In a surprising turn of events, Linus, the artistic director of Radio Deejay, announced on April 3, 2025, that the iconic radio station will not be returning to Riccione this summer after nearly four decades of summer programming in the popular Italian seaside town. The announcement, made via Linus's Instagram account, expressed his disappointment and marked the end of a long-standing relationship between the radio station and the Perla Verde, as Riccione is affectionately known.
Linus's post read, "A long story that ends with few words: after many years, this summer Radio Deejay will not be in Riccione. We tried until the end, but evidently someone had already decided otherwise. Pity." This message resonated with fans and followers, garnering hundreds of comments within minutes.
The roots of Radio Deejay's association with Riccione date back to 1987, when Claudio Cecchetto, the then-leader of the station, chose the town as the summer location for the Milanese broadcast. That summer, two test episodes of the television program Deejay Beach were filmed at the Aquafan water park, paving the way for a long-standing tradition of summer events.
The following year, the Walky Cup Disco was inaugurated, featuring popular radio hosts and emerging talents like a young Jovanotti, who would later become a household name. The vibrant atmosphere was further enlivened by the exuberant entertainer Rosario Fiorello, who became a staple of the summer festivities.
In 1994, a significant change occurred when Linus took the helm at Radio Deejay, marking the beginning of his era and a split from Cecchetto, who subsequently founded Radio Capital. Despite the initial tensions, Linus returned to Riccione in 1996, and the bond between the radio station and the town continued without interruption for many years. Events like Deejay on Stage in Piazzale Roma and various concerts became synonymous with summer in Riccione.
However, the relationship began to show signs of strain in 2024 when the Municipality of Riccione opened a call for tenders for event management. Linus had expressed concerns about being treated equally to other bidders, despite Radio Deejay's longstanding commitment to energizing the town during its administrative challenges. "It was an unpleasant situation to be treated like anyone else after keeping the city going while it was under special administration for the second time in five years," he said in a statement last year.
Despite these challenges, an agreement was reached, allowing Radio Deejay to continue its summer programming in 2024. Linus had noted at the time, "It’s been a nasty affair. However, the downside of living in a small town is that everything gets talked about, but everyone knows exactly how it went down." This year, however, the anticipated collaboration was not renewed, leading to the abrupt termination of Radio Deejay’s summer presence in Riccione.
The decision not to return this summer comes as a shock to many, considering the historical significance of Radio Deejay in Riccione’s cultural landscape. For nearly 40 years, the radio station has been a vital part of the town's summer identity, providing entertainment and a sense of community during the bustling tourist season.
Linus's announcement leaves many wondering what the future holds for summer events in Riccione. With no Deejay (or Riccione) on Stage contest, no programming from Aquafan, and no live broadcasts from Piazzale Roma or Viale Ceccarini, the summer of 2025 will undoubtedly feel different for both locals and visitors.
As the news settles in, it’s clear that the departure of Radio Deejay marks the end of an era in Riccione. The station has not only been a source of entertainment but also a part of the town's fabric, intertwining its history with that of the local culture. Linus's relationship with Riccione is also personal; he is married to Carlotta Medas, a Riccione native, further deepening his ties to the town.
Despite the disappointment, Linus's legacy in Riccione remains significant. His leadership helped shape the summer landscape of the town, and his absence will be felt in the community. As he moves forward, it remains to be seen how both he and Radio Deejay will adapt to this new chapter.
In a town that has seen countless summer events, concerts, and radio broadcasts, the departure of Radio Deejay is a poignant reminder of the changes that can occur in long-standing traditions. While the future may hold new opportunities for both Linus and Riccione, the memories of summer nights filled with music and laughter will linger on.
As the summer of 2025 approaches, Riccione will undoubtedly continue to evolve, but the absence of Radio Deejay will leave a notable void in its vibrant summer scene. Fans and locals alike will have to find new ways to fill the gap left by the beloved radio station, which has been a beacon of joy and entertainment for generations.
