I promised Il Volo Flight Crew an article on the first concert of the autumn tour –Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London.It took place last Sunday, October 6th and I was completely blown away.
HOOKED I had come across Il Volo a few years back on Facebook: they performed Il Mondo to a German audience and they were just teenage boys. I remember I posted the whole clip and wrote something on my page like “Happy Monday. Cheer yourself up” because the joy of these three very young men had captured something in me.
And yet I forgot about them – for a few busy years anyway. Then, earlier this year (2024), I (who was never ill) suffered a second heart attack. Commanded (again!) to rest, I scrolled through FB memories, listened again to Il Mondo, and wondered what had become of these boys-with-men’s-voices? Then, oh my goodness, I discovered the goldmine that is YouTube with Il Volo performances and interviews and funny moments spanning 15 years.
Hooked! I was completely hooked. And then beyond excited to see that extra date added to the start of the European tour – London, UK. I reckoned I deserved a treat for surviving despite everything, and I booked two tickets in the royal circle of the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. I booked flights from Glasgow. I bought the albums and brushed up my Italian to understand properly their amazing lyrics. I played Ad Astra from beginning to end until I knew every note and nuance. It is my favourite album. In it, I hear the struggles and the triumphs, the joy or Felicità that they have in singing, the love that holds them together despite everything.
LONDON, 2024
And finally, here I was. I’m outside one of the oldest theatres in London, built in 1812. It retains its splendid features, the ornate plasterwork, the great glass lights, the private boxes above the stage. Our seats were in the first tier at the left side as you look from the stage. I could just be visible in one of the audience shots. I wondered about the venue – so tiny compared to Verona and others – but when the curtain came up in this old and beautiful theatre, it felt exactly right.
People from all over the world had queued to see them arrive at the theatre. If Il Volo had reservations about performing in London, they were greeted by an enthusiastic sellout.
This headline from La Reppublica:
Il Volo conquista anche Londra: “Questa città era una sfida, siamo stati accolti col tutto esaurito”
(Trans: Il Volo also conquers London: “This city was a challenge, we were welcomed with a full house”)
I’ve listed all the songs that I remember Il Volo sang; they’re below though not in any order. I was too intent on the performance to take notes during it. Th emphasis is perhaps tending towards an English-speaking audience with songs from Elvis, Sinatra and Queen, but I was so happy that they kept in the beautiful Bel Canto classics like Un Amore Così Grandeand O Sole Mio because I had never heard them sung live. As I said, my favourites are from Ad Astra and it was wonderful to hear the powerful Opéra, the magical Capolavoro and to watch the interplay of these amazing voices at the same time as hearing them. Next time, I hope to hear more.
VERY SPECIAL MOMENTS What were the special London moments? Ignazio’s warm welcome and pleasure at being in London. He told us it had been Barbara’s favourite city. Gianluca’s apologising for his American accent and promising to practise his British one (really, you sound fantastic, Gian – what a linguist!). Ignazio teasing Gianluca about his sparkly boots and Gian teasing Igna about his very Italian accent when he said: “It’s my first concert with the ring”. Piero laughing at them both. And Piero’s smile at the end of each solo, as though he can’t believe he has actually brought it off!
They were in excellent voice, of course, and their solos were truly beautiful – my favourites: Memory by Ignazio, Amor, Vida de Mi Vida by Piero and Music of the Night by Gianluca. This seemed especially to reverberate around the traditional theatre with its boxes and balconies, its hidden corners: very like the Paris Opéra which is the setting for Phantom.
They told us a little about themselves. Piero talked about their 15 year journey together, starting as young boys who didn’t know one another. Gianluca described how he gets lost in the music, how important it is to live creatively in the moment. And Ignazio spoke about losing Barbara Vitali as he introduced Hallelujah. The audience had been told strictly no phones, photos or videos but we put on our flashlights when he asked us to, as a tribute to her. And we sneaked a photo or two. But I just wanted to listen – Hallelujah is another favourite, beautifully sung. You have to hope that their very real grief at Barbara’s death is receding just a little.
One of the UK’s most famous pop singers from the 50s till now, Cliff Richard (Sir Cliff), was in the audience. He was greeted from the stage by Gianluca, and as we craned over the balconies to try and see him, Ignazio told us to be careful and not to take a dive.
The audience was lit up between songs; it seemed Il Volo really wanted to see us and to know this audience who sang and clapped and shouted their names and “Bravi!” to show them how much we loved them. There were standing ovations and I suspect more than a few tears. (Caruso got to me!) We Brits are not so cold after all.
MEETING AND GREETING After the show, I nervously headed for the Meet and Greet. They took a little while to arrive, and while I was waiting, I wondered what on earth I could say to them. In the end, I walked towards them smiling (probably like a crazy woman) and I just said “Thank you. That was a great show”. Those three pairs of wonderful eyes looked at me, and someone (which one was it?) said, “I’m glad you liked it”. But I wanted to say, “You have cheered some of my darkest days and brought me music that makes sense of life.”
WHY THIS CONCERT? When I think about how determined I was to see Il Volo after knowing about their music for such a short time, I realise it was the warmth expressed for and from their audiences that really drew me. Yes, they are consummate entertainers, beautiful to hear and to look at, but it is this warmth that draws people to them all over the world, I believe. At the very end of the night, as they finally left the stage, Gianluca promised they would come back next year. If they do, I’ll be there.
THE SONGS Here are all the songs I can remember from the show. I may have missed some songs out as I didn’t take notes at the time. I was mesmerised by what was happening onstage.
O Sole Mio Il Mondo Se The Ecstasy of Gold Can’t Help Falling In Love Grande amore Amor, Vida de mi Vida The Sound of Silence La donna è mobile Hallelujah Miserere My Way Opéra Capolavoro Un Amore Così Grande È Lucevan Le Stelle The Music of the Night Memory Nessun Dorma
Here are highlights of this beautiful, intimate concert.
Beautiful theater from the photos posted by Gianluca and his mother.
A moment during the soundcheck
This is a short video made and broadcast by LONDON ONERADIO where you see the fans at the soundcheck and you hear a brief moment of Il Volo singing the beautiful THE SOUND OF SILENCE, it is a magnificent song, new to the Il Volo repertoire, let’s hope someone recorded it in full during the concert!!
But let’s get to the evening of the concert.
My friend Katerina Tsaousi flew from Greece for the concert and recorded some beautiful videos that I propose to you. Thanks Katerina!! 😘
The repertoire has been revisited with the addition of new interpretations made by Il Volo, such as the beautiful SOUND OF SILENCE, but also by having Italian songs that everyone knows again listened to such as:
FUNICULÌ FUNICULÀ
or: O SOLE MIO
AMOR VIDA DE MI VIDA (Piero)
CAPOLAVORO
CARUSO
GRANDE AMORE
The final
Gianluca’s words: Thank you London, for the incredible energy and warmth! There’s no better way to kick off our European tour. You’ve set the bar high, and we can’t wait to share more unforgettable nights with all of you!
This video about the London concert is beautiful.
And the Italia 1 news broadcast an excerpt, here it is:
Il Volo also conquers London: “This city was a challenge, we were welcomed with a full house”
The trio opened the tour from the English capital, featuring some evergreens by Queen and classics by Leonard Cohen, Simon & Garfunkel, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. A success
LONDON – A challenge won for Il Volo which opened its new European tour in the English capital and sold out. “We were very hesitant in starting from here – Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca told us a few hours before going on stage – due to the enormous cultural offer that the Capital puts on the table every day of the week and, more generally, because the England is a difficult market for any artist. We thought that perhaps it would have been better to include London a little later, doing other cities first, other concerts and arriving here better prepared, warmer. Instead, we chose to trust our promoter and, shortly after the announcement of the European tour, London was among the first stops to be sold out.”
The confirmation of how the trio was eagerly awaited at the Theater Royal Drury Lane, one of the oldest stages in the city dating back to 1812, came not only from the number of tickets sold, over two thousand, but from the queue of fans that had been created hours before the opening of the doors, with many Italians queuing, English people also arriving from the rest of the country, British people from Wales, Venezuelans, Brazilians and other nationalities, all belonging to those small and large foreign communities that feed the melting pot of the Capital, ready to support, applaud and enjoy Bel Canto for a night.
Il Volo is prepared for all this, thanks to its fifteen years of experience around the world; for this reason that every concert, including the one in London, tries to think of it in a unique way. Hence the choice to include in the setlist, for the performance at Royal Drury Lane, some of Queen’s evergreens which are always a pleasure to listen to immersed in English atmospheres: from the show must go on to Who wants to live forever, moving on to other musical classics timeless, like Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen and, for the first time, The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel. All expertly mixed with songs by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley or soundtracks from musicals of the caliber of The Phantom of the Opera.
There is also ample space for their most successful songs, old and new such as Capolavoro, Ad Astra, Opera, to others taken from their album tribute to the maestro Ennio Morricone, up to the inevitable Grande Amore per la grande finale anticipated by classics of Italian popular culture , hummed by everyone, Italians and foreigners, complete with hands raised towards the sky.
Each piece was a river of applause, but the peak was recorded when their voice went high, very high, as with Piero Barone in the interpretation of Amor, vida de mi vida which, among the numerous performances, that of Plácido Domingo remains still the most memorable today. For Piero there was a standing ovation, as well as a heartfelt applause of appreciation from Sir Cliff Richard, present in the audience, one of the older generation English singers with over 21 million albums sold.
“Having a rather substantial career behind us, having duetted with many international stars and held concerts on all continents, we can truly draw from an almost infinite repertoire – they add – from classical to pop, to contemporary, to even more dated things, but without never distort our nature, which remains that of being ambassadors of Bel canto in the world. That’s how people got to know us and that’s what they expect from us when they come to our concerts. However, this does not mean repeating ourselves constantly even in the years to come, but rather proposing songs that we like to sing first of all, that we have made our own and that with them we have reached a level of confidence such as to be able to insert them into lineup, with the certainty that they can also be appreciated by our fans. This is how we think about tours, including the new European one which starts today from London.”
A performance, this one in the English capital, which represented a unicum in Il Volo’s career. It is the third time they have performed in London (the first at the Palladium in 2016 and then at the Royal Albert Hall in 2017), but the first post-Brexit, post-Covid, to pave the way for an international tour, and also because Ignazio Boschetto went up for the first time on stage wearing the ring on his finger, fresh from his marriage to Michelle Bertolini and also fresh from his round figure, 30 years celebrated a few days earlier, on October 4th. “We also wanted to dedicate this special evening to Barbara (Vitali, historic collaborator of the trio who passed away at the age of 54 in July due to a car accident, ed.) because she has been with us since the beginning of our career. She was our second mother and for her, London was a special place…”.
Leaving the London drizzle behind, Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca flew to Bratislava for the second stage of the European tour, which will be followed by Budapest, Prague, Barcelona, Dusseldorf, Berlin, Frankfurt, Athens, Zurich, with a date in the Emirates in Dubai on October 25th to return to the Old Continent first in Lodz and then Lisbon, Paris, Sofia in view of the grand finale on November 6th in Madrid. The Italian tour in the sports halls will start in January with stops in Milan, Treviso, Florence, Bologna, Turin, Rome, Eboli, Bari, Messina.
“In the meantime, we also have to think about the next musical project. Because this is the real challenge that we have been pursuing for fifteen years. Put like this, it seems like a condemnation, but it isn’t at all, given that we are neither the first nor the only ones to live like this. It is the reality that unites all those who work in the artistic field. Except that for us it has been valid since we were little more than kids and, we hope, that it will be valid for a long time to come”, the three finally tell us, from the dressing rooms on the third floor of the Theater Royal Drury Lane, while the fans began to take their seats in the velvety seats red, including those who, without knowing it and pleasantly surprised once seated, purchased seats in the Royal Balcony, the one reserved for members of the royal family.
8 October: Bratislava
The concert is in the beautiful and modern Tipos Arena.
The very large audience cheered fervently and admired our three treasures with affection.
What a crackling start.
There aren’t many full videos, but several nice mixes from the evening.
Magnificent: THE SOUND OF SILENCE by Simon & Garfunkel ❤️
Gianluca in the audience while they sing O Sole Mio.
The enthusiastic applause of the people.
Some nice photos of the evening
Il Volo with Jodok and the concert organizers of Koncertpromo who published these words!
Thank you, Il Volo for an incredible first show in Bratislava! Tomorrow, let’s take over Budapest at the @mvm_dome and show how Italian Belcanto conquers the hearts of the Hungarian audience. Love you guys! ❤️
❤️Thank you for inviting @jodokcello to perform with you on these beautiful shows!❤️
The words written by the hotel that hosted them in Bratislava were also very nice:
This week we had the honor of welcoming other exceptional guests to our hotel – the famous Il Volo trio! 🎶✨
Their talent and energy filled not only the winter stadium but also our entire facility, and we are so proud that they chose us. ❤️ Thank you for allowing us to be part of their journey and we wish them much success in their future performances!
Some news that you will have already read, but which I have not given here.
Il Volo will be in Chile in November (8 or 9) for the TELETHON charity broadcast.
Here’s how the news was broken:
“Finally – and from Europe – the Italian trio “Il Volo” will also arrive in our country. Ignazio Boschetto, Gianluca Ginoble and Piero Barone are the singers behind this successful operatic pop group. With almost 15 years of experience and millions of views, come to Chile for the third time to present their greatest hits and their popular covers of ballads in Spanish such as “Abrázame”, by Julio Iglesias, “La unconditional”, by Luis Miguel and “So in love”, by Ricardo Montaner.”
And we end with a bit of gossip, Claudia, Gianluca’s girlfriend, was also present at the London concert, here she is in the photo next to mother Eleonora.
Wow, it was a really exciting start to the tour, great turnout and love from the people who were really excited to listen to Il Volo!!
Of course, the voices of Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca are beautiful and their professionalism is a guarantee, their concerts do not disappoint.
But there are many dates and many concerts still to be done, the journey is long and will certainly be equally full of successes, we have no doubt!!
Barbara Vitali’s funeral took place on 15 July and on the same evening an interview with Il Volo was scheduled to be broadcast on television on theSKYTG24channel during theSTORIES program.
This interview was recorded right after returning from the tour in Japan and has only just been aired.
It’s a really nice interview conducted by Omar Schillaci, with very particular questions to which Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio responded as always with the utmost serenity, without hiding anything. You must activate the subtitles and if you don’t understand something just ask me, enjoy your viewing.
Since the YouTube video with subtitles is not visible to everyone, and since it is a nice interview, I will translate it for those who cannot see it.
SCHILLACI= Welcome to Il Volo, welcome to SKYTG24, welcome to STORIES. Gianluca, Piero, Ignazio, thanks for being here.
G+P+I= Thanks to you, hello.
SCHILLACI= This is a MASTERPIECE that you also brought to Sanremo, it is a single that anticipates the album which is the first album of unreleased AD ASTRA songs. Since we have to divide (the interview) everything by three, because usually here there is only one person in front of me….
GIANLUCA= Is this the first one-on-three interview you’ve done?
SCHILLACI= One against three is the very first, I tried one against two…
GIANLUCA= How did it go?
SCHILLACI= No, quite good, like with I SOLITI IDIOTI (it’s a comedian duo), ok, but the one against three is new, so let’s do this, let’s start with Gianluca.
GIANLUCA= Yes.
SCHILLACI= Album description.
GIANLUCA= We decided to build a repertoire of unreleased songs for the first time, because our repertoire is based 80% on the history of Italian tradition and beyond and is therefore based on covers, but we also have a lot to say, we have content, well, we are not just interpreters. So for the first time we wanted to show our great artistic and personal growth with this album and with CAPOLAVORO this new journey, this new musical adventure began.
SCHILLACI= Piero, how long, let’s say, have you been harboring this growth for a while?
PIERO= Over the years from 2015 onwards, it comes alone, it is a natural way of expressing one’s idea.
In this album we somehow expressed our three thoughts which are completely different, we always sing together but we are three different identities and this album is a bit of a summary of what we are today.
SCHILLACI= These three different identities, Ignazio, how do you make them go, so to speak, in unison, because then they are three identities which then have to give birth to one…..
IGNAZIO= After 15 years we are still working on it, but I think it is also normal.
SCHILLACI= But as in all couples…..
IGNAZIO= But then it is also a strong point, we must not see it as a negative point to have three different ideas and three different personalities, on the contrary, we have made it one of our strong points on stage, from the serious moment to the more playful one, jokingly, to that moment of total fooling around. So for us it is our strong point.
SCHILLACI= You are actually very young, but in this format (Stories) we start from the very beginning, that is, from the house.
Casa Ginoble, where are we, who is there? How is the house?
GIANLUCA= I was born in Atri, but I live in Montepagano Roseto degli Abruzzi in the province of Teramo.
SCHILLACI= OK
IGNAZIO= But is the name all that long?….
GIANLUCA= Yes, it’s all so long. And so let’s say that I have strong Abruzzo roots and I am very proud to be from Abruzzo, being between two Sicilians is not easy.
I have always lived in an environment, if I may say so, of purity, a very affectionate family, so I was loved a lot, there was a strong presence from my parents, my grandfather, my brother, so we are a very close family.
SCHILLACI= What kind of child were you?
GIANLUCA= So, I have always been a curious child and I have asked a thousand questions and I always continue to ask myself questions and create answers, a very restless child, I felt I had such a great mystery that to unhinge this thing I have inside I always need to cultivate doubt, knowledge and curiosity, which I believe is the main thing.
SCHILLACI= Instead, what was little Piero like at the Barone house? Where are we even?
PIERO= I was born in Naro, in a town in the province of Agrigento.
IGNAZIO= From one extreme to the other, with a book-length name in Naro…..
PIERO= My childhood could easily be described as a Tornatore film accompanied by Morricone’s melodies, in Sicily, these arid landscapes. I lived a wonderful childhood where I never lacked love from my family, an older brother, a younger sister. I have experienced my grandparents so much that they are the greatest privilege one can receive in life, it is a great luxury to experience grandparents and I believe that childhood taught me that problems are born to be solved and one must never be demoralized but be optimistic in this. I will always try, for the rest of my life, to bring this Sicilian character which I believe is a great strength.
SCHILLACI= Casa Boschetto, what kind of child were you at home?
IGNAZIO= Ok, so I grew up like the usual families who leave their land to seek their fortune. My parents are Sicilian, my sister was born in Sicily and then they moved to the north and then I was born in Bologna. As a child I experienced my mother’s illness, cancer, she had a tumor, so I grew up a lot with my sister because my father went to work, my mother was facing the illness, so I spent a lot of time with my sister and we they both grew up quickly. She acted as a mother to me a bit and I couldn’t be a naughty little child, so from an early age I had to grow up quickly.
I was a mess because I did something every step of the way….
PIERO= Why do you only speak in the past tense?…..
IGNAZIO= As a child, I’m saying, then comes the aftermath….I wasn’t bad, I was a disaster because I was lively and got up to all sorts of things. As a child, I remember, we went down to Sicily and got together with the family, because you know it was an event that relatives from the north who come to Sicily in the summer and we organized a dinner at my grandparents’ house and I was there in front of 40 people listening me who entertained them by telling jokes and stories, but I was little.
PIERO= Do you know what you’re reminding me of? One evening it was Christmas time, at my grandmother and my grandmother’s house, the whole family gathered. I arrived last, I was so happy to knock hard on the door, there was that ancient door with glass and I was such an idiot that to knock I punched the glass and my arm remained inside the glass and it broke all.
IGNAZIO= But did they at least hear you knocking?
SCHILLACI = Let’s hope they’ve opened! Let’s see another clip. (begins O Sole Mio)
IGNAZIO= Years have passed.
SCHILLACI= Exactly because here you are three children.
IGNAZIO = 15 years old, 16 years old you. (to Piero)
PIERO= Do you know why we wore those headphones around our neck? We didn’t know what we were doing, we did everything they told us to do. Those are the “beats” created by Jimmy Iovine. Jimmy Iovine was the head of Interscope Records Universal Music, the record company. In 2010 we signed this contract with Universal and Dr. Dre with Jimmy Iovine produced these headphones and gave them to Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas and they also sent these headphones to us and we had to put them in the video.
SCHILLACI= Which isn’t bad at all!
IGNAZIO= No!
GIANLUCA= No, but in fact the creation of O Sole Mio, which then O Sole Mio was also sung by Elvis Presley in the English version in the 70s if I’m not mistaken: “It’s now or never”. So we were inspired by that arrangement, then we also made a version in English and Spanish and they went crazy, especially in the United States, because after Andrea Bocelli, there had never been any other artist who brought “bel canto” around the world. Let’s say that we try to follow in the footsteps of the great artists who brought our music to the world, especially from Japan to the United States and overcome the barriers of language.
SCHILLACI= I’ll keep you there at the beginning, you started with a talent show, in short with TI LASCIO UNA CANZONE, you had arrived as singles, I ask you exactly the moment in which they told you: “But why……”
PIERO= On Monday afternoon the lyrics of the song arrived with the folder of songs that you had to sing live on Saturday evening.
I remember that on Sunday evening we returned home, because the program lasted 9 weeks, it was a sunny day and there were relatives at home because every Monday afternoon we returned and they came to the house to compliment the previous episode. That Monday afternoon, a sunny day, I received this folder with the division of O Sole Mio between Ignazio, Gianluca and Piero, I didn’t understand why, then on Wednesday they told us for the first time “sing together”, without telling us why.
GIANLUCA= At the fourth episode, because the program was initially five episodes and therefore we didn’t sing together straight away. We were lucky enough to find ourselves in the same edition of this television program….
PIERO= It was the second.
GIANLUCA= ….and it was the second edition and we found ourselves in that moment and we were the only children who sang the same musical genre unconsciously.
IGNAZIO= I remember that we did Sanremo numbers (audience).
GIANLUCA= It was 41% share that year.
PIERO=Roberto Cenci, the director, arrived at the last episode with a black shirt with the writing 41% here. (on the chest).
GIANLUCA= And then Omar, (Schillaci)’s life changed radically, from school to Los Angeles, because Tony Renis and Michele Torpedine, manager who discovered Andrea Bocelli, Zucchero and many others, decided to contact the program and our families and the first meeting was in Rome and so we were there with the man who was Andrea Bocelli’s manager, one of the greatest artistic producers in history.
IGNAZIO= But I wasn’t there, weren’t you there either? (to Piero)
PIERO= No, I wasn’t there.
IGNAZIO= Our parents had the first meeting.
GIANLUCA= And so for us it was a sudden but anomalous change of life, we lived a childhood, an adolescence that was totally out of the ordinary.
SCHILLACI= But before we get to this incredible Boom, I like this passage from the school desks suddenly….
GIANLUCA= But it really was like that.
PIERO= But it was also years…..
IGNAZIO= Sorry, I think it’s important to have a detail that we haven’t talked about much in recent years, a bit as an example for all the parents who are watching us at the moment and also for all the kids. For us it was very important that our parents have this meeting with the lawyers and everything. I remember that my mother returned to Sicily and told me: “Listen to me, here is a nice proposal that could change your life or not, but it will most likely change it for you, but know that you have to give up playing with friends, going around on a scooter, going to play football, because your life will be very busy, so forget about adolescence. And I remember that my mother made me make the decision by putting everything in front of me. It was a very important moment.
PIERO= And in a few weeks, from school, we found ourselves at WE ARE THE WORLD for Haiti and in Los Angeles with Quincy Jones, Lionel Ritchie, all these great artists.
SCHILLACI= Now we’re getting there. Which students were you though?
PIERO= Very bad, very bad. So I was a good classmate, always sitting in the first desk because I liked to distract the teacher, so I always skipped first period because you know what I did? I always watched the news before going to school, I kept informed, the teacher, we had three of them, she was very curious, I love her with all my heart, so what did I do: “Professor, did you see what happened in America? Did you see what happened there?”
Then she would start talking and the first hour would already be over and then the second would begin.
SCHILLACI= What students were you?
IGNAZIO= I was the classic student who listened to his classmates’ questions and then repeated. I didn’t study much, I listened more but I memorized immediately. The problem was when they called me first, being Boschetto I was one of the first.
PIERO= I was the second. (Barone)
GIANLUCA= I was very lazy, very lazy, and therefore I didn’t study much. But I remember one thing that stuck in my mind, I had studied the life and works of Foscolo (Italian writer) for 10 days, for once I study, I go there and get a nine, instead the teacher gave me a six (just enough), so I never studied again from there.
SCHILLACI= Okay, so then came the tours.
GIANLUCA= Exactly, but then we are catching up now, because we didn’t go to high school, we didn’t go to university and therefore we dedicated 15 years of our lives to music and to the band and therefore perhaps we left behind….
PIERO= But we also went to high school privately in the United States, in Los Angeles, because we were forced to learn English immediately, because we couldn’t do television in America with simultaneous translation.
GIANLUCA= Of course not, but we missed a part, we experienced something else. This is our life, there is no normality, everyone lives their own life and let’s say normality does not exist…..
PIERO= I graduated.
GIANLUCA= …..everyone follows their own life path, but we certainly missed that part of attending school, university, being together with other peers, growing from that point of view, but we did another school of life.
IGNAZIO= You know when someone asks how you went to school and as a joke you reply that the only subject I did very well in was physical education?
I couldn’t even say it, because I was 120 kg. (264 lb.) I wasn’t doing well there either. (laugh)
SCHILLACI = Let’s see another clip. (the duet with Barbra Streisand begins)
This is SMILE with a little-known artist in the world (ironic), Barbra Streisand who you actually met at We Are the World for Haiti in 2010, so how does it work? He calls you on the phone, speaks to you: “Hi guys, I’m Barbra…..”
IGNAZIO= We received the proposal, our manager Michele Torpedine received the proposal that they wanted us to go on tour with her, not to open, we were an integral part of the show, so we sang with her and then she left the stage for us to sing two or three songs and at the end we returned with all the guests of the evening.
GIANLUCA= All this three years after the start of our career, we were 16-17 years old.
PIERO= Imagine that when our American co-manager arrived to get us to sign for the tour with Barbra Streisand we were in Atlantic City, he came to the room, Giordan knocked and said: “Piero has to sign” and since I was in a hurry to go to the gym I signed without looking at what it was, without anything. This makes you understand the recklessness that was in us.
SCHILLACI= If you hadn’t had this career, how?…
PIERO= What a good question…
SCHILLACI= …that is, sometimes you may have said to yourself, I imagine myself or I would have imagined myself doing…
IGNAZIO= I don’t know, maybe I would have continued the family business we had down in Sicily, so most likely I would be a pizza chef and I would sing out of pure passion and fun.
SCHILLACI= (To Piero) What would you have done?
PIERO= It was in my plans to finish high school and enroll in the conservatory, then live off music, be a tenor or be part of a choir in some theater, try to do some opera, but I wouldn’t be able to imagine my life without music.
SCHILLACI= Gianluca…
GIANLUCA= Today, if I think about it, I can only express myself when we talk about art from all points of view, from writing something, to singing to painting anything, I probably don’t see an alternative, there was nothing else other than music really, so we were also lucky, all the people around us, who helped us express ourselves in the best way.
PIERO= Also encouraged.
SCHILLACI= What fear are you?
IGNAZIO= What fear are we?
SCHILLACI= A fear.
IGNAZIO= I often talk about it with my partner and I say that sometimes what we are experiencing (Il Volo) and what I experience with my partner is so beautiful, that I am almost afraid of waking up from this life that seems almost magical.
SCHILLACI= Greatest fear (To Piero)
PIERO= More than fear is fear. In the end it’s the stimulus that keeps you going, but if I had to describe a fear, maybe it’s losing curiosity or maybe getting used to the surprises that life holds for us.
GIANLUCA= There are many fears. As a child I was afraid of death, I constantly dreamed when the light went out that I would see everything black, I had a great fear, then philosophy, you know, helped me, even surrounding myself with the right people. I fought this fear, also because life is about learning to die from this point of view.
SCHILLACI= Let’s see another clip. (Grande Amore begins)
This is Grande Amore, come to Sanremo and win Sanremo, easy!
IGNAZIO= Easy… oh god, actually it was easy because we didn’t expect it so we didn’t make a huge effort. This song arrived, I didn’t like it, the only one who liked it was Piero who went crazy…” we have to do it, we have to do it”…
PIERO= Because I liked that refrain, it stuck in my head.
IGNAZIO= The audition arrived sung by a tenor and a soprano and I said: “What should we do with this song?”
Then in the end with Celso Valli who produced it, we worked in the studio together with Michele our manager and what became Grande Amore came out.
But we arrived there without any presumption and we didn’t expect it, that is, we hoped to win, also because then we knew that it could change our lives in Italy, that in any case we were almost unknown in Italy, and therefore we hoped but we didn’t think, and then it was what happened and completely changed our history here in Italy.
SCHILLACI= (To Piero) You were right!
PIERO= But somehow we are a team and especially in this period we know that if we work as a team we win. Over the years we have also learned to listen to each of us, to listen to our ideas and above all to respect our own ideas.
IGNAZIO= You know what, in meetings before, when we proposed something, we said an idea and it was immediately nooooo.
PIERO= An immediate no. “Let’s try to do this song: NO”. We were like that, it’s part of growing up…
IGNAZIO= We were in the studio, we were listening to a song: “No, this is not good,” but 30 seconds had passed.
PIERO= But it was a stance, you couldn’t go on like this, then over the years you fortunately mature, you are no longer the same as before, then over the years you always think of the good of the group.
IGNAZIO= We need an earthquake, you know that then there are aftershocks, we have settled.
SCHILLACI= Was there an earthquake Gianluca at some point?
GIANLUCA= Think of three people, consider that we are three leaders, they put us together, we didn’t know each other, we didn’t choose each other. From the beginning there has always been that healthy competition, then we understood over time that unity is strength from all points of view, also because 15 years is a long time.
SCHILLACI= Let’s try to play a little game and see how well all three of you know each other.
I ask you : “Who is the most positive of the three of you?”
G+P= Ignazio,
GIANLUCA= NO, oh god…
IGNAZIO= Now much more…
GIANLUCA= Yes, much more now.
PIERO= Before he was pessimistic.
GIANLUCA= Cosmic pessimism.
IGNAZIO= Before he (Piero) was positive. Now I’m just…
SCHILLACI=… you are positive and good. The most pessimistic instead? (Piero and Ignazio point to Gianluca)
GIANLUCA= No, no, I’m a realist.
SCHILLACI= Realist.
PIERO= No, you are pessimistic!
IGNAZIO= Let’s say that until a few months ago it was me, now it’s Gianluca.
GIANLUCA= No, it’s not true.
IGNAZIO= Rightly to counterbalance.
SCHILLACI= Who is the one who loses patience first?
IGNAZIO= (At first he raises his hand but then thinks better of it) No, oh God, we’ll play it (and Gianluca scores)
SCHILLACI= But you raised your hand!
IGNAZIO= I’m more touchy, he…..(he means that Gianluca loses his temper more than him)
PIERO= It’s the fourth question you’re asking, have you understood who is the perfect one in the group?
SCHILLACI= So, who’s the one to apologize first?
PIERO= Maybe…..(he looks at Ignazio and at that moment Ignazio marks himself)....you??? But whenever.
IGNAZIO= Ok you. But no, not you.
PIERO= I like to apologize if I admit that I’m wrong.
IGNAZIO= Me too.
PIERO= Wait, let’s do something, who never says sorry? (Piero and Ignazio look at Gianluca)
GIANLUCA= See how they paint me…
PIERO= He is like cats, he always has to land on his feet.
SCHILLACI= So, who is most moved?
IGNAZIO= Gianluca, but lately I’ve been getting very close. Gianluca has always been the most sensitive one.
SCHILLACI= Who makes the most jokes of the three?
IGNAZIO= Do you even ask?
GIANLUCA= Oh God, Ignazio!
SCHILLACI= Let’s see another clip. (Nessun Dorma da Notte Magica begins)
This is Nessun Dorma, you are in Florence Piazza Santa Croce and there is a certain Placido Domingo conducting.
PIERO= Do you know what the best memory is, at least for me, the day before we sang at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid with Placido Domingo and immediately after the concert we got on a plane and on this flight Madrid-Florence Domingo told us all about period of the three tenors, how the idea of the three tenors was born, the most difficult moments, the most beautiful moments, strengths and weaknesses of each of the three. That journey was incredible and I will never forget those words again.
SCHILLACI= Gianluca, from Florence to Panama sing in front of Pope Francis during World Youth Day.
GIANLUCA= Yes, this is the great fortune we have, to sing this genre which allows us to travel the world, also because bel canto has become an intangible heritage of humanity since last November, and therefore, in short, it allows us to sing not only in Panama in front of the Pope, but also at the Kiyomizu-dera (Japanese temple) which is a UNESCO heritage site, this temple in the middle of Kioto, in the middle of a forest and this thing is incredible, it is a great fortune, we discovered the power of this music that overcomes the barriers of language.
SCHILLACI= Of the many meetings you have had, really many, I ask you to choose one, the one that perhaps in some way was not the most important, ok, but which touched you for some reason.
IGNAZIO= It’s difficult!! That is, I would tell you on my birthday with Barbra Streisand.
SCHILLACI= Oh well, that’s not too bad!! (Ironic)
IGNAZIO= No, but it’s really difficult, because then I really admired films and as a child I watched Cast Away which left a strong impression on me and seeing Tom Hanks, you understand, it was another beautiful moment to share with him, a moment very nice.
PIERO= I would definitely tell you Pope Francis, they are indescribable energies, believer or non-believer they are unique moments. Then after a few months you find yourself in Kyoto where maybe they make you….
(he turns to Gianluca): “What did the monk do before the concert?” He said a prayer just for us, where perhaps in the midst of those words you occasionally heard “IL Volo” and they are things you never forget, behold, they remain indelible.
GIANLUCA= I may have had an encounter, a recent one by the way.
I was little in the car with dad, dad was driving and he made me listen to the songs of De André di Battiato of the great Italian singer-songwriter and there was one in particular, I remember when I listened to the notes of LUCI A SAN SIRO I got excited and I cried, I had my father explain the meaning of the lyrics and I had the great honor of being able to share the stage with Vecchioni last May at the Verona Arena and I read him a letter where I wrote this thought in which I shared the importance that he had in my adolescence.
SCHILLACI= Let’s see another clip (Ecstasy Of Gold begins) Sand, lots of sand.
IGNAZIO= We were in Sardinia there.
SCHILLACI= Ah, were you in Sardinia?
IGNAZIO= Yes we filmed in Sardinia.
GIANLUCA= Scenarios a bit like Sergio Leone (famous Italian western director).
SCHILLACI= Beautiful, splendid scenery: This is naturally a great tribute to the master Morricone to whom you dedicated an album.
IGNAZIO= We dedicated an album, yes yes we did a Tribute to Ennio Morricone, that’s the name of the album, but why did we allow ourselves to do it, because in any case we had an experience with master Morricone, we were still young and he called us guests in Piazza del Popolo and we have this beautiful anecdote of Gianluca who misses the entrance and tells him:
“Ah, will you give me the attack?”
And there were the bleached orchestral musicians…
PIERO= The first violin was pale.
GIANLUCA= We were 15 years old, the first times with 100 orchestra members, maestro Morricone, we were in the rehearsal room, not even on a stage, so I get closer, the piece starts and I don’t, so silence and I tell him:
“Ah but will you give me the attack?” and he: “Don’t worry kid, I’ll take care of it.”
SCHILLACI= You have mentioned Kyoto several times and this incredible concert in Japan, but there was another particularly significant place because you had a Christmas in the Holy Land in Jerusalem.
PIERO= But Jerusalem was one of the strongest trips in these 15 years, perhaps that is one of the most ambitious projects…..
IGNAZIO= …..and courageous…
PIERO= …and courageous…
IGNAZIO= …if you remember the week before there was a bombing….
PIERO= ….in the morning, in the bus station. That project was really ambitious and then we succeeded because in the end with our team, people really only see the three of us on stage with the orchestra, but behind it there is an incredible team of great professionals who dedicate their lives to this project, to us, and singing inside the Tower of David doesn’t happen every day, we did this Christmas concert, we went to Bethlehem, inside the Grotto of the Nativity, singing down there was magical.
SCHILLACI= You can go back in time and erase a mistake you made, which one do you erase?
IGNAZIO= I don’t know, the first thought that comes to mind, if you tell me so, is….I lost my father in 2021, so maybe one of the biggest mistakes is having taken for granted that I would have seen him one hour later and I never saw him again, so I didn’t say that word that maybe I could have said thinking that I had time but instead I didn’t.
PIERO= Dedicate more time to grandparents, because in the end, over time, I would challenge anyone, we realize perhaps too late the luxury and privilege.
GIANLUCA= I have to tell you that I wouldn’t change anything at all, because even mistakes made me become the person I am today.
SCHILLACI= But by the way, since you mentioned pain, it’s true that you were about to go to Rigopiano when there was the tragedy of the avalanche that caused death…
GIANLUCA= Yes, Roberto del Rosso was a dear friend of mine from Abruzzo, I had already known him for a couple of years and I took refuge there every now and then to get away from various trips. The tragedy was on Wednesday when it happened, shortly after 4:00 in the afternoon and on Monday I heard it and had to go there, then my father stopped me (Ercole didn’t let him go because it was snowing heavily). My father stopped me at the last moment, because he (Roberto) had also offered to pick me up, because no one expected something like this, no one.
Yes, in some way I escaped death from that point of view, but I put myself in the shoes of all the parents who lost their children, of the very young kids, of the families who were there in that truly enchanting place. (29 people died including Roberto del Rosso) And you realize how precious life is, how much in a moment everything can change, it’s really the transience of life, so we must enjoy every moment.
Let’s see another clip. (Who Wants To Live Forever begins). This is Freddie Mercury’s testament, it is one of Queen’s most beautiful songs, you took great care to include it in this roundup of clips that we have seen. Why this song?
PIERO= We brought Who Wants To Live Forever this year to the covers evening at the Sanremo Festival, it is a song that we have always kept on our wish list and we took the opportunity of the Sanremo Festival to sing it, produce this song, then we needed a guitarist and we somehow asked Vasco’s permission because we stole his guitarist Stef Burns for those 4 minutes and we thank Stef for accepting our invitation, we thank Vasco for his trust and it was a magical experience to be able share and make people understand this marriage that took place on stage between classical music and rock music.
SCHILLACI= You have truly achieved so many dreams, more than any person can probably achieve in two or three lifetimes, but what if I asked you now what dream do you have? But it must be strange, I mean, I don’t know… I would have liked to play Gladiator… that is, a dream of this kind that you think about every now and then and tell me you’d like it.
IGNAZIO= I would like to have been able to study and perhaps have had the opportunity to make a film with Massimo Troisi (Italian actor who died young).
SCHILLACI= Nice, this is nice!
PIERO= I have a dream, but it will always remain a dream…
SCHILLACI= What do you know, let’s hear it!
PIERO=….is to stay for a few days on the aerospace station with Luca Parmitano (Italian astronaut), that’s a dream I would like.
SCHILLACI = Nice, nice!
GIANLUCA= Oh God, to be part of a film with Nolan, something like that.
SCHILLACI= Nice, nice too.
The disgusting thing you’ve eaten anywhere in the world.
PIERO= Spicy jellyfish, I find it hard to tell.
IGNAZIO= I’m disgusting to say it, but it was delicious, the alligator curry.
GIANLUCA= I have to say Igna’s pizza….no joke!!
IGNAZIO= But once in Japan they made me eat…
GIANLUCA= The head of a fish.
IGNAZIO=….but I didn’t eat it, basically it was typical in Japan at that time, it was a sardine that they served in broth and you had to eat it all, even the head.
PIERO= But will you come and visit us at some concert?
SCHILLACI= So, you’re on tour right now, okay, and you’ll be on tour for basically months.
IGNAZIO= We are on tour for the whole summer, then…
PIERO= The tour started on April 25th from Japan, we will spend the whole summer on tour in Italy, 30 dates more or less…
GIANLUCA= In October all over Europe…
PIERO= ….in October throughout Europe and then in January in the sports halls in Italy and then America, South America and Australia.
IGNAZIO= Yes because we make the distinction between Italy and Europe, understand? That is, for us, Italy is not Europe at the moment, when we do the tours, understand? (ironic).
GIANLUCA= But we will be free for two weeks in August, we have holidays…
SCHILLACI= You have holidays, you gave them to each other.
GIANLUCA= We gave them to each other, exactly. Then Ignazio gets married and so….
SCHILLACI= Ignazio, best wishes!!
IGNAZIO= Thank you (but he signals to speak softly)
SCHILLACI= We can say it, right? Does the bride know?
IGNAZIO= Yes, she know…..maybe!!
PIERO= Do you know where he gets married? At Campo Franco. (way of saying)
SCHILLACI= Guys, I thank you, thanks for being on SKYTG24, thanks for being on STORIES, we’ll see you at one of the next stops and then with all those who decide to see you.
IGNAZIO= However, we are SKY customers too (he means that they are SKY subscribers)
SCHILLACI= Let’s face it, it’s always nice.
IGNAZIO= Sky thank you for purchasing tennis, I love you! Thank you!
(Sky is a private pay television network. At the end Ignazio says that all three are Sky subscribers and thanks the network for having purchased the rights to show the tennis matches.)
Also, in these days, Giacomo Rossi, the young Italian vocal coach, gave a wonderful review of IGNAZIO who sings WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER in Arena.
Beautiful words for him from a connoisseur who analyzes technically but who also makes us understand the beauty of a voice that we admire “from the gut”.
He promised that he will also review Gianluca and Piero soon, we will look forward to them with joy!!
Turn on subtitles.
And then this good news arrived, in this period Mediaset, which also owns Canale 5, disclosed the program schedules from September to August 2025 and Il Volo was confirmed, but here is the ANSA article of which I translate the interested parties.
Pier Silvio Berlusconi (Mediaset manager) announced, during the presentation of the schedules, the renewal of the relationship with Il Volo for another two years.
“They will be part of the Canale 5 team – he said -, with three prime time shows in the spring of 2025, three in the spring of 2026 and another Christmas concert. I am really happy with this relationship, I believe that Il Volo has great artistic value but not only that, we have an excellent relationship.”
So there will soon be other concerts in the Arena filmed and broadcast by Canale 5, furthermore this year’s Christmas concert will be done by them and also the one in 2025.
What great news, it is clear from the words of Pier Silvio Berlusconi (Silvia Toffanin’s partner) there is a lot of respect for Il Volo.
Another piece of good news, the Il Volo concert in London is already sold out!! 👏👏👏
And finally, look at how beautiful this fan art is, congratulations to whoever made it.
Luckily some good news comes to lift the spirits of these sad days.
I am happy that Il Volo has had its contract renewed for another two years with Mediaset and I really liked Pier Silvio Berlusconi’s words of esteem.
I’m also happy with the sold-out in London and also with the nice review from vocal coach Giacomo Rossi, and what about the nice interview?
Come on guys, there are still many commitments for you.
See you very soon: Daniela🤗
Credit to owners of all photos, videos and artwork.
It all began on Wednesday the 10th June at 19:27 to be precise.
I received a message from Gina Corbett, a fan friend from Ireland, notifying me that Il Volo had announced their upcoming concert on the 6th October 2024 this very year!! I could hardly believe what I was reading as I had almost given up all hope of them ever coming back to the UK.
But, here it was, in black and white, and I was already getting very excited by the prospect of actually seeing the boys in the flesh (as it were). What also pleased me the most, was that they were to perform at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Had it been a larger venue like the O2 or somewhere in Manchester I wouldn’t have thought of going as they are just too big and too far for me to cope with, especially alone. I had already said this to my good friend Alice Belles from America who understood my trepidation at such a prospect. But I knew how much she wanted me to see them because she had been to one of their concerts and thoroughly enjoyed it! (especially Piero)
So, here I was, sat on my own deciding the best way to purchase a ticket. Of course I wanted a front row seat but wasn’t a member of the Official Fan Club so what chance did I stand. The pre-sale was happening the very next day, the 12th, and so I had to make up my mind quickly.
I started by looking at the Theatres own website to check what and when they would be selling their tickets. But I also knew that Ticketmaster was probably the main one to go for. So, my alarm set for the following morning for a reminder to call the theatre at dead on 10am the next day. And there I was, stuck in a queue! But I just had to be patient and see it through because, more than anything else, I wanted a ticket regardless.
While I was on hold I thought I would log on to Ticketmaster and see what there was.
This being the first time of ever buying a concert ticket, and in a hurry, I saw the seating plan and went for it, as I could always drop the call once I’d gotten my ticket.
I clicked on the word stalls, saw rows of seats and chose an end aisle seat on what I thought was the front row. In my haste to secure a ticket at all cost I had hit “Buy” before I had a chance to see the price of £30 and I’m sure you can guess the rest. You know the old saying, less haste more speed, well I took no notice!
At 10.38 on June 11th, Gina messaged me to say she had bought her ticket and had a front row seat. My heart sank. I asked how she had managed it and was told she clicked a link from an email direct from the Theatre as she had registered for pre-sale.
I had completely forgotten that I had done the same the day before but hadn’t seen an email from them. So, here I go, and in fact I do find one from them so clicked on the link not knowing what would be left to buy.
To my utter amazement, there was a lone ticket for the front row and almost centre stalls. I was starting to panic now as I needed to get that ticket before anyone else could have it, so, once again in my haste I clicked and bought. Phew! I made it. So now I am the proud owner of a front row seat to see the one and only Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca – Il Volo. Not only that, but Gina and I are just 1 seat apart, and so I am hoping that whoever has seat A29 would be very kind and swap with us.
If anyone could have seen the biggest grin my face, they would wonder what had just happened. 😁
During all of these events, I was in touch with another fan, Roz Walters, who was having trouble getting her tickets. What an ordeal to go through, but she managed. As did Renata who I am hoping to meet up with in late July. I want to go to London as it’s been so long since I was there, just to get my bearings, find the Theatre and my hotel and have some lunch and a drink with her. I’m sure everyone I have mentioned will meet up. If there are any other fans who would like to do the same, please contact me on Messenger. Its great to put faces to names as many others have done in the past.
To say I was excited, ecstatic, over the moon, filled with joy etc, etc is an understatement and I am still smiling while I write this article. I just wanted to share my experience of the “befores” rather than the “afters” as we see plenty of pictures and videos from each time the boys sing. No doubt I will have a lot more to share though once the day has been and gone. I don’t want to wish the time away, but hurry up October 🙂
I hope you all find this interesting, especially if you are thinking about buying tickets for any of their concerts. But I know some of you are well experienced in this matter, having attended several. And if anyone would like a balcony seat, I have a spare ticket. 😊
Happy New Year! I know things are not looking so great right now but let’s hope this whole thing will pass soon! And let’s not forget we are only two months away from the World Tour!
Each week I receive many emails from the fans. Some giving their opinions on the column or an opinion on something that happened during the week. Many ask questions and ask if I can forward their questions to the guys! So, in my column today I want to share some of these emails and see if we can get some answers to your questions. I must say some of you have interesting questions.
Let’s start with this letter from Barbara Gabriel that I received this week.
Barbara Gabriel – Sat, Jan 1
Dear Susan,
First thank you for your beautifully well written updates.
I’m just wondering if you can provide me the date of Il Volo’s concert held in San Diego at a small venue called Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn a few years ago.
My husband of 57 years and I attended one there. He recently passed the end of July and I’m just trying to remember. We loved the ragazzi then and I still do. I enjoy their music of all genres, especially the Bel Canto since my grandparents immigrated from Udine and my husband’s grandparents from Calabria. They all came to America seeking better lives for their families. Additionally, I speak a bit of Spanish and appreciate the Hispanic culture and music.
Their music is healing during these sad times. I hope they continue making beautiful music and never lose their path.
Wishing you and Il Volo all the best. Thank for reading my email and if you are able to provide the concert date it will fill in a memory gap. But no worries if not. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Barbara Gabriel
If anyone knows the date of the concert at Humphrey Half Moon Inn, could you, please let me know.
Gale asked a good question in her recent email.
GALE SIMONIS – Fri, Dec 31
Oh Susan. I really admire your talent and because of that and your devotion to our guys you continue to inform, amuse and delight us with your loving accounts of life in IL Volo sphere. Gosh it really comes to life for us.
The new music is almost indescribable; so many flourishing adjectives but for me one song hovers over the rest. Come Sail Away has my heart, my tears and my memories.
I want to know how the maestro came about writing this song.
What inspired him?
Susan, you have abilities beyond, and I know you are a fan of this song too. If anyone can check this out, I think you can. I would love to hear if there is a back story.
Happy New Year Susan and please know we await your
Next message, recollection and update.
Above all Thank you, Grazie mille.
Gale
I totally agree with Gale, this is a beautiful song, and I am very taken by it. I believe this is a song that was not written for a movie but that is all I really know about it. If anyone knows the answer, could you please let me know.
Beautiful, truthful, words from Sally Kevers
Sally Evers – Fri, Dec 17, 2021
Hello Susan,
Loved your latest story on Flight Crew. You marvel at how these three stars (our Il Volo) are so kind and accessible to their fans, unlike most performers. I have a short example that still amazes me every time I think of it, and I can’t think of Ignazio without remembering his amazing kindness. I wrote about this before in a Flight Crew posting, but you may have missed it.
At the 2020 Atlanta Ten Year Concert I had tickets along with a good friend. Regrettably, I did not get meet and greet because I knew she could not afford that too. I did help her sign up for the fan club so that we could both go to the soundcheck before the concert.
At the soundcheck we were all seated on the second row of the theater. I was seat number 3 and my friend, number 4 starting from the left side. There was an empty row of seats in front of us all except there were no seats where the first two seats on each end would have been (the row is off set). I suspect they seat us on the second row on purpose to keep their fans from mobbing them all at once. We were all polite and stayed seated and quiet while Gianluca and Piero both practiced their numbers with the orchestra. Ignazio was nowhere to be seen. Both Gianluca and Piero came over to greet us, each individually, when they were finished with their warmup.
After their greetings, the lady sitting in seat number 2 to my immediate left, accidentally dropped her iPhone on the floor and she frantically tried to find it under her seat without getting up. The theater was dark so she couldn’t see anything, and the seats are cramped so there was not any room to maneuver. She literally had her head between her legs groping on the floor (I’m sure she was mortified!). At that precise moment Ignazio comes down the aisle behind us (we are totally unaware of this), pivots in a grand gesture (so like him!) and presents his hand to the lady in seat number 1. She is momentarily shocked but recovers quickly and talks with Ignazio and gives him a present. Then he moves along to the lady in seat number 2. She is still in her unladylike-like posture groping for her phone on the floor! She has no idea that anyone is standing there in front of her, much less that it is Ignazio! I don’t know her at all, but I start tapping her on her back trying to tell her it’s Ignazio! She’s “not receiving” any input and keeps looking for her phone. Ignazio immediately understands the situation and stands perfectly still, hands patiently clasped and patiently WAITS until this lady finally sits up, phone in her hand, when she is shocked to find Ignazio facing her! Only then did he offer to shake her hand and graciously greet her. He acted as though he had all the time in the world! This was MINUTES before the performance! He moved on to greet each and every fan seated in that long row, not hurrying at all! What other performer do you know of who would even consider doing that? They all would have just quickly moved along to the next fan, leaving that poor woman missing out on the thrill of meeting Ignazio. Or, more likely, they would have skipped the whole meet the fans thing.
Small gesture I know, but this so impressed me! What a kind and generous heart he has!
Ciao,
Sally
Yes, Sally that is true Ignazio. Always polite and patient!
Love from Montreal Canada
Judith Phillips – Thu, Dec 16, 2021
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your wonderful post – the first I’ve received since discovering Flight Crew and signing up for e-mails.
I was not aware that so many others were as concerned as I about “the guys” when COVID hit. Having no family and only friends who call my passion for Il Volo “misguided” and “crazy”, I can discuss them with no one.
Though I have marveled at how the stars aligned just so that these three would meet, be so devoted to such a grand passion at such a young age and form the bond they have, until reading your post, I was not aware of their love for and gratitude towards their fans. They give so much and, as you said, “…family are the people who are there for you every day…”; perhaps I can begin to understand the connection I have always felt with Il Volo (maybe not crazy?).
The guys will perform in my city (Montreal) on March 6th; what I wouldn’t give to be in attendance (entry by “e-ticket only” and no smart phone…). I will, however, be there in spirit – though not the same – while three ethereal voices fill the concert hall with their magnificent sound. I hope fans appreciate the long, hard hours of work they put into preparing a concert, recording, rehearsing, signing, touring etc. etc. to bring us such immense joy.
These three beautiful souls deserve only love, happiness and peace in their lives. May they be together for many years to come.
Again, many thanks,
Judith, Montreal Canada
If anyone knows how Judith can get around this entry by “e-ticket only,” since she does not have a smart phone, please let me know and I will pass on the info. All you Canadians got any suggestions?
Even in pain the fans follow
Susan Torres – Wed, Dec 15, 2021
I would like to share my story which is similar to other fans. I have followed Il Volo since the first PBS concert. I’ve been to 6 concerts even traveled to Rome for one. I’ve bought every CD and DVD. In February 2020, I had a back and hip injury shortly before the concert in Tampa Florida. I was in the hospital but insisted on being discharged so I could go to the concert. I took pain pills and for a couple of hours I was in a magical world. Then I flew to Dallas for the concert there because I already had tickets. Again, with the help of pain medication I attended the concert, and it was even better. They left shortly thereafter but their music has stayed with us during this difficult time. I listen to them every day and every time I get in the car. Every time I have an MRI, I ask for Il Volo music. I wonder if they realize how much their music means to us and helps us to keep going. I love the new album and I look forward to the concert next year in Dallas for which I already have tickets. I will try to attend more if possible.
I forgot to mention that I visited your lovely country 2 times because of the bel canto introduced to me by Il Volo and I’m also taking Italian language lessons to try to learn your beautiful language.
WOW! Susan! That’s amazing and she’s learning Italian!
A message especially for Ignazio!
Donna Hackler – Thu, Dec 9, 2021
First of all, thank you Susan for your Xmas post!!! If there is any possible way for this to reach Ignazio, I think he’d be happy to know, and I’d be more than grateful. Ignazio was only 16 years old, and he saved my life. I am 72 years old and live with severe pain all the time and had become suicidal. Seeing the guys on pbs changed my life – just wanting to see and hear them. Ignazio was the chubby little Italian boy next door with a head of curls and the voice of an angel, for years I could visualize him between 3 &. 8. Finally got over that since he’s grown into such a loving caring man. I just wanted to thank him and Piero and Gian as well I’d have not been here and missed a lot of special people if not for Il Volo. Thank you to you, the guys, their team & Merry Christmas to all with love. DH
I’m sure Ignazio and the guys will love your message and will be very happy they were able to help you through your difficult days.
Planning a trip to Sicily.
Magdalena Shaw – Sun, Nov 28, 2021
Susan, I love the way you write about these three fantastic guys.
Keep on doing it, please.
It is very easy to love them! So special!
I am planning a trip to Sicily and hope to see them in concert in Taormina.
Nice to read your articles.
I am from Montevideo, Uruguay, but now a days I live in Punta del Este, a very special place, by the sea.
Chau!
Magdalena Shaw
I hope to see you in Taormina!
This is a message I get at least once a week.
Kate Spencer – Thu, Nov 11, 2021
Thank you for such a great article. It was lovely and informative.
I feel very pleased for everyone in America and North America that they will get the chance to see the guys perform again.
But I’m also sad that for some reason they don’t come and sing in England. We do have quite a few fans which I know, like me, would love to see them in concert.
As it is I’m enjoying the latest album very much!
Thank you again for the report 🙂
Kate
Hey guys! Go to England!
Loves it all Nico too!
Antonela Molalyiska – Fri, Oct 8, 2021
Dear Susan, thanks for the nice stuff. Ignazio always surprises me, not only with his singing and composing, but also with his tender soul. Nico is also a gentle, artistic soul. Mr. Torpedine is a talent scout! The videos gave me great pleasure. I miss the translation of the text …. 😰 But even without translation, it is a great experience to follow the development of both Inga and Niko. I’m waiting for new products.💚
Did you get that Ignazio?
Going back to Radio City Music Hall
Lill Pierce – Thu, Jul 1, 2021
Susan,
My name is Lillian Pierce, but most people call me Lill. I live in the California Bay Area in a town called Brentwood (not the Brentwood in Los Angeles). I am 66 years old.
My Grandfather Pellegrino Giannini was from Sesto Moriano in Lucca, Italy. My grandmother Ana Sanchez was from Uneda, Spain.
My mother grew up listening to opera music and bel canto, therefore, I also grew up listening to it at home.
One of my greatest memories is of my cousin and I taking my mom, his mom and their cousin to see The Three Tenors in Los Angeles in the late 90’s.
In 2019 I was to have each of my knees replaced, one after the other. Pre-surgery blood tests found a problem with my Blood counts, and, after many tests and scans, a tumor was found in my left kidney and another directly above it in my adrenal gland. The doctors were sure they were malignant. I decided the organs should be removed. The surgery was in the middle of March. I was extremely fortunate that only the kidney tumor was malignant. I did not need any further treatment.
Unfortunately, about three weeks later, my lungs were filled with fluid, and I was hospitalized for a week. It turned out to be a knick during surgery caused lymphatic fluid to fill my lungs. I was sent home with a drain from my back and a very special diet. If that did not work, I would have to have another surgery to insert a feeding tube for approximately two months to allow it to heal.
I was determined to not need the feeding tube and followed the directions from my doctor. After 8 weeks, the leak healed itself.
In June 2019 I had my left knee replaced. I recovered very quickly and had my right knee replaced less than three months later.
I call 2019 my Year From Hell.
I had first seen Il Volo while watching Entourage with my son. I later saw their PBS special from Palermo.
While I was stuck at home for most of the year, I rediscovered Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca on the internet.
I watched video after video and became a dedicated fan. They kept me entertained and helped me pass the time during recovery and physical therapy. I decided that when I had fully recovered, I would go to a concert, but not locally. I wanted a destination show. So, in January 2020, with a few friends, I saw them at Radio City Music Hall. It was wonderful!
I am waiting for tickets to go on sale for the next Radio City concert so I can see them again. I am sure I will also see them locally as well.
I so enjoy your Facebook posts and your stories posted on Il Volo Flight Crew. Thank you, also, for giving me something to help me pass the time a couple years ago.
Thanks for letting me share my story.
Lill
I’m happy the guys helped you recuperate. I’m happy you got to see the guys at Radio City Music Hall. I was also there that night, and it was truly amazing! Hope to see you at Radio City in March!
Many of you know Jacquie Milligan. This is a beautiful farewell letter and a wonderful tribute to her.
Judy Paullin Thurman – Mon, Sep 20, 2021
One day in 2014 I noticed a fun post by a lady named Jacquie Milligan while I was scrolling through some fan groups of an Italian singing trio. I left a comment and Jacquie commented back. A friendship that would last seven years was born! We had one thing in common… those 3 boys. I live near Nashville, TN and she lived on an island near Seattle, WA. The boys who were about 18, 19, and 20 years old by then were just about the only thing we had in common with each other… but they were enough. We had both fallen under the spell first of their surprisingly mature voices and then also of their adorable personalities. By the time we “met” online Jacquie and I had each followed the group called IL VOLO which means “The Flight” in Italian, for many years. So, from the beginning there was never a dull, quiet moment with nothing to say. We both had a favorite among the three! Because of his personality we were drawn to Ignazio. But the other two, Piero and Gianluca, were just as talented and equally loved. Jacquie called Ignazio her “Sunshine Boy” and he was exactly that in her life! At first, we chatted online. We talked about the latest photos and videos, we talked about their home life, their parents and siblings. The boys shared all that online. We had seen their birthday parties inside the home of each guy’s family. When on the sad occasion of a grandparent passing, we saw the heartbroken post that simply said, “Ciao Nonno” (Goodbye Grampa). These things drew us all closer to the families of the teenagers who started international touring when they were 15, 16, and 17. Time flew by and we were soon talking almost every night except when I traveled to Italy and the time zones between us were numerous. Eventually we started calling each other and I heard her sweet voice which seemed to be that of a much younger lady than her actual years!
Now these teenagers were grown up, performing all over the US and South America, also from Moscow to Tokyo, Argentina to Brazil, Mexico City to London at the most prestigious venues. They played for kings and queens, presidents and even the Pope. Each new success was dear to our hearts, so Jacquie and I filled her late-night hours with their amazing accomplishments. It was fun for me to bring the many concerts I attended over the years in the US, Italy and once in London to her world which had become limited to just her home on Whidbey Island.
Jacquie has friends all over the world who miss chatting with her online and when that was no longer possible, they still wrote to her Facebook page and left messages that I would share with her.
Goodbye dear Jacquie. Your departure was rather sudden, but you are not forgotten. The last time we spoke she was her same spunky self and that is how I will always remember her. We playfully talked about flying to Rome in our dreams that night and we would see “the boys,” our Il Volo! Sweet dreams!!!
Thank you, Judy, you’ve said it all!And Farewell Jacquie!
The day always comes when they see the light!
Barbara Lenox – Sun, Aug 29, 2021
My eldest son (59.9) has been quietly anguished for some time because his mother seems to be obsessed with Il Volo. Recently, at a gathering of in- laws, he overhears his bro-in-law (a VIP in NY who shall remain nameless) raving about this terrific Italian group that he and his wife have been following and taking in every show that they can drive to for a few years, hoping they get back to NY soon. He puts me on the phone with the man (not young) and of course I tell him March 18, RCMH. Oh boy, he’s all excited!
All of a sudden, the old lady becomes much smarter and a musical genius! Everything is relative – or relativeS!
Barbara Gorham Lenox. Boston girl
Great story Barbara! I’ve heard it before!
Brussels loves you too guys!
Louise van Hemert
(Translation follows)
ik heb ignazio mogen volgen via rai 1ik vergat geen zaterdag ti lascio canzone te bekijken geniet nog dagelijks van de c/d heb ook 3 keer een concert bezocht 2x in SICILA 1X BRUSSEL ik wens ze nog heel veel succes toe wens ook alle veel gezondheid toe
I have been allowed to follow Ignazio via rai 1. I did not forget to watch a Saturday of Ti Lascio una Canzone and I still enjoy daily the c/d. I have also gone to concerts 3 times 2x in SICILA 1X BRUSSELS. I wish them a lot of success also wish all a lot of health
Thank you, Brussels!
Admiration and love for these young men.
Gina Dillon – Wed, Aug 25, 2021
Oh Susan,
Your story about Ignazio is so beautiful and says a lot of what I have thought about him just by watching him. My thought is that he, unlike Gianluca & Piero, seems vulnerable. When a child deals with the issues he did with his mother, it changes them. His mother was sick and gone a good part of his younger childhood and that affects the child for the rest of their life. There is a compassion to him that is very visible. Watch him with kids – amazing! I do have to say all three of these young men are very good and kind with children which is something you rarely seen in performers (especially male) and at their ages.
I enjoy watching all of their videos, but it is very interesting to single Ignazio out and yes, watch what he does on stage. He is very much in step with the orchestra, and you can just see the wheels turning. I believe he is a little more grounded and serious than the other two and again, I attribute it to the way he was raised. It is also about personality and this young man has dreams and ambition.
I totally agree, Ignazio is still grieving the loss of his father and I am sure has had to step in and help his mother and sister through all of this. This is where the covid mess has helped him. He doesn’t have to worry about being gone as much and can be there for his family and for himself. Also, let’s not forget, there is a new lady in his life. Ignazio’s life if quite full.
There is absolutely no reason for anyone to have an unkind word about these three beautiful young men. These guys conduct themselves in a manner in which we would wish for all young people, especially in the entertainment business. I have nothing but admiration and love for these young men. I pray that they stay united in their love for one another and keep bringing us their beautiful music with those God given extraordinary voices.
Thank you,
Gina
That’s beautiful Gina!
They turned out to be geniuses!
Virginia Kohks – Thu, Aug 19, 2021
This was such a very delightful story because it shows just what a wonderful story it truly is.
Anyone who thought they could throw three teenage boys of such talent together without challenges is either a little crazy or extremely brave! But he turned out to be genius. He saw the potential and trusted his instincts as well as the boys and their families. The result of the boys growing into such wonderful young men speaks so well of their parents and their upbringing. And everyone around them during this maturing process can be very proud of the result.
Having had four teenagers to raise at a time in my life I know what a challenge teenagers can be under normal circumstances. And these were not normal circumstances.
These talented teenagers after all acted like every other teenager except, they were amazingly talented and had such wonderful aspirations.
Earlier you wrote about how they would argue about who got to sit in the front seat of the car. Such an argument is so typical of teenagers. That was a common issue with my teenagers who called that “riding shotgun.”
I have often wondered just how difficult it was to throw these three talented teenage strangers together and have such an incredible outcome. We, the fans, benefit from the results. So, this recent story that is often in their own words about their experiences and how sudden stardom was overwhelming is just wonderfully written and a joy to read.
Thank you so much for the stories. It makes us feel we are a bit more involved with knowing each one of them as we have a peek into their lives.
Very sincerely
Virginia Kohks
Yes, riding shotgun it is! Virginia responded to my response with the following
virginia kohks – Tue, Aug 24, 2021
I’m sorry to have to ask this but is there a way to receive an autographed photo of Il Volo without having to pay? I’m 81 years old and on a fixed income but would love to have a photo. I adore these young men.
Just curious.
Thanks so much.
Virginia Kohks
She adores you guys!
The Tribute that intrigued!
Emily Peretz – Thu, Aug 5, 2021
Hi Susan!
I read with real eagerness your article on the performance of Il Volo in honor of Ennio Morricone. My name is Emily Peretz and I live in Israel. My father was born in Florence, Italy and from there I had a great love for Italian music.
Every word you wrote was just right! I watched this show a few times because it was perfect!! I laughed and cried during the show. I’m used to seeing Piero, Ignacio and Gianluca laughing, fooling around, and having fun on stage. This time … I saw completely different guys (in the good sense of the word) … As they entered the stage it just hit me! Their beauty! (You can see how beautiful they are only when they are together), their seriousness, the excitement … It is obvious that they went through a shaky experience! They sang only a week after Vito’s death; this is the hardest thing there is!
But I have no doubt Ignazio would not have made this show without the support of Piero and Gianluca. I was so excited to read that Gianluca went to Sicily to be with Ignacio along with Piero during this hard period! There is no guy like him! And together they did everything to make the show so successful. And not only that … They supported him mentally.
At the show I noticed that Piero supported Ignazio all the time! He looked at him, reassured him when he was excited, and hugged him a lot. It thrilled me to see it! Their closeness and love for each other is what made the show special, this closeness made them sing so wonderfully, in a special harmony!
I personally will never forget this show!
I just wanted to share my feelings with you …
With great appreciation!
Emily Peretz – Israel
The guys certainly grew into handsome young men and the performance in Verona was absolutely Amazing!
Well, that about sums up what the fans had to say. I’m sorry I couldn’t include all the emails but, I promise I will do this again and “Letthe Fans Speak!”
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
