Prog rock is a distinctive world of soundscapes and musical images, conjured up from the passions of musicians who follow the genre.

Multi-instrumentalist Franck Carducci is a true disciple of prog rock, from his first affair with Pink Floyd's classic epics, to his true love of Genesis and the guitar wizardry of his all time hero, Steve Hackett.

Franck now has his own band and is currently touring the UK with his latest album, Torn Apart. He will be dropping in to Swindon as part of the Tearing The Tour Apart on Monday, December 12.

Steve is special guest on Franck's album and he was the inspiration for the first album, Oddity. Franck opened for the Genesis guitarist at one of his gigs, and Steve convinced him to focus on creating his own solo album.

Franck was just five when he learned to play his first instrument, a Hammond organ. He went on to learn guitar, bass guitar, piano and drums. The musician has supported such acts as Albert Lee and Bill Wyman and also played in numerous bands from country to funk but his love for prog rock never wavers.

His current show is a trip through time and space and his time machine will be landing at The Vic, in Victoria Road, Old Town from 8pm.

Franck said: "We are off on a journey to an enchanting and eerie musical universe, a place where dreams are kings and emotions are queens.''

The Franck Carducci Band will be supported by Black Tunes, an Italian band with Martina Salsedo, a former singer with Cirque du Soleil and guitarist Ricky Portera, founder of the band Stadium. Opening the night in Swindon will be Mary Renaud singing her own acoustic songs. Mary also plays in Franck's band.

Tickets are £8 from 01793 535713 or visit www.thevicswindon.com/get/events - Flicky Harrison