Jon Hiseman | Book of Remembrance – Remembering Jon Hiseman

Ged Upton from Great Britain wrote on February 11, 2021 at 9:59 am:

I met Jon around 1975 when I worked for a music shop in Banbury. We had booked him to do... Read more

I met Jon around 1975 when I worked for a music shop in Banbury. We had booked him to do a drum clinic for either Rogers or Arbiters. I cannot recall which, I am sorry but time slips by and I left the trade shortly afterwards. He was outstanding both as a drummer, person and presenter of the product. Jon answered all questions with humour and honesty. At this time I remember he was trying to replace the gap in the front line vocals and guitar either from Tempest or the remnants of Colosseum. I was a semi-pro bass player on the local pop and jazz scene at the time and to meet one of my heroes was an honour, I never told Jon I was a muso. Jon we all miss you, such a formidable percussionist and leader. Our's and Barbara's loss is no less years later. Thanks for the music Jon.

Phil Brown from UK wrote on February 9, 2021 at 5:27 pm:

I know it's been a while since Jon's sad passing but I am currently much reminded of the great musical... Read more

I know it's been a while since Jon's sad passing but I am currently much reminded of the great musical legacy that he left us. I've been listening to some Colosseum, Paraphernalia and even came across some recordings by the United Jazz and Rock Ensemble. All good stuff! Some of my fondest musical memories are of being stuffed into the Cellar Bar at South Hill Park, Bracknell when Paraphernalia made one of their occasional visits. I've always been drawn to drummers and it was great to get up close to a master at work.

Kevin Ritchie from USA wrote on February 8, 2021 at 1:28 pm:

I never saw Colosseum, but their records got me through late nights in northern Maine winters, back in my youth... Read more

I never saw Colosseum, but their records got me through late nights in northern Maine winters, back in my youth during the 70s. Beauty in the darkness. Thank you, Jon.

Peter Glanvill from UK wrote on January 28, 2021 at 4:26 pm:

I think I first saw Colosseum way back in 1970 but it might have been earlier. Loved their music. Finally... Read more

I think I first saw Colosseum way back in 1970 but it might have been earlier. Loved their music. Finally met Jon Hiseman in the late 70's when he was playing locally to me with Paraphernalia. He pointed out he had been longer with Paraphernalia than Colosseum had existed (that was before it reformed).

Marshall Scott from Scotland wrote on January 18, 2021 at 5:41 pm:

Remember a great concert at Southbank. Barbara in silver onesie blowing beautifully. Jon all fast hands and great touch. Not... Read more

Remember a great concert at Southbank. Barbara in silver onesie blowing beautifully. Jon all fast hands and great touch. Not forgotten. Great drummer

Mick Stacey from Australia wrote on December 16, 2020 at 6:34 am:

Jon Hiseman was truly my absolute favourite drummer. I saw Colosseum many, many times during the late 60s early 70s,... Read more

Jon Hiseman was truly my absolute favourite drummer. I saw Colosseum many, many times during the late 60s early 70s, and they remain my all time favourite band to this day. Unfortunately, I was on the other side of the world, when they reformed in the 90s, so never got to see them then. But the Live Reunion Concert, Cologne 1994 dvd, is an absolute treasure. Saw Paraphernalia, in the mid 80s at the Half Moon Pub in Putney, with my Australian partner, before we left England for good, and again one of the best gigs. Vale Jon Hiseman and bless you Barbara Thompson. I'm privileged to have in my possession Jon & Barbara's books, and reading them brings back such fond memories. Mick Stacey

Paul diMascio from UK wrote on December 4, 2020 at 3:46 pm:

Saw Jon (and Barbara) a few times as Paraphernalia. A truly astonishing drummer. Never seen anything quite like that before... Read more

Saw Jon (and Barbara) a few times as Paraphernalia. A truly astonishing drummer. Never seen anything quite like that before or since. And I've seen a few!

Peter Bellwood from United Kingdom wrote on November 18, 2020 at 11:56 pm:

I was privileged to see and experience dear Jon's band Colosseum along with some new kids called Pink Floyd ,... Read more

I was privileged to see and experience dear Jon's band Colosseum along with some new kids called Pink Floyd , at the famous (?) Selby Abby 800th Anniversary concert . What an experience . Loved them then, love them now . See you later , my friend . For now , you'll be missed , terribly . My love and heartfelt commiserations to Anna and Wife , Barbara . ex Cozmic Pete Bellwood

Giordano Musiani from Italy wrote on October 16, 2020 at 12:38 pm:

An incredible drums-master and a greatest man...

Neil from UK wrote on October 11, 2020 at 4:10 pm:

First saw Paraphernalia at the Bracknell Jazz festival and fell in love with the music. I then happened to see... Read more

First saw Paraphernalia at the Bracknell Jazz festival and fell in love with the music. I then happened to see them at Salisbury Art Centre, Hammersmith Theatre and in a pub in Barnes over the years. From Hammersmith I have strong memories of a virtuoso drum solo from Jon with the projection of lighting from behind him. The music is still there as a lasting record of his skill as well as enjoyment of the whole experience. Wishing you well Barbara and all of the family.

Book of Remembrance

Friends, Fans, Musicians & Colleagues

Write a new entry for Jon Hiseman's Book of Remembrance

Photography Gallery NOW LIVE!