On May 1, 2025, the iconic Concertone del Primo Maggio took place in Piazza San Giovanni, Rome, marking a vibrant celebration of music and labor rights. The event opened with Leo Gassmann performing the powerful anthem "Bella ciao," setting a poignant tone for the day. Gassmann's choice to sing this historic song resonated deeply, especially in a time when freedoms are increasingly challenged. The concert was hosted by popular artists Ermal Meta, Noemi, and Big Mama, who together created an engaging atmosphere filled with music and collective spirit.
This year’s concert attracted an estimated 100,000 attendees, although there was no official count from the organizers. The day unfolded without overt political slogans, which some attendees found disappointing, yet it remained a celebration of music and community. The slogan for this year's event was "Uniti per un lavoro sicuro" (United for Safe Work), emphasizing the ongoing fight for labor rights.
Among the highlights was Achille Lauro, who took the stage to perform his latest hits, including "aMoR" from his new album, "Comuni mortali." Before singing, Lauro expressed his commitment to social issues, stating, "This is a very important stage. I am happy in my small way to be able to do something great. Always and forever on the side of those in need." However, his participation sparked controversy due to his recent partnership with McDonald's, which was criticized by labor unions representing workers at the fast-food chain.
The UILTuCS of Rome and Lazio sent a letter to Lauro, reminding him of the ongoing strikes by McDonald's workers who are demanding better working conditions and fair wages. The letter highlighted that his promotional activities could increase McDonald's profits while ignoring the struggles of the workers. This prompted a protest from McDonald's employees during the concert, who voiced their grievances about their working conditions.
Another significant moment came from the Patagarri, a band that performed a rendition of a Jewish song to promote the slogan "Free Palestine!" This performance drew sharp criticism from the Jewish community in Rome, with Victor Fadlun, president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, calling it "ignoble and macabre." He stated, "Appropriating our culture and melodies to invoke our destruction is unacceptable." This incident highlighted the complexities of political expression in artistic venues.
Despite the controversies, the concert featured a plethora of performances from various artists. Brunori Sas brought humor to the stage, joking about "too much peace and democracy" while encouraging the crowd to engage with his music. Vasco Rossi praised Noemi's rendition of "Albachiara" on social media, showcasing the supportive community among artists.
Elodie faced criticism for performing with pre-recorded tracks, which disappointed some fans. Meanwhile, Ghali experienced a technical malfunction during his performance, which led to playback issues but did not dampen the audience's enthusiasm. He also took the opportunity to promote a referendum on citizenship law reform, advocating for a reduction in residency requirements for citizenship from ten to five years.
Big Mama addressed the issue of online hate, passionately speaking against the negativity she faces on social media. "I am tired of the hate. If you don’t like me, change the channel; if you don’t like what I say, block me. But let us live!" Her heartfelt message resonated with many in the crowd, emphasizing the importance of kindness and understanding.
The concert also featured performances from a variety of artists, including Giorgia, who captivated the audience with a medley of her greatest hits, and Gazzelle, whose performance was delayed due to technical issues. The atmosphere remained electric as Carl Brave dedicated a song to the late poet Remo Remotti, while Tredici Pietro, the son of Gianni Morandi, engaged with the audience, expressing his excitement to perform.
As the concert progressed, the energy in the plaza continued to build, with attendees waving flags and singing along to beloved songs. The event concluded with Gabry Ponte, who closed the show with his hit "Tutta l’Italia," leaving the crowd exhilarated and fulfilled.
The Concertone del Primo Maggio remains a significant cultural event in Italy, highlighting the intersection of music, labor rights, and social issues. It serves as a platform for artists to express their views while celebrating the rights of workers, making it a vital part of Italy's labor movement.
