Colosseum II Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Colosseum II band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Colosseum II is a dynamic British jazz fusion and progressive rock outfit formed in the mid-1970s by drummer Jon Hiseman. Emerging from the ashes of the original Colosseum, the group took a bold new direction, focusing on virtuosic jazz fusion. The lineup featured the exceptional talents of Gary Moore (guitar), known for his blistering guitar work, Don Airey (keyboards), who brought a symphonic edge with his mastery of synthesizers, Neil Murray (bass), later replaced by John Mole, and Mike Starrs (vocals), who contributed to the band's initial recordings. Colosseum II's music is a thrilling blend of jazz, rock, and symphonic influences, creating an exhilarating listening experience through albums like Strange New Flesh and Electric Savage.
How to Sound Like Colosseum II
To emulate Colosseum II's energetic and multifaceted sound, musicians should focus on achieving a rich, layered sonic palette that balances intricate musicianship with expansive textures. Gary Moore's guitar playing was characterized by a blend of fluid, expressive solos and driving rhythmic riffs, often achieved with the use of a Gibson Les Paul Double Cut and a Marshall JCM2000 amplifier to deliver a powerful, saturated tone. Don Airey's keyboard work added a lush, symphonic layer to the music, utilizing the legendary Yamaha CS-80 for its rich analog warmth and complex textures. The interplay between these elements, along with dynamic rhythm sections and adventurous arrangements, encapsulates the vibrant and sophisticated essence of Colosseum II's sound.
Discography
Get the Colosseum II Sound
Want to sound like Colosseum II? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
