Interview with Claudio Simonetti of Goblin

Claudio Gonippo Luigi Simonetti (born February 19, 1952, in São Paulo) is an Italian composer and musician, founder of the progressive rock group Goblin. He is known for composing numerous soundtracks for Italian and American films, including iconic works by Dario Argento such as Deep Red, Suspiria, Phenomena, Opera, Non ho sonno, Il cartaio, La terza madre, and Dracula 3D, as well as Zombi and Wampyr by George A. Romero.

A Midsummer Night

We had the incredible opportunity to meet, attend a concert, dine with, and interview the legendary group Goblin, led by Claudio Simonetti, in Lucca.

On August 7, one of the most famous Italian bands took the stage at Roof Live Music, performing on the rooftop of Mugnano. This concert was part of their European tour running from August to December 2021.

For two electrifying hours, the maestro and his band played the greatest hits from Goblin’s discography, including the iconic soundtracks from Dario Argento’s films such as Profondo Rosso, Suspiria, Phenomena, Tenebre, and many more. The performance was enhanced by projections of scenes from the films, creating a truly immersive experience.

During the evening, Simonetti shared fascinating anecdotes about the creation of the soundtracks, revealing his deep connection with cinema. His passion for music and film is palpable, and his energy on stage is contagious. Witnessing the rehearsals, chatting with the band during dinner, and interviewing Claudio Simonetti was undoubtedly an overwhelming experience. Goblin continues to prove themselves as a pillar of Italian rock music, and their connection with the audience is extraordinary.