Delirium are one of the foundational bands of Italian progressive rock — a Genoa group who, in 1971, made one of the earliest and most beloved RPI albums, and who, a year later, scored a huge hit that helped bring the whole movement into the Italian mainstream. They are also remembered as the launchpad for a young Ivano Fossati, later one of Italy’s greatest singer-songwriters.

The short version

Formed in Genoa in 1970 from the ashes of a beat group, Delirium built a flute-driven, melodic progressive rock distinguished by the voice and playing of Ivano Fossati. Their debut “Dolce Acqua” (1971) is a cornerstone of the RPI scene, while their 1972 single “Jesahel” became a national hit. After Fossati left for a stellar solo career, the band made two more albums before splitting. Theirs is an essential early chapter in the story of Italian prog.

Genoa, 1970: from Sagittari to Delirium

Delirium grew out of a Genoa beat group of the late 1960s called Sagittari. The band took on its new name — and a new, more ambitious direction — toward the end of 1970, when the young singer and flautist Ivano Fossati joined, replacing their previous vocalist. Alongside Fossati came keyboardist Ettore Vigo, bassist Marcello Reale, drummer Peppino Di Santo and guitarist Mimmo Di Martino. Their first single, “Canto di Osanna” (1971), presented at the Festival di Musica d’Avanguardia e di Nuove Tendenze in Viareggio, brought them immediate attention, and they were soon among the rising names of the nascent Italian progressive scene.

Flute-driven melodic prog

Delirium’s early music was an original and appealing blend: progressive rock and jazz mixed with the Italian melodic tradition, folk colours and the influence of British bands like King Crimson and Colosseum. Its most distinctive element was Ivano Fossati — his low, dark, intensely expressive voice and, above all, his flute, by turns lyrical and aggressive, weaving through the music. Keyboardist Ettore Vigo brought a wide palette of organ, piano and more, lending the band a certain refinement. The result was melodic and accessible yet genuinely adventurous, and helped define the sound of early RPI.

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Dolce Acqua, Jesahel and the Fossati era

The band’s debut, “Dolce Acqua” (1971), released on Fonit Cetra, was one of the very first Italian progressive albums — a concept suite in eight movements, each devoted to a human emotion, from fear to hope. Housed in a striking triple-gatefold sleeve, it is now regarded as a foundation stone of the RPI scene, predating even PFM’s rise. The following year brought the band’s commercial breakthrough: “Jesahel”, a trance-like, flute-driven song co-written by Fossati, which they performed at the 1972 Sanremo Festival and which shot to number one in Italy, with success across Europe. Ironically, that very success strained the band, and not long after — partly owing to military service — Ivano Fossati left to begin what would become a celebrated solo career.

After Fossati: Lo Scemo e il Villaggio and Delirium III

With Fossati gone, the band recruited the English multi-instrumentalist Martin Grice on flute, saxophone and keyboards, and pressed on. “Lo Scemo e il Villaggio” (1972) leaned further into progressive and jazz-rock territory, while “Delirium III — Viaggio negli Arcipelaghi del Tempo” (1974), recorded with a real string section, is often considered their most mature and ambitious work. By 1975, however, the band had run its course, and Delirium disbanded — though they would return decades later, with keyboardist Ettore Vigo keeping the flame alive.

Album by album

The band’s classic 1970s trilogy. Tap any title for its guide.

The players and afterwards

Delirium’s classic line-up brought together Ivano Fossati, keyboardist Ettore Vigo, bassist Marcello Reale, drummer Peppino Di Santo and guitarist Mimmo Di Martino, with Englishman Martin Grice joining for the later albums. By far the most famous alumnus is Ivano Fossati, who went on to become one of the most respected and beloved singer-songwriters in all of Italian music, far transcending his prog beginnings. Keyboardist Ettore Vigo, meanwhile, has kept Delirium going across the decades, reuniting the band in the 2000s to record new albums and tour, even reaching Japan. The classic trilogy, though, remains the heart of their legacy.

Where to start

Begin with “Dolce Acqua” (1971), the band’s debut and a true classic of early Italian prog, with Fossati’s voice and flute at their finest — note that the famous “Jesahel” appears only as a bonus on CD editions, not on the original album. From there, “Delirium III” (1974) is the pick of the post-Fossati records, more symphonic and mature. Together they capture both faces of this important band.

Why they still matter

Delirium are one of the bands that helped lay the foundations of Italian progressive rock. Their debut stands among the earliest and finest RPI albums, and their hit “Jesahel” played a real part in carrying the movement from the underground into Italian living rooms. Add their place in launching the great Ivano Fossati, and their importance to the story of the genre is clear. Melodic, flute-driven and full of feeling, their music remains a rewarding listen. For anyone exploring the roots of Italian prog, Delirium are essential.

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