It is with great sadness that we report of the death of Francesco Di Giacomo, lead vocalist for the legendary Italian progressive rock band Banco del Mutuo Soccorso. The official word: "He passed away on February 21st in Zagarolo, a province of Rome, from a road traffic accident in Valle del Formale. In the late afternoon Di Giacomo was driving his car which seems to have lost control and crashed into oncoming traffic. Di Giacomo died during transport to Palestrina hospital. He was 66 years old. This evening, the news was announced by Fabio Fazio during the live broadcast of the Sanremo Festival followed by public mourning." Francesco will be remembered by many for his soaring, operatic vocal style on such landmark prog albums as Darwin!, Io sono nato libero, Garofano rosso, and of course their stellar self-titled debut from 1972. I had the pleasure of seeing this incredible band live at NEARfest 2001, and can easily say this man was an immense talent. He will truly be missed.