Colosseum, one of the first bands to blend jazz, rock, and blues, was formed in early 1968 by drummer Jon Hiseman and tenor saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith. Their first album, Those Who Are About to Die Salute You, was released in early 1969.

Colosseum’s second album, released later in 1969, was Valentyne Suite, notable for being the first album released by the newly formed Vertigo label. It’s also a milestone in the history of progressive rock and, indeed, music in general!

The name sounds impressive, and indeed, COLOSSEUM are a bit like the dinosaurs of rock history: an amalgamation of incredibly virtuoso soloists, but with a cohesive and compact sound that is always musically innovative across its various constellations. The double album “Colosseum Live” can certainly still be described as one of the best live albums ever released, a jewel in rock history. In 2025, “Colossus” are back on the road, much to the delight of countless fans. Under the motto “The Return of the Legend,” original band members Chris Farlowe, Clem Clempson, and Mark Clarke perform Colosseum classics such as “Lost Angeles” and the “Valentyne Suite,” as well as songs from their current studio album “Restoration” and the brand new “XI.”

Line-up:

• CHRIS FARLOWE – Vocals
• CLEM CLEMPSON – Guitar and Vocals
• MARK CLARKE – Bass and Vocals
• MALCOLM MORTIMORE – Drums
• NICK STEED – Keyboards
• KIM NISHIKAWARA – Saxophones