The opportunities to see him perform were limited to just two shows: one at Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre and the other at WOMADelaide, the renowned world music festival.
After a sold-out concert in the Queensland capital on Thursday, March 5, Jovanotti travelled to South Australia. Less than 24 hours later he was on the Foundation Stage at WOMADelaide, performing before a crowd of around 2000 people.
Fans gathered early, singing along to his best-known songs while waiting for the show to begin. There were banners, the unmistakable Sardinian Four Moors flag and plenty of energy—an atmosphere reminiscent of his concerts in Italy.
We met Lorenzo Jovanotti backstage a few minutes before he went on. The excitement and tension were palpable, along with his enthusiasm after the Brisbane concert.
“Yesterday it felt like I was at home—it was like one of my concerts in Italy. They knew all my songs,” he said.
Asked about Australia more broadly, he reflected on the image of the country many Italians grew up with, shaped in part by the iconic early-1970s film Bello, onesto, emigrato Australia sposerebbe compaesana illibata, starring Alberto Sordi and Claudia Cardinale.
“We grew up knowing Australia through that wonderful film, which I think I’ve seen at least ten times,” he shared.
“It told the stories of Italians who were a bit mistreated, of the difficulties they faced. It seems to me that in Italy we never really updated our understanding of this country, so coming here has been a very pleasant surprise.
“I expected a modern country, but not quite like this—it feels very young. Everyone is kind, the cities are beautiful, the coastline is stunning and the sea is incredible. I really hope I can come back soon.”
It is a hope that also sounds like a promise for his many fans.
“I hope to come back and play in Australia again,” he said, “I think it’s a great place for me to develop my live shows. There’s a large Italian community here, but even Australians who don’t speak Italian still have fun at my concerts.”
Before heading off to prepare for the show, he offered a preview of what the audience at WOMADelaide could expect.
“[The setlist] will focus on rhythm, songs full of funk and rock,” he revealed, “This is a festival where people want to dance. So, I’ve taken out some of the ballads and the more romantic songs.
“Tonight, we just dance.” And that is exactly what happened.
The setlist featured many of the most energetic songs from his repertoire performed with the band that travelled from Italy with him: long-time bassist Saturnino, guitarist Adriano Viterbini and drummer Carmine B-Dog Landolfi, joined by Australian musicians Mirko Guerrini on the keyboard and Alastair Kerr on percussion.
Bella, Serenata Rap, Un raggio di sole, Tanto, Safari, Oceanica, Yalla yalla and many others had the crowd singing along throughout the show.
There were also two special tributes: a rendition of Down Under by Men at Work in honour of the mini-tour, and a nod to Italy with a brief reference to L’italiano by Toto Cutugno.
The audience responded with enthusiasm, turning the evening into a celebration shared by Italians and Australians alike.
He closed his first live experience in Australia with a promise to return next year—words that already sound like a future appointment for the Italian community and his Australian fans.
