There's no place like Rome - October 11
Viva Roma!
Goblin up the guitars!
Jamming
At the weekend I took part in the Prog Exhibition 2011 at the Teatro Tendastrisce, Rome, featuring several acts under a huge circus tent.
I guested with Italian band Goblin, who have been involved with popular horror genre movie soundtracks. To the delight of the crowd we performed one of their darker numbers Profundo Rosso together followed by Watcher of the Skies...
The evening was rounded off with a jam featuring yours truly plus other guests Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Mel Collins (King Crimson), Richard Sinclair (Caravan, Camel, Hatfield and the North) and Franz di Cioccio (PFM), musical director of the event. It was fun to play with many great artists whose work I'd long admired.
Before the show Jo and I managed to grab a flying cappuccino into the centre, close to the Coliseum where we visited a hidden treasure - an underground temple to the god Mithras beneath the Basilica St Clemente. The cult of Mithras was important to Romans before Christian times. Mithras is believed to have been closely linked to the sun and born on 25th December...
On any visit to this part of the world, Rome is always the star and it's an honour to join the triumphal procession once again. It was fabulous to spend time with all the performers, fans, friends including our superb Italian hosts Vania Santi and Sergio Fornassari. A very big thank you to Blue Sky and the event organisers, and also to Ben Fenner.
Italy, you're extraordinary - I can't wait to return in the Roman spring!
Steve, Franz and Martin
Vania, Martin, Steve and Ben
The hidden temple
