Colosseum (band)

Colosseum is a pioneering British progressive jazz-rock band mixing progressive rock and jazz-based improvising.

History

The band was 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 on the Bare Wires album. 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).

Colosseum made their live debut in Newcastle and were promptly recorded by influential BBC Radio 1 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 also played at the Supershow, a recorded two-day jam session, along with Modern Jazz Quartet, Led Zeppelin, Jack Bruce, Roland Kirk Quartet, Eric Clapton, Steven Stills, and Juicy Lucy. Colosseum's second album, also in 1969, was Valentyne Suite,Ben Miler, , , October 14,...
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