1970s

Hailing from Rome, Semiramis included the Zarrillo brothers Maurizio and Michele (just teenagers), and got their start at the Villa Pamphili pop festival in 1972. They released one album before breaking up.

Founded: 1970

Location: Rome, Italy

One of France's premier (yet obscure) symphonic bands.

Founded: 1974

Location: St Dalmas le Selvage, France

Website: Shylock

As with other Clearwater Production groups, Skin Alley had their roots in the London underground and free festival scene. After recording two albums for CBS the band signed with Transatlantic, who licensed two albums to the famous US Stax label. Latter albums feature the Daltrey-esque vocals of Nick Graham. Thomas Crimble left to work with Hawkwind.

Founded: 1968

Location: London, England

Combining the talents of Roye Albrighton of Nektar, Curt Cress and Kristian Schultze of Passport, and Dave King of Embryo, Snowball were a supergroup of sorts, straddling jazz/fusion realms. Latter albums did not surpass their debut.

Founded: 1977

Location: Germany