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Rating: There is a lot of talk in Italy about the enjoyment of live music. Or rather, about the problem of enjoying live music. Some argue that tickets are too expensive, that there are no suitable venues, that there isn’t a culture of large festivals like Glastonbury, or even that a few usual suspects monopolize attention by putting on concert-events, leaving the crumbs to everyone else.
Generally, I agree with these thoughts, which is why these initiatives where music is freely available to those who want to enjoy an unusual afternoon and evening without making too many financial sacrifices are very welcome. Unfortunately, after attending this over-publicized 'Cornetto FreeMusic Festival', I'm starting to reconsider.
Having organized events myself more than once in the past (obviously not at this level) and still being able to hear the voices from the "backstage," I know very well the extent of the work behind the scenes of these shows, the work of the technicians, the assistants, those who materially set everything up. The only star of my rating is just for these people who, in any case, do their job. The rest is ZERO.
Zero to the brains who thought up the lineup: what was the point of combining Mattafix, Negramaro, and Sting? Zero to whoever chose the location: last night it reached 32 degrees in the square, finding a corner to breathe was almost impossible, the ambulances were all far away (and there were too few in my opinion), and the non-existent ventilation certainly didn't help. Moreover, no one bothered to at least wet the front rows with hydrants, which I've generally seen done at various concerts (granted, it's not mandatory, but with that temperature, it's almost a duty). Zero to the marketing strategies: they hammered us for 2 months with advertising on TV, radio, and newspapers and offered a pitiful show.
Zero to the TV choices: the two hosts (whom I won't name for decency) were pitiful. Badly matched, awkward, inadequate, annoying. Zero to the direction: the images projected on the side giant screens (which in theory benefit those who didn't manage to get to the front row) were scandalous. I hope at least what went on TV was more decent. However, my biggest zero is reserved for the geniuses of the audio service. You can't set up all that rigmarole and then not ensure that people can hear. You can't, there's no excuse.
Starting with the poor Mattafix, who sang in front of a few thousand people dazed by the heat. Okay, you make them sing at 7 in the evening with the sun still high, but at least turn up their microphone. Try not to let the delay of the guitars be heard. Make sure all the jacks are connected. Okay, maybe after hearing the singer live, it was better this way, but... same goes for Negramaro.
At some point, they even stopped the performance for unspecified "problems" on stage. A particularly long break ensured that at least Sting's voice was heard a bit better, but it was far from the level of "acceptability". Last gem: the metro did not schedule extra runs to support the event, so we were forced to leave after 4 songs by the Stinger (and you have no idea how angry that made us) to avoid getting stuck there.
I won’t comment on the artists' performances themselves (even though the crowd chorus in "Englishman in New York" or the atmosphere of "Shape of My Heart" were truly chilling), they did what they could (poor Giulianoooooo), but my question is: why boast so much about free concerts with big names, etc., etc., and then do everything in this more than approximate manner? I don't hide that my disappointment was huge.
As if those who didn't want to spend 40 euros to listen to a good live set were outcasts, freeloaders who must be punished with poor-quality shows. I invite DeBaseriani of Rome and Naples to check out their respective stops and report back. If only Milan's was crap, I will be happy for you, but if this should be the trend in general, well, I will gladly abstain from participating in similar events in the future.
Cornetto FreeMusic Festival... shockingly poor.
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