Definition of IVD: noun
- State of being sad when Il Volo leaves your country
Symptoms:
- Feeling of hopelessness of not knowing when they will return
- Excessive sleeping, hoping you will dream about them one more time
- Condition of feeling lost without their touch, hugs, or smiles
- Loneliness one is left with after seeing them too many times in a matter of a few months
- The desire to follow them to their next concert no matter where it is
- Your “no-limit” credit card is suddenly your best friend and you try to figure out how many mileage points you need for a free, or at least discounted trip to Italy – even if they won’t be there!
- Avoiding social media and looking at their pictures, or even listening to their music, because it just hurts too much (this is a very severe symptom, that must be dealt with ASAP!)
- If given the Rorschach test, no matter what blob you see, you say either Piero, Gianluca, Ignazio, or all three!
- There are likely more symptoms than those indicated above, however those stated are ones observed most often in recent concert-goers during the first leg of their Notte Magica tour in the United States.
Causes:
- Buying tickets with meet/greets for as many concerts you can afford
- Seeing them three or more times in a matter of a few weeks
- Tracking them down at their hotel, and hoping to catch a glimpse of them on the street
- Having awesome meet/greets, making you want to go back and have another and another!
- Knowing they have a new album coming out and just sitting there, frozen, until you hear their new music
- Some causes are unknown…as they may be personal to each individual, and have not yet been documented.
Cures:
There are no known cures for this, which is similar to Ilvoloitis. IVD is often a side-effect of Ilvoloitis, happening most often during their world tours. Ilvoloitis and IVD are especially dangerous for newbie Ilvolovers. Although Ilvoloitis and IVD are extremely contagious, no one really seems to want a real cure, however, there is the desire to learn to cope with the somewhat serious side-effects and symptoms of this condition.
There are many, many, websites out there on how to deal with depression. Two that I found are: http://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-Depression and https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/dealing-with-depression.htm
Let’s see if we can adapt some of their suggestions to IVD.
The helpguide.org had 6 tips for overcoming depression:
Tip #1 – Reach out and stay connected
As the old AT&T catchphrase goes – “reach out, reach out and touch someone….reach out and just say ciao!” Ok, we can’t reach out and touch the guys at this time, but we can reach out and touch, and call, other local Ivolovers. Who doesn’t want to hear from a fellow fan and talk into the wee hours of the morning, all about their concerts, meet/greets, and fantasies of meeting them again on the street, or at their hotel? With recent technology, you could start a group text (however, I caution you with this one, be careful that those in your group will not be upset, or need to get up in the morning!)
This is also a good time to find more Ivolovers in your area. Plan a party with your current group. Get together to celebrate their birthdays – Piero’s is next on June
24. Check out the various FaceBook pages – there may be some fellow fans lurking closer than you think!
If you can’t get together personally, plan a Skype party. I think you can have up to 24 or so people on one site. Find someone that has a big screen TV and hook up!
Tip #2 – Do things that make you feel good
One thing they suggest is volunteering. Why not do something in the “name of Il Volo?” Donate to your favorite charity. Spend time at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, animal shelter, or spend time with those with special needs. All the while, you can share your love of the guys by sharing their music and introducing new fans. Remember, not all things contagious are bad?
This is also a good time to get in touch with your local PBS station and start volunteering. You may get the inside news on the next time they are coming back to town!
They also suggest getting in touch with your creative side… now is the time to sit down and write some prose – that meaningful poem you’ve been waiting to write, or now is the time for that fan fiction short story you always wanted to write. How about a little drawing or painting? Remember, we are not all DaVinci’s, but no one can duplicate what you are feeling in your heart. It will come through on the blank canvas or piece of paper. The hardest part is that first stroke or word…
If you haven’t already, clear a space in your house – a bookshelf area is a great place and fill it with all things Il Volo. We know everyone has saved every ticket, 
meet/greet lanyard, CDs, DVDs, VIP gifts, pictures, etc. that we don’t know what to do with. This is your opportunity to put it on display for everyone to see. I plan to do this, but just haven’t gotten the chance yet. You could even make a few shadow boxes with little Il Volo souvenirs and memorabilia. Get to the craft store and use your coupons!
You could also get together with some of your friends and share some pictures and make a scrapbook of all of your adventures and concerts together!
Also, getting some exercise or listening to music – or doing both at the same time!! How often do we see Piero or Ignazio walking away on the tread mill with
their ear buds in? Go outside and get some good ol’ “O Sole Mio!” See, just seeing the sunshine will remind you of the guys and their first signature song.
Tip #3 – Move vigorously
Ok, that may seem too difficult, but there’s nothing wrong with looking at a few “nice” pictures to at least get our hearts racing? If not our feet! However, as above, a little walk in the sunshine is wonderful. Maybe put on one of their peppier tunes and walk to the beat of the music. I bet you won’t even realize how fast you are walking. Volare is a great one to walk to!
Tip #4 – Eat a healthy, mood-boosting diet!
Of course, eating healthier will make you feel better. Most Italian food is healthy for you if you limit your cheese and alcohol and eat pasta in properly portioned amounts. Unless you are Piero and can walk 10 miles on the treadmill, I don’t think I’d recommend a plate of pasta every day. But mix that pasta with extra virgin olive oil and garlic and that’s a great treat for your heart and maybe a little red wine on the side. Can’t forget a little gelato for dessert. Some gelato actually has less calories than ice cream.
It’s also a great time to go on that diet and lose those 10 pounds we all want to lose – who knows, maybe it will turn into more. Every time we reach for that cookie, we can think – “what would Piero do?”
Tip #5 – Get more sunlight (we went over this one already….)
Tip #6 – Challenge negative thinking
You are thinking – “I will never see them again!” Do not think that, you WILL see them again, we just don’t know when. Until we see them again, refer to tips one through five! Or, you may think… I just can’t afford it! But this is the best time ever because they might not be back for over a year – we have time to save up for it now! Even if you can afford only ten or twenty dollars a week, or less, it adds up pretty quickly – at least enough for a ticket, and maybe even a meet/greet. (sure hope they don’t raise those prices anymore – or I may not be able to afford it either!)
Here are some personal tips from me!
- This may be difficult, but think back to when you first discovered them. How did you feel? The smile that slowly, or quickly grew on your face. The feeling that you just had to tell everyone you knew about the greatest discovery you ever found on PBS. How many people did you call?
- The time you saw them and decided you just HAD to see them in concert, no matter what, where, or when? For me, it was when I saw them for the 2nd time on PBS, about late August in 2013, during their We Are Love tour. I specifically knew the time because their next show was at the Fox on Sept 5 and it was my mom’s birthday. But it was during their rendition of Beautiful Day and Ignazio’s solo part that just took me in and I was an immediate goner and luckily, I was able to see them the following June in 2014.
- When did you become an official Ilvololver? Meaning, you suddenly could just not get enough of them? For me, it was after seeing them at Freedom Hill that late spring of 2014. When I got home, I feverishly combed the Internet each evening, soaking up every song, every interview and every video I could find of them for the remainder of the summer. Grabbing at each and every tidbit of info I could find, until I finally stumbled upon the Flight Crew site! I knew I had found my solace here, when I started reading all of the stories and comments from the readers. I was no longer alone in my quest, but felt at home.
- Do you remember that feeling you got when you found out you were going to meet them for the first time? I remember the giddiness of a schoolgirl, when us Detroit gals were putting 2 + 2 together and coming up with 4, figuring out they were coming to PBS to promote their Pompeii album. After I found out I was also volunteering that same night, I just could not sit still. I remember walking around the block and literally skipping along thinking, “I’m going to meet them, I’m going to meet them! OMG, what am I going to say, wear, etc.?” I knew others had met them before, but like many things, the first time is always the most special.
- Do you remember the first time you had front row seats? I felt guilty, but I turned in my PBS tickets for the last two front row seats at the Fox. I got front row, I got front row, I screamed to myself. It was at the end of the day at work and I could not sit still – good thing it was almost time to go home. I could not wait to tell someone who cared and my dear friend Ginny who was the lucky recipient of the other ticket!
- Do you remember that often dazed feeling you got after meeting them at a meet/greet after a concert? You are barely coherent and hardly remember anything because you are still in a hypnotic state after hearing their incredible voices.
- And last, but not least, the feeling you had and will never forget, of seeing them perform not, once, but twice in their homeland of Italy. Under the beautiful evening air, the feeling was magical both times.
- Think of all of the new friends you have made in the last several years – all over the world. Think of all of the new places you have seen and never would have seen, had it not been for Il Volo. Think of some of your talents that may have been hidden, that have blossomed forth all because of them. Think of all of the new techie things you have learned on the computer and your phone.
- Think of all things Italian you now care about, if you didn’t already.
- Think of all the love, joy, and passion you have given and received – all in the name of Il Volo. When we think of that, how could we possibly be depressed? How many of us have healed ourselves through their music and bonding with each other over this love of these 3 men? They have touched our lives in ways we never thought possible, nor existed. They have touched our lives in ways they will never know, no matter how much we tell them. Men and women; young and old, from all over the world.
Even though there is no known cure, I hope that coming to the “Flight Crew – Share the Love” site each and every morning fills at least a small part of this void in your life. Just reading the comments everyone makes, even while I’m at work, will put a smile on my face. Our fearless Editor-in-Chief, Marie, along with Kelly, Leelee, Mary, Jane, Daniela, Dani, and all of the other contributors from around the globe take time out of their busy days to keep us all informed the best they can of where the guys are. I think we need a new category – “where in the world are the guys now?” I know I feel better now, having written this. Just remembering all of those things, makes you happy. Although they are as fleeting as a beautiful sunrise or sunset, the memory of them remains in your heart and soul, just as their voices lift us to incredible highs, so we can deal with some of the worst lows. It is such a joy and honor to know all of you! I feel truly blessed to have you and Il Volo in my life!
In the words of Charlie Chaplin… “Smile….! Life is still worthwhile, if you just smile… (and think of Il Volo!)”
So, we want to hear from you! What tips do you have to get you through the day without the guys? For those new to this site, tell us your story! Do you have a favorite CD or concert you watch? If you like sushi, does it remind you of the guys when you eat it?
All photo credits to Judy Thurman from the last concert in Atlanta. Edits are mine. 🙂
and to Marie, for the inspiration to write this – I texted her complaining of IVD and she said the more you see them, the worse it becomes…
Jana, I hope this article was posted soon enough to save some of us from lapsing into deep IVD. Im afraid I’m pretty sick myself. I plan to follow your personal tips. I hope I get sicker. Thank you!
With the long holiday weekend coming up for many, I think it was just in time!
We could always form a group quarantine for the worst cases!
Thank you, thank you, Jana! I should have know I wasn’t all alone in my feeling of sadness!!! Since I am in the process of moving from my home I have little time to think of my IVD. But this sad feeling surfaces off & on. I just pray I will be here to see them when they return sometime in 2019
Just keep on living a safe and healthy life and remember the guys can get you through anything!
Be positive! 🙂
And they are as close as your phone or computer!
Hi Jana, thank you for your post. I have all the symptoms, but regrettably the cures cannot be bought in the local pharmacy or doctor’s office.I will scour everything written about our trio, look for all the photos to see what they are up to and generally try to keep up with their lives…………..til we welcome them back again and see their smiling faces and hear their fabulous voices singing for us.
Ok, all you entrepreneurs out there, here is your chance to make a million! Open an il volo store and be a party planner or group organizer.
Of course, if you need a loan, not sure if your business case will fly? Lol, yes, pun intended there!
Of course, Marion, your plan B will work well also!
Buona Fortuna!
All I can say is —-SoTrue !!! Every single word Jana !!!! We all suffer from what I call PCSD !!! Post Concert Stess Disorder !! Would we have it any other way !! Absolutely not !!! It goes along with loving our endearing guys so much and loving how they have enhanced all of our lives !! I for one never want to be cured !!! 💕💕
Just how dull would our lives be without contracting IVD/PCSD? I don’t want to be cured either. I would rather wallow in the pain of their absence than to not know them at all.
Amen Marie !!!! Beautiful pain !! I watched Il Volo Takes aFlight this morning and my love and pain got even stronger !!
Yes, wouldn’t mind spreading this disease all over the world!
Hey, wait, aren’t we already doing that? 🙂
Let’s all infect the world with the il volo virus!
Yes we are, Jana We should all be proud of ourselves.
MY IL VOLO ‘MISSING YOU’ cam be solved with one swoop. I NEED TO WIN A LOTTERY. Money can provide me with travel all over the world and follow the boys.
I am sure this way I could find someone to be my ‘chaperon’.
BUT at the moment I shall live with “MEMORIES”.
Gina, I’m sure there would be no shortage of chaperones for you. I’ll be first in line!
Me, Gina, Me!
What a great post Jana! I have not seen the guy’s for over one year now, and will have to wait another year to be able to see them again☹️ This disease we all have,is a lot easier to handle when I know there are others going through the same thing. After reading your post, I feel like I have been on a psychiatrist’s couch for an hour😊 I really needed that, thank you.
Jill – I’m so sorry you weren’t able to see them this time around. I do feel very fortunate I was able to see them 3 times, although my bank account is not so happy! Thank you, Jill! My bill is in the mail. 🙂 Yes, this condition is much easier to bear when shared with others…
Jana’ve really made me laugh, but you have written so many really nice things, especially because are feelings that we all have. We have all the symptoms of this beautiful epidemic all and none of us want to be treated.
The only difference is that when you are in moments of depression, for us in Italy are moments of joy, because they are finally back home.
A kiss from Italy …….., now it’s our turn.
I reread again and again you know, I use the translator and I wanted to understand your writing and I must say that you really wrote very
very beautiful and profound things together with a welcome sense of humor. Congratulations Jana.
Daniela, grazie mille!! 🙂 I was hoping the humor came through. Sometimes things can literally get lost in the translation. Yes, as Marie said, we send them back to you. They were only rehearsing here, so they could do their best for Italy. 🙂 But what a rehearsal it was!! I hope you are able to see them more than once? Buona Pasqua!
Thank you so much Jana for your post about this disorder that we all share and proudly admit to! Every word you said was true and your words made me do realize the reason I have been feeling so melancholy these past few weeks. It is hard to explain to anyone besides an IlVolover the need to know what our guys are doing every moment I too scour and devour anything to see their handsome sweet faces and to laugh along with them when I see them burst into laughter I love all their interviews and hang on their every word phrase and the adorable way they mispronounce certain words I never want to hear them pronounce the correct way, their way is more endearing I only wish I could understand their interviews in Italian.
They have definitely changed me with their beautiful music and even more beautiful souls. I always had a “thing” for all things Italian and these boys awakened this in me. I accidentally discovered these angels when a friend of mine gave their CD thinking I might like their sound! And the rest as they say is history a lifelong attraction to Il Volo and all the magic and wonder that they are to us.
Wonderfully said, Margaret! I think all of us here understand the “wonder and magic”. And isn’t that comforting?
Margaret – thank you! Yes, I had a bit of fun writing that one! But, it was certainly what I was feeling in my heart at the time. I also converted many with giving copies of their CDs. 🙂
Great job, Jana….when are you going to publish the book?
A book? lol! No, I don’t think I have time to write a book! 🙂 I’d have to gather all of the social media out there…unless you want to help me? 🙂
grazie mille!
Great post Jana .
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Jana for this wonderful post! It is actually very funny but also so very true and you have given many good tips to overcome our depression and missing seeing them. We have to think how lucky we are to be able to follow them and especially thanks to Gianluca and Piero, we usually have a good idea what they are doing. We also can follow their concerts in Italy and the rest of Europe. I still have a feeling that it will be very hard for them not to give some concerts for over a year. I think they really love peforming and will miss it. I guess it may depend on how many other activities they have planned besides working on a new album.
Thank you Margaret! Yes, I imagine they won’t stop singing or performing. Probably just special invitations and appearances. Really hope Ignazio writes some music, but you have to be inspired for that. We shall see…. 🙂
Now that was great piece of creativity. A lot of fun. Thank you.
Why, thank you, Myron!! 🙂 I like to have a little creative fun once in a while! Hope you liked your “Myron’s notes” logo? 🙂
Thank you, Jana, for your post. It was so much fun to read! NOW I know what’s been wrong with me since my first IL VOLO concert in mid-March! LOL I really enjoyed your tips and must say that I really don’t ever want to be cured! I can’t wait to go to my next concert and meet even more wonderful people like you! I plan on making a little (or maybe even LARGE) IL VOLO memorabilia shelf which will be great fun to put together and to look at. I have to tell a little funny story. My son was at my house the other day helping me with a computer issue. As usual I had a bunch of browser tabs and some file folders open that contained all things IL VOLO…..pictures, music, etc. I had to tell him, “Son, when I die and you are going thru everything on my computer, don’t be surprised at what you find!” I have to admit I’m a digital hoarder especially when it’s all about “the boys”!
That’s awesome, Pat! You’ll have to take a picture of it and send it when it’s all done! I’m flattered someone is actually taking some of my advice! Lol! Yes, with the amount of space our computers and phones can hold these days, we can have enough to be buried with – lol! 🙂
Jana, thank you for your thoughtful diagnosis and treatment plan. Even though I don’t want to be cured, the treatment plan is to irresistible! I’m so incredibly blessed to be part of the I’m Volo family. I’m eternally grateful for this group, I finally have people who understand how we feel when their tour here is done yet deep down so proud of them that once we know that they have had safe travels looking feverishly for the next concert clip or interview or just hanging out with friends and family.
Yes, Denise – I think we all feel the same. Be sure to take a few tips from the treatment plan if you can! It’s too bad they had to change that first concert, I’m sure there are many disappointed fans, but at least they were able to reschedule it, not like the fans in Boston.
you guys are all great. thanks for giving me a reason to stay alive so that I can look forward to more Il Volo. posts. Joanie g
Joan – we are one big happy family!! We need to nurture and encourage everyone here, even if they are feeling sad. All you have to do is come here and read some of the comments or posts and then you remember why life is worth fighting for. Just to hear or see them another day is a true blessing. I hope you are with us for a very long time! 🙂
I am so grateful for my Il Volo family!!!! I communicate more with you than with my own family sometimes. We are the only ones who truly understand each other!!!
Thank you all for your comments. I really did have a ball writing this piece. Glad you all enjoyed it. Pat mentioned doing her Il Volo shelf – I’d love for others to do that and send in a picture. Was a beautiful day in Detroit today – 81 degrees!
Of course, if you need more therapy, be sure to check out Lisa Joy on Facebook and Instagram – Ilvolotherapy!
Ciao til next time!! 🙂
Buona Pasqua!
Jana
Thank you, Jana, for your comprehensive coverage of the newly named, IVD. May I add another cause? NOT getting to see Il Volo while they are in your area…
Oh, no, Kelly – you didn’t get to see them this time around? I’m so sorry!!! Yes, that is definitely a cause!!! 🙁
Thank you Jana for the post! I have had Ivd since 2014 when I first saw the guys on Jay Leno, but have never seen them in person . I came real close though my brother in law gave me two tickets for Christmas for when they were in Boston, but as we all know the concert was cancelled,so close. So we will try for next year when they come back to the states. I always had a fear of flying but Il Volo helped me get over that quick, flew back from Boston by myself and wasn’t even nervous, I was listening to them 😀