The wedges?
An idea of Ivano in the Sixties to be all the same height on stage.
Sequins and brightly colored shantung silks?
An inspiration given by the paintings in the Sistine Chapel, when - always Ivano - was part of the children's choir.
"Fifty years ago we were a revolution, today even Amadeus uses jackets with sequins".
The Cousins of Campagna land at the Sanremo festival, for the first time.
Without renouncing their identity, the one that made them recognizable in their 53-year career ("Even if I go around with a mask and dark glasses, they recognize me by my big hair").
"At the Ariston in a suit and tie? But no, if I did I would be false. Or I was before," explains Ivano Michetti, guitarist and founder of the band with his twin drummer Silvano, who claims ideas and choices.
"We go to Sanremo because we conquered it. In the 1970s, at the height of our success, we were continually invited. But it was a show that went on for one evening, on Wednesdays, deferred on Rai2. The festival needed visibility, we no: that's why we never went. And then everything was already organised, who should win, who should finish second or third", says Ivano, a flood of anecdotes and stories.
"The turning point came in the 80s thanks to the wisdom of Freddy Naggiar, the founder of Bay Records who launched Pupo, who offered 25 million to Marina Occhiena to leave the Ricchi e Poveri,
In the meantime the paths of the Cousins of Campagna and of the festival inexorably divided.
Until today.
"Delighted to be at the Ariston not for an award or a reunion. And please, no career awards, I'd kill myself! - jokes the artist -. We also have to thank the Maneskins a little, with them who have imitated our looks there has been a rebirth. And Amadeus has seized this moment on the fly".
So peace made with the four young boys?
"But I love them and then they too admitted that we are their point of reference. I only hate them for one thing: I am almost 76 years old (he will turn them with his brother on 11 February, the final evening of the festival) and four of them make my age. But they understood everything: I was amazed that they made covers like Beggin', but then Damiamo enlightened me:
We don't give a damn about Siae, he said, we live with downloads.
And Beggin' with 130 million downloads at 50 cents each made 75 million euros".
Looking closely, adds Ivano, the two bands have several things in common besides the eccentric looks.
"They started from Via del Corso. We from the Trevi Fountain, where I used to go to collect the coins thrown by tourists as a kid. When my father caught me, he took me to the children's choir of the Sistine Chapel. The origin of Anima Mia, 4 million copies sold and 46 million with covers worldwide, comes from there. A timeless song, despite its 50 years".
The Cugini di Campagna landed at the festival with Letter 22, a piece written for them by The Representative of Lista.
"At 76, I'm not stupid enough to think that my artistic vein could appeal to 15-year-olds. We want to dialogue with young people, which is why we trust the collaboration with Veronica and Dario, even if at the
With 100-120 concerts a year, retiring is out of the question.
"Two years ago I suffered a stroke and I thought it was over. In a coma, the vision of the Madonnina del Pozzo reassured me. But after waking up and starting the long physiotherapy again, which I still continue, I understood that I don't want to stop. I want to die with glitter and wedges."
(HANDLE).