On Monday, March 24, 2025, Rai 1 aired “Champagne,” a film that narrates the life of Peppino Di Capri, one of the most successful Italian musicians of the 1970s and 1980s. This biographical film, produced by Rai Fiction and O’Groove, captured significant moments of Di Capri’s musical career while reflecting the socio-political backdrop of Italy during that era.
The film featured Francesco Del Gaudio in the lead role as Peppino Di Capri, with Arianna Di Claudio portraying his first wife, Roberta Stoppa, and Gaja Masciale taking on the role of his second wife, Giuliana Gagliardi. The story directly connects to the two major relationships of Di Capri’s life, which have also influenced his music, including the famous song “Roberta,” dedicated to his first wife.
Roberta Stoppa, born in 1941, was a model from Turin. She met Di Capri in 1959 while dancing in a club in Ischia. They married two years later when Roberta was only 20 years old. Their relationship was turbulent, and despite their marriage, Di Capri found himself drawn to Giuliana Gagliardi, who was born in 1951 on the island of Capri. Gagliardi initially aspired to be a biologist and stayed out of the limelight, but her life took a dramatic turn upon meeting the famous musician.
Peppino Di Capri and Giuliana Gagliardi’s relationship began as an infatuation while he was still married to Roberta. They became engaged, but circumstances nearly forced Di Capri back to Stoppa. However, after years of turmoil and personal growth, he finally divorced Stoppa. By 1978, Di Capri had married Gagliardi, and the couple welcomed two sons: Edoardo in 1981 and Dario in 1986.
Tragically, Giuliana Gagliardi passed away in July 2019 at the age of 68 after a year-long illness. Her death marked an emotional turning point in Di Capri's life, leaving him heartbroken.
When the day of Gagliardi's funeral arrived, Di Capri’s grief led him to take an unusual step. Instead of attending, he opted to watch from afar, stating, “I watched the funeral from the curve that leads home. I wanted to remember her alive.” He reflected on their life together, emphasizing the emotional scars that lingered after such loss. Di Capri admitted, “After, music helped me. It kept me busy.”
The juxtaposition of Di Capri’s public persona as a celebrated artist and his private pain reveals the complexities of love and loss. His choice to honor Gagliardi's memory by focusing on her life rather than her death showcases a desire to celebrate her spirit over mourning her absence. Throughout the years, music remained a refuge for Di Capri as he navigated his heartbreak.
As the film “Champagne” airs, viewers are reminded of the legacies left by both Roberta Stoppa and Giuliana Gagliardi in Peppino Di Capri’s life. Di Capri’s deep connections with these two women are not just significant in his personal life, but have also greatly influenced his artistic narrative, resulting in timeless music that continues to resonate across generations.
Peppino Di Capri's story is not just one of fame; it's a relatable account that speaks to the deep bonds of love that shape our lives. “Champagne” is not merely a tribute to a pop star, but it’s a heartfelt exploration of the joys and sorrows that intertwine in the life of an artist.
As audiences witness the rich tapestry of Di Capri’s experiences depicted in “Champagne,” they are drawn into the emotional landscapes of love, mortuary rituals, and the enduring human spirit revealed through art. The film provides an opportunity to reflect on how personal relationships and tragic losses echo through the songs we create and share with the world.
In the end, Peppino Di Capri’s narrative extends far beyond his musical achievements. It serves as a poignant reminder of how the relationships we forge define who we are and how we navigate our paths through life's celebrations and tribulations.
