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Rating: The triad meets for dinner the night before and unanimously decides that the final decision about attending the event in Emilia would be made the next day after checking the weather situation. On the 16th of the current month, the triumvirate, considering the rather encouraging sky over Milan, decides to set off. At 10, they leave Arcore heading to Bologna. The Driver at the wheel, accompanied by The Tall One, with the rear seat occupied by The One Who Writes (hereafter referred to as TOWW), with sandwiches, drinks, chips, and all that might be needed, including AN UMBRELLA (just in case). The enlightened trio arrives in Bologna around 12:30 and, after settling the parking fee, they delve into the stands of the Festa dell'Unità. At that precise moment, it starts to rain. One umbrella (incidentally owned by TOWW, considering its fuchsia color) is clearly not enough, so a valiant vendor supplies the other two-thirds with adequate coverage, waiting for better times. It's time for the usual lunch hour, and they unanimously choose to refresh at one of the many food points available. While enjoying the generous meal, the rain intensifies. The triad, chewing, looks into each other's eyes and none dares to speak. Between The Tall One’s bathroom runs, gadget stealing by The Driver and TOWW, and numerous glances towards the sky, they position themselves in the barricade area, directly in front of the small stage and sideways to the main stage. Here are the triumvirate’s unanimous judgments on the performers in order of appearance.
Bob Geldof: a great surprise for TOWW, the usual rant about solidarity and the unkept promises of the previous Italian government (oh, welcome, Geldof, know that you’re not alone at all). Mondo Marcio: it would be advisable for him to learn to speak Italian. Tepid reception, but miraculously, it stops raining at that point. Everyone joyfully raises their hands. Cor Veleno: a shouted performance with a decent accompaniment of eye candy (TOWW notes some early cellulite on the dancers' legs but wisely refrains from pointing it out to The Tall One who is snapping photos like a maniac). The first umbrellas reopen. Fabri Fibra: it would be wise for someone to institutionalize him for the purpose of lobotomy. He presents onstage made up as a clown because, he explains, it makes it easier to say “certain things.” These things turn out to be the following: fuck you, jerk, whore, and applause for Fibra. Good reception, but alas, it starts raining again. Everyone swiftly dons hoods and k-ways. End of the hip-hop phase, start of the punk-metal phase. Linea 77: TOWW didn’t understand a single word of the singing, the forest of umbrellas completely obstructs the view of the main stage, everything is followed on the giant screen in front, understanding even less. It pours down rain. Lacuna Coil: physically the singer is the older sister of Amy Lee from Evanescence, but she belts out a great voice. TOWW manages to fully appreciate only “Enjoy the Silence”; as expected, it rains cats and dogs and the triumvirs are almost completely soaked. The Tall One states, verbatim, “water in underwear.” TOWW and The Driver look at each other and say nothing. Piero Pelù, The Killers, and Caparezza: not experienced due to rain.
At 8:30 PM, the triad meets in an extraordinary session and unanimously resolves to retreat, the ground is unworkable (a navigable lake has formed right in front of the stage) and the rain, now pounding for five hours, shows no signs of letting up. With their tails between their legs and shoes full of water, the three reach their car and leave Bologna. Upon reaching the highway junction, a thunderstorm welcomes them, as a good omen for the journey ahead. The fond “Fantozzi-like” little cloud only leaves them as they enter Milan, after accompanying them the whole way back. TOWW, The Driver, and The Tall One highlight the best aspect of the whole shebang: the MTV Superband, composed of Morgan, Federico Poggipollini, Max Gazzè and the drummer from Bluvertigo. This unusual ensemble became the protagonist of very entertaining musical interludes, performing great classics like “We Will Rock You,” “London Calling,” “Heroes,” or “Like a Virgin” (with Giorgia) and “Give it Away” (with Caparezza). Truly funny, ironic, and down-to-earth, interacting with the audience during the numerous breaks. They alone were worth the soaked trip, and calling it soaked is an understatement. Fireworks finale on the notes of “Video Killed the Radio Stars” watched on TV from home, with the triad speechless from the amount of water taken and especially from seeing that, by the end, it had stopped raining in Bologna... the triad vows to really think twice next time.
Upon waking up today, Sunday the 17th, TOWW has a sore throat.
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