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This band is born in the summer of 2002 after the meeting of three expert musicians from the Italian Rockabilly scene. This wild combo mix many influences: Rockabilly, Surf, Punk, Ska, Rock, Psychobilly…… Leader of “The Astrophonix” is the young guitarist Simone Di Maggio (22 years old!). This guy plays in many parts of Europe (ITALY, FRANCE, SPAIN, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, UK, CINA, HONG KONG..) and in the bests Music clubs and Rock’n’Roll festivals like: SUMMER JAMBOREEE 2002/2006 (I), BLUE MONDAY FESTIVAL 2003-2005 (FR), ROCKHOUSE PLANET FESTIVAL 2004 (FR), BREAD AND BUTTER EXPO 2007 (SPAIN), MILWAUKEE CONFIDENTIAL 2001 (I) and THE EDDIE COCHRAN WEEKENDER 2004 (Chippenham – UK) where Simone and the Astrophonix open the concert of the legendary Little Richard. Jhon Knight (the organizer of this gret event) says: “ Best guitarist of this edition is Simone Di Maggio, and the bests bands are Little Richard, The Comets and The Astrophonix”. This guys backin’ the “fabulous” Charlie Gracie too.
Simone recorded his first cd in 2001 (Everybody’s Movin’ – Whampire Rec. and one of the song, Milkshake Boogie is chosed as opening track of the most important Rockabilly web site in the world: www.rockabillyhall.com . Other songs, like Simone’s version of Rock’n’roll Ruby, are included in the prestigious compilation of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame Vol.3. In 2003 The president of th Rockabilly Hall of Fame Bob Timmers gives Simone and his album Everybody’s Movin’ the Kiss of approvation as one of the best Rock’n’Roll album of the last years and he declared: “Simone is an example for all young rockers and all young musician in the world”. In 2004 Simone’s Milkshake boogie appeares in the compilation “The Best from The Best” with many legends like Billy Swan, Wanda Jackson, Nervel Felts and many more…
Another important step-forward for the carreer of this band happens in Novembre 2005 when the guys play as opening act during the Italian tour of the band who created Psychobilly in the 80s: The Meteors.
In May 2007 the first Astrophonix album “Suspended time” (Area Pirata Rec.) is out, and it collects many approvals by the press and the audience straight away… The album is sold throughout Italy, Europe (UK, SPAIN, GERMANY, FRANCE…) and the rest of the world (USA, CHINA, JAPAN, HONG KONG). “Suspended Time” is a 10 energetic hit-tracks album, all original songs written by Simone Di Maggio, where you can absolutely appreciate his melodic composition skills but most of all his spontaneously outstanding ability at playing guitar like no other at his age – without forgetting his wild rockabilly roots. Just one killer cover “Sweet Dreams” which Simone re-invented as a pure interpretation in a pulp/Psychobilly side atmosphere version.
In 2008 the first DVD “Live in France” recording in summer 2007.
The Other members of the Astrophonix are:
Tommy Faglia – Doublebass/Electric bass. Tommaso Faglia (22 years old), is one of the most interesting talents in Europe with his slap technique.
After many experiences with many Pop/Rock bands from the underground scene in Italy, Tommy plays for 2 years with a big Italian “Pop Star” (Giuseppe Povia), and with him play in Many international Events like: CocaCola Live @ MTV, Live 8, Top of the Pops Italy and in the best Italian festivals… With this great experiences, he starts to play Slap doublebass with great approval by the Rock’n’Roll experts and he play with many Rockabilly band in Italy before join Simone Di Maggio’s Astrophonix in 2007.
Mr. Scintilla – (Massimo Conti) drums. After many years with the best drums teachers of Italy, Massimo starts to play with the best Rock bands of Tuscany for a good part of the ‘90’s. He play in all Italy and in the best Rock club of his country. He join a Musical and theatrical too with Kaspar Hauser company for the project “Rocky horror picture show” till 2003. His brilliant, really energic and various style give him the chance to play with many different bands like Pearl Pusher (Grunge), Ratoblanco (Italian Punk legends), Marco Di Maggio (Rockabilly, Surf), Tell Mama (Rock/Blues). In 2007 he join with great satisfaction The Astrophonix.
