PFM introduced new sounds, such as the synthesizer, to the Italian musical world. They were also among the first to combine symphonic classical and traditional Italian musical influences in a rock music context. Such innovations and their longevity have made them among the most important bands in the international Progressive rock genre.
The original core members of PFM (Franco Mussida, Franz Di Cioccio, Flavio Premoli, and Giorgio Piazza) came together in the mid 1960's while playing together as backup musicians for many different Italian pop, rock and folk singers such as Lucio Battisti, Mina, Adriano Celentano and Fabrizio De André. They appeared on many recordings for other artists during this period and quickly established themselves as top players on the Italian rock and pop scene. Mussida, Premoli, Piazza and Di Cioccio then formed the group "I quelli" (English translation "Them", or "Those Guys") in 1968. I quelli released one album and some successful Italian singles.
Premiata Forneria Marconi was officially formed in Milan, Italy in 1970 when the members of I quelli met Mauro Pagani from the group Dalton. Pagani helped the group expand their sound to include violin and flute. By this time they were already highly experienced musicians and easily able to play the kind of complex progressive heavy rock played by the leading English and American groups. Their early live performances included covers by groups such as King Crimson and Jethro Tull. Other early influences included Chicago, Ekseption, and The Flock.
They had a long name, as Italian progressive bands tended to have back then, and so were usually referred to as "La Premiata", and later "PFM". After rejecting Isotta-Fraschini (an Italian car maker) the group finally settled on Pagani's suggestion, "Forneria Marconi" (meaning "Marconi Bakery"), borrowed from the sign of a shop in the small town of Chiari, near Brescia. However, record producer and friend Alessandro Colombini suggested the name was not strong enough, so the title "Premiata" (award-winning) was added. Some objected that "Premiata Forneria Marconi" was too long a name, but the group's philosophy stated that the more difficult to remember a band's name, the more difficult to forget it.
The most recent line-up of PFM follows:
- Franco Mussida: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, 12 string guitar, mandolin, vocals (1970–present)
- Franz Di Cioccio: drums, percussion, lead and backing vocals (1970–present)
- Patrick Djivas: bass, programming (1974–present)
- Lucio Fabbri: violin, keyboards (1979–1987, 2000–present )
- Gianluca Tagliavini: piano, Hammond, Minimoog, other keyboards (2005–present)
- Piero Monterisi: additional drums (2006–present)
Former members of PFM follows:
- Flavio Premoli: piano, keyboards, Mellotron, Moog synthesizer, lead vocals (1970–1980, 1997–2005)
- Giorgio Piazza: bass (1970–1974)
- Mauro Pagani: flute, piccolo, violin, vocals (1970–1976)
- Bernardo Lanzetti: lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1975–1977)
- Gregory Bloch: violin (1976–1977)
- Walter Calloni: additional drums (1982–1987)
- Roberto Gualdi: additional drums (1997–2005)
Four Holes In The Ground
Premiata Forneria Marconi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And real value
Is wine shared with friends,
A sunset, music or some ancient statue,
Drinking the stars or touching hearts
With one whose love enfolds you.
But if life is just a well stuffed purse
It couldn't get much worse
For me and you
Chicken in a Zoo.
And if life is just crystal balls and luck
I couldn't give a ...
And if life is just this carousel
Sometimes it's heaven.
But mostly its hell
Just a paper shell
Dig yourself a well, well, well
... that's life.
The lyrics of Four Holes In The Ground by Premiata Forneria Marconi captures the essence of human existence and the complexity of life. The opening lines acknowledge the scarcity of truth and real value in the world today. It implies that the only things that have any semblance of genuine worth are the intangible things that make life worth living. These things include shared experiences with friends, a beautiful sunset, music that touches the heart, or an ancient work of art that stirs the soul. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for something more significant in life and a desire to connect with others in a meaningful way.
The second verse is a blunt commentary on the grim realities of life. The lyrics describe life as a "well-stuffed purse" that brings no joy or fulfillment. The imagery of a "chicken in a zoo" is used to underline the idea that life can be unpleasant and oppressive. The song suggests that if life is nothing more than a matter of luck and fate, then there is no point trying to make sense of it. The carousel metaphor is used to convey the idea that life can consistently alternate between moments of bliss and deep suffering. The overall message of this song could be understood as a call for people to pursue authentic, meaningful lives despite the many obstacles and challenges that they face.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes it seems that what remains of truth
Occasionally, it feels as though only a handful of things are genuinely true
And real value
And what is genuinely valuable
Is wine shared with friends,
Are evenings spent drinking wine in the company of friends,
A sunset, music or some ancient statue,
Watching a sunset, listening to music, or exploring an ancient artwork
Drinking the stars or touching hearts
Gazing at the stars or nurturing loving relationships
With one whose love enfolds you.
With someone who completely loves and adores you.
But if life is just a well stuffed purse
Nevertheless, if life is only about filling up your purse with money
It couldn't get much worse
Then things cannot get much worse
For me and you
For both of us
Chicken in a Zoo.
We are like chickens trapped in a zoo
And if life is just crystal balls and luck
Furthermore, if one's life revolves around fate and luck
I couldn't give a ...
It doesn't matter much to me
And if life is just this carousel
Similarly, if everything in life seems to cycle like a carousel ride,
Sometimes it's heaven.
Then sometimes it feels like heaven.
But mostly its hell
However, more often than not, it feels like hell
Just a paper shell
As if life is a flimsy paper shell
Dig yourself a well, well, well
So, to find fulfillment in life, you must start digging a well, well, well
... that's life.
That's what life is all about
Contributed by Mackenzie M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MASSIMO BIGONI
All the live in 74 Is fantastic... PREMOLI Is on keysboard high level 😎🎯
Civil Ian
Yeah I was really impressed with him!
Mad Matt Drummer
Finally, some good footage of PFM in their prime! Thanks for the upload!
Civil Ian
My pleasure!
Sancho
...I saw PFM at the Roxy on Sunset in '77. Amazing group from Italy. So
impressive
Civil Ian
That's awesome!!!
M. Lono Burke
So did I. I was up in the balcony, and the path from the stage to the green room went right in front of me. As the band went by, my friends and I put joints into their hands. 2nd set was outstanding, tee hee. The van loaded with their instruments was stolen not long after, and they had to finish their tour with hastily scrounged replacements. Hell of a good band.
Mario Santana
Thanks for share .
Civil Ian
My pleasure 😎
Vegan Vocalist
🌻