This is a tribute to Il Volo in the first decade their career.
Some time ago Valeria Bosch wrote this beautiful article, which talks about true Friendship, the one with a capital F.
Perhaps not all of you have had the opportunity to read these beautiful words, which only Valeria knows how to compose so well, and then I propose to you this beautiful reading.
1 – Traveling to Rome.
Who knows what was going on in the minds of those three kids while, in the spring of 2009, who on the plane and in the car, headed for Rome. The expected convocation had arrived and now they could hope to be selected for the television show of Antonella Clerici – to perform on the most important national network, to be seen by everyone and return to their towns with an upturned nose, at school with the comrades boasting of having been seen in the magical world contained in the television box, and of having sung just like the most famous stars, in short as they too had become, “VIPs”!
Not even the unbridled imagination of three thrilled and enthusiastic teenagers could ever remotely imagine what the destiny behind that convocation was concealing for them: it would have taken a magic mirror more powerful than Snow White’s to see inside the journeys, the planes, the thousands of discs sold, prizes, awards, the Radio City Music Hall and the Barclay Center in New York, the Olympia in Paris, the Royal Albert Hall in London and the most prestigious theaters in the world, the thousands of people across the planet standing to applaud their every song, the adoring little girls that crowded under the hotels waiting for them, dealing, on equal terms, with the most famous celebrities of the music world.
The story that starts from that journey to Rome could be told in a thousand ways, the songs, the theaters, the people, the prizes, the interviews, the relations with the press. But I would like here instead, and just to honor the ten years of activity of Il Volo, which is equivalent to ten years of life in common, choosing a really personal and delicate button, something that, especially considering the current times, is extraordinary and amazing, and that is friendship, the true friendship that exists between these boys, strengthened more and more over the years, a friendship as used in ancient times, that is made of mutual support, understanding, capacity for forgiveness, of confidence of the most intimate secrets, in short, a feeling that, in certain situations, can prove even more solid and satisfying than love.
2 – A true friendship
At first it was certainly not a bed of roses: who was that kind of a nuisance that was already talking and singing on the pullman that took them to Rome? and that timid little bit of snobbish, who singing, brought out a powerful voice? and that other one with glasses and command modes, who was nevertheless always ready for a joke and a laugh? Bringing together three males still in full adolescence, tearing them away from their habitual context, home, school, friends, to get them to travel the world, subjecting them to considerable physical and psychological stress, was a daring feat. There is no doubt: at first the thing seemed titanic, but then, over time, something was changed. There was something more in them than the normal vivacity of adolescents, the whims, the desire to have fun: there was a basic solidity, a great loyalty and goodness of character that in the formative years had been shaped in them by three exemplary families, parents and grandparents united, full of intelligence and love, who had managed to convey to them the need to be serious, the beauty of doing their duty, the acceptance of fatigue and sacrifice.
And so, slowly, they began to look at each other not with mistrust, but with sympathy, not with rivalry, but with a spirit of collaboration. The friendship has been strengthened and has managed to create an understanding between them that, to those who have to observe it during performances, both in concerts and in interviews, can only appear obvious and even incredible: just a nod of one to start (or block) the other, sometimes they touch their shoulders to look for security, they hug each other to welcome the ovations of the audience, they shake hands in a superstitious gesture before each concert. Really three voices and one soul, as is often said.
The litmus paper of the by now profound mutual affection was, as told in their testimony book An Extraordinary Adventure (Un’avventura straordinaria: La nostra storia), an accident that occurred in Miami in 2013, when during an evening at the disco among friends, Ignazio was unknowingly drugged, beaten and left unconscious on a lawn. The fear felt in not seeing him return, the anxiety of waiting that drove Gian to watch all night in the hotel in the hope that he would appear, and Piero, on a motorbike on the streets of Miami to look for him, cemented them indissolubly, made them understand, how important they were to each other, and urged Ignazio to give a public thanks during a subsequent concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York, without mentioning the incident, but expressing to his friends his affection, his joy of being together and sharing all the experiences with them.
There is no rivalry, there is no envy, there is no jealousy between these three boys: they collaborate in the work of recording in the studio, in the technical preparation of the pieces, in all the activities required of them, and they are sometimes seen together even outside the stage, this is a true sign of sincere understanding. In fact, if they felt annoyed with each other, after work they would immediately split up, to live each their own life.
This is their secret, their spring, their added value: in the DVD that was released after the victory in Sanremo in 2015, one is surprised to hear Ignazio declare that, “Gian is the best boy in the world.”, and Gian reiterating, “We love each other so much.” and Piero, “There are no problems between us because when one is born, we resolve it immediately, where it is born it must die.” No more friends, therefore, but brothers, as they themselves have been declared several times.
3 – The bench of Montepagano
Even the magic mirror of Snow White, no matter how powerful could tell us if, after this first decade, the guys of Il Volo will still celebrate others together. It is also possible, with the golden voices that can be found in all three, that to someone, and it would be completely legitimate, the desire to probe new ways and to pursue, at least at times, a solo career. But we do not need the mirror of Snow White to be certain that their friendship will be celebrating the 2nd, 3rd, 4th decades, and so on: Ignazio will forever remain an indelible piece of the life of Gian and Gian of Piero and Piero of Ignazio, and vice versa.
Perhaps, when they are three sprightly old men, without the need for tricks and wigs, they will meet again on the bench of Montepagano, made famous by “L’ amore si muove”. And there, they will still be friends and brothers, it will be enough – a joke, a laugh, a memory, a hug – to find each other as they have been for the whole life, “three men and one soul”.
What a beautiful story, of an incredible friendship, born by chance, but lasting over time. Certain feelings are connected with time and events.
Valeria you have the gift of finding the most beautiful words to describe this beautiful friendship between Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca.
Daniela
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Awww, I read it before right after Valeria posted it online, but this story can be read over and over again. So heartwarming! Beautiful story, beautiful penmanship, and beautiful subject -Il Volo. ❤ Love, love, love them!
Thank you Daniela for posting it again.
Anna, Valeria has this beautiful gift of writing with her heart, and it’s nice that she happily shares these beautiful thoughts with us.
Thank you , Anna, writing I am inspired by a strong love for Il Volo!The boys are my inspiration’s source! a big hug!
😥Thank you Daniela and Valeria. This is too beautiful to make a comment on except. thank God I lived long enough to hear them and see them.
Rose Marie, in just over a month we will meet, who knows maybe, we will even get to know our dear Valeria !!
I hope to meet both of you in Verona, it is my dream to see all of my Il Volo sisters and brothers in that beautiful venue. And, of course, our 3 handsome, talented young men.
Thank you, Rose Marie, thank you Daniela! In this period I’m not very healthy, but who knows, maybe we’ll really see in Verona!
Valeria, once again we have been honored with your beautiful words about our precious Il Volo.
I hope you will be well enough to go to Verona and meet Daniela, and Rose Marie and other members of the Flight Crew. I know you will all have a wonderful time. I am jealous already! 😘
Jill, there will be great meetings in Verona, but don’t doubt, I’ll tell you everything and it will seem like you’ve been there.
Beautifully written and so true of these wonderful and talented young men.
Completely agree with you, Camille.
Thank you, Camille, you are really kind!!!!!!!
Thank you for this Beautiful story. I am literally crying with Joy for ILVOLO. How far they have come together. I give them so much RESPECT for how they are three Brothers. Thank you ILVOLO. Always in my HEART. ❤❤❤
You said well, Peg, I’m like three brothers, this friendship has been cemented over time.
Next year they’ ll come to USA, Peg, and you’ll see them! they are wonderful kids, always in the hearts of all of us!
beautiful words about extraordinary men. thank you Daniela and Valeria
Alicja, it’s Valeria who did everything, I just translated. 🙂
thanks for your kindness, Alicja!
dear all, I just wanted to thank you for fantastic work you do for all il Volo’s fans. I found that webpage not long ago, but since that time I visit it every day and find tones of great articles and news about “our boys”. This article I read already few times with so much pleasure, There are many fanpages but “flight crew” is really special.
Did I understood right that you planned to come Verona concert? If yes, I hope to tell you personally “hello” and “thank you” for great work you do.
kisses from Poland
Alicja
Alicja, thanks for the great compliments. I will certainly be in Verona, indeed we will publish a post to know who will be there, we must meet and know each other, it will be beautiful. I hope that Valeria will also be in Verona.
Thank you Daniela and Valeria . A beautiful story of 3 special men with beautiful voices and how much love and respect they have for each other. The are a gift from god for our ears to listen too.
Diane, really so much respect for one another. The world would be better, if there were more, than this kind of respect.
Thank you, Diane, for your words! it’s not difficult for me to write for the boys, just listen to the heart!
Daniela, I only wish more parents and grand parents would raise the kids as well as the ones for our boys.
Joan, it would be really too good, however our boys are working hard to set a good example.
Thanks for your comment, Joan!
Thank you, Daniela! This is a very wonderful summary and reminds us why these young men are so dear to our hearts!🥰
Barb, and to our hearts, it is so nice to receive these messages.
Thank you, Barb! I write for the boys precisely because they are so dear to my heart!
A moving story about “my guys” and discovering them is one of the greatest joys of my life. Their love for one another shows in every thing they do. I truly love them and only learned of them a couple of months ago and so happy I did. Now I am eagerly awaiting them in 2020 and I pray my health holds up and I’m off to see them…. Thank you Daniela for this story. I see love for one another, no jealousy, just singing their hearts out and enjoying one another. God’s blessings always on “my guys” and many thanks for this post. A treasure for sure.
Sassylady, you will still discover so many things about them that you will like them a lot. Go backwards in the posts and you will read other beautiful articles written by Valeria, which will fill your heart.
thanks Sassylady, your words are so beautiful!!!!!! I write for the boys because they fill my heart with music and joy, A big hug!
What a great article gave me goose bumps when I read it. The boys of Il Volo are truly an inspiration to millions around the world. I love them and wish only but the best in whatever they peruse in the future.
Lynne, I too hope that they are a source of inspiration for many young people, who seem to have no reference points.
Our boys are polite and kind, as well as good and beautiful. Really a model to follow! Thanks for your comment, Lynne!
Valeria you wrote a very powerful article which I can verify because I have been following them from a distance since 2011. I find them to be simply the best, and may they stay together for many more years to come.
Thanks also to Daniela and Pat.
My pleasure, Ineke! 🙂
Ineke, publishing the beautiful words written by Valeria, is a pleasure for us too. 🙂
Thank you, Ineke! we all hope that the boys stay together for as long as possible!
What a joyful article and thank you Daniela for sending this to us. It was heartwarming and once again showed us how wonderful our boys are. It’s such an inspiration for all of their fans to read about the fame and yet heartfelt sensitivity of our boys. They just get better and better. Thank you Daniela and Valeria.
“better and better…” it’s so true, Victoria! thanks for your comment!
Victoria, today I answered Tricianna, thanks for forwarding our posts to her, you are a treasure.
From the very beginning to the present, all aspects of their musical and personal relationships and the way they live their lives seemingly is phenomenal. I don’t think I’ve known a story quite as genuine and full of love, while they continue to do the magic they do. And thankfully we are the lucky recipients of enjoyment.
Mark, surely there will also be sides that we may not know, but what is in the light of day, we like it and much. They always give excellent examples, to which we are not indifferent and are at the same time excellent artists. Those who knew them personally and were skeptical are fascinated by them. And we love them.
Thank you Daniela and Valeria for this beautiful
story of our special guys. Even when their career was brand new, they stood out from the rest – over these ten years they have grown and matured in so many ways – what always remains and will remain always are their pure hearts, their compassion love and loyalty to us their very lucky IlVolovers and their special unique and rare talents. My love for them knows no bounds.
Margaret, we really are many, thinking like you.
These guys inspire us so much love.
Thanks for your beautiful words, Mark!
These guys inspire love first of all with their music, then with their humble and loving attitude. You can’t not love them! thanks for your comment, Margaret!
I loved the article. I wouldn’t describe Gianluca “that timid little bit of snobbish, who singing, brought out a powerful voice.” He was shy and most certainly not snobbish.
Kaye, Valeria was just reporting the impression that Gianluca had made on the two Sicilians. In fact they considered Gianluca a little snobbish …… but this was before really knew him.
Dear Kaye, just because shy, one can give the impression of being a bit snobbish. But, of course, it was at the first meeting, then everything changed ……Thank you, Kaye, for your comment!
Thank you Valeria and Daniela. This article is like a beautiful poem you want to read over and over again. These three young men are treasured so deeply. Like so many others, I am so grateful to have met them and experienced the amazing love and joy that radiates from them and their music.
You wrote so well, Jane, their music radiates so much love !! 🙂
Thank you very much for your words, dear Jane!
This story is so well told and true to my beliefs about them. I watch them perform and it is as the three are one united. I don’t see jealousy, envy, just pure friendship and love. I like they share with each other and the audiences, that makes them even more lovable. When I first heard of them I read somewhere they said they are humble and they certainly don’t seem to be anything but themselves giving to the fans. Thank you for this story… truth be told to all and it has been. Thank you for your words about IL Volo.
Thank you very much, Sassylady!
Thank you Daniela and Valeria for your beautiful thoughts and tribute to the friendship of Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca. I have been following Il Volo since their first PBS concert from Detroit in 2011 and can’t describe how amazed I was at their incredible voices and talent. Over the years, they have become even better and their love and respect for each other is obvious! Seeing them put their arms around each other, give a little pat or touch a cheek or head lovingly is beautiful to see! I truly believe God put them together at the same time and place for a reason and I am so grateful and thankful!
I confirm when you wrote, Margaret, just this morning I am listening to their Platinum Collection cd, they were already very good, but now even more so.
And their friendship, is unique, like them, really special.
To all you beautiful ladies for the wonderful words I read including Mark,
I have followed the IlVolo boys since I first heard them sing on the radio years ago when they were just starting out & since then I never listen to any other singers. None can compete. I wish they were my grandsons to bad that is never going to happen. But I would love to meat their families
Gianluca you sing far better than Sinatra, Ignazio I listen for your last high note in your song & Piero I am also waiting to hear you sing opera. Boys you are in my heart forever.
Beautiful words, thank you Loretta, we all know how much love you have for them. 🙂
Thank you Daniela you are so lucky to be so close to them. My son knows how much they mean to me & has told me they wont be coming to the States or Canada until next year & I dont blame them since times have changed & they have to stay safe. Keep posting Daniela your doing a great job of keeping us informed. Boys if you ever read any part of this blog know your voices are perfect & the love we have for you is sincere from the bottom of our hearts