Along with composing his own prog rock anthems, multi instrumentalist Franck Carducci creates his own musical universe, where the Greek god Achilles, with sword and guitar in hand, kidnaps Alice from Wonderland.

A whole saga flows from the mind of the maestro who has supported such luminaries as Bill Wyman, Albert Lee and Steve Hackett from Genesis, one of Franck's heroes.

The prog rock wizard will be playing in Swindon on Saturday, July 28 at The Vic, Victoria Road, Old Town, from 8pm.

The French musician grew up in a musical family and from the age of five was writing his own melodies on an organ. He still plays a Hammond B3 today. At 11 he was into the rock 'n' roll of a guitar sound.

He joined various bands once he grew up, but it was Genesis that gave him a taste for prog rock and his preferred genre.

In fact it was Steve Hackett who persuaded Franck to take the plunge and produce his first solo album called Oddity, followed by the second album, Torn Apart, with Steve as his special guest.

Tickets are £11 for the Swindon gig where Franck's colourful costumes, make-up, psychedelic atmosphere, good humour and sensuality are on show. They are available from 01793 535713 or visit https://thevicswindon.com - Flicky Harrison