Riccardo Bertoncelli

The Profile

Riccardo Bertoncelli (born March 21, 1952, Novara) is an Italian music critic and author, among the key figures in bringing Italian rock journalism to maturity from the late 1960s onward. He wrote and edited for magazines such as Gong and Muzak and authored books including Abitavo a Penny Lane and Belin, Sei Sicuro? Storia e Canzoni di Fabrizio De André.

Italian music critic and author; born March 21, 1952 in Novara; active since the late 1960s; associated with magazines like Gong and Muzak; author of Abitavo a Penny Lane and Belin, Sei Sicuro? Storia e Canzoni di Fabrizio De André.

Two positive takes on Riccardo Bertoncelli’s writing: one explores his interview‑driven deep dive into Fabrizio De André, the other traces his path from 1960s fanzines to 1970s magazines and critical spats. The reviews praise his role in modernizing Italian music criticism, sharp prose, and candid self‑reflection. Highlights include PFM anecdotes, De André collaborators, and an infamous Lennon review.