Phil Manzanera, Anna Phoebe in supergroup

Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera has formed a supergroup to perform at an Italian festival next month.

Along with violinist Anna Phoebe, it also includes Clash bassist Paul Simonon, Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, Italian singer Ligabue and Colombian guitarst Andrew Eche.

They’ll play at La Notte della Taranta in Salerno on August 22, alongside local musicians and dancers.

Manzanera – who co-produced David Gilmour’s upcoming solo album Rattle That Lock – says: “I’m delighted that La Notte della Taranta has attracted such wonderful artists.

“I’m hoping that, this year, all of us can ensure that one of Italy’s best-kept secrets reaches a wider international audience.

The 18th annual event, which attracts an audience of over 150,000, focuses on the pizzica style of music, which was created in the region.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.