Ligabue first delved into music in 1987, when he formed the band Orazero. Some of Ligabue’s original songs soon caught the attention of singer/songwriter Pierangeio Bertloli, who used one of Ligabue’s songs on one of his albums. In 1990 Ligabue released his self-titled debut album. That same year Ligabue embarked on his first tour, which lasted for nearly three years. During that time Ligabue released two other albums. In 1991 he released “Lambrusco coltelli rose & popcorn” and in 1993 he released “Sopravvissuti e sopravviventi”.
In 1995 Ligabue really broke into the mainstream with his album “Buon compleanno Elvis!” The album was a huge success in Italy and every song on the album received airtime over Italy’s radio stations. In 1997 Ligabue played a concert at the San Siro Stadium, which verified him as a first class performer. Around that same time Ligabue made his debut as writer by releasing a collection of short stories.
In 1998 Ligabue made his directorial debut with the film “Radiofreccia”, which went on to win 3 David di Donatello awards. Ligabue also composed the soundtrack for the film as well. A year after “Radiofreccia” he released the album “Miss Mondo”. Ligabue continued to release albums consistently throughout the late 90s and early 2000s. In 2005 Ligabue performed a show in his homeland of Reggio Emilia to celebrate his 15 years as a musician. The concert drew in around 180,000 people and set a European audience record.
In 2010 Ligabue released the album “Arrivederci, mostro!”, which received great commercial success in Italy. The album reached the No. 1 spot on the Italian Albums chart and was also certified diamond by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry. The album also contained the singles “Un colpo all’anima”, “Quando canterai la tua canzone”, and “La linea sottile”. In 2010 Ligabue also directed and starred in the film “Niente Paura”. He also performed the music for the film as well. In 2013 Ligabue released the album “Mondovisione”, which went on to reach the No. 1 position on the Italian Albums chart. The album was also certified sextuple platinum by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry.
Ligabue has truly proven himself to be a master of many talents. His strong work ethic and his constant tour schedule help him to maintain a tight bond with his fans, which seem to be increasing in number every year.
To an English speaking music fan, Luciano Ligabue could quite possibly be the most successful artists you’ve never heard of. The feeling of watching an artist play stadiums on Youtube minutes after seeing their name for the first time is a surreal one for sure, but very shortly after one will entirely understand how the Correggio born singer songwriter can play shows to crowds of 180,000 people as he did in his home town just under a decade ago (to put it in perspective, that’s a cool 30,000 more people than there were at Oasis at Knebworth), no matter how unfamiliar they are with him or the language he’s speaking. Essentially, Ligabue is Italy’s answer to Bono, Eddie Vedder and Bruce Springsteen all rolled into one. His brand of anthemic, soulful guitar pop is tailor made to sound utterly majestic in the hugest stages that his home country can offer, and needless to say it works like a charm. His captivating, yet down to earth charisma provide a much more palatable form of stadium posturing than the kind we’re used to on this side of the Channel. However, if one takes away the unbelievable stardom that that he commands in his home country, one is still left with an extremely talented songwriter and a captivating performer, with a back catalogue that has something for everyone. Approach with an open mind and you’ll come away very happy indeed!
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