Book of Remembrance
Friends, Fans, Musicians & Colleagues
262 entries.
When I came to plan the Super Drumming series for German TV Jon was an obvious choice. His jazz and... Read more
When I came to plan the Super Drumming series for German TV Jon was an obvious choice. His jazz and rock background was as eclectic as my own and I admired his musicianship and dedication to the art of drumming greatly. During the filming I got to know Jon and Barbara rather better and that was delightful. Their performances on our show were hugely impressive and I will never forget their kindness and concern for my health. Thinking of Jon's mastery of the instrument is still inspirational to me.
It began with an LP of the Graham Bond Organisation. In 1968 heard Walking in the park, at the tim... Read more
It began with an LP of the Graham Bond Organisation. In 1968 heard Walking in the park, at the tim I was working in a warehouse in the center of Frankfurt, selling records.
Especially on crowdy Saturdays I blasted the tiny speaker system with sounds of Colosseum. My sales increased, colleagues felt terrorized by that kind of music, so the boss upgraded me being responsable to order the records. In 1970 first saw Colosseum at a pop festival in Cologne, two concerts, they had to avoid breaks because other acts did not show up. Jon Hiseman ant he band played like hell, I was close to the stage. Years later another concert, again and again, then Barbara Thompson, with her Paraphernalia, later with Jon Hiseman at the drums. Always inspiring. At a concert in a Frankfurt museum I took the chance talking with both, absolutely friendly, open, warm, no arrogance, patient with me, just completely normal. One time during a show Jon asked the public if there was anybody who has a bed for that same night for one of the musicians, "We are an economioc band, so..." People were stunned and laughing. There is no musician of which I attended more concerts, about 10 or 12. There are two important things in life, time and good feelings. Jon, and Barbara, thank you for giving me both.
I saw Jon playing with Paraphernalia five or six times locally and enjoyed each gig. His drum solos were always... Read more
I saw Jon playing with Paraphernalia five or six times locally and enjoyed each gig. His drum solos were always brilliant and I often found myself actually laughing with pleasure during them
As a young drummer, I was a massive fan - and in awe - of Jon (and Colosseum). 30 years... Read more
As a young drummer, I was a massive fan - and in awe - of Jon (and Colosseum). 30 years ago, I booked Jon to host a drum clinic alongside a Paraphernalia gig, so I finally got to meet my hero! (and Barbara).
Currently, I play in a band with Ray Fenwick (ex. of Spencer Davis group and Ian Gillan Band). We've just recruited a new vocalist, Mike Starrs, who was a member of Colosseum II. Small world!
I saw Jon for the first time with Colosseum II at an open air festival in Scheesel. That was 1976.... Read more
I saw Jon for the first time with Colosseum II at an open air festival in Scheesel. That was 1976. I was so thrilled. From then on, he was my biggest drum hero. I never thought at the time, that 42 years later, due to a sad occasion, I would fly to London with part of my family for his tribute concert. I also miss him very much, but I will always remember him.
there will be only one jon hisemen. his early work with mayall and then colloseumn was amazing. the snare with... Read more
there will be only one jon hisemen. his early work with mayall and then colloseumn was amazing. the snare with the ride cymbal really was exciting. he played more than any knew. his work diary must be increidible. while we miss him musically its his wife and children that have the most to cherish, a gentlemen just like charlie watts. thanks for all the GREAT music.
For most of my late teenage and early adult years the music of Colosseum soundtracked my adventures and misadventures. Those... Read more
For most of my late teenage and early adult years the music of Colosseum soundtracked my adventures and misadventures. Those recordings (and others that Mr Hiseman played on) continue to give great pleasure. It is one of the great regrets of my life that I never had the chance to experience that magnificent sound in person. Drum on Jon - you're part of an even greater band now...
In my early years in the music industry Jon taught me a hell of a lot about miking drum kits... Read more
In my early years in the music industry Jon taught me a hell of a lot about miking drum kits and about sound. Fantastic guy. Thanks so much
Met Mr Hiseman several times at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal. Always the perfect gentleman and made time to... Read more
Met Mr Hiseman several times at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal. Always the perfect gentleman and made time to talk music and drums. Feel privileged to have met him.
Best wishes to all his family.
Such fond memories of a superb band and a genius drummer starting with a Colosseum concert at Aston University in... Read more
Such fond memories of a superb band and a genius drummer starting with a Colosseum concert at Aston University in 1970/71 and then being able to relive every moment with the Live album on vinyl.
The line up of a band will change as time goes by for many reasons, but Jon managed to find some inspired replacements for departing members which generally not only maintained the quality of the music, but also took the band to another level.
Taken much too soon, and working right up to the end.
Thank you for the music. RIP.
Photography Gallery NOW LIVE!
View Images from “Tribute to Jon Hiseman”, 2nd February 2019 at Shepherd’s Bush Empire
