Florian Pilkington-Miksa

June 3, 1950 – May 20, 2021

Sonja Kristina broke the news of the passing of Curved Air’s original drummer. Florian PilkingtonMiksa, who co-founded the British prog group in 1970 and had three spells with them.

“Florian was a unique man and musician,” Curved Air vocalist Kristina wrote on Facebook. “His style incorporated all the rhythms of the notes, so that he played ‘the song’ rather than a textbook drum beat. His spirituality was centred around Beings of Light and a Universal Consciousness. Florian was also a sculptor. He created extraordinarily beautiful images of his angels.”

Pilkington-Miksa was a co-founding member of Sisyphus, who morphed into Curved Air in 1970. He appeared on their first three records: Air Conditioning (1970), Second Album ( ’71) and Phantasmagoria (’72). After they broke up for the first time in 1972, he joined singer Kiki Dee’s band.

Kristina described him as “quiet and amiable, a physically elegant and attractive young man… he was a lovely friend and confidant.” She closed with the words: “I say ‘fare ye well’ Florian, now in the peaceful beyond in the Light with your Angels. Thank you for your dedication to Curved Air. Blessings and Gratitude.”

Pilkington-Miksa had a long battle with pneumonia before his death aged 70.