Tag Archives: interview

QUESTION & ANSWER with TORPEDINE by Daniela

Among the many live shows of these days, I saw this video made by the QUESTION & ANSWER program, conducted by Serena and Alessandro asking Michele Torpedine questions of all kinds. I found the answers very interesting and that help us to better understand the manager of our guys.

Enjoy the reading!

S = Guys, Michele Torpedine, manager of Il Volo and author of the book, RICOMINCIO DAI TRE will soon be with us. (she shows the book).

He is a great character in the world of music, he has launched many famous singers and it is an honor to have him here.

(After 10 minutes, Michele connects)

MT = Hi everyone, so what are we talking about today? What should I expect from you Serena? Should I call the lawyer?? (laughs)
But do I have to answer all the questions?

S = Yes, to all questions, and you cannot ask us questions.
Alessandro asked me if I am a little afraid of you, and I am a little afraid of you, because I have read your book and you say you do not have a nice character.

MT = I have a bad temper with those who deserve it, otherwise I am very sweet.
I become grumpy and unpleasant with those who deserve it, but with people who do well I  don’t.

A = Can we also mention names in the questions, or not?

MT = The names yes.

S = My first question is this: is there anything about you that cannot be joked about at all?
(the connection with Michele disappears and when it reappears there is no audio, therefore Michele is asked to exit and return from the live. Michele re-enters, everything is ok.)

MT = No, apart from the physical aspect and the problems of sex, everything can be said about me.

S = But I have all questions about Michele sex!!

MT = I’ll try to answer you.

S = Alessandro ask yourself, the first questions.

Torpedine 01

A = Which is the artist with whom you have had working relationships, who has been the most underrated?

MT = From me or from the audience?

A = The one who didn’t get what he deserved.

MT = There is one in particular, which I brought to Sanremo years ago, his name was Roberto Amadè, he is a great songwriter. We reached the final in Sanremo, but then, the discography and the television viewing did not appreciate him for what he deserved. He is very strong.

A = Because of him or not?

MT = Because the “connoisseurs” did not consider him suitable. You know, you always see the image of those who are doing well (means those who are welcome), of the others not, and with him there was nothing to do, unfortunately, because he was very strong, and he still is because he writes yet . Sometimes there are unexplained things behind success.

A = Instead, what was your most overrated artist? If you can tell….

MT = None of my artists. Just read their names that you understand that they are really good: Gino Paoli, Zucchero, Giorgia, Pino Daniele, Bocelli, Il Volo ….. with these names, you cannot say that they have been overrated, I clearly speak of my artists.
There are many other useless artists, there are names in rap, in trap, in these genres here, which is no longer music, but something else.

Also in women’s discography, there are many voices that are all the same, once there were singers who each had their own musical genre, and a great personality. Today on radio, you can hardly distinguish one from the other species in young people.

Torpedine 02

S = Mine are a little more particular questions, listen carefully to this question.
“Who would manage Il Volo when you retire?”

MT = (he makes a superstitious gesture) …. who will take Il Volo ?? The same happened with Bocelli, after 16 years, his wife and relatives continued the journey and they do it well.

The problem is not to continue, the problem is the initial phase, when they are unknown, it takes the person who senses their talent, afterwards, when the thing has exploded, it is not difficult to manage, as long as you continue on the things already done before.

S = But you think that when you retire, Il Volo will divide, or will always remain: Il Volo?

MT = No, they are too intelligent to divide. I always say that the beautiful part of Il Volo has yet to come, they are still young, they still call them “tenorini”, because they still do not have an age to be considered credible, but vocally, with what they learn on stage, at 28 / 29 years will be great stars, because they sing really well and it will always be better.

A = What artist would you have wanted to manage, which you have not managed?

MT = In Italy I was lucky enough to work with many great artists, I would have liked to have more Pino Daniele, it was the most beautiful production that ever existed on the Italian market. If you talk to me about the international market, that’s another matter.

Pino was the best, his concerts were really all live, he had few recorded sequences.

Torpedine 03

S = Of all the artists you have had, humanly, who is the biggest asshole?

MT = Who has read the book and who follows all my controversies in recent years knows it, is only the artist Zucchero.
The others behaved well, I have nothing to say to Bocelli, to Giorgia, we had a working relationship and then it ended, but I could not say anything about it.

I have been with Il Volo for 11 years, in short, the only one who humanly disappointed me is only Zucchero, luckily like him, there are not many of them, this is an environment where someone still thanks you.

S = In your book you say that no artist has ever thanked you.

MT = It is the vice of the environment, but not everyone is like that, as always, there are intelligent people and others who instead have no sensitivity, or have no memory, because they are greedy of fame.

S = Do you have to say thanks to someone?

MT = Yes. You must know that in the beginning, when I played (he was drummer) I needed money, the whole family was poor, indeed very poor, and when I started playing, my father beat me, because playing, especially in the south, it was not considered a real job, it was wasting time and I had to go to work at 12/13 years of age, otherwise there was no money to eat.

Fortunately then, I started playing for Orietta Berti (Italian singer), and I started to bring home some money. She was the first to trust me, I did a little bit of everything with her and she said that I could be a manager.

Then I went to work for Gino Paoli (Italian singer) and he told me if, in addition to playing, I wanted to take care of him, and with these two characters my life changed.

From a life of total misery, I went to a good time.

(Michele receives a call and the connection jumps, then he reconnects.)

Torpedine 04

A = In fact I thought that, with Gino Paoli, first you only played and then instead you became his manager.

MT = Yes, in fact, I suggested to Gino to take a tour with Vanoni (Italian female singer), at the beginning they didn’t want because there was a love story between them, then they accepted and it was a great success, a very successful tour, and we made a lot of money and my life changed.

A = I personally met Lucio Dalla (author of Caruso) and I think he was one of the few who remained the same, despite the notoriety.

MT = Yes, it’s true, moreover he lived in Bologna like me, and we met often, because we were friends, but also because he lived the city, he didn’t live a retreat, where nobody could meet him, often you met him in the shops, in bars.

S = If you met fifteen year old Michele Torpedine, what would you say to him?

MT = It is a question that many ask me, but, despite those were the most terrifying years for me, because I only took the beating, we ate little and lived five in a room, but it is the period that I remember, as more absolutely beautiful, so I would tell myself to do the same things again, even if I suffered. 

Everything I do, I think back to that first period and for me it is a great victory.

Yesterday on RAI1 the recording of the 2015 IL VOLO concert was broadcast and the boys made high audience, they won the audience of the evening, and for me, this is as if I were doing it for the first time.

S = What you are proud of, but you would never put on your resume.

MT = It is difficult to answer because I am proud of everything I have done and for now everything has gone very well, so there is nothing that I would eliminate.

A = I would like to ask you a question relating to live concerts.
Is there a concert you would like to do in an important location, and with whom?
I remember that with Zucchero you did the concert in the Kremlin.

MT= With Il Volo, next year we will do something for the first time in Piazza S. Pietro (Vaticano).

I was the first to do a concert in the Kremlin with Zucchero, then with Bocelli I did the concert under the Eiffel Tower and the concert in front of the  Twin Towers, and I made the proposal for the Bocelli concert at the Colosseum, then he and I parted, but he did that concert, and the idea was mine.

I could think of a concert on the Chinese Wall, or on the Moon ….. with Il Volo I made Pompeii.

Torpedine 05

A = If you hadn’t become a manager, what would you have done?

MT = I would have continued to play the drums, also because it is the only thing I can do.

I also wrote it in the book, they made us work as children, I practically didn’t see school, so today I would be doing concerts on some cruise ship or in some place, but anyway with that job, I would always have to eat.

S = Once the girls used to say “Come and see my collection of butterflies.” (like a phrase to attract the girls in the house), now what collection would you show?

MT = Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on the case, I am part of an industry, where girls do not need many incentives for certain moments, however it would be sad to think of using those means, when there are serious people who hopefully have other topics to show.

S = Now Michele I have some stupid questions. Nothing is known of your private life, we want to know if you are married, engaged, divorced …. we want to know your facts. Always ask you about the guys from Il Volo, but tell us about yourself. Did you ever say I LOVE YOU?

MT = Very few times.

(Michele reads a message)

A message from the president of Sony has arrived at this moment: “The boys don’t miss a beat.” 

(certainly referring to the consensus of audience that had the concert on RAI1)

Everyone has his point of view with women, I am now elderly and still single, unfortunately I have a negative attitude with women, I have little confidence in them, perhaps because most women in our environment are very “easy”, there are many temptations, and they are unable to be faithful, and I do not respect this type of woman and I am afraid to put such a woman in my house, in fact I was single. I am a southern man and would be very disappointed if my woman cheated on me, I am also jealous, and when I am on tour around the world, I cannot control the situation at home.

Torpedine 06

S = But don’t you miss something in your life?

MT = It is clear, I miss a woman and a son, especially a son.
I miss going home in the evening and finding the family waiting for you.

But I have too many examples near me of unfortunate friends who have not found the right woman or have had divorces and I think it could happen to me too, so I avoid. I have my adventures and then it ends.

S = You like being the sex symbol.

MT = Maybe!! I am a sex symbol for those women who want to start singing or dancing in our environment, but if I were a delivery boy, it would be much harder for me.

 A = How do you see the situation of the concerts, in this moment of virus?

MT = I see it badly, unfortunately, but it is the same for everyone. Luckily in America we only lost 3 concerts, now in August we will have two dates at the Arena and Taormina then Milan, but we will certainly move them to spring 2021. By now this year it will be difficult to do something live.

S = I keep asking you silly questions. Do you watch porn movies?

MT = No, I don’t watch them because they bore me, in the end they are all the same. Look, I always tell the truth and I have to tell you that I have been to Cuba four times and I have never taken advantage of situations, I saw the colleagues who were with me going back and forth from the hotel, I never did it because I didn’t I like to take advantage of this, it’s horrible.

S = How important is sex in a relationship?

MT = A lot and being able to have a person by your side, that involves you is very important.

Final chat and goodbyes!!

Torpedine 07

I enjoyed reading about Michele and I think he really gets “naked” in the interviews.

He has really had very difficult years and surely regrets not having his own child. Maybe that’s why he always said that he considers Ignazio, Gianluca and Piero as his children!!

Did you like the interview?

Daniela

Credit to owners of all photos and video.

IGNAZIO to RED RONNIE by Daniela

Ignazio’s participation in Red Ronnie (Barone Rosso) was really nice.

He was also connected with Lidia Schillaci and Nico Arezzo.

Their performances were beautiful and Red was very happy to have them as guests.

Red = I can’t wait to start this live. There will be many guests tonight. The first person I share contact with is Ignazio Boschetto from Il Volo. (here Red asks to share the live broadcast, and makes a long speech that the internet is trying to limit the connections and he is against this thing.) Then he says that Ignazio has joined the live, also Lidia Schillaci and also Nico Arezzo and then there will be many other guests.

Initial theme plays of the Barone Rosso Solo Flight show.

Red = Let me immediately call Ignazio. He has just returned from a tour, so now let’s see if I can find him ……. “are you there?”

I = Maybe, I’m here.

Red = Here you are, listen to Ignazio, will we call your friends immediately?

I = As you wish, yes.

Red = We start first with the young ladies and so with Lidia.

“Are you Lidia?, wait because Ignazio was vertical.
(Ignazio turns the video horizontally), well that’s better.

Meanwhile Ignazio, welcome back from your tour.

I = This time I don’t have the chance to break anything (he refers to the first time Il Volo was with Red Ronnie and Ignazio broke the juke box.)

Red = In fact, the juke box, it is still here and still suffering, if I put a record in, it does not go and you know why.
(Ignazio laughs). Maybe it’s better if you stand vertical, so Nico is there too. (Ignazio returns to vertical). While I call Nico, explain to me why your friends are involved, are they only Sicilians?

I = No, there is nothing patriotic, it is a question of relationships, with Lidia there is a great friendship that binds us and with Nico, there is a friendship but also a working relationship, because as you know, we are preparing Nico’s CD and I can’t say anything anymore because he’s here.

N = I’m here, I arrived on time.

Red = Let’s explain well, where are you, from Sicily, Ignazio?

I = I was born in Bologna, but my family and in any case my Sicilian house that I have is in Marsala.

Red = Lidia instead you are from Palermo?

L = I am from Trapani, born in Palermo but I live in Trapani, from Castellammare del Golfo and then I live around Italy.

Red = Is Nico from Ragusa instead?

N = Yes, I’m from Ragusa, Ragusano, point down (in the sense the lowest point of Sicily)

Red = So we have Sicily, here, of the excellence of Sicily. Lidia I have to tell you one thing, I saw that you are on all platforms, even periscope, because your friend was responsible for periscope, and she is also called like you.

L = Livia, her name is Livia and not Lidia. (Lidia’s image appears) I was doing these crazy live shows, but now I have stopped, now I’m more on Facebook.

(Finally there is the image of all three.)

Red = Now all three of you are here, stay in that exact position because you are at the center of the image.

N = But is it okay horizontal?

Red = Okay, now you are all vertical because Ignazio dictated the rule

I = But I have the phone like this.

Red = But you could turn it.

I = I did, but then you said to go back vertical.

Red = Okay that’s fine, you all are so beautiful.
Listen Ignazio, let’s start from Il Volo, how did it go in America?

I = It went very well, we were lucky enough to bring the tour almost to the end, we only canceled three concerts. Without talking about what happened in the end, we had a lot of fun, because it was already a year and a half, two, that we were not returning to America, and it was nice to come back with the tenth anniversary, because we celebrated 10 years. However, we are used to taking nothing for granted, and receiving people’s affection in that way, after 10 years, has been surprising.

Red = And after that you came back, you had the greatest contrast, a tour in America and then armored in the house.

I = Think what luck (ironic).

Red = It went well because you have almost finished the American tour.

I = We canceled the last concerts, when the decree arrived, which canceled flights to and from Italy, we looked each other in the eye and we said to each other, we have people who work with us and have families, small children, it is it’s just that we make a serious decision and go home.

And that was it.

Red = How many dates have you canceled?

I = Three

Red = And how many dates have you had?

I = About twenty.

Red = How did you meet Lidia?

I = I remember Lidia, when I was a child, at the time of “Operazione Trionfo” (Star Academy talent show), and I was extremely in love with her voice, obviously and I don’t go further because it would be obvious.

After years, we met personally through a mutual friend, guitarist, right? (Lidia nods), Gino De Vita, in Sicily and so this friendship was born.

Red = But will you do things together?

I = We have already done something.

Red = But something more substantial, now let’s see something, because you sent me some wonderful videos. At two in the morning the videos arrived, I downloaded them and I thought, now I go to bed and then tomorrow I watch them and instead I started to watch them, beautiful, with a fantastic technique, besides, very beautiful. I don’t like to make people sing live, because in the end, there is no synchronization, the audio is bad etc., instead your videos are spectacular. (certainly all Ignazio’s work)

L = Ignazio is very good, he does the editing, he does everything , it’s crazy,  I have to say it’s all thanks to him.

Red = Having had him in my studio, I don’t know how he does things without breaking something though …….. Lidia and Nico, you must know that when Il Volo came here, he went to the Juke Box and started to push and remove at the same time, the buttons …… Lidia you are gone, what have you done? (there is no longer Lidia’s image)

L = But do you hear me at least? Maybe it’s my connection, I try again.

Red = You are there, you are there. Ok. No, you went away again.

N = Red, as soon as you spoke of Ignazio who breaks everything, the connection was automatically dropped.

Red = But do you see the coincidences? I said “Ignazio who breaks” and immediately see what happened !! (everyone laughs)

Here you are Lidia ….. no you are no longer there.

Wait until I attract positive energy: “Ignazio doesn’t break anything, Ignazio is a good boy, Ignazio brings Lidia back in connection …….”

I = But what have I got to do with it ???

(Lidia’s image comes and goes.)

Red = So Nico, I was telling you that Ignazio came here and started pounding the buttons on the juke box, like a computer …. tac tac tac …. and the juke box went haywire. They have already come twice to fix it ….. today I reminded Ignazio of this and he said “reset”, but it is not a computer !!!!

That juke box is from 1956.

N = I saw you in the next phase, (means the second episode of Il Volo da Red), when you had already placed the prohibition signs for Ignazio.

Red = But look, I didn’t put those signs, it was my staff.

I = There is Lidia doing ping pong (Lidia’s image appears and disappears)

L = I don’t know what to say, I don’t stay connected.

Red = I take advantage of it to put up one of your videos, I will put up ENDLESS LOVE ?? What do you want to hear?

I = As you want, if you want to put a song made by all three WHAT FOR FRIENDS ARE FOR.

Red = Yes a song made by all three. Look at the technique, I don’t know how Ignazio did it, in my opinion there is some dwarf who works or some worker who does everything for him.

It’s a beautiful song, are Ignazio Boschetto, Lidia Schillaci and Nico or Nico Arezzo?

N = For today Nico Arezzo.

Red = Not for today, it must be forever. OK, then WHAT THE FRIENDS ARE FOR, Nico Arezzo, Lidia Schillaci and that wretched one !! (everyone laughs)

Red = How nice guys. I don’t know how you did Ignazio, you were really good, I must say that it’s done in an incredible way.

I = But it’s simple ….

Red = How simple, how do you do it?

I = It’s simple, I make my video, then Nico does his, Lidia his part and then I assemble everything.

Red = I hear your voice coming and going.
Even Nico, feels bad, I do something, I call everyone back, let’s see if it works.
I will call Ignazio back.

I = Can you hear me?

Red = of course I hear you.
(Ignazio appears with the golden tapir in his hand, which is given here when there is a situation of particular embarrassment.)

I = As the best phone call of recent times !!! (Red laughs loudly, amused)

Red = But when was it given it to you?

I = When there was the history of the hotel.

Red = It’s true, when they invented that you had destroyed the hotel. Also this story, in your career. Wait I add, first Nico, that we are sure he has a good connection …… nice tapir ….

I = Yes, one never thinks of receiving it, but it is cool.

N = Here I am.

Red = Here you are, Nico and we also call Lidia, but where does she connect from ???

I = She is in Sicily.

Red = She’s in Sicily, that’s why the connection is hard. Here is Lidia.

L = Do you see me?

Red = Yes, here are all three. Listen Lidia, but where are you now in Palermo?

L = I’m in Castellammare del Golfo, do you know these areas? In short, San Vito lo Capo, these areas here, are beautiful.

Red = Do you know that I have never come to San Vito lo Capo? I was hoping to come this year with the festival, with a project, but then it didn’t go well, so …….

I = I invite you.

Red = Why are you down (in Sicily) in the summer?

I = Always, I always spend August in Sicily.

L = See you all, this summer, come to visit us, Red.

N = Sorry, we make a midpoint.

I = Sorry, you come to Marsala, we all meet in Marsala.

Red = Yes, then maybe we will cross the sea and go to Favignana or …….

I = Favignava is in front of my house, so …..

Red = Now I am sending another video of yours, because the songs you have made are very beautiful, but the concept is this, since your collaboration is very beautiful, as soon as the borders reopen (intended as the quarantine ends), as soon as they let us leave the house I wait for you here.

I = Of course.

Red = You should have already come, in the last episode (of the Barone Rosso) available before you went to America, only that I was already full of guests and instead I wanted to give you the necessary time.

So, Ignazio we all know him, Lidia, you did OPERAZIONE TRIONFO, so Ignazio saw you too, then what did you also do?

L = I was on tour for a long time, I was on tour for a few years with Ramazzotti and others and then I have dedicated myself to many things, soundtracks, I have written a lot. I did TALE E QUALE SHOW (she played a copy of Lady Gaga, very good), and now I’m in the process of processing, and writing.

Red = But does Ignazio also have something to do with your project or not?

L = No, I don’t know.

I = I have something to do with friendship, we give each other advice.

L = Exactly, I’m working on my own. I am writing many things, let’s see what happens.

Red = You Nico instead, you did XFACTOR, if I’m not mistaken.

N = Yes, Xfactor from three years ago, I think.

Red = And then you did Sanremo Young.

N = Yes, last December, therefore more recent.

Red = But did you show up with your own song? Or didn’t they let you do your own song?

N = Yes, a song of mine that I wrote about two years ago at the beginning of my writing phase. I introduced myself and …. we chose this song because it was the one I felt the most and therefore it was the right one.

Red = Now I would like to put up a video, what do I put up Ignazio?

I = What you want.

Red = But they are all beautiful …. there is Shallow with you and Lidia (Red mispronounces Shallow, and the three laugh a lot, because as pronounced by Red it seems a forbidden thing.)

I = Put ENDLESS LOVE

Red = Wow, Ignazio I want to know what the word means, you could explain it with words spoken well?

I = I am a lively, spontaneous boy, but I have a certain dignity, so I don’t say it, and you go look for vocabulary. (everyone laughs)

Red = Let’s give some dignity.

I = Let’s hear the song. (laughs)

Red = Watch how they laugh, shut up I put the video.
ENDLESS LOVE Ignazio and Lidia Schillaci.

(after returning from the video, Red’s voice is not heard)

I = Let’s say that after this video a particular love was born between me and Lidia.

L = Yes, incredible.

I = A crazy professional love, there is a great esteem between me and Lidia.

L = But the esteem has always been there.

Red = I forgot to turn on my microphone.

I = So?

Red = So, nothing, I’m doing some chaos.

I = I know that I made you anxious.

Red = Look, when I deal with Ignazio, I sweat. Even when he arrived with Il Volo at the Red Ronnie studio, I expected him to sit down to the piano, instead he immediately went to the drums. Luckily Torpedine was there and took him away.

Listen Ignazio, what does it mean that your love for Lidia was born, does it mean that you will make children together?

I = No, no, only that professional love was born.
You know, when I came from America, I thought what I can do, to be close to the people who follow us and who love us? And I thought about making videos, but I thought it would be fantastic to do something like a collaboration, a duet, something …. and I immediately thought of Lidia. Because thinking about ENDLESS LOVE I thought that Lidia was perfect , and she immediately made herself available, just as when we thought of What The Friends Are For, Nico made himself available immediately.

All this has been done to give a message of hope, to remain close to the people who are forced, like all of us, to stay at home, to live a life they were not used to.

Red = But, what to say Ignazio, that with this speech, you made sense of this live?
Now I’m serious too.

I = Wait for me to turn the page to the talk. (jokes)

N = Do you know that I have never felt Ignazio so serious?

Red = But neither did I, in fact, amaze me, because he has an incredible ability, because he is from Il Volo, the funny boy, the jester of the three, then, this guy here, seats on the piano, he sings and you think but is he the same person that was around here before?  Because he is completely transformed. It’s a crazy thing, understand?

I = I can say, singing is a little like making love, when one makes love it’s like entering another world and for me, singing is the same thing.

L = He enters another dimension, understand Red?

Red = You Ignazio, you told me that, with Nico you started your own project, your label.

I = Yes, we have been talking about this for a long time with Torpedine. In our group everyone has roles and certainly Piero and Gianluca are the ones a little closer to Michele for some decisions, I too say my opinion, but I always give my ok. I do the recording studio part more, I play. It’s been a while since we’ve talked with Michele about doing something, producing guys. We had started with a girl named Shari, but then we took different paths, we were busy doing other things, so it was a mess.

Then, the other two (Piero and Gian) said that they were not so interested, instead I wanted to have my record label, and so I told Michele that I would like to produce Nico, who had already been seen by Michele and Ciotti (Il Volo press office manager) and so Floki Production was born.

Red = What does FLOKI mean?

I = Floki is a Viking character, he was a ship builder, so behind Floki there is the genius of the builder and also hope ……. and then why Nico and I are passionate about the TV series that  is on Netflix, where there is Floki.

Red = Here is the reason.

I = Now I tell you, Nico has been waiting for a long time to go out with the new CD, we had to go out in May …. what could have happened ??? World pandemic !!!

N = You must know that I had had several projects, which for one thing or another had never started, now this year finally in early January, we closed ourselves in the studio every day and at the end we already had the CD. We wanted to publish it for May then it was ready and we wanted to anticipate and instead ….. the decree of the pandemic. Maybe it was all, because the album  was supposed to come out.

L = Too bad all this.

Red = In my opinion it is a pandemic-juke box, which has come at the right time.

Ignazio, there are a lot of people, from Salvador, Brazil, Morocco, Miami, Rome.

I = But what is behind you – the mask of THE PAPER HOUSE?

Red = Yes, I also have a sweatshirt, I’m a friend of Helsinki, I did an interview with him in Venice, very beautiful, it’s on my Facebook.

I = I tell you the truth, when it all started (his career) for a young age, I didn’t know you, then when I did some research I discovered everything, but the pinnacle, for me, was seeing you with Pavarotti and Bono, in the film by Pavarotti.

Red = But you know that critics have criticized that documentary but they say that’s that is the most important part. I haven’t seen it yet.

I = They do it on Monday it seems to me.

Red = Where?

I = I don’t remember, but on the main TV channels.

Red = Then I see it. One day, Ignazio, you and I go to dinner and I’ll tell you everything, because they are good adventures, understand?

I = Absolutely.

Red = So, I salute you, I hope you will come here when you can. Nico, I hope your CD comes out soon.
Tell me Ignazio.

I = Do we say goodbye with the medley made with Nico?

Red = Yes, do you want to teach me how to make TV? I don’t teach you to make songs.

I = Also because it is better not.

Red = No, I’m out of tune …..  greetings also from Bolivia, from America …..

I = Do you know how this medley was born with Nico? Because when there is a certain type of music …. even with Lidia, we love Pino and then we decided to do a 4/5 minute medley of Pino Daniele.

Red = This medley is amazing. I greet you, you have an appointment here. Lidia, you are very good, and then you and Ignazio are well together, he looks like D’Artagnan and you sweeten things a little.
Nico, a question, in Pino Daniele’s medley, you play the guitar, but do you really play it then?

N = Yes

Red = Good.

I = He plays very well, like it was from God, heavenly.

Red = Ignazio greetings from Detroit, Mamma Mia, what a great success Il Volo has had.

I = We have been so lucky and it is nice to bring our culture.

Red = Ignazio is no luck.

I = Also

Red = Luck does not exist, remember, they are always merits.

I greet you guys, I love you.

I + L + N = Final goodbyes.

Red = I put this video, which I find amazing, is a medley of Pino Daniele.

I must also say this that, when there was a tribute to Pino Daniele, made at the stadium in Naples, Il Volo’s participation was criticized, in reality, as Pino Daniele sings, Ignazio, I believe that nobody sings it like this.
I don’t say it because I have him here, live, but because it is reality, because he is simply magical.

This is a Medley, with QUANDO – QUANDO PIOVE – CHE MALE C’E’.

Red Ronnie 01

Below, instead, I publish the video of the song that Nico presented in December at Sanremo Young.

The title of his song was “VOLO”.

And here the magical interpretation of Lidia Schillaci TALE E QUALE, after which every singer had to imitate a famous singer.

Very good Lidia who imitates Lady Gaga.

I must say that here too there is a lot of talent and skill.

Very beautiful both the duet and the trio, and then Pino Daniele medley, really strong.

Lidia you have a beautiful voice and Nico you have many skills.

Ignazio you are a boy who has many facets, you know how to be funny, but also serious, you are bright and romantic and you also have an entrepreneurial soul.

What can we say again, we wish everyone a lot of luck for your projects.

Daniela

Red Ronnie 02

 

Credit to owners of all photos and videos.

PIERO AND A JOKE ON IGNAZIO by Daniela

Our Piero, a few days ago, woke up with the desire to make a joke on someone.

And who could it be, if not poor Ignazio ???

P = Igna, do me a courtesy ….. since Marta from the Press Office called me, and I had to do a video interview, you can do it, which I took this morning ….. I fell asleep …..

I = (Ignazio is very amazed, but he still hasn’t realized what happens, he doesn’t see Piero entirely).

Can you ask Gianluca to do it? Today I have to finish one thing.

P = No, Ignazio, Gianluca cannot. I fell asleep in the sun this morning.

(At this point Piero shows his face, greets Igna with his hand. Ignazio says an exclamation, then and Ignazio’s face is a mixture of amazement and concern 😁)

I put aloe vera ….. (Ignazio doesn’t know what to say, he’s open-mouthed) …. and now my skin is burning, it’s burning me.

I= But why can’t Gianluca?

P = I don’t know, Igna, in your opinion, with aloe vera, it passes.

I = Yes, yes, it must pass. Damn I had to finish one thing.

P = It is important.

I = Who is it with? (the interview)

P = Bho, I don’t know what to do. (Piero laughs, and bring his face closer)

I = Why are you laughing? (observes Piero’s face) But you are crazy.

P = I don’t know what to do “cumpa” (word in Sicilian dialect that is addressed to a friend). I have all scrapes.

I = Of course. But did you wear sunscreen?

P = The oil.

I = Then the oil reacted to you.

P = Sure !!! Good this face mask that I put, I recommend it.

(Piero laughs but Ignazio has not yet understood but begins to suspect).

I = But are you taking me for the bottoms ??? (big laugh by Piero) “Che facisti”. (Sicilian dialect to say “what have you done?”)

P = It’s the face mask. (keep laughing)

I = Bip Bip Bip  (series of censored words)  But is it a face mask?

P = Yes

I = You made me “scantare” (Sicilian word to say frighten). Cretin

P = Bye, bye, I love you!!

I = Bye.

😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

Piero Burn 01

Piero Burn 02

Piero Burn 03

Piero Burn 04

Piero Burn 05

On Sunday there was a call between Piero and Anastacia. I think you all know the good singer Anastacia.

Their dialogue is very beautiful, and this time no translation is needed, but for those who haven’t seen it, here is the video.

At the beginning Piero says: “Hi everyone, how are you and happy Sunday. Today is a beautiful sunny day. Today I will do a live with a special friend that you all know, but many do not know the human side of this fantastic woman, we have been friends for a long time and I wanted to share a Sunday chat with you. Many know who I’m talking about, here she is” :

 

Really interesting what was said by Piero and Anastacia, and as I’m curious, I went to look for the video of Budapest where Piero said he lost his voice. 

Poor Piero, in the first verse, Ignazio came to his aid, and more ahead,  played only the orchestra. Who knows what fear Piero had, and here it is the video:

And here is a video of a performance at the Arena di Verona, by IL VOLO and ANASTACIA.

Really fun.

Ignazio’s face was an open book, with his faces.

But be careful Piero, Ignazio will surely devise a way to return the joke to you. 

Very nice live between Anastacia and Piero, two good artists.

Daniela

 

Credit to owners of all photos and videos.

BILLBOARD ITALIA CALLS IGNAZIO by Daniela

A few days ago there was the Billboard Interview with Ignazio, I will translate roughly for you.

Initial greetings.

At the beginning they talk about the video of “VIVO PER LEI” that Ignazio made the day before (and which I will post after the interview).

Stefano asks Ignazio how he spends his days and Ignazio shows an overview of his small studio where he plays and where he can record, and where he also has a speed simulator for virtual racing with cars.

Stefano asks if when Ignazio was in Indianapolis he tried the race with the cars, but Ignazio says that when they are on tour they avoid any kind of danger, because they must be responsible.

The game begins, of Italian pop songs, sung in a lyrical tone, also done with Gian and Piero, and Ignazio admits, sincerely, that he has not seen their connections with Billboard.

Greet the fans connected by:
Brazil, El Salvador, Bulgaria, Colombia, Argentina.

Stefano asks to sing two verses of a success of Il Volo and Ignazio sings “The Best Day of My Life”.

Ignazio says that often he forgets the words of the songs before the concerts. Stefano says if they use the teleprompter in concert, and Ignazio says absolutely not. But he says that when he goes on stage, immediately all the lyrics of the songs come back to him.

So Stefano immediately brings up the story of the song “Tous les Visage de Amour” whose words they had forgotten, but Ignazio says that he had remembered his part, when instead he had to sing Piero, he remembered nothing and he continued to say the same sentence, then Gianluca had to sing and he too did not remember and then he passed the microphone to Ignazio, but Ignazio did not know the words that Gian had to sing, in short, all laughing!

Stefano asks the time they were more embarrassed at a dinner (he wants to understand if Ignazio will say the same things already said by Gian and Piero). Eventually Ignazio says they were young and still didn’t know each other well, and he and Gianluca had had a squabble, and so Gian threw the fish into the air.

Billboard Ignazio 01

Live questions begin.

A fan asks how she feels about singing songs by important artists such as Mia Martini, Mina, Battisti (Italian singers).

Ignazio says he paid tribute to Mia Martini (Almeno tu nell’Universo) because he saw the story about the life of the singer and wanted to remember it, and for him it was a great honor.

Ignazio also says that his first tribute was for Pino Daniele whom he greatly admires.

Another fan asks what nationality the most affectionate fans are in the world.

Ignazio replies that they are all affectionate, maybe there are people of some nationalities who are temperamentally inclined to do more absurd things, like chasing their cars.

Then he says that a love relationship is created between the fan and the artist even without knowing each other and he says that during concerts, wherever they are they have so much affection.

Then Ignazio compares the behavior of French fans, like girls from northern Italy and girls from Brazil like girls from southern Italy.

A girl asks what madness he would do for a woman.

Ignazio admits that he made many, because he is a very romantic type. He says he has traveled many miles for a woman and that he likes to see the smile on the woman’s face, for what he has given her. He likes to make the other person happy.

Stefano asks if he likes romantic films and Ignazio says that his favorite is Ghost and then he likes Titanic.

Billboard Ignazio 02

Another fan asks Ignazio what he likes to cook.

He replies that he likes to invent in the kitchen, but when friends are around, he prefers sushi or pizza.

Another question, Ignazio is asked what TV series he is watching

He replies “Game of Thrones”.
Stefano asks if he is also a Harry Potter lover and he confirms and says that he bought the whole series and saw it in two and a half days.

Then he asks Ignazio for a cartoon that he watched as a child and Ignazio answers “Spirit” (it’s a wild horse) and then Pokemon and Dragon Ball.

A question, asks him why he became vegan.

Ignazio replies that he does not do it only for animals, even if he loves them very much, but because he has seen that it is actually a healthier eating, and therefore it is also a personal thing.

Another question, which character of a musical work or play would he like to be.

Ignazio answers Rodolfo of la Boheme.

Billboard Ignazio 03

A good question: Stefano asks Ignazio for a quality and a defect of Gianluca and Piero.

Ignazio immediately says that the three of them complete each other, because Piero is very good in public relations and often makes meetings with Torpedine.

Gianluca has great intuitions with the musical choices. Ignazio is interested in the study-music part. However Ignazio says that every decision they make, they do it together and for the good of the group, he also says that Torpedine taught them, first of all, to manage themselves.

Ignazio doesn’t want to say flaws, on the contrary he says a beautiful phrase “Love me with my strengths and live with my flaws.”

Stefano asks if Ignazio has tattoos and he replies as many as 13, the first did it at 17, and is on the wrist, has tattooed the wind rose but on the tips he has put the initial of his family, because wherever he goes he always remembers his important point of reference, his family.


The fans’ questions continue.

What would he change about himself.

Many things, but in particular the fact that he does not have half measures, if he starts something he wants to complete it at all costs, even if physically he is tired, but he cannot postpone and finish later.

The best moments spent in Latin America.

In addition to the concerts, traveling from one place to another, because we created a very nice group with the troupe and they all had a lot of fun together.

What gives you the charge before a concert?

Before a concert he is very relaxed, then as soon as he goes on stage, he gets a lot of adrenaline.

With which international singer would you like to duet?

Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, among males, Ed Sheeran and John Mayer.
Ignazio says that in Los Angeles they met John Mayer, he is a very funny and special person.

Billboard Ignazio 04

Stefano asks Ignazio to give everyone the message of staying at home and Ignazio says it is time to be responsible to others so we must stay at home, above all to save others. We must be responsible and valid for the whole world, because the virus is a worldwide problem.

It is a difficult time for everyone.

Ignazio says he has prepared two short songs and Stefano tells him to sing them.

Ignazio performs on guitar: “Ain’t No Sunshine”.

At the end of the song, Stefano invites Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca to Billboard’s birthday, then asks Ignazio to show how he washes his hands, performing a song and he does it humming “Fatti mandare dalla mamma” (an old Italian song from the 60’s).

So Ignazio sings “Halleluia”.

Stefano thanks Ignazio so much for his skill and availability.

Final goodbyes.

Billboard Ignazio 05

This is the video Ignazio and Stefano talk about at the beginning.

Ignazio sings “VIVO PER LEI”, with the duo of comedians from “I soldi spicci”.

Very nice. 😁

Well Ignazio, you gave some nice answers, and you revealed some sides of your romantic character.

You always give a lot of fun and you can give the impression of a light-hearted and thoughtless boy. Instead prove that you are a mature man and with your family in your heart.

A great gift.

Thanks:  Daniela

 

 

Credit to owners of all photos and videos.

IL VOLO TO PORTA A PORTA by Daniela

The day before Easter there was a short connection from Il Volo to the Porta a Porta transmission, conducted by Bruno Vespa.

For those who follow Il Volo recently, it is news like any other, but for those who have long been fond of boys, remember well the beautiful episodes of Porta a Porta, when the boys, here in Italy, had not yet won Sanremo and therefore still little known and then immediately after, when they were at the height of their popularity.

This time was short, but we all want a whole evening with who the boys called “Uncle Bruno”, and hopefully this will happen soon.

Remember the three guys from Il Volo?

Of course you remember them, they are now famous in Italy and in the world. We baptized them 10 years ago, then they really broke out everywhere.

This is the tenth anniversary of their activity and at the beginning of March they were completing an extraordinary tour with seven thousand people every night all sold out, through America and Canada, then at some point in America things started to go wrong, in Italy, very badly, and they decided to cancel some concerts and come back.

Returning from the US, they made the mandatory quarantine, then the quarantine that we all do. They are locked in the house, in three different houses and have put together their voices to sing a symbolic song: IL MONDO/THE WORLD, the famous 1965 song by Jimmy Fontana, which brought them a lot of luck, let’s listen to them.

IL MONDO starts

BV = Good evening guys, good evening, Gianluca Ginoble from Roseto degli Abruzzi, Ignazio Boschetto from Bologna, Piero Barone from Naro.

G = Good evening.

I = Hi Bruno.

P = Hi Uncle Bruno, how are you.

BV = Hi, I’m fine, with a lot of nostalgia to see you, the RAI1 audience will see you and applaud you again on Tuesday before Porta a Porta.
On Tuesday we will broadcast one of your 2015 concerts made at the Arena in Verona, you will comment on it from your homes, and then we will arrive (in the sense that Porta a Porta is broadcast after the concert).

Of course you are terribly young still, 25 years old, the oldest is Piero who is 26.
How did it go in America?
Sold out every evening.

P = This tour was full of emotions, especially at the beginning, from Italy worries came to us, but we honestly didn’t realize the situation, so we continued to do concerts.

The last three concerts we were forced to cancel, because they closed all the connections from Europe, to Italy from the United States, so we canceled the concerts and returned to Italy.

But we had a nice tour and now we are happy to be at home with our family members safe.

Porta 01

BV = Honestly, you were never at home, what impression did it make you, being locked in a house, with the few movements allowed to each of us, you who are used to crowds of thousands and thousands of people?

I = (Ignazio and Gian answer at the same time, then decide that Ignazio continues)

Personally, I am used to it and I like to stay at home, when I can and we are here, I often stay at home, but now, the nice thing is to have re-found the love of the people close to us, our family members, they are always here, and it is often an affection that we take for granted and even though we always travel, we have had the confirmation that our family is a great reference point.

BV = This I think also applies to Gianluca and Piero, I guess.

G = Of course. We returned on March 13, justly the restrictions imposed by the government to stem the infection have forced everyone to stay at home and we must lead by example.

Staying at home for us who are 9-10 months a year away from home is not entirely negative, because as Ignazio said, our family is the most important thing and now we are together 24 hours a day.

I started playing the piano again, with my brother we sing and play all the time, therefore, in the tragedy, there are also positive things, so we try to have a little “spirit of adaptation”, stay at home and rediscover those passions that were hidden.

P = Objectively, Bruno, we are experiencing a completely new situation, but this moment, however extreme and complicated, calls everyone’s attention, in applying the rules that are indicated to us.

But we, like Il Volo and all artists like us, must lead by example and using today’s technology, to communicate to more people that the situation is serious and everyone’s help is needed.

BV = Guys, thank you, good luck, ready for a brilliant recovery in Italy and worldwide, the appointment is on RAI1 on Tuesday evening.

I = Can I say one last thing?

BV = Of course, Ignazio.

I = I wanted to say something that has been a point of discussion in many broadcasts, I want to tell people at home to listen only to official news, to follow only official sites, because fake news and misrepresented news are very dangerous for everyone, for everyone’s mood, for the Country and for the world. So just read the right news and stay at home like us.

Bruno, grazie mille, because you were one of the first to believe in us.

BV = I’m glad that this fake news is said by a young man, because young people are often victims of social media, and in these days we are listening to everything.

Porta 02

Below is the video of the promotion of the Il Volo concert, made in the Arena in 2015, and which will be re-transmitted on RAI 1 on Tuesday 14 April at 09:30 pm, Italian time.

The concert will be commented directly by Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca from their homes.

For those able to connect and view RAI 1, it is always a good concert to see and also the guys will sing many songs, and also LA VITA, whose words are really significant in this period.

Daniela 

 

Credit to owners of all photos and videos.