Sal Solo was lead singer of '80's British rock
band Classix Nouveaux. They toured 30 countries, playing to
audiences of up to 25,000 a time, achieving number one records,
gold and silver discs. Today he sings a different tune, according
to a local paper in Wisconsin: "His motivation does not come
from success, money or fame. Having been there, Solo has no desire
to become a Christian rock star. He stands in the darkness so that
all the glory of his songs should be directed to God."
In an age when people are bombarded with videos,
computer graphics and all kinds of messages, Sal Solo has devised
a unique multimedia presentation which Rev. John Heidt of Texas
describes as: "... a compelling and entertaining program of
music and pictures presenting the fundamentals of the Christian
faith." Using the latest computer technology, giant videos
bring the Gospel to life in vivid and exciting fashion, while the
audience claps and sings, but at other times, sits motionless as
Sal shares the Good News in what a journalist called "bite
size bits preaching". This is not throwaway entertainment, as
the events usually end in prayer, sometimes continuing long after
the music has ended. Those aged from 2 to 92 have enjoyed Sal's
rare gift to communicate to all types of people and make it seem
personal to each one. Fr. Paul Hottinger in Illinois wrote:
"I was not looking forward to 'rock' music, since I don't
fancy most 'rock' as music, but this was a delightful surprise:
original, lyrical, beautifully played. But the real impact of the
night was the obvious faith of Sal Solo and his desire to share it
with others."
Sal has appeared at youth rallies and Catholic
schools across Europe and America. Out of submissions from all
over the world, Sal was invited to appear at World Youth Day,
Rome, in August 2000. The Pope's representative in Britain, the
Pro-Nuncio, wrote: "The initiatives you take on behalf of
young people are most commendable and I am happy to assure you of
my support at all times. I hope that your music ministry will
continue to flourish both at home and abroad." His appeal
goes way beyond the Catholic Church however. Dr. Wayne Martindale
of well known Evangelical establishment, Wheaton College in
Illinois, wrote after a Sal Solo concert: "Sal Solo's
multimedia concert is magnificently creative, deeply moving,
consistently biblical, and spiritually refreshing. His appeal is
surprisingly transgenerational and is ultimately the appeal of the
Gospel, passionately and clearly presented. I enthusiastically
recommend it." Sal has been a keynote speaker at conferences
and colleges, and also presents retreats and special youth
activities. He has produced and presented shows on radio,
published a book for young people, and written in various
publications. Aside from 8 albums in the mainstream pop market, he
has released 7 Christian albums.
In 1999, Sal unveiled his most ambitious project
to date, a complete Mass for the Millennium entitled ANNO DOMINI,
bringing to life the true meaning of the Eucharist, with videos
and music, using state of the art 21st century computer
technology.
Since the fall of 1999, Sal has been based in the USA. To be clear
that his priority is to promote Jesus Christ, rather than Sal
Solo, he has brought together a group of people in a not for
profit ministry speaking the language of the 21st Century: ACTS
(Artistic Creative Technological Spirit-led) Evangelism &
Worship Aim: to use all artistic, creative & technological
means, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to evangelize and lead people
to worship God. Finally, the words of Cardinal Hume, late leader
of the Catholic Church in Britain: "He has continually worked
on the evangelization of our Catholic youth. I have supported him
in all of this because of my desire to reach our youth and can
recommend you to consider doing the same."