“I always dreamed of becoming a musician but dad wanted me to be a vet, surely to protect me from the comparisons they would make with him.” Cristiano De André, an artist’s heart and innate talent, regardless of the name he carries, is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist of rare sensitivity. He was good from the start with the band Tempi Duri. The comparison with his famous father, who died in 1999, was certainly there. But Cristiano, after eight solo albums and many projects, went his own way and on Thursday, September 3rd, at ‘La Festa’ in Reggio, he will celebrate the myth of his father Fabrizio with yet another concert (tickets on TicketOne and Ticketmaster) with the tour “De André sings De André Best of Summer 2026″.
On stage, with him, highly respected musicians: Osvaldo di Dio (guitars), Davide Pezzin (bass), Luciano Luisi (keyboards) and Ivano Zanotti (drums). De André, his official notes are clear: “Sole heir of the De André musical heritage”.
A great responsibility.
“Yes, it’s a responsibility but also a great joy. With my musicians, we did meticulous work. In the last tour of ‘Anime salve’, many years ago, eponymous with the album, where I arranged some songs from that concert, my father wanted me to revise some of his works, to give them new vitality. A new outfit, in short. Then, we were supposed to start a new tour. Unfortunately, what happened happened. Dad passed away, a great sorrow. After years, I decided to carry on that project. With great musicians. We took about forty of his works and gave them new life. This tour is the best, ‘The best off’ of four live albums we recorded.”
During the concerts, you sing and play several instruments: guitar (acoustic and classical), piano, violin, bouzouki. What atmosphere is there on that stage?
“A special magic is created. It’s a great emotion to make my dad feel close to the audience. He made art accessible to any generation. Many young people come to the concert. The messages he left are still important, especially in a world like today’s, so devoid of values.”
What struck you most about Fabrizio?
“His immense genius. But also his consistency. I wish the things my father wrote would be put into practice. Because they help us live better.”
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Your father wasn’t one for compliments…
“No. But I fondly remember two particular moments when he softened. In Sardinia, when I caught a 15-kilo dentex with him (laughs, ed.). Another hug when I came second at Sanremo with ‘Dietro la porta’. When he took me to play with him, that was the culmination of my career. And to think that as a boy I wanted to go to the conservatory and he advised against it. Then he realized I was more stubborn than him and enrolled me. I studied violin.”
You have participated several times in the Sanremo showcase. Will you run for Sanremo 2027, presented by De Martino?
“I have the right song. I’d say I’m putting myself forward.”
Is there a song from your father’s immense repertoire that particularly moves you?
“It’s difficult to reduce such an immense world to just one song. But I must say that ‘Khorakhane’ is a profound, touching poem; it stirs my soul.”
Cristiano, which song from your personal repertoire do you love the most?
“The one I still have to write.”
