Garbo

The Profile

Garbo (Renato Abate) is an Italian singer-songwriter who emerged in the early 1980s new wave scene, fusing synth-driven textures with incisive Italian lyrics. Celebrated for albums like A Berlino... va bene, Scortati, and later Gialloelettrico, he also appeared at Sanremo and remained active through independent releases into the 21st century.

Debuted with A Berlino... va bene (1981) and followed with Scortati and Fotografie; early albums were reissued on CD in the 2000s. Took part in Sanremo with “Radioclima” and “Cose veloci”; performed “Il fiume” at Festivalbar. Nicknamed the “David Bowie of Brianza” (as cited by Diego Abatantuono). Influences and comparisons include David Bowie, David Sylvian, and Robert Smith. Collaborations mentioned in reviews include Luca Urbani, Morgan (Bluvertigo), and Yoshiko. Reviews highlight his continued independent path from 1990 onward and his later electronic focus (e.g., Gialloelettrico, Nel vuoto).

Reviews paint Garbo (Renato Abate) as a pivotal figure of Italian new wave, blending sharp electronics with reflective songwriting. Early albums like A Berlino... va bene and Scortati are celebrated, with reissues noted. Sanremo-era tracks are discussed with ambivalence, while later works such as Gialloelettrico and Nel vuoto highlight his electronic and independent streak. Influences from Bowie and the broader UK scene recur throughout.