“I saw us in a direct line from big band or modern jazz – but with complex interactive rock rhythms plus improvised solos”: Five Colosseum songs that prove the jazz-rock pioneers’ pedigree

Colosseum.

Jon Hiseman came up with the concept for his band Colosseum in a single moment in 1968 – although the ideas had probably been swirling in his mind for some time.

“I was on a sightseeing holiday in Rome,” the late drummer told Prog in 2010. “We were on the high point of the Forum overlooking the Senate House on the left and the Colosseum on the right. I had my head in my hands. I turned to [wife] Barbara and said, ‘I’m leaving John Mayall. I’m going to form a band and call it Jon Hiseman’s Colosseum.’ Her reply was typical: ‘Go for it!’”