Yano Circo was, and is a magnificent drummer. He is of Italian heritage, still resides in his beloved California and joined Slaven in the early to mid 80's and their EP was recorded independently and debuted in 1985. Despite not belonging to a record label they were quite popular overseas, (I was told that in Japan they were favored and most beloved). His early influence was Buddy Rich believe it or not! I still have that album, by mistake of course! You can have it back if you know where it is, Mr. Circo!!! Though Slaven was a heavy metal band, he had a great love for what we used to call "Progressive Rock". His influences included bands such as Genesis (early, of course w/Peter Gabriel), Rush, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and more. His favorite drummers I do recall, were Neil Peart and Phil Collins. He is the sole reason that I love those early Genesis EP's and Introducing me to Rush was quite a gift as well as I still love their music. In my time of knowing Yano, I saw him perform every venue from backyard parties to Wong's W. and many, many more in the mid 70's, except ONE (when he did a drum trick and accidentally hit a tom and ended up with stitches in his forehead, 11, if I remember well). In the 70's, before Slaven, he was the drummer for bands such as these: Titch, Perfect Strangers, and Electra with band-mates that were equally as talented and loved by many, though we lost 2 great and very inspirational talents when D. Almy and R. Meryl left us with big holes that can never be filled since their passing. The last band that I was around for was Electra and it was so good to have a woman that could belt it out the way that R. Meryl could. Both she and D. Almy were beautiful souls that brought sweet, sweet Rock and Roll to our friends, acquaintances, and a devoted fan base that came to each and every show and cheered them on and loved their music. They were great friends to be around. As I understand, Yano stopped playing for just a while when he had children, but jumped back on the stool as the children got older. Being a drummer was ALWAYS his first love and I can't imagine him not doing the very thing that kept him going in the good old days. His joining Slaven was no doubt a great accomplishment for him after the demise of Electra. Here's to hoping that he is still doing the one thing that keeps him good and true......DRUMMING!

Source : L. E. S. - One fan who saw it all.