Colosseum

About

Colosseum were one of the first bands to blues, rock and jazz-based improvisation, and they did it in a truly explosive way, somehow managing to combine complex instrumental passages with wild passionately wild vocals resulting in exhausting live performances. Colosseum came to fame in 1969 when the band led by legendary drummer Jon Hiseman released its debut album Those Who Are About To Die Salute You. Best-selling studio albums followed, notably Valentyne Suite (1969) and The Daughter of Time is Truth (1970). Changes in personnel saw the arrival of the soulful Chris Farlowe, famed for his Sixties chart hit Out of Time and Clem Clempson, the young blues guitar virtuoso and vocalist, along with bass player Mark Clarke.

The group broke up in 1971 and the musicians went their separate ways only to reform in 1994 and 2021 with live performances and albums that had lost none of their exciting firepower.

Colosseum are back in action and the current line-up includes longstanding members Chris Farlowe, Clem Clempson and Mark Clarke, joined by Nick Steed, Macolm Mortimore and Kim Nishikawara.

This is one of only twelve UK dates which we are delighted to host at Exeter Phoenix.

Thei last live performance in Germany prompted these reactions from critics:

“An outstandingly breathtaking performance that had the audience well and truly transfixed” Stephen C Gilbert

“Remarkable intensity and instrumental virtuosity shown by everybody.”

Uli Twelker

Support comes from The Honey Pot, who have recently opened for Curved Air, Soft Machine and Wishbone Ash.

This event is a fundraiser for Exeter community radio station Phonic FM.