Fabrizio De André, one of Italy’s most beloved singer-songwriters, would have celebrated his 85th birthday today, and his memory was honored at the Italian Parliament with a heartfelt tribute highlighting his artistic contributions and enduring legacy.
The event, titled '… Ma tu rimani, buon compleanno Faber,' took place at the Sala della Regina of the Camera dei Deputati. It was organized by the VII Commissione Cultura and orchestrated by cultural association, Assoconcerti. The gathering attracted numerous dignitaries, artists, and young students, showcasing the broad reach of De André’s influence.
Dori Ghezzi, De André's wife and now president of the Fabrizio De André Foundation, shared powerful memories from the singer's life. Emphasizing his humility, she noted, "Fabrizio always admitted he didn’t have certainties. What he expressed at any moment could be retracted later,” portraying him as someone deeply introspective.
The vice president of the Chamber of Deputies, Anna Ascani, reflected on De André’s ability to touch hearts across political spectrums. “Fabrizio's words embraced everyone, even those with opposing thoughts. He had this strength,” she remarked, indicating how relevant his messages continue to be.
His special connection with the youth was highlighted by Ascani's anecdote about meeting someone who played his music as part of a cover band named Anime salve at just 17. “His words are as alive today as ever, speaking to contemporary Italy,” she elaborated, referencing how even modern artists bring his songs to platforms like Sanremo.
Celebrated not just as singer-songwriter but also as a poet, De André's work challenges conventional narratives. Gianmarco Mazzi, the undersecretary for culture, remarked, “De André was often seen as serious and authoritative, but he was warm-hearted, humorous, and possessed self-irony.”
Federico Mollicone, chairman of the culture committee, elaborated on De André’s significance, explaining, “He belongs to the literary and musical heritage of 20th-century Italy... He was unique, evocative of places, traditions, and people through his stories.” With the range of stories he shared, De André's lyrical mastery painted vivid landscapes of human experience.
Bruno Sconocchia, the president of Assoconcerti and De André’s former manager, praised the legacy left by the artist: “He gave us not just music but also cultural and social insights, focusing on the marginalized, seeking justice and freedom.”
The celebration also included archival footage, live performances by renowned artists like Paola Turci and Paolo Fresu, and personal recollections from Gino Castaldo. Ghezzi shared poignant moments from their life together, including the harrowing experience of being kidnapped by the Anonima Sequestri, which marked their lives indelibly.
Dori Ghezzi recounted one arresting exchange during their captivity: “One of the kidnappers mentioned he preferred the music of Guccini. Fabrizio replied, ‘You could have taken him instead.’” This anecdote revealed De André's humor even during dire circumstances.
Following their release, De André composed L’indiano, expressing solidarity with his captors, whom he viewed as victims too, drawing parallels with the plight of Native Americans. Ghezzi recalled, “After the release, the incidents of kidnappings ceased—perhaps there was a sense of shame.”
Reflecting on his artistic intentions, Ghezzi said, “Fabrizio never explicitly sang about himself, except perhaps in ‘Hotel Supramonte.’ He often narrated others' lives but effectively bared his soul through those stories.”
The homage concluded with discussions about future endeavors and how to perpetuate De André's legacy among younger generations. They hinted at upcoming editions of the De André prize held at the beloved Magliana quarter of Rome, including plans to focus on educational initiatives to introduce his work to school students.
Even twenty-four years since his passing, Fabrizio De André’s poignant voice continues to resonate across generations, weaving threads of empathy, reflection, and cultural awareness. Today, the tributes serve not just as remembrance but as calls to action—inviting us to embrace the nuances of humanity as he once did through his art.