I promised Il Volo Flight Crew an article on the first concert of the autumn tour – Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London. It took place last Sunday, October 6th and I was completely blown away.
HOOKED
I had come across Il Volo a few years back on Facebook: they performed Il Mondo to a German audience and they were just teenage boys. I remember I posted the whole clip and wrote something on my page like “Happy Monday. Cheer yourself up” because the joy of these three very young men had captured something in me.
And yet I forgot about them – for a few busy years anyway. Then, earlier this year (2024), I (who was never ill) suffered a second heart attack. Commanded (again!) to rest, I scrolled through FB memories, listened again to Il Mondo, and wondered what had become of these boys-with-men’s-voices? Then, oh my goodness, I discovered the goldmine that is YouTube with Il Volo performances and interviews and funny moments spanning 15 years.
Hooked! I was completely hooked. And then beyond excited to see that extra date added to the start of the European tour – London, UK. I reckoned I deserved a treat for surviving despite everything, and I booked two tickets in the royal circle of the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. I booked flights from Glasgow. I bought the albums and brushed up my Italian to understand properly their amazing lyrics. I played Ad Astra from beginning to end until I knew every note and nuance. It is my favourite album. In it, I hear the struggles and the triumphs, the joy or Felicità that they have in singing, the love that holds them together despite everything.
LONDON, 2024
And finally, here I was. I’m outside one of the oldest theatres in London, built in 1812. It retains its splendid features, the ornate plasterwork, the great glass lights, the private boxes above the stage. Our seats were in the first tier at the left side as you look from the stage. I could just be visible in one of the audience shots. I wondered about the venue – so tiny compared to Verona and others – but when the curtain came up in this old and beautiful theatre, it felt exactly right.
People from all over the world had queued to see them arrive at the theatre. If Il Volo had reservations about performing in London, they were greeted by an enthusiastic sellout.
This headline from La Reppublica:
Il Volo conquista anche Londra: “Questa città era una sfida, siamo stati accolti col tutto esaurito”
(Trans: Il Volo also conquers London: “This city was a challenge, we were welcomed with a full house”)
I’ve listed all the songs that I remember Il Volo sang; they’re below though not in any order. I was too intent on the performance to take notes during it. Th emphasis is perhaps tending towards an English-speaking audience with songs from Elvis, Sinatra and Queen, but I was so happy that they kept in the beautiful Bel Canto classics like Un Amore Così Grande and O Sole Mio because I had never heard them sung live. As I said, my favourites are from Ad Astra and it was wonderful to hear the powerful Opéra, the magical Capolavoro and to watch the interplay of these amazing voices at the same time as hearing them. Next time, I hope to hear more.
VERY SPECIAL MOMENTS
What were the special London moments? Ignazio’s warm welcome and pleasure at being in London. He told us it had been Barbara’s favourite city. Gianluca’s apologising for his American accent and promising to practise his British one (really, you sound fantastic, Gian – what a linguist!). Ignazio teasing Gianluca about his sparkly boots and Gian teasing Igna about his very Italian accent when he said: “It’s my first concert with the ring”. Piero laughing at them both. And Piero’s smile at the end of each solo, as though he can’t believe he has actually brought it off!
They were in excellent voice, of course, and their solos were truly beautiful – my favourites: Memory by Ignazio, Amor, Vida de Mi Vida by Piero and Music of the Night by Gianluca. This seemed especially to reverberate around the traditional theatre with its boxes and balconies, its hidden corners: very like the Paris Opéra which is the setting for Phantom.
They told us a little about themselves. Piero talked about their 15 year journey together, starting as young boys who didn’t know one another. Gianluca described how he gets lost in the music, how important it is to live creatively in the moment. And Ignazio spoke about losing Barbara Vitali as he introduced Hallelujah. The audience had been told strictly no phones, photos or videos but we put on our flashlights when he asked us to, as a tribute to her. And we sneaked a photo or two. But I just wanted to listen – Hallelujah is another favourite, beautifully sung. You have to hope that their very real grief at Barbara’s death is receding just a little.
One of the UK’s most famous pop singers from the 50s till now, Cliff Richard (Sir Cliff), was in the audience. He was greeted from the stage by Gianluca, and as we craned over the balconies to try and see him, Ignazio told us to be careful and not to take a dive.
The audience was lit up between songs; it seemed Il Volo really wanted to see us and to know this audience who sang and clapped and shouted their names and “Bravi!” to show them how much we loved them. There were standing ovations and I suspect more than a few tears. (Caruso got to me!) We Brits are not so cold after all.
MEETING AND GREETING
After the show, I nervously headed for the Meet and Greet. They took a little while to arrive, and while I was waiting, I wondered what on earth I could say to them. In the end, I walked towards them smiling (probably like a crazy woman) and I just said “Thank you. That was a great show”. Those three pairs of wonderful eyes looked at me, and someone (which one was it?) said, “I’m glad you liked it”. But I wanted to say, “You have cheered some of my darkest days and brought me music that makes sense of life.”
WHY THIS CONCERT?
When I think about how determined I was to see Il Volo after knowing about their music for such a short time, I realise it was the warmth expressed for and from their audiences that really drew me. Yes, they are consummate entertainers, beautiful to hear and to look at, but it is this warmth that draws people to them all over the world, I believe. At the very end of the night, as they finally left the stage, Gianluca promised they would come back next year. If they do, I’ll be there.
THE SONGS
Here are all the songs I can remember from the show. I may have missed some songs out as I didn’t take notes at the time. I was mesmerised by what was happening onstage.
O Sole Mio
Il Mondo
Se
The Ecstasy of Gold
Can’t Help Falling In Love
Grande amore
Amor, Vida de mi Vida
The Sound of Silence
La donna è mobile
Hallelujah
Miserere
My Way
Opéra
Capolavoro
Un Amore Così Grande
È Lucevan Le Stelle
The Music of the Night
Memory
Nessun Dorma
Here are highlights of this beautiful, intimate concert.
Credit to owners of all videos.
Thank you so very much for this, your view of the concert. It meant a lot to me as I would have loved to travel to London to see this concert. Unfortunately I think that was my last chance. I am an elderly lady of 86, and have had secondary cancer for last 3 years and Il Volo and their singing have been my constant. I too first saw on you tube when they sang Il Mondo to a German audience, and I was hooked. They have delighted me for years and how lovely they are now as young men still capturing everyone with their beautiful voices. Thank you again.
Like me, Maureen, you fell for those amazing voices. I hope you can enjoy the YouTube videos, especially the big concerts like Verona.
I love them!! When are they coming to USA?
I too first saw, heard and fell in love with IL VOLO via the same video on You Tube and have followed them ever since. At 80, I was pretty much resigned to the fact that I would never see them “live” then just before my 81st Birthday the London concert was announced. The best present I could have wished for.
Just after I booked my train tickets, the LNER train drivers strike was announced and I was told my train from Newcastle would be cancelled, but thankfully the strike was called off and I made it. The concert was truly magical and I just hope I can make it to the next one if they do return next year.
Hi JUne,
I’m so glad you could make it after all of that. And you’re right about Nelle Tue Mane, of course. I think I was so stagestruck, I wasn’t concentrating on anytrhing else!
Oh! and don’t forget the magnificent opening song “Nelle Tue Mani” (Now we are Free) from “The Gladiator” Jill
You’re right, of course. I think I was too starstruck to take it in at that point!
I enjoyed your article Jill,I too fell in love with IL volo when first heard the amazing young men sing 15 years ago.
Oh! and don’t forget the magnificent opening number Jill. “Nelle Tue Mani” (Now We Are Free) from “The Gladiator”
It was my first concert too. What a wonderful experience, one I’ll never forget.
I had the biggest smile on my face when they walked on and it stayed there most of the time until the end. I became tearful when they talked about Barbara and sang Hallelujah and when Gian gave his magical performance of Music of the Night.
Loved all of the songs and sang along to the ones I know.
Thank you thank you guys. Will
definitely go again next year if you come to London.
Love you all
It was a beautiful concert and one of the best I have ever seen anywhere. It was very moving when they spoke of Barbara. You don’t get over a loss like that quickly.
It was my first time seeing them but have been following them since 2016. As you described it was a wonderful evening just wish they had done 2 nights. I live in N Wales ,so happy to communicate with you. Xx
How nice to read about your first Il Volo concert Jill. I myself have seen 5 concerts trough the years now and one of them was in London in the Royal Albert Hall. Each concert is different but always phenomanal. My last concert was last week in Dusseldorf Germany. They sang almost the same songs as in London. Gianluca sang no song of Elvis this time but Bridge over Troubled Water. And I specialy loved the opening with Nelle Tue Mani from The Gladiator. Yes we can live on this concert for a while again untill their next one.
Yes, Jacqueline – living on my memories and the great videos that are posted on here. They brighten my days!
Just a beautiful description of these magnificent singers!
I am so glad you got to see and hear them. What a gorgeous venue.
I have seen them in concert 5 tomes in South Florida and it would be incredible to see them in London!
Liebe Jill, herzlichen Dank für den wundervollen Bericht über das Londoner Konzert. Ich habe mich in vielen Worten wiedererkannt. Ich bin vor vielen Jahren durch den ESC auf Il Volo aufmerksam geworden und war begeistert, habe sie dann aber auch irgendwie aus den Augen verloren. Anfang diesen Jahres habe ich sie dann zufällig auf Instagram wiedergefunden und konnte die neue CD kaum erwarten. Seitdem lassen mich ihre Stimmen und auch ihre Persönlichkeiten nicht mehr los. Kein Tag vergeht ohne ihre Musik. Wie traurig war ich, als ich erfuhr, dass sie tatsächlich in diesem Jahr nach Deutschland kommen, aber alle Konzerte ausverkauft waren. Aber der Wunsch, sie live zu erleben, ließ mich nicht los und durch einen wundervollen Zufall bekam ich 2 Karten für das Düsseldorfer Konzert. Ich war überglücklich und dann am 16.10., als ich eigentlich schon mit dem Auto Richtung Düsseldorf unterwegs sein sollte, die nächste Überraschung, 6 weitere Konzerte in 2025 in Deutschland. Punkt 10 Uhr bearbeitete ich mein Tablet, um möglichst gute Karten zu erwischen. Nun werde ich sie im November 2025 ein zweites Mal, diesmal in Köln, sehen. Das Konzerterlebnis in Düsseldorf war einmalig, aber das wissen alle, die sie live erleben durften. Ich kann jetzt ein ganzes Jahr lang in Vorfreude schweben und freue mich auf all die neuen Songs, die im Laufe dieses Jahres dazukommen werden. Liebe Jill, ich wünsche dir für deine Gesundheit alles Gute und drücke die Daumen, dass sie bald auch wieder nach London kommen. Herzliche Grüße Benitta
Hi Benita,
I’ve translated your lovely mesage. I’m so glad you got tickets – and will see them again too! (This makes me a little bit envious). Thank you for your good wishes for my health. I’m feeling so much better and I’m absolutely certain Ad Astra has helped me on my way.
With kind thoughts,
Jill
Dear Jill, I totally understand your excitement for your first Il Volo concert! I felt similar emotions when I was also at my first concert a week ago in Prague! Lots of impressions, wonderful experiences and also photos and videos (unfortunately I didn’t get them in the comment about Prague) – they didn’t tell us anything about the ban on photography. The grounds of the Theater Royal are truly magnificent and it must have been an amazing experience to hear their voices there. I really wish you to meet them again in London next year!
Dobrý den
Paní Mlynářová,těší mě že tu také potkávam někoho kdo je s České republiky,také jsem byla v Praze ale i v Bratislavě…
Lucky you! To see Il Volo twice.
Sorry for the late reply Iva. It sounds as though the Prague concert was great too. And what a beautiful city!
Dear Jill, as I already told you, I congratulate you again for this review and for the additions you have made. I also compliment Pat who was good at setting everything up. Now you have several comments to respond to and remember to also read the comments on our Facebook page.
Well done Jill, we look forward to more of your articles too!!
Grazie mille, Daniela! 😊
After being a fan since 2009 and not getting a ticket I was in such a bad mood all that weekend.
I was so upset because they brought such happiness to my life.
At my age(67) I devised a bucket list.
Number one was to get a man utd season ticket which I did 5 years ago and number 2 was to see il volo.
It sounded as good a concert as I could wish for and I so pray that our boys will return very soon.
I always knew the British would love them.
Dear Kay, I had to smile when I realized what “man utd” was.
I’m an American with Manchester roots.
For everyone else, it’s Manchester United Football. While I’m writing this I’m realizing nobody else is going to care about what I’m writing. IL Volo is the thing. But I’m going to send it anyway.
Of course we care what you write, Gail! It’s these little personal notes that bring us all together in our love for Il Volo! Heavens, I’ve been writing personal notes for ages.
Hugs, Dol.
Please tell me when you will be coming to the U S.
Jill, thank you for your report from London.
I noticed what you said about Piero’s smile at the end of each song. I always watch for it. To me he’s saying ” Didn’t i do that well? Did i please you?” He’s always amazing. And he’s getting even better.
Yes they are all handsome and talented Italian Il volo men too!
Absolutely. Part of the pleasure of watching the three is the joy they have in singing.
Thank you Jill for this wonderful article and recounting of your first ILVOLO concert experience! I can so relate as my first was RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL IN NYC,USA back in 2022! I think the smaller theaters are a bit more restrictive as the rules about photos, etc. were the same there. My experience was unchanged from yours and it’s one I expect to experience next time they come back to the US again. I was struck by what you had wanted to say to them at M&G but couldn’t get out, it’s very much the same for me, they have been a comfort in hard times and a joy always. They are the best for listening to and looking at but it is their demeanor that impresses and draws you closer, the warmth, affection and genuiness of them. My husband and I were fans from the beginning on our PBS tv station and now I’m the fan. We had to take some detours in following them due to life challenges! Having these articles through the Flight Crew has been a huge blessings to all of us, especially those of us that are older, helping us to keep up with what they are doing (Daniela, Pat and contributors)and where they’ve come from (Susan DeBartoli ).
I’m so happy for of the first timers, it’s a joyful experIence!
Love from Carol💖💖💖🎶🎼🎤🎵🤗🩷🙏🏻☮️🇺🇸
I just can’t wait until next time. I should really have tried to get to another concert, say Paris, but I was a little too late. There’s always next year…
You write what is in my heart. I accidentally found Il Volo a few years ago, it might have been at the end of or during Covid. Which ever it was I have since spent many alone hours listening to them on various YouTube mixes. I love Gianluca’s duet with Annalisa from the 2023 Verona concert and Piero’s with Irama. No matter what Ignacio sings I love it! I could go on but honestly you’ve already said it. I hope I get to see them live when they tour America next year.
Yes me too! I watch them every day on YouTube and I can’t wait till they come to USA!
Oh, I hope you do too. Like you, I have my favourite videos. They cheer a dull day (and we have a few in Scotland!)
Hi everyone,
I’m sorry if I haven’t replied to all your comments. I did follow up on a lot of them, but for some very sdtrange reason, I can’t see my own replies to your lovely remarks! I’m hoping this comment gets to you at least, and I’ll try fiddling with the technology to make sure I answer everyone!
Jill
Hi Jill
Thanks for sharing your lovely experience, May I ask how do you obtain a meet and greet?
Is it available to all fans, and obviously costs are involved..
Hi Lesley,
This is the site where you’ll find the Meet and Greet opportunities https://www.omgvip.com/
It’s open to anyone and is quite expensive. It’s genuine though!
Jill
Along with everyone else, I want to thank you for your great article and how much you enjoyed seeing Il Volo for the first time. As a personal afterthought, I must say I loved the dress you wore to the concert. I’m sure our Wonderful Three will also remember you. Hugs, Dol.
Thank you Dol. It would be great to think I’d be remembered, but one among tens of thousands? I’m glad you liked the outfit though!