The audience is already waiting excitedly in front of the stage, with temperatures around 30 degrees and Lake Constance in the background, when the first notes of “Spirito Nel Buio” sound at 8pm. Italian blues-rock singer Zucchero comes on stage in a jacket and hat, as befits a world star.
“Vorrei vedere tutto il mondo in festa che accende spirito nel buio,” Zucchero sings — which means something like “I want to see the whole world celebrate who kindles spirit in the dark.” The audience took the invitation seriously and responded with loud cheers and applause.
More space due to a smaller audience
As part of this year’s summer concerts, Zucchero gave a concert on his World Wild Tour on Saturday, July 8 in Klein Venice – the night before, rapper Cro had already performed. The summer concerts provide space for 8,500 people each, and according to organizer Kokon Entertainment, about 6,500 people eventually turned up for the Zucchero concert. While the Cro concert was already sold out weeks ago, Zucchero fans who made a belated decision can still buy tickets at the box office for €70.
Both the organizer and the public are satisfied with the organization. This is also due to the fact that there were fewer visitors than initially planned. “It was really cool that you didn’t have to stand so close to each other in the heat,” says Dieter Boss of Cocoon Entertainment. He is responsible for acquiring artists for concerts in the region.
Kokon Entertainment’s Dieter Boss is satisfied with the summer concert route. | Photo: Oliver Hanser | SK Archive
Zucchero visited the area several times
Zucchero should now feel connected to the region, Bös brought him to the Lörrach Voice Festival two years ago. On July 15, he will perform there for the third time, the concert is already sold out. Bös has already had some small talk with Zucchero, he says. “I especially remember how beautiful Zucchero thought the view of the lake was even 20 years ago,” says Boss.
The 68-year-old Zucchero is now considered the father of the Italian blues, and Bös describes him as an “extraordinary artist” because his rock and soul music is unique. Zucchero’s real name is Adelmo Fornaciari.
His stage name translates to “sugar” and was once nothing more than a nickname given to him by his primary school teacher, Zucchero told various Italian media. To be remembered, Zucchero later lent himself to several record labels of the same name. This is how the name “Zucchero Fornaciari” came about.
Never without his hat
The singer’s trademark is his hat – you rarely see the Italian perform without a hat. So did the crowd in Little Venice: again and again I saw people in hats of different shapes, colors, and sizes in the crowd.
The atmosphere at the party was exuberant. The audience danced and sang in the chorus, throwing their arms in the air at the singer’s request and waving their arms to the beat of the music.
Zucchero played the full range of his music on Saturdays: There were classics like “Baila”, “Vedo Nero” or “Diamante”, but there were also songs from his new albums. The 68-year-old sang and danced on stage for more than two hours. And he kept thanking his fans—sometimes in Italian with “Grazie Costanza,” sometimes in German with the hardworking “Thank you Konschtanz.”
“You see people again after 30 years”
Zucchero brought people together – young and old, residents of Constance and visitors as well as people of different nationalities. Italian Michele Tedesco lives in Switzerland and traveled to Constance specifically for the concert. Zucchero’s music shaped him throughout his life. You can tell how happy he and his friend are – they danced and sang to Zucchero’s music.
Tedesco could not answer the question about his favorite song. “Everyone,” he says, “is all about love and God.” The last time Tedesco was at a Zucchero concert was 30 years ago. Best thing for him: At a Zucchero party in Little Venice, he meets people he met at his last party.
Bright skies, a ferris wheel, and Lake Constance provided the perfect backdrop. | Photo: Sarah Guglielmino
Fans associate a lot with Zucchero’s music
Michaela Bühler traveled with her friend Angela Kreiter from Spaichingen near Villingen-Schwenningen to Constance for the Zucchero. Buehler is often in Italy and has been learning Italian recently — so when she found out about the concert, it was obvious she was going.
Plus, his music has a special meaning to her: “I listened to Zucchero a lot while I was pregnant,” she says, laughing. On the other hand, Kreutter values Zucchero’s musical style above all else. “His voice is so unique,” she says.
From left: Zucchero lovers Angela Crater and Michaela Buehler from Spieschingen. | Photo: Sarah Guglielmino
Zucchero has played through many drafts, most recently his 1987 classic “Hey Man” after retiring behind the scenes. What was left was a happy crowd, celebratory fans and a satisfied organiser. “After this concert, Konstanzer Zucchero won their hearts even more,” Dieter Boss assures.
“Professional music expert. Creator. Student. Twitter aficionado. Unapologetic coffee trailblazer.”
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