Matia Bazar

Matia Bazar is still alive and kicking. As of 2024, the band is led by keyboardist Fabio Perversi, who joined in 1998 and was personally endorsed by founding members Cassano and Golzi to carry the name forward. The current lineup features vocalist Luna Dragonieri, and they continue to perform live across Italy and Europe. None of the original surviving members remain, but the band's legacy is kept alive through their extensive catalog and live shows.

Their sound, once defined by Antonella Ruggiero's soaring vocals and lush synthesizers, now evolves under Perversi's direction while staying true to the melodic pop and synth-pop roots that made them famous. The band's hits like "Ti sento" and "Vacanze romane" still resonate, and they regularly appear at festivals and events, maintaining a dedicated fanbase that spans generations.

Matia Bazar's influence on Italian pop and electronic music is undeniable. They won the Sanremo Music Festival twice, first in 1978 and again in 2002, and their 1985 single "Ti sento" remains a cult classic, even celebrated in electronic music communities. The band's resilience through lineup changes and personal tragedies speaks to their enduring appeal. [edit]

Matia Bazar came together in Genoa in 1975, born from the ashes of the progressive rock band Jet. The original five members were Piero Cassano on keyboards, Aldo Stellita on bass, Carlo Marrale on guitar and vocals, Giancarlo Golzi on drums, and Antonella Ruggiero on vocals. They had a shared vision of blending pop melodies with progressive rock complexity, a sound that would evolve dramatically over the years.

Their first major success came quickly with "Stasera che sera" in 1975, a song that would celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025 with a new acoustic arrangement by Riccardo Cherubini. The early years saw them experimenting with a mix of pop and progressive elements, and in 1978 they won their first Sanremo Music Festival, a major achievement that launched them into the Italian mainstream.

In 1979, they represented Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest with "Raggio di luna", bringing their music to an international audience. The early 1980s saw a shift towards a more electronic sound, influenced by the emerging synth-pop and Italo disco movements. This period produced their biggest international hit, "Ti sento" in 1985, which charted in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy, and became a defining track of the era.

The band's chemistry was built on the contrast between Ruggiero's extraordinary vocal range and the band's evolving instrumental sophistication. As they moved from progressive rock to synth-pop, they maintained a distinct Italian identity while embracing global trends. The departure of Ruggiero in 1989 marked a turning point, but the band continued with new vocalists, each bringing their own flavor while preserving the group's core sound. [edit]

Matia Bazar's sound has always been a moving target. They started in the mid-1970s with a blend of pop and progressive rock, featuring complex arrangements and Ruggiero's classically trained voice. By the early 1980s, they embraced synthesizers and drum machines, aligning with the synth-pop and Italo disco movements that dominated European charts. Tracks like "Vacanze romane" and "Ti sento" exemplify this era, with lush synth layers and infectious melodies.

Their production approach was distinctly Italian, combining melodic hooks with a sophisticated use of electronic textures. The band's lyrics often explored themes of love, romance, and social issues, as seen in the politically charged "Palestina" (1983). The quality of their female vocalists has been a constant, from Ruggiero's operatic range to Laura Valente's rock edge and Silvia Mezzanotte's pop sensibility.

Even as the lineup changed, the core identity remained: accessible pop music with a progressive undercurrent. Their later work under Fabio Perversi continues to blend electronic elements with traditional Italian pop, proving that their sound has a timeless quality. [edit]

Matia Bazar were pioneers of Italian electronic pop. Their 1980s output, particularly "Ti sento", helped define the Italo disco genre and influenced a generation of electronic musicians. The song has become a cult classic, celebrated in hardstyle and other electronic subcultures, with a 2019 tribute calling it "the most beautiful hardstyle record ever".

The band's success at Sanremo twice, in 1978 and 2002, demonstrated their longevity and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes. They also represented Italy at Eurovision in 1979, bringing Italian pop to a global stage. Their willingness to tackle political themes, as in "Palestina", set them apart from their pop contemporaries.

Their influence extends beyond music. The band's fashion and visual style in the 1980s, characterized by bold colors and synth-pop aesthetics, became iconic. They helped pave the way for other Italian acts to experiment with electronic sounds, leaving a lasting mark on the Italian music scene. [edit]

Matia Bazar fans are a dedicated bunch, spanning multiple generations. While the band doesn't have an official fandom name or lightstick like K-pop groups, their fanbase is deeply loyal. Fans celebrate the band's history through tribute events and online communities, sharing memories of classic hits.

The 2024 exhibition dedicated to Giancarlo Golzi, inaugurated by the current lineup, drew fans from across Italy, showing the enduring connection between the band and its followers. Social media groups and fan pages keep the legacy alive, and the band's concerts often become singalong events with fans of all ages.

Their music has also found new audiences through electronic music culture, where "Ti sento" is revered. This cross-genre appreciation adds a unique layer to their fandom, bridging the gap between Italian pop and electronic music enthusiasts. [edit]

Matia Bazar's name is pronounced [maˈtiːa badˈdzar, - baˈzar] in Italian, a fact that often surprises non-Italian speakers.

Giancarlo Golzi, the band's drummer, died of a heart attack on August 13, 2015. A commemorative exhibition was held in his honor in 2024, reflecting his lasting influence on the band.

Antonella Ruggiero's voice was so versatile that she could fit "every genre from sacred music to jazz", as noted by critics.

Their 1985 hit "Ti sento" has been celebrated in electronic music culture, with a 2019 tribute describing it as "the most beautiful hardstyle record ever".

For the 50th anniversary of "Stasera che sera", composer Riccardo Cherubini created a new acoustic arrangement that gave the melody "new emotional depth". [edit]