Category Archives: Editorials
IL VOLO on SORRISI E CANZONI TV by Daniela
The well-known Italian magazine SORRISI E CANZONI TV, has dedicated the cover photo to a beautiful image of IL VOLO, taken in Budapest.
Inside, a really nice article dedicated to Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio and which I translate for you.
Budapest, night interior.
Stained glass window of a room overlooking a square in the historic center.
Inside, in a slightly secluded area, a strange group of people is laughing, to tears: Ignazio has just hit the mark, on the third attempt, throwing a bottle cap with his thumb, inside a mug of beer, on the opposite side of the table.
Gianluca, between a miso soup and tempura shrimp, interrupts the river of jokes, to greet a young Greek tourist, who came over to ask for a selfie (during the day it was a continuous pilgrimage of fans of all ages and nationalities).
And while Ignazio sings the tune of a Robiola spot (an Italian soft-ripened cheese), and Piero is chatting with Priscilla (his friend, as well as Elvis Presley’s ex-wife), the manager Michele Torpedine uses the chopsticks of the Japanese restaurant, to give us a proof of his first life as a drummer.
All crazy for us, all normal for IL VOLO guys.
Il Volo celebrates their first ten years of career: while the tour that will take them to Latin America in October and to North America in February continues, on November 8th the collection of “10 Years” hits will be released worldwide.
Canale 5 will celebrate the anniversary with a great evening of honor, dedicated to the three stars, which will be broadcast in November.
And we, from Sorrisi, also reveal that Il Volo is preparing a surprise for all the fans: the appointment is November 10th in Piazza Duomo in Milan, for an extraordinary event, which will see their three incredible voices, and which will continue with the signature of “10 Years” at the Mondadori Megastore.
“We like to say that it is ten years of friendship, music and loyalty, the most important thing,” explains Gianluca. “We are three leaders and sometimes it is not easy to live together, but we have grown together and we have helped each other, both professionally and humanely. We are like brothers”.
The exact day, in which their partnership was born, is well printed in the memory of Il Volo: “It was April 25th 2009, third episode of TI LASCIO UNA CANZONE, Roberto Cenci, (director and creator of the talent led by Antonella Clerici, ed). He put us together and we sang ‘O Sole Mio’. From there it all started.”
How have you changed since then?
Ignazio: In addition to being physically, we have grown professionally. On stage, however, we feel the same adrenaline of the early days. Singing for us is not a job, but a passion, a fun, a way to feel complete.
The first time you met, what did you think of each other?
Piero: Ignazio was unpleasant to me. I remember him on the bus he was singing, but he was also the first one I tied with. Gianluca, instead, was in the group of dudes ……
Ignazio: I never thought about this, Gianluca was on the sidelines, but then it was natural to be together.
Gianluca: When you’re small and you’re on Rai1, you do everything they tell you.
The program lasted nine weeks and we were rivals, a bit of envy was created, and in those days we exchanged only a few words. But the success we received was incredible.
What’s left of those kids?
Piero: Everything. We are always us and we have fun at every concert. We have the same passion and spontaneity of those times. Before going on stage, we laugh about anything. We do not follow a script, we help each other and we get excited a little.
We are not spoiled. We have certain needs, just because we need them to stay healthy and do concerts well. The responsibility we have towards those who work with us, and the public, is enormous. If one of us gets sick and misses two or three concerts, it’s a disaster. So, to avoid the risk, maybe we avoid going to the disco.
Ignazio: Also because we always sing live. This summer, for example, after the concert in Palermo, I didn’t go out with friends, because the next day we had another concert in Taormina.
Gianluca: Musically speaking, we are always in search of perfection, and we strive to grow and make people understand who we are.
How can we grow as brothers without being brothers?
Piero: It was difficult, but lately our relationship has improved. Before, we did the spite, now we openly say to each other, what is wrong. There is no grudge between us.
Gianluca: There is a difference between being together for work, or by choice. In the first case there is a little tension, when instead we are together to have fun, it is another thing, indeed we should do it more often.
You have very different characters. What is your way of living love, family, friendship and social media?
Ignazio: I am the least social of the three. I know it’s important to keep my private for myself. A little privacy, it takes. My character is particular, I am sensitive, but very strong and hard. I do everything, but you must respect me.
Gianluca: I am a little narcissistic, because I need confirmation. In kindergarten, I always asked the teacher twice if I was good. And this insecurity, I brought it with me, until today.
Every day I hear my parents, my dearest ones, my girlfriend. I vent with them, as well as with Piero and Ignazio.
We love each other. On social media, if I put lots of photos, the fans are happy, the haters are a little less, but I continue to be myself.
Piero: We can’t hide anything between us. If I lie, they notice it.
With the people I know and choose, I am very generous, open, sunny. But I only trust my best friend, my brother and my sister. I have a big flaw: for me, either it’s white or it’s black, I give you my heart, but if you do me a wrong, you’re dead.
Gianluca: I have learned that we must try to understand why a person behaves in a certain way. I never hold a grudge. Piero instead gets angry, for the criticisms and the free offenses.
Piero: In fact, before I used social media so much, now only for work things.
The secrets of your success?
Piero: The first is that we study a lot. The second is our manager, Torpedine, who has been following us for years. The third is the music we sing.
Gianluca: But talent and work alone are not enough, sometimes timing counts. To be recognized, you have to be special, and we were the first to perform at a very young age, in bel canto: this struck people’s hearts.
Who are the hottest fans?
Gianluca: Perhaps the South Americans. (Torpedine told us that in Mexico, fans broke through the window of the hotel where they were staying, ed)
Piero: But even in Bulgaria, they showed us unexpected affection. And the Japanese, apparently so rigid, go wild during the concerts and come to the front of the stage.
Gianluca: Let’s say that with our performances, we help the public to free themselves. We tend to make a very engaging event, not a serious concert.
How can you not let this go to your head?
Gianluca: With intelligence you cannot get carried away by the wave of success, but the people who follow you and the support of the family matter a lot. Staying attached to the origins is the most important thing. If you let it go to your head, then people will notice it.
What are you missing when you’re on tour?
Gianluca: Normal life.
Ignazio: Waking up at home, carrying the dog around, everyday life.
Piero: After the concert at the Arena di Verona, I went home one day and enjoyed that moment, like never before. I felt an immense pleasure in going to the laundry and to the yogurt shop: it was how I did it for the first time.
Do you want to try your hand at some other musical genre?
Gianluca: If we changed genre, we would no longer be us and people would no longer recognize our music. In ten years, how do you see yourself?
Ignazio: Ten years ago, they asked us the same thing and we didn’t know what to answer. Our way of thinking has changed: so I would have answered married, with children, today not. Situations change.
Piero: I don’t know, new artists are born every day, the future is a question mark. We hope not to disappoint the fans.
Who do you want to thank for what you are now?
Piero: If today we celebrate ten years of career it is thanks to the fans, we have grown together and we hope to celebrate with them 50 years of career!
Gianluca: We thank the musical heritage we have, the bel canto, which has allowed us to travel around the world.
Ignazio: Words are not enough to thank all those who deserve it.
I say thanks to those who believed in us, Michele Torpedine, our manager, and those who work closely with us. And thanks to life, for what he has given us: voice and luck (word that has been tattooed on his arm, ed).
Piero: And thanks to Sorrisi for this cover and for having always supported us.
LOOK, WE’VE PEOPLE IN THEIR HOTEL ROOMS.
Piero: In the room I always ask that they cover the carpet with sheets, because I am allergic and I must preserve the voice.
I always have two suitcases, a big one with all the clothes and things I need (including Sicilian vacuum-packed almonds and natural tuna in a can) and an emergency trolley, with a second dress for the concert, for safety. And an agenda on which I record the commitments. Including this interview for Sorrisi.
Ignazio: When I’m on tour, in Italy, I always carry my guitar with me, abroad, unfortunately not.
I go to the gym, in fact we only choose hotels with a fitness area. In the room I relax as much as possible, maybe watching a soccer game on my mobile (I support Juventus). I also play football, as an offensive midfielder, and I’m pretty good. In fact, when I’m at home, every Wednesday, I go to play with friends. And when I can, I make two tennis matches with Piero.
Gianluca: I have no special requests and I adapt easily. I am very tidy, almost maniacal, I keep everything perfectly folded and I even line up my slippers. I am lactose intolerant and pay attention to what I eat: rice, fish, vegetables, protein snacks and for breakfast pancakes with egg whites and peanut butter.
Once a week we “go” with a pizza. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink and I have never got drunk in my life, because I don’t like losing control. I train early in the morning and go for a run. Sport has changed my character, I have become more willing and disciplined.
BACKSTAGE: How do I shoot a service for the cover of Sorrisi? Here is a nice backstage with the guys from Il Volo directed by our photographer Pigi Cipelli.
I = Hello everyone we are IL VOLO.
G = From Tuesday on the newsstands our cover on Sorrisi e Canzoni, which celebrates our 10-year career.
P = Don’t miss it, a hug from Budapest.
Really a beautiful article and beautiful photos, the boys responded with sincerity.
But how beautiful and natural they are in the backstage video !!
They are loving.
But what will they be preparing for Milan in November? I really hope to go there!
Daniela
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Can Our Guys Beat the Odds?
We all want the guys to win, but can they? What are the odds? Has anyone come back for the second time and won again?
In the 68-year history of Sanremo, only ONE person, as a solo entry, has come back and won twice. This was Peppino Di Capri, who won in both 1973 and 1976. There have been several solo acts that have won, that were previously part of a duo, or trio…. they are: 1971 – Nada & Nicola Di Bari and in 1972 – Nicola Di Bari; 1987 – Gianni Morandi, Enrico Ruggeri, Umberto Tozzi and 1993 – Enrico Ruggeri (who also wrote his own song); 1989 – Anna Oxa and Fausta Leali and 1999 – Anna Oxa. Anna had the greatest comeback with a 10-year spread. So, 1999 was the last year where someone won, that had previously won before whether individually, or part of a group. No other group has won twice. If the guys win this, this will be a first in the history, for one group to win twice. It has been 20 years since someone has come back and won twice!
Specifically speaking of the odds, let’s go back four years to 2015. The Italian bookmakers predicted that Il Volo would win back in 2015. However, the odds were about 3 to 1; with their buddy Lorenzo Fragola, coming in 2nd place. Nek was WAY down on the scoreboard at number 16! However, we all know that it was literally “neck and neck” with Nek and the guys at the end, with them winning by a very small margin – winning, none-the-less. 🙂 Remember, they were the favorites. I could not find any data on the actual percentage that they had them winning by, as the data I found was just an end result and they stop the odds the day the competition ends. It may be interesting to see how the odds may change up to the finals on Saturday.
Let’s fast-forward to today, this week! I believe D-Squared, both told me that this guy known as Ultimo is destined to win this 69th Edition of Sanremo (just like Il Volo in 2015). First off, he actually won the “newcomer” award last year in 2018 and he also wrote his own song. Nothing against the guys, but I think if you write your own music, and it is good, you have a definite advantage over those who don’t. He is also young and very popular. His real name is Niccolò Moriconi, but goes by Ultimo. The bookies have him winning 24% of the vote, Irama at 16%, and Il Volo at 13%. Pretty tough odds – almost twice the percentage points. However, if you look at the odds from 2015 with the bookies having Nek at #16 and him moving to within close points to almost beat Il Volo – well, I guess anything could happen. Hey, they have the Pope on their side? 🙂 This reminds me of a great line from one of my favorite movies – Trouble with Angels. I don’t remember what the scene was, but I believe there was some kind of competition or some disagreement. Rosalind Russell played the Mother Superior and her response was, “I have God, on my side!” 🙂 Of course, it’s always “Thy will be done…” Maybe it’s Ultimo’s time?
At one point, the bookies did have Il Volo at 2nd place, however, something must have happened to change the odds – not sure what that could have been?
See below for the current full odds of the Italian bookmakers, compared with 2015:
There have been some beautiful pictures being sent from Sanremo from our guys and Il Volo Music. One that is very touching, is one sent by Piero. He finds the plaque in the sidewalk, with their infamous win from 2015. What memories and emotions, just seeing it there, must bring back? We ask ourselves… why are they doing this again? They must know in their hearts that the chances of winning again are very slim. Even if they come in second place, which is still a great honor; it is not winning. It is a great risk for them. Of course the fans will still love them, for we are not “fair weather fans!” We know they are strong, but if they do not win, we will support them, along with their family and friends. Just like we did for Eurovision.
No matter what, they have an awesome world-wide tour plan and hey, as far as I’m concerned, they have saved the “best for last” for the United States and the few dates in Canada, but we all know how that could change and if the other parts of the world go well, they could easily add more dates in the US and Canada. Yes, they will be in Canada, but only Montreal and Toronto, both on the East side of the country. A long way from the West or Central areas of the country. But still just a plane ride away, at least it’s in the same country. I know many of us Americans are thinking…. how can I get to Italy in September?? 🙂 Ok, is it just me?? lol!
Whatever happens guys, buono fortuna siempre!!
So, will the sun set on their dream of repeating their win at Sanremo, or will the dawn break another new beginning in the chapter of their lives to start their next 10 years together? We will find out on Saturday, February 9, 2019!!
This weekend, along with the finals, the Detroit Il Volo gals will also be celebrating Gian’s birthday! So, we will have a celebration, no matter what – of course, we hope for a dual reason!! 🙂
Ciao!
Jana
p.s. I was really sweating it there when my cable station had not yet put on there about Sanremo, however, it was finally there yesterday and I have my DVR all set up to tape it on the RAI1 station! 🙂
Thank you to the following websites for my sources:
https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/sanremo_2015
https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/sanremo
https://www.altrospettacolo.it/sanremo-2019-chi-vince/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanremo_Music_Festival
SEVEN VIP’S THINKING LIKE US- by Valeria Bosch
I point out to you the beautiful analysis of this video. Analysis made by Valeria Bosch, who has been able to capture every nuance and describe everything with clear and accurate words that we immediately make ours.
Congratulations, as always to Valeria, for the wonderful work.
Daniela
##########
Waiting for the new chapter of the artistic life that Il Volo will write, when in 2019 they will celebrate ten years of their careers, like many IlVolovers I too go looking for Youtube videos of their performances, of the important and beautiful moments, of the interpretations that will always be remembered, of their trips, of their triumphs. So I found a video, made from “Il Volo performances” published on January 4, 2018 with the title “Il Volo. Top 7 Celebrity Audience Reactions”, seven moments of the career of Il Volo that show the enthusiastic, amazed reaction of many celebrities, listening to the three incredible Italian boys. They are (not in chronological order, but as flowing in the video):
1) BARBRA STREISAND – performing with the boys, in October 2012, in various American cities, a tour which was a milestone in their still young career. The big international star, certainly one of the greater singers living, had asked to be accompanied by the very young men: a clear declaration of admiration and respect for Gian, Ignazio and Piero, that Mrs. Streisand acknowledged, providing them, for the future, a passport of recognition worldwide.
2) LAURA PAUSINI – meets with Il Volo on the prestigious stage of the Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 6, 2014, and sings with them “In absence of you”, and then “Il Mondo”. During this second exhibition it’s palpable the astonishment of Laura for the singing of the boys. She looks, stops, listens, embraces them and at the end, raising arms, announcing “Italiani!”, that, if translated graphically, should written with hundred exclamation points! Laura expresses her pride for those young men of her country! Today it can easily be claimed that Laura and Il Volo, with Andrea Bocelli, form the short list of Italian singers most famous in the world.
3) SHARON STONE – in December 2017 the famous American diva, is in St. Moritz, Switzerland, for a charity event and attends a gala organized in her honor. She meets with Il Volo who performs for her. The boys sing a piece that is the flagship of Italian music in the world, “O Sole Mio”, and Sharon literally goes “crazy”: seduced from their beautiful singing and from the gallantry of the three boys, embracing them with kisses, singing with them. Her joy for meeting them is rousing and all the public participates with applause and enthusiasm for the three young Italian singers.
4) JENNIFER LOPEZ – and the same song, “O Sole Mio”, Il Volo sang at the edition of “American Idol” in 2011, with the three swans that were still ducklings, but with one voice that was already stellar: opposite to them one diva, the amazing Jennifer Lopez, applauding energetically, the public giving a standing ovation. And the next day a tweet from Britney Spears says… “Did you all see @IlVolo on Idol last night? SOOOOO cute… I loved them! Such talented little men. -Britney
5) JOSÉ JOSÉ – but, between those performances, the event that moves me most is that of “El Triste”, interpreted by the boys in honor of the legendary José José, during the Billboard Awards 2013. The old lion, that the Mexicans have always called “El Principe de la cancion”, now aged with years and from health not so vigorous, sits in the first row and listens to the first notes with curiosity, then with growing interest, then transformed in an amazed expression and finally in overwhelming enthusiasm with a vigorous applause and standing ovation!
6) GENTE DE ZONA – at the Latin American Music Awards 2015, Il Volo performs “Grande Amore”, the song that won the Festival of Sanremo. The audience enthusiasm is skyrocketing and is demonstrated with an interminable standing ovation and in the front row to applaud there is “Gente de Zona”, with whom the boys duetted in “Noche Sin Dìa” and Maria Arraras, famous Puerto Rican journalist of Telemundo.
7) The JURY OF AMERICA’S GOT TALENT 2017 – it’s the final evening of the famous American talent, guests of honor are the singers of Il Volo that performed in a lyric piece, “Nessun Dorma” by Puccini, a piece that could seem out of place on that stage, but the skill of boys is such that the public gave them an interminable standing ovation, also the jury! The jury was formed with supermodel Heidi Klum, singer Mel B, television star Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell, famous English record producer and creator of the format “X Factor”.
I think this video shows, for sure, how vast the enormous support for Il Volo is. I don’t think that celebrities like Barbra Streisand, José José, Laura Pausini would have expressed such enthusiasm and such unconditional admiration, if they had not recognized in the group a true musical talent, an interpretative and emotional ability, an air of freshness seen in the boys that was very unusual! In short, three excellent voices if listened to together, and great also if evaluated individually. Three boys who in years have continued to improve, with application of study and sacrifice, without escaping from the effort of long trips and continual travel, and without shying away from new challenges, especially with the new project “Notte Magica”!
Now we are waiting for them to test the ten years of collaboration. They’ll demonstrate the maturity reached, the ability acquired, the love for the music, ever stronger and more rooted. We know that they will always win their battle, they will surprise and still again conquer the world, all… children, young and adults, in Italy, in Europe, in America, in a word all over the world!
For the video, credits to “Il Volo Performances”.
Translation by Judy Paullin Thurman.
Il Volo – As Close as your Nearest Bar!
Hello Ilvolovers!
There was a bar and grill that closed many months ago in Dearborn, but it finally opened up again in September. It was just a few miles away, so we had to check it out. It was nicely redone and a bit more modern with electronic dart boards, video games, about 5 or 6 big screen TVs and this electronic juke box. We happened to sit right in front of it, so I was forced to stare at it.
I was in awe of all of its blue flashing lights and various songs and artists were glowing back at me. It said it had over a million songs. Yeah, ok, but surely not the guys!?
My curiosity finally got the better of me and I daringly went up to the selection pane. It was 2 credits a song and it was already preloaded by some kind patron. So… I cautiously and excitedly punched in… I L V O L O and with some trepidation, I hit the enter key!
Much to my surprise and delight, TWO of their albums popped up! Ok, let’s just say this is my favorite Saturday afternoon bar! 🙂 They had the Grande Amore album, as well as the “Takes Flight” album. I didn’t want to scare off the patrons, so I played it safe – lol – and chose Delilah! There were a lot of people in there, so it was only somewhat audible, but a few said “hey, good song!” As I sat there with a smug grin on my face, thinking, if they only knew who they were listening to! 🙂 Needless to say I was pretty happy.
Ok, next time I was there, I tried it again. Not sure how, but THIS time, FIVE albums came up, including Noche Sin Dia, as the single and others’ albums they were featured on! OMG, almost ALL of their albums? We could have an entire concert of them and drive out the whole bar! Ha, ha!
Just to be nice, I played Delilah again and a few others in English.
What electronic jukebox you say? The APP is called AMI Music. You can download it from your favorite App store and once you do, it asks for your location, or you can set it that way, I can’t remember now. Anyway, when you set your location, just click on it and it tells you all of the nearby bars/restaurants that have this digital jukebox. The songs are mostly 2 credits and a credit is a quarter or fifty cents – I can’t remember, but not bad, huh? 🙂
So, those that are daring enough – download this app and tell us where you can hear the guys! 🙂 In taking a quick look, they even have it at some nearby bowling alleys around here and other restaurants. You might be surprised! If we can’t see them in concert, annoy your local neighbors, or maybe even go out of town! It also appears to be at several “mens” clubs, like Vet’s Posts, Stitt Posts, American Legion, Moose Lodges, etc. (see picture below…)
I imagine this is international, so any of you in other countries, let us know if it works for you? 🙂
Jana
p.s. It’s also Boss’s Day – not sure if international or not, but all you bosses out there, current and retired – have an awesome day – we couldn’t do it without you (ok, maybe we could if you ever saw the movie “9 to 5?” 🙂 ) But have a great day, anyway!!