RIP Francesco Di Giacomo (Banco)

Yeah, at first I was just shocked......now it is starting to hit home.  This is really a great tragedy for RPI and the music loving world.  While he shunned the role of "star" there could be no denying it, he was not only a force in one of the greatest progressive rock bands, his voice was as unique and special as any in rock music.  Think about it....you hear this man....do you not instantly know who it is and how cool it will be?  His voice just wraps the listener in warmth, passion, drama.  Operatic but unpretentious, larger than life yet down-to-Earth.   I am just heartbroken that I was never able to hear him sing live.  How lucky are you folks who did. 

Banco was one of the first to pull me in.  There was QVL, Metamorfosi, Balletto di Bronzo.....and there was Banco.  The biggest of the "Big 3", the most "Italian" of Italian progressive rock.   I will be listening to all of those albums over the next several days and hope all RPI fans do the same.  I will say a prayer for a good man and his family who must be devastated at this premature passing.  If any of his friends or family members read this, please pass on the fact that many, many music fans are with you tonight and the music of Francesco is playing all over the world, tonight and always.  You have the love of the "Italian prog" community with you and there are a lot more of us than people realize.  

As a long time fan of RPI at this site, I can say.....when I think of a summation of Italian prog music in my mind....I hear a slow and sweeping piano intro, I hear a violin come in, and then I hear Francesco start to sing.....he will always be a component of the form itself, not just a singer in one of the bands.  I can give no greater compliment than that.  Thank you my friend....