Beppe Carletti: 'I dream of a TV series about I Nomadi at 80. Sanremo? It would be nice'

Beppe Carletti, the founder and keyboardist of the iconic Italian band I Nomadi, is marking his 80th birthday on August 12th, a milestone that also celebrates the band's remarkable 63-year journey. Carletti, reflecting on the band's enduring legacy, told ANSA, "Playing almost every night in a different place isn't a job, it's my life. If we weren't always on the move, what kind of Nomadi would we be?"

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Playing almost every night in a different place isn't a job, it's my life. If we weren't always on the move, what kind of Nomadi would we be?

I Nomadi, recognized as Italy's longest-running band and the second globally behind the Rolling Stones, continues to draw large crowds, with Carletti noting, "I've never seen so many people at our concerts as in recent years." Looking ahead, Carletti harbors dreams of a television series depicting his life and his early collaboration with Augusto Daolio, as well as a potential return to the Sanremo Festival to commemorate the band's record-breaking longevity. However, he approaches these aspirations with a sense of contentment, appreciating the unexpected journey his career has afforded him.

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I've never seen so many people at our concerts as in recent years.

Beyond music, Carletti has a deep commitment to social engagement. In 2012, he spearheaded the "Concerto per l'Emilia," a concert that raised nearly 1.2 million euros for reconstruction efforts following a devastating earthquake in the Emilia-Romagna region. His humanitarian efforts have extended globally, earning him accolades such as the 'Artists for Peace' award and the honor of Cavaliere della Repubblica from President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi in 2005. In 2023, President Sergio Mattarella welcomed I Nomadi to the Quirinale to celebrate their 60th anniversary.

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I never thought of success as a goal. I simply wanted to have fun and live by doing what I love.

Carletti, described as an "antidivo per eccellenza" (the ultimate non-diva), has consistently upheld values of respect for the audience, solidarity, and the belief that success is a byproduct of an authentic path. "I never thought of success as a goal. I simply wanted to have fun and live by doing what I love," he often states. His life has been a tapestry of encounters with prominent figures, from religious leaders like Pope John Paul II and the Dalai Lama to political figures and artists like Yasser Arafat and Federico Fellini. "I, a small man, had the chance to shake hands with very important people. Music opens doors and speaks to the soul," he observes. Yet, his office is adorned with drawings and portraits of his late bandmate, Augusto Daolio, a testament to their enduring bond.

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I, a small man, had the chance to shake hands with very important people. Music opens doors and speaks to the soul.