RIP Francesco Di Giacomo (Banco)
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Topic: RIP Francesco Di Giacomo (Banco)
Posted By: Finnforest
Subject: RIP Francesco Di Giacomo (Banco)
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 14:42
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The amazing vocalist of Banco has died in an auto accident, if I understand correctly. http://www.ilmessaggero.it/roma/morto_banco_mutuo_soccorso/notizie/533050.shtml" rel="nofollow - http://www.ilmessaggero.it/roma/morto_banco_mutuo_soccorso/notizie/533050.shtml   ------------- ...that moment you realize you like "Mob Rules" better than "Heaven and Hell" |
Replies:
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 14:46
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Awful news :( But well, this is life, and while I am still hanging around, I will deeply remember the beauties he did with BdMS. ------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: The Bearded Bard
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 14:49
Sad news. 
RIP -------------  
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Posted By: Finnforest
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 14:52
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------------- ...that moment you realize you like "Mob Rules" better than "Heaven and Hell" |
Posted By: Tom Ozric
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 15:02
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sh*t no R.I.P. Francesco
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Posted By: Kotro
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 15:06
Just heard the news. Such a loss, even at his age. Media are pointing to him falling ill at the wheel and driving in the wrong lane.  ------------- Bigger on the inside. |
Posted By: Tuzvihar
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 15:14
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Oh no...
------------- "Music is much like f**king, but some composers can't climax and others climax too often, leaving themselves and the listener jaded and spent." Charles Bukowski |
Posted By: bhikkhu
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 15:17
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Very sad. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to see him perform. What a great voice. Thank you for all the wonderful music Francesco! ------------- a.k.a. H.T. http://riekels.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow - http://riekels.wordpress.com |
Posted By: Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 15:39
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One of the defining and most recognizable voices in Italian progressive music.
Thanks for so many wonderful albums we'll treasure forever. |
Posted By: lucas
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 15:53
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sad news... ------------- "Magma was the very first gothic rock band" (Didier Lockwood) |
Posted By: presdoug
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 16:13
| Just heard the news, he was very special, RIP! |
Posted By: aprusso
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 16:13
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I don't like to be me to give the sad news
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Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 17:19
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Wow. Terrible and unexpected news to read.
RIP ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: Prog_Traveller
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 17:38
| Just saw this on another prog site. Crappy, crappy news for sure. :( |
Posted By: NotAProghead
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 17:41
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Damn bad news. RIP, signore Di Giacomo. ------------- Who are you and who am I to say we know the reason why... (D. Gilmour) |
Posted By: Music By Mail
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 17:48
| The voice of Banco is no longer of this world? Very hard to accept and it hurts deep! RIP Francesco! |
Posted By: tszirmay
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 18:31
Merda! Stupid car accident!   ------------- I never post anything anywhere without doing more than basic research, often in depth. |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 18:34
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Oh, terrible. |
Posted By: Mellotron Storm
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 18:40
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The man had a presence like few others, and a voice to match. RIP Francesco. ------------- "The wind is slowly tearing her apart" "Sad Rain" ANEKDOTEN |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 18:55
| RIP |
Posted By: Finnforest
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 20:40
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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....  ------------- ...that moment you realize you like "Mob Rules" better than "Heaven and Hell" |
Posted By: Cesar Inca
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 20:52
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R.I.P., master of singing and feeling - you were and willalways remain a central figure of progressive rock both in Italy and worldwide. Your voice was not only a vocal sound, it was also and mostly an epiphany of beauty and sweetness
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Posted By: DamoXt7942
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 21:03
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What?!
------------- http://www.facebook.com/damoxt7942" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 21:08
What a face |
Finnforest wrote:Posted By: ginodi
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 21:27
| NOOOOOOO! |
Posted By: progbaby
Date Posted: February 21 2014 at 22:05
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One of the best singers ever. And best bands ever.
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Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 01:42
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The newspaper says that he has likely had a heart attack before losing the control of his car. Just for information. Many years ago I had the possibility to meet him through a common friend but it never happened, and how happens too often in a lifetime, now it's too late ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 02:22
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For those unfamiliar with Francesco or Banco, this is the first track I always go to when I think of them, because I still remember feeling like I'd beeen knocked on my backside the second I heard it. It still evokes such a reaction in me now. I've had a few friends where I've said `Hey, you want to hear something cool, like you've never heard before?....', and I've played them the following track, and they usually are fascinated and stunned by what they hear.
So for me, the defining Banco track, ironically called `R.I.P', off an impossibly good album and defining Italian release: |
Posted By: Tony R
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 02:30
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Sad news, what a voice!
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Posted By: Moogtron III
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 03:00
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Oh, this is really sad He was great prog artist.
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Posted By: Utnapishtim
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 03:42
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I learned of his death this morning, reading newspaper... Fades away a Cantor of our time Whose voice has intoxicated our senses Fades away the voice of RPI And Your sleep will never be disturbed Ciao Franceso... ------------- Per Fortuna C’è Sempre Qualcuno Che Pianta Le Querce Senza Preoccuparsi Di Vivere Troppo A Lungo Per Raccogliere Le Ghiande |
Posted By: apps79
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 04:45
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he was THE MAN, one of the top 3 Italian voices according to my ears...Always will be in my heart... ------------- When the power of love overcomes the love of power,the world will know peace... listen to www.justincaseradio.com , the first ever Greek Progressive Rock radio |
Posted By: apps79
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 04:47
best choice...I always wished the day to use it in such a way would never come ------------- When the power of love overcomes the love of power,the world will know peace... listen to www.justincaseradio.com , the first ever Greek Progressive Rock radio |
Posted By: Nightfly
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 05:47
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Very sad news. A great loss. RIP.
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Posted By: arvinm1
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 06:31
| RIP |
Posted By: la Volpe
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 07:16
| A great loss indeed. I was lucky to see Banco around 2005, if I recall correctly, and he was fantastic, it was like hearing him sing from the albums. I read that in his last years he had developed some problems to his vocal chords that made it more difficult for him to sing. Francesco Di Giacomo, for those who don't live in Italy or don't understand Italian, was also a very down-to-Earth person, at least in interviews and in the public eye. He was the greatest Italian prog singer bar none (dont' mess with me, Demetrio Stratos fans - since Stratos was actually Greek ;) ). A defining figure of the subgenre and more. A devastating loss. |
Posted By: NotAProghead
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 07:55
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Greg Walker shares his memories of Francesco Di Giacomo: It is with great sadness to announce that Francesco Di Giacomo (the beloved tenor singer of Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso) passed away today from the result of a car accident. Details are sketchy about what caused the accident but it may be health related. Here is the posting on the internet and the English translation: "È morto il 21 febbraio 2014 a http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zagarolo" rel="nofollow - , in provincia di http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roma" rel="nofollow - , per un incidente stradale avvenuto in via Valle del Formale. Nel tardo pomeriggio Di Giacomo era alla guida della sua auto di cui pare abbia perso il controllo schiantandosi, poi, contro un'altra autovettura che proveniva in senso contrario. Di Giacomo è deceduto durante il trasporto all’ospedale di http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestrina" rel="nofollow - . La sera stessa è stato annunciato l'accadimento e ricordato da http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabio_Fazio" rel="nofollow - durante la diretta televisiva del http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival_della_Canzone_Italiana_di_Sanremo" rel="nofollow - seguito dal cordoglio del pubblico." "Francsco Di Giacomo died today February 21, 2014 in Zagarolo, a province of Rome, from a road traffic accident in Valle del Formale. In the late afternoon Di Giacomo was driving his car which seems to have lost control and crashed into oncoming traffic. Di Giacomo died during transport to Palestrina hospital. He was 66 years old. This evening, the news was announced by Fabio Fazio during the live broadcast of the Sanremo Festival followed by public mourning." A few personal comments amd memories regarding Francesco... As most of you know, Francesco was the closest thing that prog had to Pavarotti. He fronted the greatest Italian 70's prog band and his amazing voice and stage presence was second to none. I still remember as a youngster (circa 1981 when I was 15 and just learning about progressive music) walking through the record aisles of an L.A. K-Mart trying to find a third album in the 3 for .99 cents record deal they were having (ah, those were the days!) when I came across the self-titled 1975 compilation release. Looking at it and chuckling over the cover of a fat guy throwing up a shoe and then turning it over to see the same fat guy on a scale I thought, well...I might as well buy it (as a joke). I then noticed the instrumentation and thought, holy crap, this thing might actually be good. I still remember taking it home and being blown away over the music, vocals and level of musicianship. I owned every Banco record soon after. In 2000 we invited Banco to our Progfest 2000 festival. We didn't know that we were supposed to pay for their food while they were here (they never mentioned it in advance) and I remember the sweat dripping down my forehead as I begrudgingly handed over my credit card to Francesco. Spock's Beard was performing that evening at the Troubadour in Hollywood and I drove the band out there to see them. About halfway through they decided to go nearby to get something to eat. About an hour later I went to check up on them and found them next door at an Italian restaurant (of all places!). The band and crew was sitting around a 12 foot table amid piles of salad, pasta, bottles of wine and everything else they could possibly order. I'm almost in tears at the site and I think I'm still paying off that darn meal to this day. They had a great performance and we had an after-festival party at my house the next evening. I have a picture somewhere of Francesco asleep on my couch. It was kind of a surreal moment as here it was 20 years later and Francesco's in my living room. Back in the early days, these guys might as well of lived on the moon as you figured you would never see them in concert and certainly never meet them. Of course those were the days before the invention of the internet (thanks Al Gore!) and the prog music festivals which changed everything (for the meager prog community). The next day I drove him to the airport and we talked about music and art the entire way. I was fortunate enough to see Banco perform at NEARfest in 2001. To this day, it stands out as my all-time favorite concert. It was one of those magical concerts you rarely see. Those of you who were there know what I mean. R.I.P. Francesco! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIGvLXHd2ZM" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch? ------------- Who are you and who am I to say we know the reason why... (D. Gilmour) |
Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 08:22
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This was a voice that caused rivet eating welders, tax accountants and rugby players to weep unashamedly upon hearing, such was its evocative and plaintive beauty. Our Francesco was tantamount to the embodiment of the 'Italian melodic tradition'
that Banco preserve jealously in their otherwise healthy disavowal of the yoke of the past.
------------- 
|
Posted By: Norbert
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 08:31
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Very sad news indeed... Such an amazing singer he was. At first I was glad that Banco is the most popular artist on ProgArchives when I opened the PA frontpage a few moments ago, but suddenly hit me the thought that probably a member of the band recently died, and this caused Banco's current lead... |
Posted By: rdtprog
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 11:09
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I received that story from Greg Walker, like Notaproghead, i don't know if i could afford to pay the lunch for a crew of musicians like he did, but at least it makes a great story... On a more serious matter, the way Francesco died remind me what happened when my dad died suddenly in his chair and my mother said "i could have died earlier with him in the car if he had his heart attack"... RIP Francesco Di Giancomo ------------- Music is the refuge of souls ulcerated by happiness. Emile M. Cioran |
Posted By: Andis
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 11:49
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This is so sad news. Banco was one of my favourite bands of all time. In all this sadness, I am glad that I in the summer of 2012 decided to fly down from Sweden to Rome, Italy, to see Banco live in concert. I said to my wife that I have to see these guys live once in my lifetime (she kind of liked the idea of three days in Rome). Said and done, we went to see them the same day Italy played the semi-final in the world cup of football, so the band and the audience first watched the game together, then they played the concert. I fantastic moment. ------------- "Be yourself. The world worships the original." - Ingrid Bergman |
Posted By: maryes
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 15:07
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Oh... Sad News, Francesco Di Giacomo is my favorite vocalista in RPI.
I pray for his spiritual illumination !!! |
Posted By: paolo.beenees
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 15:53
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They are singing at my funeral The ones who are mourning maybe don't know that for years I've been searching for myself And step by step, with thorns in my feet, so tired I've come to the wizard's garden... Ciao Francesco ------------- 
|
Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 17:13
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Hi,
You know, one of the wonderful things in life is knowing that you heard this almost 40 years ago, and they have been your friend forever since.
It's hard to not shed a tear and write these words, but I feel like a mom ... I don't want to see any of my children go before I do. I love you all too much!
Thanks so much for some lovely, wonderful and outstanding music.
Love, live and rest in total peace! ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: proggman
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 18:45
Io Sono Nato Libero. I just wanna say that I am new to Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, but he was a fantastic vocalist. Requiescat in pace.
|
Posted By: DanthraX
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 21:31
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------------- I look up, I'm almost blinded by the warmth of what's inside me and the taste that's in my soul, but I'm dead inside as I stand alone... |
Posted By: Dayvenkirq
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 21:58
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No-o-o-o-o! Goddammit. Sucks. ... Seriously, it's sad to know that one of the greatest prog singers has left us. Auto accident? But hey, ... everyone goes at some point. Can't have everyone around. 67. Tanto amore. RIP.
|
Posted By: Prog_Traveller
Date Posted: February 22 2014 at 22:18
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Ok this is the kind of thread I was looking for on here. Glad someone started one. Anyway, very sad news indeed. I saw Banco once live and they were great. Not much else to say at this point. A great loss for prog fans. RIP Francesco. |
Posted By: mithrandir
Date Posted: February 23 2014 at 03:53
| weept... |
Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: February 23 2014 at 04:41
| Requiescant in pace, Francesco |
Posted By: Tapfret
Date Posted: February 23 2014 at 07:47
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This is terrible news. ------------- https://www.last.fm/user/Tapfret" rel="nofollow">  https://bandcamp.com/tapfret" rel="nofollow - Bandcamp |
Posted By: prog61
Date Posted: February 24 2014 at 02:50
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I am very sad, a piece of my musical life is gone. "Big" was the great Italian rock (and not only) singer of all times. I do not remember how many times I've seen the “Banco” live; the last time was a year ago in Florence, and the voice of Francesco was exactly the same as 40 years ago. Thank you, "Big", your magic notes will shine forever in all of us... |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: February 24 2014 at 04:10
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I loved all the albums he sung on - this is tragic indeed. But a wonderful legacy has been left behind with those Banco albums. ------------- 
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Posted By: geekfreak
Date Posted: February 24 2014 at 05:20
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news. RIP Francesco Di Giacomo ------------- Friedrich Nietzsche: "Without music, life would be a mistake." Music Is Live Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Keep Calm And Listen To The Music… < |
Posted By: Warthur
Date Posted: February 24 2014 at 05:26
| Only just heard. There's a lot of competition for "best RPI band" but I defy anyone to find a vocalist in the scene who could beat out Francesco at his best. Simply irreplaceable. |
Posted By: Olape
Date Posted: February 24 2014 at 11:12
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So tragic news!
 Francesco, you will continue forever between us!!
My condolences to your family.
R.I.P.
|
Posted By: moodyxadi
Date Posted: February 24 2014 at 17:34
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Sadly one of the greatest singers of prog rock (and popular music in general) has passed away. I admit I had a hard time getting used to his voice but when I finally got it it really opened my ears to a wonderful band. rest in Peace, signore.
------------- Bach, Ma, Bros, Déia, Dante. |
Posted By: MFP
Date Posted: February 24 2014 at 18:33
| Sad news. RIP Francesco. |
Posted By: Ivan_Melgar_M
Date Posted: February 26 2014 at 09:45
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I'm devastated. The best voice in Prog has been silenced in a stupid car accident. Rest in Peace Francesco. ------------- 
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Posted By: YoshiPK
Date Posted: February 28 2014 at 12:17
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R.I.P....The farewell messages from the great prog peer artists just made me be realize how great Mr Giacomo was. Japan is expecting B.M.S. coupled by La Maschera di Cera/Hostsonaten in mid April. Those who bought the tickets are waiting for the official announcement from the organization. I still cannot believe this sad news. As fans, we fully respect the band's decision...pray for the soul of Mr Giacomo, his family and friends, and the B.M.S. Grazie e ciao! ------------- Japanese blogger, mainly Italian Prog. |
Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: March 04 2014 at 09:07
I don't know.
I think I would do a complete concert without a singer and at the end, say a prayer and good night. I would probably have so many tears my guitar would spark, or my keyboard would stop playing, but in his honor, God be damned that a keyboard or instrument didn't work on such a day!
There is an album or two by Banco that the music is instrumental, so the band itself was also strong, but I don't know if Francesco was a part of those or not, and I imagine that he was, in helping add mood, and atmosphere, which always seemed well defined in his singing and the albums.
Even in Santa Barbara, some folks made fun of Francesco's singing, and called that stupid rock'n'roll, so at least you know! ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: felonafan
Date Posted: March 11 2014 at 07:38
| R. I. P. |
Posted By: manofmystery
Date Posted: March 16 2014 at 00:02
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I don't know how I missed this but now that I know I am very sad
-------------  Time always wins. |