Formula 3 was an Italian progressive rock band originally active from 1969 to 1974.

Tony Cicco is a drummer, singer, composer, author and multi-instrumentalist with an unmistakable voice, refined technique and a strong sense of rhythm, which make him unique in the panorama of Italian music. Graduated at a very young age from the Naples Conservatory, he began his career in the sixties playing as a drummer in various bands. In 1969, with Alberto Radius and Gabriele Lorenzi, he founded Formula 3, the historical group that will accompany Lucio Battisti on his only tour. It is the beginning of a long and successful collaboration. After the dissolution of the band, Tony Cicco began his solo career. Formula 3 reunited in 1990. He released a new album this year.

Where and when did you grow up? Was music a big part of your family life?

Tony Cicco: I was born in Napoli. Music was a big part of our family.

Who were your major influences?

My older brother Ciro Cicco influenced me to play the drums.

What bands were you with prior to the formation of Formula 3?

I started playing in many different groups in Naples area and then as a professional at 18 in Milan.

Can you elaborate on the formation of Formula 3?

Formula 3 was composed by me, Tony Cicco (lead vocals & drums), Alberto Radius (guitar) and Gabriele Lorenzi (Hammond organ).

How did you decide to use the name “Formula 3”?

Our first producer Gilberto Amati gave us our name.

What sort of venues did Formula 3 play early on?

At the beginning in clubs, discos and dance clubs throughout Italy.

What influenced the band’s sound?

Mostly pop, rock and blues music of the day.

How did you get signed to Numero Uno Records and what can you say about this label?

Numero Uno Records was founded to release Lucio Battisti and Battisti Mogol, and we were among the first artist to get signed to this label.

What’s the story behind your debut ‘Dies Irae’ from 1970?

After we recorded and released ‘Questo Folle Sentimento’ single, we decided to record our first album, ‘Dies Irae’ in Milan. We used Ludwig drums, Gibson guitar, Hammond organ and Lucio Battisti took care of the studio production. It took about four weeks to record it.

Was there a certain concept behind the album?

Yes, to adapt Lucio Battisti’s songs to our way of playing, to interpret and arrange …

I think your biggest masterpiece is ‘Sognando E Risognando’. What’s the story behind it?

The album ‘Sognando E Risognando’ was made by transforming Battisti’s songs into long suite progressive rock.

How about ‘La grande casa’?

We are authors of songs on ‘La grande casa’ with the lyrics from Mogol. It’s the first album without the presence of Battisti.

Your drumming is very impressive.

My drumming is very particular, because it comes from the need to replace the presence of the bass in the trio, but at the same time, makes it unique and original.

You also recorded three solo albums; ‘Notte’, ‘E mia madre’ and ‘Macchine – Macchinette’.

After the dissolution of Formula 3, in 1974 I began my solo career as a songwriter and I made my first solo album, ‘Cico Notte’ with a fantastic team and talented musicians in Rome. The single ‘Se Mi Desideri’ was my first hit with lyrics by Carla Vistarini. Other albums and singled followed later.

How about Fantasy and its ‘Uno’ release?

Fantasy was a band that was born from the collaboration of artist friends for EMI with very choral and international songs.

What happened after the band stopped?

We devoted to our solo careers.

On what other recordings do you appear?

As a musician I appear on recordings of many other artists like Pino Daniele etc.

Formula 3 had a reunion in the nineties and you released several albums.

Formula 3, great reunion in 1990 which gives the title to the same album with our great hits revisited …

What are some of your albums and collaborations that you are most proud of?

My first album ‘Cico Notte’ and Lucio Battisti’s album ‘ Umanamente Uomo: Il Sogno.’ where I played drums, percussion and choirs.

Looking back, what was the highlight of your time in the band? Which songs are you most proud of? Where and when was your most memorable gig?

I think the best time for the band was from 1969 to 1973. I’m proud of my first song ‘Se Mi Vuoi’. The most memorable concert was at the ‘Festival di Varadero Cuba’ with Pino Daniele.

Is there any unreleased material by Formula 3?

No, that I know of.