Colosseum II was a
British band formed in 1975 by the former
Colosseum drummer and leader,
Jon Hiseman, following the 1974 demise of his band
Tempest. Hiseman announced his plan to form the band eventually named Colosseum II in November 1974, but only
Gary Moore was named as a member. Rehearsals were due to begin on January 1, 1975, but a permanent unit was not finalised until May 1975. Among musicians who almost made the group were Graham Bell,
Duncan Mackay and
Mark Clarke. The line-up was completed by
Don Airey,
Neil Murray and
Mike Starrs.