"I will be happy to receive a Russian passport"
The most sincere melodies appear in difficult moments, says Italian pop star Al Bano. And the musician calls the main award the fact that after many years the audience continues to sing his songs. The performer of the hit Felicità has given concerts in Russia more than once and will perform again in Moscow on April 18. Al Bano spoke in an exclusive interview with Izvestia about how the Celentano clan launched his career, why he is ready to get a Russian passport, what songs he sings in the bathroom, as well as royalties for songs to his ex—wife, Epstein's files and the "airbag".
"Meeting with Adriano Celentano was the foundation of my career"
— In 1965, after winning the New Voices competition organized by Adriano Celentano, you started opening for him. And then he offered you a contract with his label, Clan Celentano. The contract has already been completed. But is it possible to say that you are still one of the Celentano clan?
— Meeting with Adriano Celentano became the foundation of my career. The contract with the Celentano Clan ended many years ago. But Adriano's respect and gratitude remain forever. Some meetings leave a lifelong mark. Getting to know the Celentano clan is just one of those fateful ones. We are connected by the history and the extraordinary era of Italian song music. I can say that we are united by freedom in creativity. Everyone went their own way, but with the same passion.
Singer Al Bano
— Who is your guide in creativity and music — a composer, an artist, or perhaps someone else?
— For me, the great masters of Italian melody and opera were the landmarks: the composers Verdi, Mascagni, Puccini. Of course, the brilliant tenor Enrico Caruso. And Domenico Modugno, who became famous by singing Volare. For this song, he won the Sanremo Grand Prix, and then two Grammys. But I was also very inspired by the folk music of my native Puglia. It reminds me a lot of the blues.
— What needs to happen for a beautiful song to be born — stress, love, despair, joy?
— Music suddenly appears when you least expect it: while walking, working, thinking about life. A beautiful song comes to you when your soul is open. The stimulus can be joy, love, or overwhelming feelings. And sometimes a song is born out of pain. Often the most sincere melodies appear in difficult moments.
Al Bano with his ex-wife Romina Power
— When you perform songs written by your ex-wife Romina Power, do you pay her royalties?
— Absolutely. Royalties are a serious and fair issue. Romina Power is the author of important lyrics. She continues to get what she deserves and deserves. This is respect for her work. The mechanism for distributing royalties is complicated, but it works well.
"I sing everything in my soul: folk songs, opera arias, new melodies"
— You have different awards and regalia. Which one are you most proud of?
— I am proud of all the awards I have received, but the greatest reward remains the one I have received from life. When after so many years people continue to sing your songs, it's more expensive than any trophy.
— One of the commandments of the Bible is "Do not make yourself an idol." How do you understand it? And what if you're an idol to many of your fans?
— It means not to substitute human figures for true values. I don't want to be an idol — I want to be a singer who shares emotions. An idol is something dangerous. First of all, an artist must remain human.
— How do you feel about the fact that Epstein's archives have been opened and the reputation of many recognized artists has now been compromised?
— When hidden facts come to the surface, it is especially important to clarify. Transparency is necessary, especially when it comes to people who are in the center of public attention. However, I prefer to keep some thoughts about what is happening to myself.
— Popular music is evolving and changing. Artists try themselves in new styles and directions. Don't you want to build up your fan base by teaming up with trendy youth?
— I am always open to cooperation, provided that the quality is high and the melody is treated with care. I have already had experience working with young artists, and I intend to continue in this direction. Music should resonate with people of different generations, bring together a wide variety of people. But an artist should not follow the audience — he is called upon to lead them. Following only fashion, it's easy to lose your own personality. I prefer to stay true to my voice.
— Do you like to sing outside of the stage, say, in the shower? What melodies can you hear from your bathroom?
— In my soul, I sing everything in a row: folk songs, opera arias, new melodies that just come to mind. You need to train your voice every day! Even in the shower (laughs).
"Tchaikovsky's music or Dostoevsky's literature belong to all mankind"
— Last year you came to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. What attracts you to a serious political event?
— The Economic Forum is a meeting place for cultures, ideas and views on the future. I believe in dialogue between nations. If I am invited again, I will be happy to come to St. Petersburg.
Al Bano and Iva Zanikki during a performance at the concert "In the rhythm of Summer"
— You often visit Russia with concerts, you even said that you dream of performing on Red Square. Would you like to get a Russian passport following the example of some of your foreign colleagues?
— I really feel like an Italian, but I have sincere sympathy for Russia. If such an offer ever comes, I will accept it with joy. I have already had a similar experience in my life — I had the honor to receive a passport for special services to the Albanian people from the hands of President Bamir Topi.
As for the dream of performing on Red Square, it is a symbolic place filled with history and energy. To sing there means to sing in the heart of Russia and the world, especially at this special historical moment.
— How do you feel about attempts to abolish Russian culture in the West?
— I do not believe in the abolition of culture. It unites, not divides. Tchaikovsky's music or Dostoevsky's literature belong to all of humanity. They cannot be erased.
"I have the honor to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of Florence"
— In Russia, at concerts of artists, there are often fans with the national flag in the hall. Do Italians have such a tradition?
— This tradition is not as strong here as in Russia, but it certainly exists. Every time I see the Italian flag in the hall, I am overwhelmed with emotions and excitement. For me, he is a symbol of identity, a sense of belonging and sincere affection.
— Italy hosted the XXV Winter Olympic Games. Were you interested in competitions?
— I have been following with great interest the preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. Moreover, I had the honor to become one of the torchbearers and carry the Olympic flame through the streets of Florence. For me, sport is also a universal language that can unite people. I don't have any particular preferences among winter disciplines, but I sincerely love sports that bring us closer and inspire us.
— And you are also interested in winemaking. Your family has vineyards in Puglia, and you produce wine on your Tenute Al Bano Carrisi estate. How did this business come about? Can income from vineyards be considered a kind of "safety cushion" in case of retirement from the scene?
— Tenute Al Bano Carrisi was born out of love for the land where I grew up, and from the promise I made to my father when I decided to leave for Milan. For me, wine is about culture, tradition and family. This is not an "airbag" at all — on the contrary ... singer Al Bano still supports farmer Albano Carrizi! (he smiles).
— When you were young, you worked as a cook. What kind of dish would you cook if a correspondent from Izvestia came to visit you?
— (Laughs.) I would make spaghetti "a la Al Bano", supplementing them with good wine from my wineries. My guests assure me that I am an excellent cook. After all, hospitality, like music, should come from the heart.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
