live double album in 1971, Colosseum Live, shortly before the original band broke up.
[edit] Interim and Reunion
After the band split, Jon Hiseman formed Tempest with bassist Mark Clarke; Dave Greenslade formed Greenslade with Tony Reeves; Clem Clempson joined Humble Pie; Chris Farlowe joined Atomic Rooster; and Dick Heckstall-Smith embarked on a solo career.
Drummer Jon Hiseman reformed the group as Colosseum II in 1975, with a stronger orientation towards jazz-fusion rock and a new lineup, featuring guitarist Gary Moore, and Don Airey on keyboards. Colosseum II released four albums before disbanding in 1978.
Colosseum reunited for a tour in 1994, the catalyst for a live CD, DVD releases, and new studio releases. Expanded editions of Valentyne Suite and Colosseum Live were also released, as well as several compilation albums.
Hiseman's wife, saxophonist Barbara Thompson, joined the band on various occasions after the 2004 death of Dick Heckstall-Smith and is now a permanent member of the band.
[edit] Line-ups
Original band members:
- Jon Hiseman – Drums (founder)
- Dick Heckstall-Smith – Saxophones (founder member, died 2004, replaced by Thompson)
- Tony Reeves – Bass (founder member, replaced by Clarke) (born Anthony Reeves, 18 April 1943, in London).
- Dave Greenslade – Organ, Vocals (from 1968)
- Jim Roche – Guitar (first line-up, only one track on the first album, replaced by Litherland)
- James Litherland – Guitar, Vocals (replaced by Clempson)
Later band members who are still involved:
- Chris Farlowe – Vocals (from 1970)
- Mark Clarke – Bass, Vocals (from 1970)
- Dave "Clem" Clempson – Guitar, Vocals (from 1970)
- Barbara Thompson – Saxophones (from 2004)
[edit] Discography
- Those Who Are About To Die Salute You – (1969)
- Valentyne Suite – (1969)
- The Grass Is Greener – (1970) [U.S. release only]
- Daughter of Time – (1970)
- Colosseum Live – (1971)
- original band disbanded 1971 and reunited in 1994
[edit] Post-reunion
- Colosseum LiveS - The Reunion Concerts – (1994)
- Bread and Circuses – (1997)
- Tomorrow's Blues – (2003)
- Live05 – (2007)
