Return Of The Goblin King

Legendary composer Claudio Simonetti talks dawn of the dead, deep red and suspiria

Legendary giallo film composers/prog rockers Goblin are set to return to the UK this year to mark the fortieth anniversaries of DAWN OF THE DEAD and SUSPIRIA. Led by original band member/keyboard player Claudio Simonetti, Goblin will be performing their unforgettable scores to these horror masterpieces live at Edinburgh’s Summerhall and London’s Union Chapel in August.

Goblin’s thudding, funky and creepy prog rock fused styles to shape giallo’s inimitable sound during the genre’s golden period in the 1970’s and 80’s. As well as working with Dario Argento and George Romero, Simonetti went on to write music for the films of other legendary giallo directors including Lamberto Bava, Umberto Lenzi, Ruggero Deodata and Lucio Fulci.

SCREAM’S Daniel Goodwin caught up with Claudio ahead of Goblin’s tour to discuss his remarkable career. From memories of a musical upbringing to Goblin’s first job composing the music for DEEP RED. Claudio also recalled visiting the set of SUSPIRIA, discussed his thoughts on the upcoming remake, his passion for playing live and why he thinks giallo was such a short-lived genre, despite it being so revered.

SCREAM: Claudio, it’s great to hear you’re back on tour with Goblin again.

CLAUDIO SIMONETTI: Yes, we are also presently working on a new album too, as well as the upcoming concerts in London and Edinburgh.

SCREAM: Goblin has seen many band member line-up changes over the years. Why is that?