Non its fifth Festival, Amadeus has decided to give space to three important anniversaries for Italian music. After the thirtieth birthday of And then by Giorgio, Eros Ramazzotti arrives tonight at Sanremo 2024 for his anniversary. And that is that of the 40 years of Promised Landthe song with which he debuted in 1984.
Eros Ramazzotti sings at Sanremo 2024 Promised Land: the story of the song
It’s 1984, Eros is only twenty years old and takes to the feared stage of the Ariston Theater for the first time. It is competing among the New Proposals. Among the big names there are Al Bano and Romina with It will be – who won the victory –, Fiordaliso with I do not want the moon and Fiorella Mannoia with How to change. Among the young people he is the only one who presents a song that will remain in the history of Italian music. Pippo Baudo rewards him by calling him “a young man of twenty living the most fascinating seconds” of his life. And it probably was.
Promised Land it is signed by Ramazzotti himself, by Renato Brioschi and Alberto Salerno. Talk about young people and to young people. Summarizes the social issues of the time. It’s the era of sandwichesabout kids who travel and fight their fears and loneliness by dreaming a promised land, a better place to make your dreams come true.
Eros Ramazzotti with Pippo Baudo after the victory at the 1984 Sanremo Festival with “Terra Promise”. (IPA)
It is a hymn to the future through a present that smells of hope. Where the sense of loss is perceived, but is not an obstacle. And then it is the description of those years, of the “empty cinemas” and the days when we were “sitting in some bar”. Published February 3, 1984marks the beginning of an unstoppable career that transforms Eros Ramazzotti into one of the best-known Italian stars abroad.
Right with Promised Landin fact, looks beyond national borders and conquers Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Even the cinema realizes the strength of the song, which is included in the soundtrack of Holidays in America directed by Carlo Vanzina. In 1997 it was also recorded in Spanish with the title Prometic land.
Eros Ramazzotti’s look at Sanremo 1984
Black jeans and t-shirt, beige leather jacket, black ankle boots, studded leather bracelet, short hair. Eros Ramazzotti faced the Ariston stage with a typical 80s look. He is shy, has a clean face and the right determination to conquer the public. Today he would perhaps seem out of context, too sober, not very incisive.
Then, instead, the choice turns out to be the right one. The personality, the song, the voice speak. That voice which would soon become one of the most recognizable on the national scene.
Eros Ramazzotti guest at Sanremo 2024 to celebrate 40 years of “Promised Land”. (Getty Images)
The covers of Fiorello and the competitors of Big Brother 1
Promised Land is now one of the great classics of Italian discography. Everyone – from Generation X and up – knows the chorus by heart at least. And when a song enters the audience’s soundtrack, the cover. Among all, Fiorello’s, recorded in 1991, and that one should be remembered of the competitors of the first edition of Big Brother.
It was 2000 and the father of all reality shows was about to overturn television. In each episode the contestants had to pass a test to earn the money needed for the week’s supplies. Almost towards the end of the edition, they were called upon to etch their vision of Promised Landthen performed again in the studio.
From the beginning to international success
Ramazzotti’s career began in 1981when he presented the song at the Voci Nuove competition of the Castrocaro Festival ’80s rock. In 1982 she went on stage at Un disco per l’estate with the song To a friend. Sanremo 1984 is the watershed. Victory with Promised Land it’s just the pass for a journey that continues today.
In 1985 it was the turn of An important story and ranks sixth among the Bigs. Not bad, because the song is a real success and not only in Italy. France rewards him with over a million copies sold. A triumph that saw him return to competition the following year. Participates in the 1986 Sanremo Festival with Now youanother milestone in his discography, and wins. He also won the Festivalbar victory in the 33 lap category.
For the boy “born on the edge of the suburbs” a new path opens up that will lead him to play everywhere. From the United States to Latin America, from Australia to every corner of Europe. To date he has sold over 70 million records and has collaborated with stars such as Anastacia, Cher, Joe Cocker, Ricky Martin, Tina Turner and Luciano Pavarotti.
Eros Ramazzotti in Sanremo 2024: «Enough blood, enough war»
As announced, Amadeus calls him on stage shortly after the start of the third evening. Sing Promised Land and, before taking his leave, he sends a short message of peace. «500 million children live in conflict zones», he begins, «other children will never see the promised land. I just want to say one thing: «No more blood, no more war. Peace. Our thoughts, forever.”
The audience’s applause starts and in the meantime he is joined by the owner of the house. He talks about the victory in Sanremo 1984, so unexpected that he left the hotel room before the final. And then a thought for his father, who gave him «the strength, the desire, the determination. This is also a message for parents, who should leave free will to all their children to try.”
So Amadeus asks him the most important moments of his career, “those you will never forget.” The first is the arrival in Milan, shrouded in fog, but full of “music, fashion, art”. Again, the contract with Sony in 1995 and «meeting Tina Turner, which I would like to remember this evening.” Finally, the most important moment concerns the theater where you now return as a guest. «I thank Sanremo because without Sanremo perhaps I would have taken another path. This is where I started.”
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