In this whirlwind of news, events and concerts in this month of December, there have also been the last three concerts of Il Volo in Italy.
I can only say that it was a success in all three cases. These concerts have been postponed several times due to the pandemic and many tickets had already been bought since 2019.
Despite everything and despite the fear of contagion that still hangs over proximity of people in indoor places, people came and were truly satisfied.
At the last concert, Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca and all the Il Volo staff were so euphoric with the result, as if they had climbed a very high mountain.
Here is a small summary of the three concerts, where I will put different videos:
TURIN – December 15th
The snow, which had not yet reached Turin, saw fit to arrive in the afternoon of the day of the concert, creating inconvenience for those who had to reach the arena.
Because of this, the concert started over half an hour late in order for people to arrive. 😘
ECSTASY OF GOLD
This is a video shot by Ercole Ginoble, immediately after Ecstasy of Gold, where you see the whole audience and Gianluca who starts by saying :
“Hello Turin, welcome to this warm evening.”😁
SE
NELLA FANTASIA
Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca wore elegant velvet jackets with leather lapels.
But after the formal part of the concert, the boys changed jackets, Piero and Ignazio wore very bright and special jackets, Gianluca, on the other hand, wears a simple blue jacket.
ALMENO TU NELL’UNIVERSO
We are very close to Christmas and therefore Christmas songs are also sung.
ADESTE FIDELES
AMAZING GRACE
Just a couple of days and here we are in Milan.
MILAN – December 17th
Everything repeats itself.
SE TELEFONANDO and CARUSO
Between one song and another, there is a “curtain” between the three boys. Ignazio tells Piero that he had a great inspiration that allowed him to write a beautiful song. He sits down at the piano and goes on to say that those things happen once in a while. Gianluca confirms that he has already heard the song and it’s really beautiful. Piero is amazed, but doesn’t know whether to trust him, but Ignazio is serious and therefore wants to make the whole audience hear the new song . He says: “Are you ready?”
Piero asks for the title of the song and Ignazio says “My cold winter,” and he starts playing………….brrrrr. (all gone, just a cold shiver) 😁😁😁
HALLELUJAH
E LUCEVAN LE STELLE (the stars were inserted later in the video)
JINGLE BELLS and HAPPY XMAS
VOLARE
This photo was posted by stylist Nick Cerioni who recommends clothing for boys and who gives the photo the following title:
IL VOLO ROCKSTARS 😁😁😁
In this concert Gianluca also convinced himself to wear an extravagant jacket.
ROME – December 23rd
Another replay
IL MONDO
YOUR SONG
IGNAZIO’S JACKET
Ignazio jokes a lot about this, saying that with that jacket he looked like one of the glittering lamps/disco balls that went around at the discos in the 70s. 😁
When Ignazio enters the stage, a chorus begins from the audience: “you are beautiful” and Ignazio immediately says that a chorus like this must be done to Gianluca, to him they can say “you are very good”. 😁😁😁
UN AMORE COSÌ GRANDE
HAPPY XMAS, WAR IS OVER
I would say that they were three important dates and that they confirmed Il Volo’s charisma and the great affection that the public has for them.
And let’s not forget that between one concert and another Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca also had four book signing instores, and exactly:
TURIN
MILAN
BOLOGNA
ROME
You have a resistance to fatigue, really remarkable guys.
That’s not all, because our friends Alessandra Composto and Kirsten Langer were present respectively: at the concert in Milan and in Rome and the two of them have already sent me their reviews.
So soon you will read the emotions of our friends.
It’s December 26th and I am sitting at my desk putting together my last story for 2022! So much has happened this last year that it is so hard to decide where to start!
They let us loose from our houses and we all moved forward quite quickly. No one more so than our guys! They were everywhere! And, as the year comes to a close, they already have the South America concerts in place for 2023!
As New Year’s Eve approaches, we think about the past. What do we do on New Year’s Eve? We always made resolutions but, now we’ve forgotten about resolutions! Our world has changed over the last two or so years! We look at life differently now! What was good about these past few years? We had the perfect opportunity to spend time with our families and find out who they really are and, I must say it left us all the better for it. Many of us got closer to the ones we love. Family! It’s so important! God had a good plan! Stay home and love your family!
I guess it wouldn’t be New Year’s if I didn’t start by saying what I say every year, “This is my least favorite holiday!” To me it’s a sad day because we remember all those who we lost over the years, and we think of them in a different way than we do on other days. We think that they left us too soon and over the last few years too quickly!
So, Another Year is Over but let’s stop for a moment and take a step back before we move on to 2023….
2022 ~ A year in review! What have we gained and what have we lost?
Let’s begin with the great loss for Piero.
When I wrote about this great loss, I started by saying, “Pietro Ognibene…. was a great discoverer! No, he didn’t discover lands or the cure for anything, he discovered something even better; he discovered Piero Barone!”
When we heard the news that Mr. Ognibene had died, we immediately felt the loss because he is a man we are all familiar with and he played an important role in Piero’s life. In fact, Piero would probably not be a singer today if it had not been for this man.
Piero recalled the story of how he was discovered in the guys’ book, “Un’avventure straordinaria, la nostra storia”….
Picture this, in front of the terrace there was a typical swing from the past hanging from a mulberry tree. One morning, my grandfather sat in a cool place on the terrace with his faithful stereo next to him. He enjoyed the peace of the countryside. And, then he sang a song that I believe, he had made up: ‘E lu suli talia, talia, talia. Sopra ‘sta petra luci ci duna,’ that is ‘And the sun, look, look, look, to this stone gives the light.’
I was swinging on the swing, I was about four or five years old, I was really, very, small. I listened to him a little and at a certain point, when he stops singing, I started: “E lu suli, talia, talia, talia. Sopra ‘sta pedra luci ci duna”.
What can I tell you? It just came out like that. My grandfather turned off the recorder and stood there on the balcony: imagine the terrace and the swing right there in front of you and he says loudly to my grandmother:
‘Rina, veni ca’ (Rina come here)
‘Chi è Pitri?’ (What do you want Pietro?)
‘Unni è Piero?’ (Where is Piero?)
‘In altalena’ (On the swing)
‘Ma cu cantava? Iddru?’ (But who was singing? He?)
‘Eh, sì.’ (Yes)
‘Chiamalo’ (Call him)
So, this is where Piero’s musical journey began! He grew up breathing the musical environment that has surrounded him since the age of 5. We are all grateful to Mr. Ognibene for his great love of his grandson. Because of him, we have the great pleasure of listening to this amazing tenor who grows more and more amazing each day!
These were Piero’s final words to his grandfather….
Hi Grandfather,
This is for all the times I turned, and you were close to me.
For all the stages I went up hoping to find you underneath listening to me.
For all the days when I couldn’t, and you made me find the strength to continue.
For all the joys we have shared and the hardships we have shared.
Because even if it seems incredible, it was you who showed me that all of this really could come true!
So, we all bid you “Farewell Mr. Ognibene.”
Let’s move on to what made this year different. Certainly, some amazing achievements by our guys.
In June, the guys and their families had the great honor of being invited to the World Meeting of Families.
The Festival of Families was held in Rome on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. The 10th edition of the World Meeting was an event that was entitled “The Beauty of the Family.” The guys performed for the event and along with their families, gave witness to the beautiful events that made their families who they are. Their lives show that even when you find yourself in difficult situations, you can work through anything with love and understanding.
This is what the guys had to say about being invited to the event….
Gianluca: We are excited to come to Papa Francesco’s house. Hello everyone! We are very happy and excited to come to Pope Francis’ house and celebrate together with the families of Rome, families of the world and our families.
Piero:On that day we will witness to the importance of the strength and support of our families in our lives.
Ignazio:I come personally with my mother and my sister.
Piero:I will bring, Mom, Dad, my sister Mariagrazia my brother Francesco and I can’t wait to be able to hug Papa Francesco.
Gianluca:I will come with my family, we are numerous, but the best thing is that I will be able to bring my grandfather Ernesto who, at the age of 88, will be able to shake hands with Pope Francis. These are the most important things, the most beautiful emotions in life, like a mother who is a refuge, a father who is a guide, and this is really the importance of the family.
Ignazio:In all these years we have always reiterated how important our family is and they will always be important for us and for our careers, like a lighthouse in the middle of the ocean, a meeting point at this moment with them. We are really happy to be able to share this moment with them.
Piero:In addition to our families, we will also bring our music.
After the event, I wrote…. Where do you begin to tell the story of three child prodigies who have brought so much joy to people around the world with their wonderful voices. It’s simple you start with the families! And this week the families have received their reward for all they have done for their families and especially for their three incredible sons!
This was a great honor for our guys and their families! So well deserved! Congratulations to all the Families!
I said the guys were everywhere and they certainly were….
The concerts were in Italy, Europe, Japan, Canada, the United States and Australia! All the concerts were phenomenal!
They started the concerts by showing up in white tuxedos! My first reaction, SHOCK! But then I must say when the shock wore off and I saw them in person, they were drop dead gorgeous!
So, they started by shocking us in white tuxedos and ended by shocking us in their dazzling tuxedos. Talk about gorgeous!!!
And what’s a concert without one of Ignazio’s special performances. “Ignazio the Disco Ball.”
The guys returned to Disney World after 8 years for Disney’s Magical Holiday Celebration 2022
What have we gained in 2022….
Now it was time to give us something we’ve been waiting for, for a long time, a new book….
Il Volo “Quello Che Porta Nel Cuore” ~ “What I Carry in My Heart”
This beautiful book brings us up to date on all that’s happened since they wrote “Un’avventure straordinaria, la nostra storia” ~ “An Extraordinary Adventure, Our Story.” Sorry the book is not in English, but we can hope that someday they will translate it!
And if that wasn’t enough, they surprised us with a new Christmas song, “Happy Xmas.” (War is over). Written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The song was launched as a Christmas gift for the fans. Thank you, guys!
So how do you end such an amazing year? By doing another concert, of course! But not just any concert, a concert in the Holy Land to honor the Birth of the Christ Child. A Christmas Eve concert that had people in Italy glued to their TV’s for 2 ½ hours. I know I was glued to my TV!
To see the entire concert with English subtitles, go to Danielas’ post here in Flight Crew “Natale a Gerusalemme” by Danilea,
This is what “AllMusic Italia,” had to say about it:
THE NIGHT OF THE TELEVISED CHRISTMAS EVE MARKS THE TRIUMPH OF IL VOLO WITH THE CONCERT FROM JERUSALEM
Il Volo in concert in Jerusalem for the night of Christmas, an event broadcast on TV in the early evening of Canale 5, has conquered the public and made excellent numbers in TV ratings.
Piero Barone, Gianluca Ginoble and Ignazio Boschetto performed under the Tower of David in the Holy Land going to interpret beautiful Italian and international songs, including Happy Xmas (War is over) by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, a song launched as a Christmas gift for fans in recent weeks.
The concert broadcast on Canale 5 was produced by the manager of Il Volo, Michele Torpedine. Let’s find out the numbers of the television success of the event. “The Christmas Flight in Jerusalem.”
The three artists glued on TV, from 21:31 to 23:59, as many as 3,169,000 viewers with an average share of 23.6%.
And, in truth, it was a very beautiful, very emotional concert! Thank you, guys!
And so, we come to the Picture of the Year 2022.
Every year I say this year will be different. This year it will be someone else’s picture but, who am I kidding! We know who it is, who it always is? But before I tell you which picture won; I have to tell you that I had a different picture in mind for quite some time. It was a picture of one of the fans who nearly knocked Ignazio over. I actually think he was overwhelmed. I was so sure this was the one then…. BOOM! It was knocked out of the box! Why, because you never know when one of Ignazio’s friends is going to show up!
Picture of the Year 2022
They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words” and I could certainly write a 1,000-word essay on this picture, but I can sum up this picture of Ignazio and his friend Nicola in five! That’s what friends are for!
So, now I leave you now with the words I left you with last year!
Every morning when I get up, I sing. What do I sing? “Smile!” Is it because of the guys? Well, I certainly love when the guys sing “Smile,” but no, I’ve been singing this song since I was a child because….
I believe no matter what happened yesterday, today has the possibility to be better, so, “Smile, just Smile.”
This year, I’m dedicating this final column to the fans. “I’m thinking about the smile on everyone’s face the day they unlocked their doors and set their lives in motion again! That day we took a step backand leaped forward into the new world! And now “Another Year (Is) Over, and (soon) A New One Just Begun!”
To all the fans let me say, never stop smiling! I recently said to a friend, “Always be happy! Happiness is the one thing that never goes out of style and never goes away if you keep it in your heart!” Keep happiness in your heart today and always!
A Happy New Year to All the Fans!
And from myself, all the staff at Flight Crew and all the Fans we wish you guys a very Happy New Year filled with many new Adventures!
We also wish all the Il Volo Family including Michele Torpedine, Barbara Vitali and all the crew that work so hard to bring us the best productions a very Happy New Year!
And I wish my personal crew in Italy. Alessandra Torma and Stefi Bonometti (the ladies who prepare the pictures for my stories) a Happy New Year full of love and joy!
See you in 2023!
I thought you might like all the lyrics to the song….
Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
So this is Christmas And what have you done Another year over And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas I hope you have fun The near and the dear ones The old and the young
A very Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year Let’s hope it’s a good one Without any fear
And so this is Christmas For weak and for strong For rich and the poor ones The war is so long
And so happy Christmas For black and for white For yellow and red ones Let’s stop all the fight
A very Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year Let’s hope it’s a good one Without any fear
And so this is Christmas (war is over) And what have we done (if you want it) Another year over (war is over) And a new one just begun (now)
And so happy Christmas (war is over) We hope you have fun (if you want it) The near and the dear ones (war is over) The old and the young (now)
A very Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year Let’s hope it’s a good one It’ a good, it’s a good one Without any fear
And so this is Christmas (war is over) And what have we done (if you want it) Another year over (war is over) And a new one just begun (now)
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
If you would like to share a story with me, please email: susan.flightcrew@yahoo.com
To read more Il Volo stories visit us at www.ilvoloflightcrw.com
The night of Christmas Eve was truly a magical night, a fantastic concert by Il Volo from Jerusalem enlivened the evening.
But I’d say go straight to watching the video of the concert and then I’ll give you my comments and you yours.
I was translating for you all the speeches that Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca made between one song and another, but today I saw that Donalee Dragna, administrator of the fanpage Il Volo American Fan Group We Are Love, published the entire concert with all English subtitles, so thanks to Donalee for the wonderful hard work and the Il Volo America Fan Group page that allows you to see and understand everything.
There is a small synchro problem, due to the video, in fact Il Volo sang live.
Enjoy viewing it, you will be impressed.
I have to tell you that I was speechless.
A wonderful concert, not only for the beautiful voices of Il Volo, but also for the solemnity of the beautiful place.
Breathtaking images and scenery, sharpness of video recording.
The elegance and fluency of our boys to sing and present is unmatched.
The lineup of songs is beautiful and appropriate, I listened with great pleasure to songs like TU SCENDI DALLE STELLE and AMAZING GRACE, and O TANNENBAUM, never heard sung by Il Volo.
I had the great pleasure of listening to AVE MARIA MATER MISERICORDIAE and NOTTE STELLATA and PANIS ANGELICUS beautiful, but rarely sung.
The words of the Patriarch of the Latins are beautiful.
The memory of Vito and grandfather Pietro by Ignazio and Piero is also beautiful.
And what about the wonderful piece, SILENT NIGHT, performed a Cappella in the basilica that houses the place of the Nativity, real shivers.
Magnificent, all magnificent and therefore we thank the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, Canale 5 and last but not least Michele Torpedine for these beautiful ideas.
On Christmas day, greetings also arrived from Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio who wished everyone a Merry Christmas, very much appreciated.
I await all your comments which will certainly be enthusiastic, I have no doubt.
A hug to all of you and good continuation of the Christmas holidays:
Daniela❤❤❤
I want to finish with these three photos that were published on Christmas day, moments in the family of our Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca.
Guys, you are adorable😘
……and the most adorable, Gianluca with his cousin’s children.
SILVIA = They are the bearers of Italian music in the world, Piero, Ignazio, Gianluca, or Il Volo!! (enter Il Volo)
GIAN = Can I hug you?
SILVIA = Yes, welcome back.
IGNAZIO = How are you?
SILVIA = Fine and you? Hi Piero, how are you? Welcome back, Il Volo, how elegant you are. (everyone sits down)
GIAN = We have the same trousers, look! (Silvia and Gian are wearing wide-legged trousers, which are fashionable).
SILVIA = Yes.
IGNAZIO = Because he wanted to pay homage to the “CUGINI DI CAMPAGNA”. (It’s an Italian musical group from the 70s who always wore wide-leggedtrousers)
SILVIA = You are all in gray clothes.
GIAN = Today yes, but we are not gray (he means temperamentally and morally)
SILVIA = No, you all are full of passion, you are red inside.
GIAN = Red like you (she is dressed in red).
IGNAZIO = Today, when I tried it on (the suit) I thought it was beige, instead they told me it’s grey.
GIAN = You’re fine, you’re fine.
IGNAZIO = I have become colorblind.
GIAN = (turning to Ignazio) I see you in great shape, as always.
SILVIA = How are you guys? Welcome back to Verissimo.
PIERO = We met a year ago.
SILVIA = Exactly one year ago.
PIERO = A year ago things were a bit different, the concerts still didn’t take place, but finally we’re back on tour, we’re back singing on stage, to meet our audience again who have been supporting us for thirteen years now with their affection, with their love.
SILVIA = But there is another trip, which you will have to make, which you will make very soon, I know you have already been there for the rehearsals, because on December 24th, there is a wonderful event that sees you as protagonists in Jerusalem: IL Volo Natale in Jerusalem, and will be broadcast on Canale 5.
PIERO = Yes.
SILVIA = Well, Jerusalem is a symbolic city, I imagine also exciting for you.
GIAN = A city where all religions, cultures, languages really meet, visiting it is truly a unique experience, but for everyone, at all ages. Experiencing it at a young age maybe helps you really understand the difference of how humans are really different, anywhere in the world, how they really dedicate their lives to spirituality. It is truly a unique place and for us, living it has been a mystical, spiritual experience that has taught us new things.
A truly unique thing, even Jerusalem, Bethlehem, are places of great inspiration.
PIERO = We try to keep the Italians company on this special day, Christmas is a special day for everyone, and so we try to keep everyone company.
SILVIA = And even more on Christmas Eve, because it’s the wait for Christmas…Ignazio, did you wait for Santa Claus when you were little?
IGNAZIO = No, I was waiting for dinner more. (laughter and applause)
SILVIA = How to ruin a poem!!
GIAN = Exactly, like ruining a poem…..
IGNAZIO = No, I’ve always liked gifts, but full plates even more.
SILVIA = Those even more, anyway, obviously to celebrate your return, I prepared some little gifts and I didn’t make a gift for everyone but a gift for each one of you.
GIAN = Indeed!!
PIERO = Ohhh
SILVIA = I’ll start with Gianluca. (a video dedicated to Gianluca starts)
Gianluca’s voice in the video: It all started as children. I remember the first moments we didn’t know how to deal with the cameras.
In ten years life has changed us in an incredible way.
We are proud to be the only young people to bring this style of music anyway, because it all started with the great Luciano Pavarotti, the three tenors, Andrea Bocelli, so we try to follow in their footsteps.
Affections are often neglected, if at a young age we have this awareness, it allows us to live the moments more intensely, especially with the family, where everything started from there. A mother, a brother, a father, a grandfather, will always be waiting for you, even if you are away for months.
I must say that I have a wonderful relationship with my grandfather Ernesto, and one of the most indelible memories, in 2012 grandfather came to New York and saw me sing with Barbra Streisand.
I always carry my past with me.
Reflect when you wake up each morning in different cities or even in different countries.
I see the people at concerts who are there, they are there for me, for us. (applause)
GIAN = A nice present, thank you.
SILVIA = You were a child.
GIAN = Well, little has changed, and then now they make fun of me (Ignazio and Piero) because I removed my beard and let my hair grow like when I was a child.
SILVIA = (addressing Piero and Ignazio) What are you two doing?
GIAN = Have you seen they always do this when I talk, they talk to each other, it’s not easy for me….
PIERO = (he and Ignazio are teasing Gianluca good-naturedly) The camera is over there. (they do this to say that Gianluca is always looking for the camera)
GIAN = See how they make fun of me??
SILVIA = They are imitating you….
GIAN = They imitate me.
IGNAZIO = But he was like that….
SILVIA = Was he like that when he was little?
IGNAZIO = It was impressive, the first few times, when a photographer, or a camera followed us, when turned on the camera…. (Ignazio suddenly turns his face and strikes a pose like Gianluca did).
GIAN = Then I understood why I did it.
SYLVIA = Why?
GIAN = Because when one is insecure, he needs confirmation. I also have to acknowledge, with hindsight, that looking at me as a child, I feel a certain tenderness, because in any case seeing how we grew up together, how we faced life, recognizing one’s limits, or trying to overcome them, trying to be the best version of themselves. But I’ve always remained a bit narcissistic, oh well but it’s normal (he turns to Piero and Ignazio who exchange knowing glances to confirm), but you always make fun of me for this.
PIERO = But these are our characteristics, we have three completely different personalities and perhaps it is also our strength.
SILVIA = Do you know that Gianluca studies acting? True?
GIAN = I had a very nice experience with some guys, also to try to have a little more control on stage, I was a bit stiff, I’ve always been.
IGNAZIO = Now it’s more flexible…..
GIAN = No, but really…..
IGNAZIO = Especially when he dances he is less rigid…. (he makes fun of Gian because he doesn’t know how to dance)
GIAN = I don’t know how to dance for example…
SILVIA = Can’t you dance?
GIAN = But acting is a passion that I love to cultivate, you never know, in life….
SILVIA = So maybe you would also like to act one day?
GIAN = Why not, why not.
SILVIA = What do your colleagues think?
IGNAZIO = Never limit yourself in life, because the greatest limitation of ourselves is ourselves.
SILVIA = Ah, you see?
IGNAZIO = Why limit yourself?
PIERO = But where did this sentence come from?
IGNAZIO = From my pearls of wisdom (applause)
SILVIA = Then it’s your turn (Ignazio).
IGNAZIO = To me?
SILVIA = Are you ready? It’s up to you.
IGNAZIO = Yes.
SILVIA = You too grew up with them, you too.
IGNAZIO = Oh yes.
SILVIA = In short, you shared beautiful moments, less beautiful moments, with your working family, we can say.
IGNAZIO = Absolutely.
SILVIA = Are you ready?
IGNAZIO = Yes, let’s see! I’m a little worried…..
Ignazio’s voice in the video = As a little boy every day I made my mother scream, I came from school, I ate, if I had homework I did it, when I did it, and I went behind my house because we built huts. Everything was better.
Our life is divided like a sheet divided in half: Ignazio in his life with Il Volo, and Ignazio in his private life.
Two parallel lives.
But thanks also to our parents, we always manage to keep simplicity in both lives.
Your Love is a song that means a lot to us, because we performed in Sanremo three days after my father’s death and it means a lot to me. I haven’t lost my father, my father is always with me, well, I like to think like this.
Many ask us: “But aren’t you afraid, afraid of the public?”, it’s all adrenaline. There have been many difficult moments in our career, it has never been all sunshine and roses.
It’s also nice to experience things with a little ingenuity. (applause)
IGNAZIO = When I was thin.
PIERO = What subject Ignazio.
SILVIA = Oh yes. Well I have to say that reviewing that performance (Your Love) with them by your side, I got goosebumps.
IGNAZIO = It had a bit of an effect on me too, I haven’t seen it for a while, I’ve really never seen it, it’s the first time, but yes, it has an effect.
SILVIA = There your friends really gathered around you.
IGNAZIO = I’ll tell you the truth, I’m one of those people who thinks that the people closest to you are not seen in times of need, but in times of happiness, because anyway in times of need, anyone can come there and give you a hand out of tenderness, pity, anything. It is in difficult moments that it is more difficult to rejoice for a friend.
SILVIA = And you call yourself Libra, because you are from Libra by zodiac sign, but spongy, what does that mean?
IGNAZIO = But then you’ve read the book, eh!!
Spongy Libra, it’s all those people who, like me, absorb all the energies, negative, positive, whatever, and we keep everything inside, so as not to explode, to seek balance in our lives, but above all in that of others. However I am a person who likes to see happy people, I would do anything to see happy people, neglecting my happiness, more often than not. So, spongy Libra because we always try to make others happy and never think about ourselves.
SILVIA = And you don’t even vent with them, with Piero or Gianluca?
IGNAZIO = Not much.
SILVIA = Do you keep everything inside?
IGNAZIO = Absolutely.
SILVIA = But at a certain point you have to tell….
IGNAZIO = Yes, but that’s exactly the flaw, I like being a spongy Libra, but then the flaw is just that, I get to a point…..
SILVIA = (turning to Piero) And you don’t try to make him talk?
PIERO = This is one of his positive characteristics, for the group, because you know, sometimes not everything can be said, not everything one thinks. However, perhaps he stays silent for a long time and then tells you everything to your face, but the beautiful thing about Ignazio is that he tells you the truth, and you know that when he speaks he is telling the truth, and that is what perhaps at the beginning gives what shock to the group, which surprises you a little, but makes you think, because if he says so, it means that it’s all true.
IGNAZIO = For example, I’ll tell you an anecdote.
SYLVIA = Go!
IGNAZIO = I’ve never told it, it’s a scoop.
SILVIA = A scoop!
IGNAZIO = A few years ago…..(Piero touches his leg and Ignazio asks him: ) “What happened?”
PIERO = Stay….. (and imitates Ignazio with his legs spread)
IGNAZIO = I’m comfortable…..so what, excuse me (and he sits down with his legs together, and then crossed).
PIERO = Well done.
IGNAZIO = Is it okay?
PIERO = Very good.
IGNAZIO = A few years ago, it was a period in my life where I was detached from work, I have to tell the truth, I don’t know it was a moment like this, and every now and then they would throw sentences at me:
“You are never there”, “You are always away”, “You are never with us”, “You are always at home”, “You go out with others and not with us”…..and in a meeting I said: “The real reason why I’m not with you is because I don’t feel well, I can’t be with you”.
Since that day, our relationship has changed.
SILVIA= How nice, you had great courage. (applause)
IGNAZIO = (addressing Piero), Do you remember, in Bologna? (Piero nods)
SILVIA = You reacted!
IGNAZIO = They were disappointed.
PIERO = In the end you reflect on the words, you always try to understand the person, his reaction, a word spoken, but in the end he was right, because maybe he needed to be with himself for a while, he didn’t go out with us because he needed to reflect, but like everyone else, you know we go to dinner, we go out when we stay in hotels on the other side of the world we stay together, he was always in the bedroom, always in the bedroom, the first time we invite him , the second also, the third you start to leave him on his own. This thing lasted a couple of months.
IGNAZIO = Yes, yes.
PIERO = Then we tried to deal with this thing, because you know, in the end, the three of us respect our private life very much, but the truth is that we have fun when we are all three together, even off stage, and we didn’t feel like not having him anymore with us, maybe he stayed too much time alone in the bedroom, so we faced this discussion, he had the courage to tell us what was wrong, maybe certain aspects of our character that he didn’t digest…..
IGNAZIO = That is, prejudices, judgments, those things there.
PIERO = And then…..
IGNAZIO = In the end, between friends, it’s the beauty of being friends, the word friends, it’s a bit like in a relationship you say the word I LOVE YOU, you can say, but the true meaning of I love you, it has a great meaning and giving a value to the word FRIEND must be as much as I LOVE YOU. Being friends also means this, being transparent, telling each other everything, how things stand. (applause)
SILVIA = Gianluca do you remember that moment?
GIAN = Yes, but then we know each other so well that we really need not to have any kind of judgement.
SILVIA = Having the freedom to be yourself, because being together for so long, work is fine, but then one feels limited, right? I imagine!
IGNAZIO= Sure, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back, because we have to feel good together.
SILVIA = And are you all right now?
PIERO = Very well.
IGNAZIO = Unfortunately yes!! (applause)
SILVIA = Your time has come (she turns to Piero) are you ready to see you again as a little boy?
PIERO= Go, go, I’m very ready.
SILVIA= Let’s go back in time and this is our gift to you. (applause)
Piero’s voice in the video: My grandfather Pietro discovered my voice.
“Piero’s grandfather= There was something true, I felt that slowly something had to happen.”
My father never stopped believing in me, I used to sing on the bonnet of cars in the workshop, and you would see this short child, only 1.40m tall, singing, and all the neighbors would look out to listen. Love is a particular theme, but it is such a strong feeling that it must be protected. I see a good future with a family and children, in my opinion that is the reason for living.
I think the highlight of our career was when we sang in front of Pope Francis in Panama.
Our luck … in the midst of so many people, sometimes you feel alone …. but I think that in 10 years something like this has never happened. (applause)
IGNAZIO = (he turns to Piero) But you are the only miracle in the world without cosmetic surgery.
PIERO = Why?
IGNAZIO = Because you’ve become a handsome boy without surgery. (laughs)
SILVIA = It’s true, but he’s always been handsome.
IGNAZIO = No, it wasn’t always nice.
SYLVIA = Why?
IGNAZIO = No, come on, when we started he wasn’t handsome, now he’s a handsome boy.
PIERO = That is, do you understand who I have to stay with? (he means that Ignazio is making fun of him)
IGNAZIO = (he points to a photo of Piero) Look at that handsome boy.
SILVIA = With a beard….
PIERO = He (Ignazio) is making fun of me.
IGNAZIO = I’m not kidding you, I’m being honest.
PIERO = I still have to understand when he’s serious.
SILVIA = Yes, me too, I still have to understand.
SILVIA = Are you serious or are you joking?
IGNAZIO = I’m serious.
SILVIA = You are serious!
PIERO = Thank you, we are approaching Christmas and you have become better!
IGNAZIO = No, no, I’ve never told you, but it’s true, you’ve become a handsome boy.
PIERO = Thanks, if you tell me I believe it.
SILVIA = Well done Ignazio!!
IGNAZIO = I’m sincere!
SILVIA = Indeed! (applause)
SILVIA = (she turns to Piero) So, how much did you grow up too, together you trod the most important stages in the world, maybe you never see your videos again, but seeing you, seeing how you grew up, what effect does it have on you?
PIERO = In the video they are images from when we were 15/16 years old, you notice the difference, not only physical, but there is that maturity that only comes with time, with the experiences you live.
This is also the reason why we decided to do this concert in Jerusalem, let’s hope everything goes well, we have just returned from the inspection, an incredible place, (he then turns to the audience) I’ll see you on December 24th on Canale 5.
SILVIA = Bravo, on Christmas Eve! (applause)
PIERO = I was saying that we have decided to sing, to do an event in Jerusalem now, at the age of 28/29, because we are aware that you can only undertake such a profound and important journey if there is that extra maturity, which of course a little boy 14/15 years old cannot have, and therefore we also hope to convey these strong emotions that we experienced in this pre-trip and that we will experience on December 24th.
SILVIA = Well, we talked about you, we talked about Jerusalem, and now let’s talk about LOVE.
IGNAZIO = (ironic) I couldn’t wait.
PIERO = Excuse me, but is Silvia Bond still there? (Silvia in spy version for love topic)
SILVIA = Yes, there’s Silvia Bond, because last time all you made some important statements to me, (she repeats a sentence in Portuguese said by Ignazio) for example, promises, question marks, look, because now it’s time for truth.
(Start a video of some pieces from the previous broadcast where Silvia had asked about their love life and I summarize their answers:
GIAN = I’m engaged and in love, I’m happy and my girlfriend has my mother’s name, Piero intervenes to say to wait for the next interview with Verissimo to confirm, because Gianluca often changes girlfriends.
Then Piero states that for now he is fine on his own .
Ignazio says that he met a girl from Brazil through the web, he went to meet her and now they are in love and he is happy and would like to be a young father.)
IGNAZIO = (he turns to Silvia) But, won’t they fire you 007?? (he is paraphrasing a James Bond film)
SILVIA = Where do I start? Voluntary question!
IGNAZIO = Go to Piero, start with him.
SILVIA = So Piero was single right? I read stories, but I don’t know anything (because Italian newspapers write about so many absurd love stories).
PIERO = Better to change the subject. No, as you left me, you find me. (he means that nothing has changed)
SILVIA = Ok, you’re alone, always alone with them (Ignazio and Gianluca).
PIERO = I’m resigned and it will be like this for all the episodes of Verissimo….
SILVIA = But have you had acquaintances this year or just peace of sense?
PIERO = Maybe we concentrated a little too much on work.
SILVIA = Ok, just work….is that right, Ignazio?
IGNAZIO = Yes, he (Piero) will soon be giving his vows (to enter the convent, Ignazio is the usual joker)
SILVIA = It smells of sanctity.
IGNAZIO = The trip to the Holy Land has served and will also serve for this.
SILVIA = And what about you? (she turns to Ignazio but he avoids the topic)
IGNAZIO = Gianluca, so you?
GIAN = No, Ignazio is your turn.
SILVIA = Ignazio we stayed with Ana Paula, from Brazil, a beautiful, blonde girl…..
IGNAZIO = Let’s go on……yes, because it’s complicated……
SILVIA= The distance?
IGNAZIO = Eh, yes.
PIERO = But there is a positive aspect of this relationship.
IGNAZIO = I learned Portuguese.
PIERO = He learned to speak Portuguese and now we don’t do all the interviews in Brazil with the simultaneous translator, but with Ignazio.
SILVIA = Wow, see?
IGNAZIO = Yes, but it’s difficult, complicated.
SILVIA = It’s over.
IGNAZIO = Yes, yes, but for a while already, for a few months already, since June, that’s life, things have a beginning and we don’t know when the end is, when it arrives, it depends how it arrives…. …. do we go further?
SILVIA = See…..
GIAN = Curious, Silvia is curious.
SILVIA = No, I want to know, indeed the public wants to know… and you? Dear Gianluca?
GIAN = It’s a dual relationship, we are one person. I told you I wouldn’t change.
IGNAZIO = Wait, it hasn’t been two years yet (because Il Volo was invited to Verissimo every two years, instead it’s only been a year since last time)
Usually he has a two-year contract.
SILVIA = But I understand, are you still with Eleonora?
PIERO = Yes, the surname is still the same!
GIAN = Have you seen how they do it? When I speak they jump on me.
IGNAZIO = If I jump on you, you’ll hear me more.
SILVIA = So you kept your promise, if we can say so.
GIAN = Yes, I told you!
SILVIA = Did you do it for us?
GIAN = Of course (he laughs)
PIERO = In fact in the wedding ring there will be written for Silvia (laughter)
SILVIA = Are you happy? Are you OK?
GIAN = Yes, I’m fine, because it’s not easy being around (on tour) and being in love, especially in an age where you often live in freedom, for a series of things, but I’m fine, as I said before, it’s a dual relationship, we are one person, we are similar, really, as if she were my female version and vice versa, in short.
SILVIA = Let’s go ahead and talk about music.
IGNAZIO = Please, are you coming to our concert?
SILVIA = Of course I’ll come to your concerts. So let’s remember on the 24th there’s Christmas in Jerusalem broadcast on Canale 5, then there are three other concert dates.
PIERO = Yes, the day after tomorrow we leave for Brazil, then we will return to Italy for the concerts in Turin on December 15th, Milan on the 17th and in Rome on the 23rd.
SILVIA = And since you never stop, there’s also a new single.
PIERO = Yes, Happy Christmas.
SILVIA = Happy Christmas which is a song by John Lennon which is a beautiful song, a beautiful hymn.
IGNAZIO = Many know it as War is Over.
SYLVIA = Yes
PIERO = Written in 1971 during the war in Vietnam and unfortunately still today…..
IGNAZIO = is current unfortunately.
PIERO =….. let’s keep talking about this sad topic. And with this song, with Happy Christmas and with Christmas, we try to continue giving life to this message, which is an eternal hymn to PEACE. (applause)
SILVIA = And let’s listen to it, are you ready? Il Volo with Happy Christmas War is Over. Thank you.
(starts the song)
SILVIA = Thank you!
IGNAZIO = Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.
SILVIA = Merry Christmas
GIAN = Happy holidays to all.
SILVIA = Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, see you on December 24th, Christmas Eve, with these three really extraordinary guys.
I+P+G= Thank you, thank you all, happy holidays to all.
To all of you at Flight Crew, our warmest wishes for a merry Christmas full of joy, from all the staff:
Daniela, Pat, Susan, Jana, Kelly and Jo Ann…..
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Come in and share the love of life, friends and Il Volo!
