Ligabue Reflects on 30-Year Career, Addresses Artist's Role in Politics

Luciano Ligabue, the celebrated Italian rock artist, met with journalists in Rome ahead of his stadium concert, marking a significant milestone in his career. The tour, "La notte di certe notti," commemorates 30 years since the release of his iconic album 'Certe notti.' Ligabue shared his enduring passion for songwriting, stating, "In my head, I aimed to be a singer-songwriter with the sound of a band, and I hope I still am. Even today, my challenge is always to try to write what I consider beautiful songs."

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In my head, I aimed to be a singer-songwriter with the sound of a band, and I hope I still am. Even today, my challenge is always to try to write what I consider beautiful songs.

The concert setlist features 26 songs, spanning nearly two and a half hours, including fan favorites like "Una vita da mediano" and "Urlando contro il cielo." Notably, his son Lenny is performing on drums, a role he has held in Ligabue's band for two years. Ligabue mentioned that the setlist will vary for upcoming arena and club dates, incorporating more recent material.

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Francesco is a heritage of the country's music and culture and is one of the freest thinkers among all authors. He is never found where someone thinks they will find him, and that is a characteristic I like very much. That said, it is clear that he spoke for himself, I do not share that thought, not entirely.

During the conversation, Ligabue addressed the recent controversy sparked by fellow artist Francesco De Gregori's comments on musicians taking political stances. While acknowledging De Gregori as a "heritage of the country's music and culture" and a "free thinker," Ligabue expressed his personal disagreement with De Gregori's stance. "It's clear that he spoke for himself, I don't share that thought, not entirely," Ligabue stated. He emphasized the right of artists to choose their level of political engagement, adding, "Music can, and one decides then if they feel like doing it or not. I believe this is a thought that must be granted to everyone."

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But I believe he wanted to demonstrate, with a bit of annoyance, the fact that we are not obliged (to take a stand). Too often it is said 'music must,' no, music can, and one decides then if they feel like doing it or not. I believe this is a thought that must be granted to everyone.

Ligabue has consistently used his music to express his views, citing the song "Il mio nome è mai più," co-written with Piero Pelù and Jovanotti, as an anti-war statement. He also introduced a new, unreleased song, "Nessuno è di qualcuno," which tackles gender-based violence. Proceeds from this song will be donated to the "Una Nessuna Centomila" foundation, highlighting his commitment to social causes.

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I have been doing it in concerts for 27 years, almost every concert and I always remember that there is not only a massacre in Gaza, there is also one in Ukraine, there is one in Sudan and there are 56 others ongoing in the world.