After eight long years the time had come for me to see the guys again!! I was supposed to go to Las Vegas in 2020 to see them and of course we all know that Covid hit and they canceled their last three shows. I was brokenhearted but understood why they had to leave. Then when they came back in 2022 I had just had back surgery and didn’t think I was up to going to a concert so I missed that one too. In early December 2024 I had my second back surgery but nothing was gonna stop me this time! I just had to see them!
My daughter-in-law, Sara, and I had a great flight to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on Friday, March 7, to attend the Hollywood/Davie concert the next evening on March 8. We stayed at the Atlantic Hotel and Spa right on the beach which was glorious! After an evening dinner in their restaurant I tried to relax but I was pretty excited.
View from our balcony….the beach was THAT close!
Late Saturday morning we walked around the corner behind our hotel and ate brunch at a quaint little bakery called Archibald’s Village Bakery. Most of the outdoor tables were full so I asked a lady if anybody else was sitting at her table and she said no so I sat down and introduced myself. Miriam was the nicest lady from the East Coast. We told her why we were there and she knew of IL VOLO and had even seen them in concert once. We had a great time talking and people watching.
The afternoon sound check was happening at 4:15 pm so we went back to our room, got ready and took an Uber to the Seminole Hard Rock casino and hotel. I have never attended a sound check before so I did not know what to expect.
The Hard Rock is huge and you had to go all the way through the smoky casino to get to the venue. My wonderful daughter-in-law wheeled me in a wheelchair from the door we came in at all the way over to the venue. I am able to walk but not really long distances yet. She is asthmatic and the smoke bothers her a lot so I was very grateful for what she did for me.
I got to go in first at the sound check which was very nice! When we went in, we were told to sit only in certain rows in the middle about four rows back from the stage.
I started to look around and I could see Gianluca standing off to the left of stage with his girlfriend, Claudia. They were laughing and talking with Celine. Piero and Ignazio came out on stage first. Piero looked the most happy of the two. I think Ignazio was still feeling a bit under the weather and had coughed a time or two. When Gianluca came to the stage he did not smile or even look out at the audience. I thought it was quite odd. Piero came to the edge of stage and asked us where we were from and was very happy and smiling.
They sang a few songs and Ignazio did his water bottle flip for us. When the sound check was over Ignazio left first and then Piero. Gianluca said “Grazie” after we applauded and walked off the stage. No photos or videos were allowed during the sound check.
I decided to ditch the wheelchair after we came out of there and did the best I could walking around with my cane chair that I also brought with me. We then walked away from the casino to an area where there was a waterfall feature coming straight out of the ceiling with music playing. It was awesome!
That whole part of Hard Rock was very beautiful with live plants growing up the walls and lots of shops.
Then we walked down the hallway to Rise Kitchen & Deli where we got something to eat for dinner. We were unable to attend the laser light show that they had outside at the huge guitar shaped hotel. We saw some of it as we were coming into town Friday evening.
The showtimes were 7:00 and 7:30 pm. We were just finishing eating about 7:15 but I did not want to wait for the last light show and get that close to the concert show time then have to walk that far back. Besides, Beverley Foster and I were supposed to meet up before the show started! 😄
We got into the venue and found our seats. I had an aisle seat in the fifth row so I stood up in the aisle looking for Beverley. A lady approached me and I said, “Hi, are you Beverley?” She said no and told me her name was Adele. She’s a member of the Flight Crew and reads everything we post. She said she never comments though but thanked us for everything we do to get news of the guys to everyone. She saw that I had put my seat number on one of the posts so Beverley could find me and kept watching for me to arrive so she could come and talk to me. Her daughter and granddaughter had accompanied her to the concert and they accused her of stalking me! 😂 I told her I was glad she did! Adele was a very sweet lady. I had to have a picture with her and a hug. I told her to make sure she comments now and then on some of the posts.
I sat down and texted Beverley and asked if she was there and she told me yes! I asked her to stand up so I could see her because I knew where her seat was. She stood up and made her way over to me. We had a nice little chat, I hugged her and we also took a picture together. Another sweet lady! Meeting these gals sure made my night. I turned around to my daughter-in-law and said “Dang, I’m famous!” 🤣
The concert started soon after I had met these lovely ladies and sat down. There is nothing like hearing the guys again at a live concert …. very powerful voices with that wonderful orchestra. It just touched my soul. The people in the audience were actually singing along to some of the songs and I happily joined them!
Please let me stop right here and apologize ahead of time for the recording quality of my videos. I was so excited and trying to video and watch the guys at the same time that I didn’t realize I had strayed a bit now and then. I also apologize for singing along with Grande Amore Amore and Hallelujah and maybe drowning out the guys. I couldn’t help myself! Some videos I could not upload due to copyright issues. I did make some shorter because of that.
Also the short videos would not show a preview so I am also sorry for that.
I also always try to video the guys interacting between the songs. Those words and actions are just as precious to me as the music they perform.
The opening song
NOW WE ARE FREE (from “Il Gladiatore”)
(Click on the photo below to enlarge it.)
GRANDE AMORE
After singing OperaOpera (the video was blocked ☹) the guys talked about their 16 years together.
Every time I hear Gianluca hit that high note in The Music of the Night I gasp. So powerful! I did it the first time I heard it and every time since. You can hear me in the video along with my daughter-in-law. 😍
I could not help myself and didn’t have any photos of Gianluca while he was singing this song. So I took screen shots of the video and made my own collage!
After Cecile’s solo the guys reappeared with a change in wardrobe. The most notable was Gianluca wearing a velvet jacket in addition to the sparkly boot type shoes he was wearing. Piero changed his shirt and jacket, but Ignazio did not.
Everyone had their phones lit before the guys sang Hallelujah.
HALLELUJAH
There were many standing ovations after they finished their songs.
Hallelujah was one such song. The guys poured their hearts out into that song in memory of all their dear ones that have departed this earthy realm…..especially for their dear Barbara Vitali. It brings tears to my eyes just watching it again.
The concert was over before I knew it. I am so grateful we were allowed to take photos and videos because I would never be able to remember everything that I saw and heard on that wonderful night!
I enjoyed the concert very much and so did my daughter-in-law, Sara. She was clapping and cheering for the guys as much as I did! 😊 Every time Ignazio would hit one of his high notes she would look at me and grin!
Recap video of the concert – I give credit to ignazioboschetto_italy for this wonderful video!
In this video you’ll see a short water bottle being flipped up onto the grand piano. Ignazio did this several times in a row at one point during the sound check. We applauded his skill! 😊 I am glad someone captured that as we were not allowed to photograph or record anything.
Meet and greet
After the concert, Sara and I went and stood in line for the meet and greet. I wanted to wait toward the end of the line so maybe I wouldn’t be rushed but as usual you always are once you get in to see the guys.
The room we were lined up in was very large but the room that we actually went in to meet the guys was very small, almost cramped. Piero was the first one I saw and then Ignazio and then Gianluca. Piero shook my hand as I walked in. He is really such a sweetheart.
I brought a note and a little something for them in an organza bag. The very first concert I attended in Chicago 2017 I had silicone wristbands made with the date and the venue on it and gave each one of them a couple. So the next concert I was going to attend in Las Vegas in 2020 I had wristbands made. The last three shows were canceled that year so we never got to go and I still have all of those wristbands. I did not have them made this time but I thought why not give them the ones to “the concert that never was”? I wore the wristband from Chicago and the one from Las Vegas that had the Pearl Theater written on it. I pointed to the one from Las Vegas and said, “For the concert that never was.” Ignazio touched the wristband and said, “Ah, the Pearl Theater!” and took a pause. He remembered!
I went and stood between Gianluca and Ignazio to have my picture taken. As I left, I looked at Gianluca and told him to be good and he smiled! I was handed a signed a poster as we walked out.
My daughter-in-law, Sara, told me that she told Piero that she loved his voice and he thanked her. She told Ignazio that he was funnier this concert than the last time in Chicago. He also thanked her. And she told Gianluca that she loved his sparkly shoes. He smiled, thanked her and winked.
We got acquainted with two ladies while we were in line for the meet and greet, Jennifer and her mother, Arlyn. As we were leaving, they walked out with us and offered to take us back to our hotel! They drove in for the concert and said they were going back the same direction as our hotel. What a sweet and considerate thing to do! We talked all the way back and even took a photo with them before they left to go home.
What a long and wonderful day it had been and certainly one I will never forget! 😀🎶🎤🎵 😍
We certainly met a lot of nice people in Florida…. the lady at the bakery, all the ladies at the concert and even people working in the restaurants and shops. I had fun meeting and talking with all of them!
I want to thank my wonderful daughter-in-law, Sara, for accompanying me on this trip. We have so much fun together. She is truly the daughter I never had and I love her very much! 💖💖💖😘😘😘
I can’t wait for my next IL VOLO concert! I sure wish they would come to Kansas City!
Sending all my love 💗, hugs 🤗 and kisses 😘 to this wonderful Flight Crew!
66 thoughts on “OH WHAT A NIGHT! by Patricia Ward”
Patricia, I’m so glad that you were in good enough shape to attend this concert,, and that your daughter-in-law was there to help you.
I loved your little collage. I remember when they were very young and Gianluca got so carried away with his gestures while he sang. He doesn’t have exaggerated gestures anymore. But these pictures let us see that when he sings this dramatic song so well his gestures are just right.
Thank you, Gail! That makes me happy that you enjoyed the collage. I remember seeing Gianluca’s gestures and facial expressions when he was younger. My, how they have all matured! 😊
Fantastic article , pictures and videos of the guys. And all of the people you met and how nice of the ladies you met that they took you back to your hotel. How wonderful and a great memory !
Linda
Pittsburgh
Thank you for your wonderful article , especially the comments that the guys did between songs! I went to my first Il Volo concert in Clearwater , Fla on March 10th. I will never forget it! I hope I will be able to attend many more in the coming years.
Lynn
Cape Coral FL
You’re welcome, Lynn! I’m glad you enjoyed the comments between songs. And what a thrill to attend your first IL VOLO concert! A very memorable experience for sure! 😃
Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience! I attended their LA concert and it was magical. I wish they had sang El Triste in LA too. 🥹 Thank you for all the videos and pictures. I can’t wait for their next US tour! ❤️
You are welcome, Jacqueline! 😊 I hope you have a great time at the Brussels concert. Six concerts! You are a very lucky lady to have seen them so many times.🥰🤩
Thank you for sharing your experience of their concert. I saw them for the first time in London in October 24 and it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to! The atmosphere in the audience was wonderful and we all sang along with the songs. Glad you got to meet so many lovely people. Love reading all the articles by the flight crew!
You’re most welcome, Christine! 😃 The guys give us everything they have at their concerts! The atmosphere is certainly like none other…..very exciting and electric! I’m glad you love reading all the Flight Crew blog posts. Thank you! 😘💓
How wonderful Pat, what a wonderful evening you and Sara spent.
What beautiful friendships you have found and this is one of the powers of Il Volo!
I am happy that everything went well and that you enjoyed this beautiful concert, you have missed the voices of Gianluca Ignazio and PIero live for a long time.
The photos and videos are also beautiful, you really let loose that evening.
Sara is truly a thoughtful and kind daughter-in-law and I am happy that she also enjoyed this beautiful concert.
A truly unforgettable evening. 😘😘
My dear Daniela! You are the most beautiful friend I have found through the power of IL VOLO. 😊😘 I am so grateful for your friendship for all these years and look forward to working together for many more. 💗💗💗 We make a great team! 👩❤️👩
I’m glad you like the photos and videos. Sara and I had a fun time at the concert as you can tell. 😁
Putting these posts together takes a lot of work and YOU do it all the time . . . and the translations! I admire you for your dedication.
Ti mando tanto affetto e un grande abbraccio! 😘🥰💗🤗
What a wonderful post, thank you! I am going to my first concert this Friday April 4th! Doing sound check,and meet and greet! I too have back problems and can’t decide if I can get by with my cane or need my Walker!
So loved the pictures and songs! The best part was finally seeing that Pat was really pitterpat!! Thanks for all your articles – you are a special lady!
You’re welcome, Sheila! 😊 I am SO happy for you! You will LOVE hearing the guys live with the orchestra! 💗 Maybe you could write something about your experience, send some photos and we could do a post about it.
In fact, anyone that would like to do that for your concert experience could email the Flight Crew!!😃
I can tell you that the lines can be long to get into the sound check and the meet & greet. I took my cane chair to the meet & greet so I didn’t have to stand the whole time.
Glad you liked the photos and videos and the “chatter” of the guys. Yes Sheila, I am real! 😂 Thank you for your nice comment. 😘🧡 I think you’re special too!
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Liebe Pat,
herzlichen Dank für die wundervolle Wiedergabe deines Konzerterlebnisses mit all den tollen Videos und Fotos. Du hast so liebevoll und genau beschrieben, dass ich das Gefühl hatte, auch dabei gewesen zu sein. Nun freue ich mich umso mehr auf mein Konzert im November in Köln.
Herzliche Grüße von Kontinent zu Kontinent
Benitta
Gern geschehen, Benitta!
Und vielen Dank für Ihr Kompliment. Ich freue mich, dass ich dir das Gefühl geben konnte, bei mir zu sein und deine Vorfreude auf das Treffen mit den Jungs in Köln noch weiter zu steigern! 😊
Habt eine wundervolle Zeit im November! 😘💗
You’re most welcome, Benitta!
And thank you for your compliments. I am glad I could make you feel like you were there with me and get you even more excited about seeing the guys in Cologne! 😊
Dear Pat, you sure didn’t need to apologize for the videos–they are just fine, as are the photos. (And I loved the Gianluca collage!) I’ve seen the guys 3 times now, and am always torn between wanting to take some photos or just absorbing the moment totally. I’m so happy that you had such a wonderful trip and a great concert–and your daughter-in-law is lovely.
Thank you, Judi! Glad you liked the collage. ☺My husband and I had a printing business for 25 years. I was the typesetter and layout person so I like to still play around with that kind of thing. I am always torn between watching and filming/taking photos. Wish I could clone myself. Haha My daughter-in-law is wonderful! 😁
Liebe Pat, vielen herzlichen Dank für die tolle Beschreibung des Konzertes, deiner Geschichten, Videos und Fotos. Es war wunderschön zu lesen. Du schreibst, dass Gianluca beim Soundcheck nicht lächelte und nicht ins Publikum schaute. Ich habe das schon öfters gelesen, dass er das nicht tut, sondern sich sammelt und in sich geht, als wenn er meditiert. Schön, dass Claudia immer dabei ist.
Danke und ich wünsche dir alles Gute und viel angenehme Zeit noch mit deiner Schwiegertochter, die sehr sympathisch aussieht.
Uschi from Cuxhaven, Germany
Gern geschehen, Ursula. Es war mir eine Freude, meine Erfahrungen zu teilen! Vielen Dank für Ihren Kommentar zu Gianluca. Vielleicht hat er das getan, aber es hat mich überrascht.
Seitdem ich sie kenne, waren meine Schwiegertochter und ich auf mehreren Konzerten und hatten immer eine wundervolle Zeit!
Vielen Dank auch, dass Sie geschrieben haben, woher Sie kommen. Ich bin immer neugierig, wo Menschen leben. Ich habe gesucht und Cuxhaven sieht aus wie eine schöne Stadt!
You’re welcome, Ursula. It was my pleasure to share my experience! Thank you for commenting about Gianluca. Maybe that is what he was doing, but it took me by surprise.
My daughter-in-law and I have been to several different concerts since I have known her and always have a wonderful time!
Thank you also for writing where you are from. I am always curious about where people live. I searched online for Cuxhaven and it looks like a lovely town!
Hi Pat – thanks a million for your wonderful article on your ”Il Volo” experience. I am so happy on your behalf that you and your daughter-in-law had such a fantastic time and had all of your dreams fulfilled in this respect. And what a nice M&G photo – I am sure you will cherish it forever 🙂
Seems like you have had a very fine accommodation as well – your photo out of the hotel room reminds me of Gianluca’s many Instagram postings. And you even had a full view of the beautiful ocean as well 🙂 .
Pat – so absolutely no need of making excuses for the quality of your footage – we all know that it is rather difficult to videotape or take snapshots during the concerts – and I can so much follow you, that it is a bit of a difficult deal whether as to have the focus on the camera/video or having all your attention to the performance. I gave up at couple of times in Macerata as i.e. I didn’t want to experience Gianluca’s fabulous first time presentation of “The Music of the night” through the camera lens but rather give him all of my attention. But in all honesty I think your footage is great!
Also wonderful that you had a great Sound Check Experience and that Piero was attentive and friendly to the fan-group. I have just been to two Sound Checks so my experience in this field is limited – but the one in Macerata was great and we had the same lovely experience with Piero – namely, that he did actually leave the stage and went down to the fan-group and shook each and everyone’s hand giving all of us his full attention and a gorgeous smile. He gained an extra star with me that afternoon . We were just some 25-30 persons I believe and it all took him 2 minutes or so – but it was so absolutely a very fine and lovely treat as in similarity with other Sound Checks we were told not to take photographs and in no way talk to them or disturb them otherwise. But coming down into the crowd on his own is most certainly a different matter that went right to heart. As to Gianluca I think you need to give him the benefit of the doubt – as we experienced exactly the same in Macerata. He didn’t look at the fan group at any time – not even when he passed by you so closely you could have touched him. I believe he is 110% focused on the Sound Check and his own performance and deliberately close out everything else around him. I was seated in the second row at the center aisle and a bit further up both Michele Torpedine and his father were standing overlooking the rehearsal – and Gianluca did several times leave the stage passing right by us heading straight up to them for a chat/discussion – but as said without taking even the slightest look at us. To the best of my conviction clearly avoiding us albeit no doubt knowing that we were there… As I understand he is much into meditation and the spiritual world and I believe that it may have taught him to have a 110% focus on what he is doing and hence his mind has been fully engaged with the questions he wanted to have verified and he didn’t want anything else to interfere i.e. such as a group of fans having their eyes glued upon him. That is my suggestion as otherwise he seems like a very accommodating guy in all other situations. I may be totally out of line – but try to consider this option.
One of the things that I have likewise come to appreciate very much at “Il Volo” concerts is the opportunity to meet and say a brief hello to other dedicated fans from all over the world. And being a big star with all “Flight Crew” members – of course – everyone wants to meet you Pat <3 So glad that you enjoyed these encounters and now can add a face to the names. Such fun being an “Il Volo” fan 🙂 – and I hope very much one day in the future that we shall be able to meet up in the flesh too.
I could ramble on here for long – but all I really wanted was to tell you how happy I am for you and your daughter-in-law to have had such a lovely fling and to thank you for your fine review and article.
A big hug and much love from Kirsten, Denmark.
Thank you so much, Kirsten, for your kind comments and your thoughts about Gianluca at the sound check. Since I had never attended one before it just took me by surprise.
I do wish we could meet in in the flesh one day! 😘
What a great article, pictures and videos of those handsome and talented men of Il volo . How nice to have met many people of the fan club and also to do the meet and greet . I’m very happy for you and your daughter in law for a wonderful time you had. Forever Il volo ❤️😘❤️
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Thank you, Linda. 😊 It was especially nice to meet all those people!
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Congrats Pat, so happy you finally made it! Great reporting
and catching up with crew. THE BEST: great friends & great music!
Pat, you finally made it back to see them and with your sweet daughter “in law”! I know your joy having her, my daughter”in law” is my 3rd daughter! I throughly enjoyed a recap of my own experience at the Clearwater show. My neighbor and good friend went with me and now she really understands my love and enthusiasm for our guys! She’s become a fan as well! Meeting another Flight Crew member, Judi Edwards was fun and we’re staying in touch. I loved the videos and photos specially the collage of Gian….that song knocks my sideways every time he sings it! They are all so talented and sweet and kind, they make you proud to be a fan! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and joy!
With love and hugs, Carol ❤️🤗😘💖💖💖🎼🎵🎤🎶🙏🏻☮️xoxo
You’re most welcome, Carol! I’m glad to know you have a 3rd “daughter”. Isn’t it wonderful? 😀 I would like to meet both you and Judi some day! You know, I looked at going to Clearwater but the Ruth Eckerd Hall seating looked very strange with anywhere from 40+ to 80+ seats in a row with no aisles except for the sides! You would have to “crawl” over a lot of folks if you didn’t get seats in the first several rows! 😮🤨 Where did you sit and what was that like???
I agree about The Music of the Night. That and just a few of the other IL VOLO songs really get to me. Since my husband passed away 12 years ago the song E Più Ti Penso (The More I Think of You) makes me cry. I translated the Italian lyrics (as I have done with all their songs) and it really got me.
Pat, I’d love to meet you too! My next ILVOLOFLIGHTCREW show will likely be at RCMH as I’m trying to sell my beautiful condo and move back near my girls and closer to my son. I’ve gotten myself a nice apartment with a view of the LONG ISLAND SOUND in Ct. Very close to the girls (they could walk!). It’s in a senior living center called THE WATERMARK ON PARK and it’s quite lovely. The last I was there to see our guys Saw Susan DeBartoli, it was an exciting time and my first concert with them! At least I’ll be “meeting” you on the Flight Crew Pages!…not the same but we’ll see how things go! As always sending with love and hugs, Carol❤️🤗😘🙏🏻🎼🎶🎵🎤😉
That is another lady I need to meet – Susan! 😁 She and I have had many conversations on the phone when I was helping her learn WordPress. She did great and published her own posts for a while. What a nice gal she is!!
Ja, Susan DeBartoli hat sehr schöne Geschichten über IL Volo geschrieben. Schade, dass sie beruflich bedingt keine Zeit mehr hat.
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Yes she is! I met Susan when I bought her first book on Padre Pio. She is very involved in the Padre Pio’s house in Ct.,not far from where I’ll be living, she signed my book and spent time talking about IL VOLO! Then we met at the concert in RCMH. I miss her writings!
I would be very excited to meet you!😉🤗❤️
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Ich vermisse die schönen Geschichten von Dusan DeBartoli
Delighted to know so many feel like did still floating on my high from the. Bethlehem performance and making new friends This was a dream come true for me one that will be in my heart and soul forever!!
Does anyone know whether or not any of the guys reads these posts?
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Do they read these posts?
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I don’t think the guys read these posts but they are aware of the Flight Crew. Ignazio has mentioned us several times as I recall…..once in an interview they were doing.
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So glad for everyone who had an add great time . I love reading all of the posts, seeing the pictures and the videos with their songs. Thank you very much .
Glad you posted here. Now we have a face to go with the name Pitterpat. You and our beloved Daniela along with Jana make a great team. Hope to meet you in person someday!
Thank you Pat for sharing your concert experience with us. I’m so glad you got to go. You deserve it for all you do for us. I was at the concerts in Bethlehem and Mohegan Sun this past weekend. You are right about Il Volo fans. I went by myself to each concert and meant so many nice fans. Everyone is very friendly and it was fun to here all their Il Volo stories. And your photos and videos were great. It’s easy to wander with the camera when you’re trying to concentrate on the guys. It’s hard to take your eyes off them to make sure you’re actually filming them.
You’re very welcome, Cathy! 😊 Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad to hear you had fun at the your two concerts and met a lot of nice fans. You are most certainly right about it being so hard to take my eyes off them while filming! 😄😍🤩
A lovely memory for you. And a lovely report on your time. Photos and videos so lovely. I hope oneday I can see Il Volo in Concert. I’m sure it’s so much better live, as much as I follow on Instagram or watch videos. Thank you 😊🌹
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience at the Florida concert. Your commentary was great and you made me wish there was another concert to attend tomorrow! These guys are so awesome we can never get enough of them. Every time a story is shared they come alive again in my heart.❤️
You’re most welcome, gin! ☺️ I’m so glad I could bring them alive again for you! I know I can’t get enough of the guys. I wish I was going to another concert too! 🥰
Thank you, Dolores! It was about a week before my birthday that I saw the guys! Always a nice birthday present! 😁 You’ve been on my mind. I hadn’t seen any comments from you lately but now here you are! 😊😘
I may not be the “bad” penny turning up, more like the “silver” dollar (referring to my hair!). No reason for not “being out there”, just having a bit less to say, now that I’m finally hitting puberty! HA! 😂😂😂
Just want to let you know, Pat, that I read everything you wrote and watched all the videos. Stayed up until 10:37, so now it’s time for bed! Thanks so much for all the videos and comments. Love you lots, Pat! Hugs, Dol. 💗💗💗💗
Loved your photo with our guys at our concert. Your smile reflects your happiness and excitement that night. It was a pleasure to meet you and express my true appreciation to you, Daniela, Jana and all the Flight Crew for your continued updates. Your report of the Hard Rock Live concert was a wonderful recap of the evening, your feelings and your excitement. Reading it, I was reliving the happiness I felt watching our guys. It was my 3rd concert and I was in awe of their maturity and strength in their performance. Still the best! I did meet many wonderful people in the sound check line, some of whom also follow the Flight Crew. And, yes Pat, your are famous. Say hello and thanks to Sara for being such a great travel companion.
Adele!! It is so nice to see your comment. I WAS truly happy that night and meeting you was part of the reason why! 😃 I’m glad you liked my post and that my story could help you relive the happiness you experienced that night. The guys’ voices were fantastic….they will always be the best! 🥇💓 I wish I knew you were at the sound check. We could have talked before or after. I am so glad you came up and introduced yourself to me before the concert. (And I was just kidding about being famous! 😂) I will certainly pass your “hello and thanks” on to Sara. Take care my new IL VOLO friend! 😘🧡
Beverley!! It was also a pleasure to meet you! 😃 Thank you for your compliments about my post. Like I commented to Adele, meeting you was part of the reason I was so happy that night! We had a great time! I also hope we get to see each other again. 😘💗
Patricia, I’m so glad that you were in good enough shape to attend this concert,, and that your daughter-in-law was there to help you.
I loved your little collage. I remember when they were very young and Gianluca got so carried away with his gestures while he sang. He doesn’t have exaggerated gestures anymore. But these pictures let us see that when he sings this dramatic song so well his gestures are just right.
Thank you, Gail! That makes me happy that you enjoyed the collage. I remember seeing Gianluca’s gestures and facial expressions when he was younger. My, how they have all matured! 😊
Fantastic article , pictures and videos of the guys. And all of the people you met and how nice of the ladies you met that they took you back to your hotel. How wonderful and a great memory !
Linda
Pittsburgh
Thank you, Linda! I have many great memories of that trip! 😀
Thank you for your wonderful article , especially the comments that the guys did between songs! I went to my first Il Volo concert in Clearwater , Fla on March 10th. I will never forget it! I hope I will be able to attend many more in the coming years.
Lynn
Cape Coral FL
You’re welcome, Lynn! I’m glad you enjoyed the comments between songs. And what a thrill to attend your first IL VOLO concert! A very memorable experience for sure! 😃
❤️
Oh Pat… I fall in n line to meet you too… 😘
Cynthia, your comment was too kind! I would love to meet you too! 💓😘
Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience! I attended their LA concert and it was magical. I wish they had sang El Triste in LA too. 🥹 Thank you for all the videos and pictures. I can’t wait for their next US tour! ❤️
You’re most welcome, Miriam! 😊 I’m glad you had a great time at the LA concert. I also cannot wait to see them again! 🤩
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! Am in South Africa so no chance of doing the same but think those guys are simply great.
You’re welcome, Joy! 😊 Never say never! I always say where there’s a will, there’s a way! 😉🧡
Thank you for sharing all this. I am going to the concert in Brussels in december and it will be my 6th concert.
You are welcome, Jacqueline! 😊 I hope you have a great time at the Brussels concert. Six concerts! You are a very lucky lady to have seen them so many times.🥰🤩
Thank you for sharing your experience of their concert. I saw them for the first time in London in October 24 and it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to! The atmosphere in the audience was wonderful and we all sang along with the songs. Glad you got to meet so many lovely people. Love reading all the articles by the flight crew!
You’re most welcome, Christine! 😃 The guys give us everything they have at their concerts! The atmosphere is certainly like none other…..very exciting and electric! I’m glad you love reading all the Flight Crew blog posts. Thank you! 😘💓
How wonderful Pat, what a wonderful evening you and Sara spent.
What beautiful friendships you have found and this is one of the powers of Il Volo!
I am happy that everything went well and that you enjoyed this beautiful concert, you have missed the voices of Gianluca Ignazio and PIero live for a long time.
The photos and videos are also beautiful, you really let loose that evening.
Sara is truly a thoughtful and kind daughter-in-law and I am happy that she also enjoyed this beautiful concert.
A truly unforgettable evening. 😘😘
My dear Daniela! You are the most beautiful friend I have found through the power of IL VOLO. 😊😘 I am so grateful for your friendship for all these years and look forward to working together for many more. 💗💗💗 We make a great team! 👩❤️👩
I’m glad you like the photos and videos. Sara and I had a fun time at the concert as you can tell. 😁
Putting these posts together takes a lot of work and YOU do it all the time . . . and the translations! I admire you for your dedication.
Ti mando tanto affetto e un grande abbraccio! 😘🥰💗🤗
What a wonderful post, thank you! I am going to my first concert this Friday April 4th! Doing sound check,and meet and greet! I too have back problems and can’t decide if I can get by with my cane or need my Walker!
So loved the pictures and songs! The best part was finally seeing that Pat was really pitterpat!! Thanks for all your articles – you are a special lady!
You’re welcome, Sheila! 😊 I am SO happy for you! You will LOVE hearing the guys live with the orchestra! 💗 Maybe you could write something about your experience, send some photos and we could do a post about it.
In fact, anyone that would like to do that for your concert experience could email the Flight Crew!!😃
I can tell you that the lines can be long to get into the sound check and the meet & greet. I took my cane chair to the meet & greet so I didn’t have to stand the whole time.
Glad you liked the photos and videos and the “chatter” of the guys. Yes Sheila, I am real! 😂 Thank you for your nice comment. 😘🧡 I think you’re special too!
Liebe Pat,
herzlichen Dank für die wundervolle Wiedergabe deines Konzerterlebnisses mit all den tollen Videos und Fotos. Du hast so liebevoll und genau beschrieben, dass ich das Gefühl hatte, auch dabei gewesen zu sein. Nun freue ich mich umso mehr auf mein Konzert im November in Köln.
Herzliche Grüße von Kontinent zu Kontinent
Benitta
Gern geschehen, Benitta!
Und vielen Dank für Ihr Kompliment. Ich freue mich, dass ich dir das Gefühl geben konnte, bei mir zu sein und deine Vorfreude auf das Treffen mit den Jungs in Köln noch weiter zu steigern! 😊
Habt eine wundervolle Zeit im November! 😘💗
You’re most welcome, Benitta!
And thank you for your compliments. I am glad I could make you feel like you were there with me and get you even more excited about seeing the guys in Cologne! 😊
Have a wonderful time in November! 😘💗
Dear Pat, you sure didn’t need to apologize for the videos–they are just fine, as are the photos. (And I loved the Gianluca collage!) I’ve seen the guys 3 times now, and am always torn between wanting to take some photos or just absorbing the moment totally. I’m so happy that you had such a wonderful trip and a great concert–and your daughter-in-law is lovely.
Thank you, Judi! Glad you liked the collage. ☺My husband and I had a printing business for 25 years. I was the typesetter and layout person so I like to still play around with that kind of thing. I am always torn between watching and filming/taking photos. Wish I could clone myself. Haha My daughter-in-law is wonderful! 😁
Liebe Pat, vielen herzlichen Dank für die tolle Beschreibung des Konzertes, deiner Geschichten, Videos und Fotos. Es war wunderschön zu lesen. Du schreibst, dass Gianluca beim Soundcheck nicht lächelte und nicht ins Publikum schaute. Ich habe das schon öfters gelesen, dass er das nicht tut, sondern sich sammelt und in sich geht, als wenn er meditiert. Schön, dass Claudia immer dabei ist.
Danke und ich wünsche dir alles Gute und viel angenehme Zeit noch mit deiner Schwiegertochter, die sehr sympathisch aussieht.
Uschi from Cuxhaven, Germany
Gern geschehen, Ursula. Es war mir eine Freude, meine Erfahrungen zu teilen! Vielen Dank für Ihren Kommentar zu Gianluca. Vielleicht hat er das getan, aber es hat mich überrascht.
Seitdem ich sie kenne, waren meine Schwiegertochter und ich auf mehreren Konzerten und hatten immer eine wundervolle Zeit!
Vielen Dank auch, dass Sie geschrieben haben, woher Sie kommen. Ich bin immer neugierig, wo Menschen leben. Ich habe gesucht und Cuxhaven sieht aus wie eine schöne Stadt!
You’re welcome, Ursula. It was my pleasure to share my experience! Thank you for commenting about Gianluca. Maybe that is what he was doing, but it took me by surprise.
My daughter-in-law and I have been to several different concerts since I have known her and always have a wonderful time!
Thank you also for writing where you are from. I am always curious about where people live. I searched online for Cuxhaven and it looks like a lovely town!
Hi Pat – thanks a million for your wonderful article on your ”Il Volo” experience. I am so happy on your behalf that you and your daughter-in-law had such a fantastic time and had all of your dreams fulfilled in this respect. And what a nice M&G photo – I am sure you will cherish it forever 🙂
Seems like you have had a very fine accommodation as well – your photo out of the hotel room reminds me of Gianluca’s many Instagram postings. And you even had a full view of the beautiful ocean as well 🙂 .
Pat – so absolutely no need of making excuses for the quality of your footage – we all know that it is rather difficult to videotape or take snapshots during the concerts – and I can so much follow you, that it is a bit of a difficult deal whether as to have the focus on the camera/video or having all your attention to the performance. I gave up at couple of times in Macerata as i.e. I didn’t want to experience Gianluca’s fabulous first time presentation of “The Music of the night” through the camera lens but rather give him all of my attention. But in all honesty I think your footage is great!
Also wonderful that you had a great Sound Check Experience and that Piero was attentive and friendly to the fan-group. I have just been to two Sound Checks so my experience in this field is limited – but the one in Macerata was great and we had the same lovely experience with Piero – namely, that he did actually leave the stage and went down to the fan-group and shook each and everyone’s hand giving all of us his full attention and a gorgeous smile. He gained an extra star with me that afternoon . We were just some 25-30 persons I believe and it all took him 2 minutes or so – but it was so absolutely a very fine and lovely treat as in similarity with other Sound Checks we were told not to take photographs and in no way talk to them or disturb them otherwise. But coming down into the crowd on his own is most certainly a different matter that went right to heart. As to Gianluca I think you need to give him the benefit of the doubt – as we experienced exactly the same in Macerata. He didn’t look at the fan group at any time – not even when he passed by you so closely you could have touched him. I believe he is 110% focused on the Sound Check and his own performance and deliberately close out everything else around him. I was seated in the second row at the center aisle and a bit further up both Michele Torpedine and his father were standing overlooking the rehearsal – and Gianluca did several times leave the stage passing right by us heading straight up to them for a chat/discussion – but as said without taking even the slightest look at us. To the best of my conviction clearly avoiding us albeit no doubt knowing that we were there… As I understand he is much into meditation and the spiritual world and I believe that it may have taught him to have a 110% focus on what he is doing and hence his mind has been fully engaged with the questions he wanted to have verified and he didn’t want anything else to interfere i.e. such as a group of fans having their eyes glued upon him. That is my suggestion as otherwise he seems like a very accommodating guy in all other situations. I may be totally out of line – but try to consider this option.
One of the things that I have likewise come to appreciate very much at “Il Volo” concerts is the opportunity to meet and say a brief hello to other dedicated fans from all over the world. And being a big star with all “Flight Crew” members – of course – everyone wants to meet you Pat <3 So glad that you enjoyed these encounters and now can add a face to the names. Such fun being an “Il Volo” fan 🙂 – and I hope very much one day in the future that we shall be able to meet up in the flesh too.
I could ramble on here for long – but all I really wanted was to tell you how happy I am for you and your daughter-in-law to have had such a lovely fling and to thank you for your fine review and article.
A big hug and much love from Kirsten, Denmark.
Thank you so much, Kirsten, for your kind comments and your thoughts about Gianluca at the sound check. Since I had never attended one before it just took me by surprise.
I do wish we could meet in in the flesh one day! 😘
Congrats Pat, so happy you finally made it! Great reporting
and catching up with crew. THE BEST: great friends & great music!
Thanks Martha. You are right . . . great friends and great music, indeed! Oh what a night! 😁💗🎵🎤🎶✨
What a great article, pictures and videos of those handsome and talented men of Il volo . How nice to have met many people of the fan club and also to do the meet and greet . I’m very happy for you and your daughter in law for a wonderful time you had. Forever Il volo ❤️😘❤️
Thank you, Linda. 😊 It was especially nice to meet all those people!
Congrats Pat, so happy you finally made it! Great reporting
and catching up with crew. THE BEST: great friends & great music!
Pat, you finally made it back to see them and with your sweet daughter “in law”! I know your joy having her, my daughter”in law” is my 3rd daughter! I throughly enjoyed a recap of my own experience at the Clearwater show. My neighbor and good friend went with me and now she really understands my love and enthusiasm for our guys! She’s become a fan as well! Meeting another Flight Crew member, Judi Edwards was fun and we’re staying in touch. I loved the videos and photos specially the collage of Gian….that song knocks my sideways every time he sings it! They are all so talented and sweet and kind, they make you proud to be a fan! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and joy!
With love and hugs, Carol ❤️🤗😘💖💖💖🎼🎵🎤🎶🙏🏻☮️xoxo
You’re most welcome, Carol! I’m glad to know you have a 3rd “daughter”. Isn’t it wonderful? 😀 I would like to meet both you and Judi some day! You know, I looked at going to Clearwater but the Ruth Eckerd Hall seating looked very strange with anywhere from 40+ to 80+ seats in a row with no aisles except for the sides! You would have to “crawl” over a lot of folks if you didn’t get seats in the first several rows! 😮🤨 Where did you sit and what was that like???
I agree about The Music of the Night. That and just a few of the other IL VOLO songs really get to me. Since my husband passed away 12 years ago the song E Più Ti Penso (The More I Think of You) makes me cry. I translated the Italian lyrics (as I have done with all their songs) and it really got me.
Love and hugs back to you, sweet lady! 😘💗🤗
Pat, I’d love to meet you too! My next ILVOLOFLIGHTCREW show will likely be at RCMH as I’m trying to sell my beautiful condo and move back near my girls and closer to my son. I’ve gotten myself a nice apartment with a view of the LONG ISLAND SOUND in Ct. Very close to the girls (they could walk!). It’s in a senior living center called THE WATERMARK ON PARK and it’s quite lovely. The last I was there to see our guys Saw Susan DeBartoli, it was an exciting time and my first concert with them! At least I’ll be “meeting” you on the Flight Crew Pages!…not the same but we’ll see how things go! As always sending with love and hugs, Carol❤️🤗😘🙏🏻🎼🎶🎵🎤😉
That is another lady I need to meet – Susan! 😁 She and I have had many conversations on the phone when I was helping her learn WordPress. She did great and published her own posts for a while. What a nice gal she is!!
Ja, Susan DeBartoli hat sehr schöne Geschichten über IL Volo geschrieben. Schade, dass sie beruflich bedingt keine Zeit mehr hat.
Yes she is! I met Susan when I bought her first book on Padre Pio. She is very involved in the Padre Pio’s house in Ct.,not far from where I’ll be living, she signed my book and spent time talking about IL VOLO! Then we met at the concert in RCMH. I miss her writings!
I would be very excited to meet you!😉🤗❤️
Ich vermisse die schönen Geschichten von Dusan DeBartoli
Delighted to know so many feel like did still floating on my high from the. Bethlehem performance and making new friends This was a dream come true for me one that will be in my heart and soul forever!!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed your Bethlehem concert, Cindi! 😀 I hope the guys know how many lives and hearts they touch with their music. 😍🥰🎵🎶
Does anyone know whether or not any of the guys reads these posts?
Do they read these posts?
I don’t think the guys read these posts but they are aware of the Flight Crew. Ignazio has mentioned us several times as I recall…..once in an interview they were doing.
So glad for everyone who had an add great time . I love reading all of the posts, seeing the pictures and the videos with their songs. Thank you very much .
Glad you posted here. Now we have a face to go with the name Pitterpat. You and our beloved Daniela along with Jana make a great team. Hope to meet you in person someday!
Thank you Rose Marie! 😊 Hope to meet you too one day!
Thank you Pat for sharing your concert experience with us. I’m so glad you got to go. You deserve it for all you do for us. I was at the concerts in Bethlehem and Mohegan Sun this past weekend. You are right about Il Volo fans. I went by myself to each concert and meant so many nice fans. Everyone is very friendly and it was fun to here all their Il Volo stories. And your photos and videos were great. It’s easy to wander with the camera when you’re trying to concentrate on the guys. It’s hard to take your eyes off them to make sure you’re actually filming them.
You’re very welcome, Cathy! 😊 Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad to hear you had fun at the your two concerts and met a lot of nice fans. You are most certainly right about it being so hard to take my eyes off them while filming! 😄😍🤩
A lovely memory for you. And a lovely report on your time. Photos and videos so lovely. I hope oneday I can see Il Volo in Concert. I’m sure it’s so much better live, as much as I follow on Instagram or watch videos. Thank you 😊🌹
You’re most welcome, bluesecretly! 😊 Glad you liked my post and keep hoping, one day you will see them in concert!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience at the Florida concert. Your commentary was great and you made me wish there was another concert to attend tomorrow! These guys are so awesome we can never get enough of them. Every time a story is shared they come alive again in my heart.❤️
You’re most welcome, gin! ☺️ I’m so glad I could bring them alive again for you! I know I can’t get enough of the guys. I wish I was going to another concert too! 🥰
Congrats, Pat! You couldn’t look more pleased if you tried! And just about the time of your birthday, too! Love and hugs, from Dol. ❤❤❤
Thank you, Dolores! It was about a week before my birthday that I saw the guys! Always a nice birthday present! 😁 You’ve been on my mind. I hadn’t seen any comments from you lately but now here you are! 😊😘
I may not be the “bad” penny turning up, more like the “silver” dollar (referring to my hair!). No reason for not “being out there”, just having a bit less to say, now that I’m finally hitting puberty! HA! 😂😂😂
You’re too funny, Dolores! 🤣
Just want to let you know, Pat, that I read everything you wrote and watched all the videos. Stayed up until 10:37, so now it’s time for bed! Thanks so much for all the videos and comments. Love you lots, Pat! Hugs, Dol. 💗💗💗💗
You’re welcome and I’m so glad you enjoyed my post, Dolores! Love and hugs back to you, sweet lady! 😊😘🧡
Loved your photo with our guys at our concert. Your smile reflects your happiness and excitement that night. It was a pleasure to meet you and express my true appreciation to you, Daniela, Jana and all the Flight Crew for your continued updates. Your report of the Hard Rock Live concert was a wonderful recap of the evening, your feelings and your excitement. Reading it, I was reliving the happiness I felt watching our guys. It was my 3rd concert and I was in awe of their maturity and strength in their performance. Still the best! I did meet many wonderful people in the sound check line, some of whom also follow the Flight Crew. And, yes Pat, your are famous. Say hello and thanks to Sara for being such a great travel companion.
Adele!! It is so nice to see your comment. I WAS truly happy that night and meeting you was part of the reason why! 😃 I’m glad you liked my post and that my story could help you relive the happiness you experienced that night. The guys’ voices were fantastic….they will always be the best! 🥇💓 I wish I knew you were at the sound check. We could have talked before or after. I am so glad you came up and introduced yourself to me before the concert. (And I was just kidding about being famous! 😂) I will certainly pass your “hello and thanks” on to Sara. Take care my new IL VOLO friend! 😘🧡
HI Pat: It was a real pleasure to meet you. Your article here is wonderful, the photos, the clips, great job. Hope we get to meet again.
Beverley!! It was also a pleasure to meet you! 😃 Thank you for your compliments about my post. Like I commented to Adele, meeting you was part of the reason I was so happy that night! We had a great time! I also hope we get to see each other again. 😘💗
Thank you for this …You did an wonderful job on this review… I pray that your health continues to improve
You’re most welcome, Jeanette! Glad you liked my report! 😊 Thanks for your well wishes! 😘 I am improving! 😄