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30 November 2025 - 14:31
Rome – Peppe Vessicchio, one of the most beloved figures in Italian music, has died. The renowned conductor and arranger passed away today at the age of 69 at the San Camillo Forlanini Hospital in Rome, where he had been hospitalized for several days due to serious complications.
The news was confirmed by the hospital's press office, which reiterated the family's desire to maintain the utmost confidentiality. The funeral will be held privately.
Born in Naples on March 17, 1956, Giuseppe Vessicchio—known to all as Peppe—was one of the undisputed protagonists of Italian pop music. A conductor, arranger, musician, and television personality, Vessicchio successfully combined the rigor of classical music with the lightheartedness of popular song, captivating generations of listeners with his grace and wit.
From the Naples of his early days to the great names of Italian music
Having developed artistically in his hometown, Vessicchio took his first steps collaborating with artists such as Edoardo Bennato, Nino Buonocore, Peppino di Capri, Peppino Gagliardi, and Lina Sastri, creating arrangements that have become part of the history of pop music. His long collaboration with Gino Paoli was crucial, with whom he wrote songs such as Ti lascio una canzone, Cosa farò da grande, and Coppi.
In his youth, he was also one of the founders of the cabaret group "I Trettré," for which he was responsible for the musical side, playing guitar and piano. But his true passion remained conducting, which would soon lead him to the most important stage in Italian music.
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The “master” of Sanremo
His debut at the Sanremo Festival dates back to 1990. Since then, his elegant figure and unmistakable beard have become a symbol of the festival itself. In a thirty-year career at Sanremo, Vessicchio has conducted hundreds of songs and won four editions: in 2000 with "Sentimento" by Avion Travel, in 2003 with "Per dire di no" by Alexia, in 2010 with "Per tutte le volte che" by Valerio Scanu, and in 2011 with "Call me still love" by Roberto Vecchioni.
Awarded several times as best arranger (in 1994, 1997 and 1998), in 2000 he also received the special recognition of the jury chaired by Luciano Pavarotti.
Between television and teaching
Alongside his career as a conductor, Vessicchio had appeared on numerous television programs, from Buona Domenica to Viva Napoli, and Note di Natale. In recent years, he had returned to prominence thanks to his appearance on Maria De Filippi's talent show "Amici," where he mentored and trained young singers, becoming a key figure for the younger generations.
With his expertise and calm style, Peppe Vessicchio embodied a vision of music built on passion, culture, and respect for his audience. His passing leaves a huge void in the Italian artistic landscape, but his voice—the silent voice of the maestro who accompanies without ever overwhelming—will continue to resonate in every note of our music.
Comments (1)
The passing of Peppe Vessicchio is a great sadness for all of us. He was a great musician who left an indelible mark on Italian music. We will always remember his arrangements and his passionate conducting.