Ten years after the disappearance of Pino Daniele, the city of Napoli is preparing to pay homage to his unforgettable “Mascalzone Latino” with a special event with a strong emotional impact.
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Nello Daniele, musician, artistic producer and brother of the artist, announces a great tribute concert: “I'm Close to You Forever”, a musical tribute that will bring together friends, colleagues and artists who shared the life and art of the famous Neapolitan singer-songwriter. On March 19, the day Pino would have turned 70, Piazza del Gesù will be transformed into the beating heart of this celebration.
Big names in Italian music will take turns on stage: Mario Biondi, Clementino, Tullio De Piscopo, Enzo Gragnaniello, Irene Grandi, Raiz, Michele Zarrillo, the 99 Posse, and many more. The concert, sponsored by the Campania Region and the Municipality of Naples, aims to be an emotional journey through the masterpieces of Pino Daniele, celebrating the authentic Naples that he told with his songs.
A return to the roots, in the heart of the city
The slogan chosen for the event, “Take me to my house”, represents the symbolic heart of the evening: a return to the roots, the alleys and the traditions that have shaped the art and soul of Pino Daniele. “This 10th anniversary is a family matter”, declared Nello Daniele. "I felt the duty, as a brother, to organize a real party, that celebrated Pino not only as an artist, but also as a man and as part of our family. Naples was his home, his inspiration, and bringing his music back to the people who saw him grow is the best way to remember him."
Nello recalled how many of Pino's iconic songs were born precisely by observing daily life in the alleys of Piazza del Gesù: “In this area, everything smells of Pino. I think of 'Donna Concetta', which tells the stories of these streets, of our neighborhoods. This square is where he grew up, where our parents, brothers and aunts lived. It's the right place for such an important celebration.”
The concert will be much more than a simple musical tribute: it will be an opportunity to relive Pino Daniele's childhood and early career, recounting the deep bond that united him to his city. The magical atmosphere of Naples, its alleys, its traditions and its people will be the backdrop to an unforgettable evening, in which the audience will be able to immerse themselves in the essence of the artist and his music.
The event, organized by Nello Daniele and Antonio Pellegrino with the association “Je Sto Vicino a Te”, will see the production direction curated by Paul Lubrano, with the collaboration of Ettore De Lorenzo and Michele Ciardiello. The stage set-up will be entrusted to Italstage, while the audio service will be managed by Rooster. For the occasion, television recordings are also planned that will allow this celebration to be shared with an even wider audience.
Article published on 28 January 2025 - 11:30
This concert for Pino Daniele seems to me a beautiful and meaningful idea. It is important to keep alive his music and the memory of an artist who has given so much to our city. Let's hope it is a success.
I agree with you, it is essential not to forget the roots and values of Pino's music. Every time I listen to his songs I always get emotional and I hope that the concert will be up to par.