Mauro Repetto, co-founder of the iconic Italian pop duo 883, has recently opened up about his musical past and his relationships with former bandmate Max Pezzali and producer Claudio Cecchetto. In a candid interview with Il Messaggero, Repetto expressed a desire for reconciliation among the trio, stating, “I hope that one day they make peace. Before we become three old men in wheelchairs, I would like to share a Tennent’s rossa with them again.”
The friendship between Repetto and Pezzali began in their school days and blossomed into a successful partnership that defined the 1990s Italian music scene. Repetto fondly recalled, “He was my best friend, and I know I’ll never have a more important friend than him. He was the person I was closest to, emotionally.” However, as time passed, their relationship evolved. “Between me and Max, the frequencies changed. There wasn’t a break; our friendship is still solid, but at some point, this ‘guitar with a distorted note’ came in. It’s like we were two radios that suddenly couldn’t tune into the same frequency anymore: we no longer captured the same melodies.”
Reflecting on his relationship with Cecchetto, Repetto noted a stark contrast. Once a close professional collaborator who played a pivotal role in the duo's success, their relationship has soured significantly. Repetto admitted, “I have no relationship with Claudio Cecchetto.” While there’s no animosity or controversy, the distance is palpable, as if that chapter was closed without the possibility of reopening it. Repetto stated unequivocally, “With Claudio Cecchetto, I have closed all relations.”
Repetto's estrangement from Cecchetto intensified after he learned about the ongoing legal disputes between Pezzali and Cecchetto. “I didn’t know how serious the case was that saw him opposing Max in court, which I don’t want to discuss. I found out when Max’s lawyers cautioned the municipality of Pavia regarding the award they intended to give me.” This revelation led to misunderstandings, with Pezzali believing that Repetto had allied with Cecchetto against him. To maintain loyalty to his best friend, Repetto decided to distance himself from Cecchetto.
Despite the rift with Cecchetto, Repetto remains committed to his artistic endeavors. He is currently making his theatrical debut with a one-man show titled Alla ricerca dell’uomo ragno, which combines songs, dances, and personal memories related to 883. This project offers him a chance to reflect on his past while forging a new path in the performing arts.
In the same interview, Repetto confirmed that Pezzali has never attended his show, stating, “But the two of us have a special relationship: we never talk about work when we meet.” He also dashed hopes for a reunion of 883, a dream cherished by many fans. “In the brewery, always. On stage, it must happen spontaneously.”
Repetto's reflections on his past reveal a complex web of emotions and relationships shaped by time and personal choices. He emphasized that after achieving success, the duo's paths diverged when he decided to leave Italy to pursue other personal projects. He clarified that financial issues were not behind their separation. “Nothing broke between us; our friendship remains strong, but at some point, the way we communicated changed.”
In another moment of introspection, Repetto shared his feelings about the song “Gli anni,” which he described as giving him claustrophobia. This sentiment symbolizes the weight of nostalgia and the challenges of moving forward while reflecting on a celebrated past.
Although he has distanced himself from Cecchetto, Repetto still harbors hope for a future where peace can be restored among the trio. His longing for camaraderie underscores the emotional ties that once bound them together during their peak years as a pop phenomenon.
As Repetto embarks on this new theatrical journey, he carries with him the memories of a vibrant musical legacy while navigating the complexities of old friendships. His story serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of art and the relationships that shape an artist's life.
