As Italian pop-rock legends Pooh approach their milestone 60th anniversary, Roby Facchinetti has revealed that the band has no intention of stopping, teasing potential future projects well beyond their decades-long career. In a sweeping interview with the Corriere della Sera, the historic ensemble reflected on their longevity, past lineup changes, and enduring cultural impact.
The Bottom Line:
- Six Decades of Music: Pooh boasts a remarkable catalog spanning over 60 years, encompassing more than 400 recorded tracks and at least 3,000 live performances across Italy.
- Refusing the Final Chapter: Despite thinking in 2016 of having given their definitive farewell, the band returned to the stage and is now looking toward an open-ended future, with Facchinetti jokingly organizing a party for their centenary.
- Addressing Past Turmoil: The members openly discussed historical controversies, including early dismissals as overly sentimental, lineup shifts involving Riccardo Fogli, and the lasting grief over the 2020 death of Stefano D’Orazio.
Six Decades of Stage History and a Refusal to Stop
Over more than six decades, the group has cemented its place in the Italian cultural landscape, releasing over 400 songs and performing in at least 3,000 live shows. To mark this enduring journey, the band released a photographic book titled Banda nel vento, drawing from personal archives to capture lesser-known moments of their collective history.
Speaking to the Corriere della Sera, Roby Facchinetti made it clear that despite the passage of time, the group operates without a strict expiration date. “Adesso preferiamo non programmare,” Facchinetti explained. “Prima o poi faremo i conti con il problema anagrafico. Io non ne ho ancora voglia: ho 82 anni e se inizi a pensarci finisce che ti fermi. Io ho la pazzia e i sogni dei 20 anni.” This mindset explains how the band continues to perform live after thinking in 2016 of having given their definitive farewell.
Confronting Early Criticisms and Defining the Sound
The path to longevity was not without its hurdles. During their formative years, Pooh faced persistent criticism from culture writers who dismissed them as overly sentimental or lacking socio-political depth. Dodi Battaglia admitted to weathering significant frustration over those early characterizations, pointing to socially conscious tracks like “Brennero 66,” “Pierre,” and the Sanremo-winning “Uomini soli” as evidence of their broader artistic scope.
Meanwhile, Red Canzian addressed the lifestyle questions often associated with long-running rock outfits. When asked whether their extensive touring schedules mirrored the classic sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll ethos, Canzian offered a clear distinction. “Sesso, mi auguro di poter parlare anche per gli altri, sì. Droga no. Quanto a rock lo eravamo più di quanto si pensasse,” he noted.
Navigating Lineup Changes and Remembering Stefano D’Orazio
The history of Pooh is also defined by pivotal departures and profound losses. Riccardo Fogli exited the group in 1973 before rejoining many years later for reunion projects, while Stefano D’Orazio stepped away in 2009. D’Orazio’s passing in 2020 left an indelible mark on the surviving members.
Reflecting on D’Orazio’s departure, Facchinetti shared a lingering personal regret: “Ho il rimpianto di non aver insistito di più con Stefano per farlo rimanere. Sono convinto che sarebbe ancora qui con noi.” Battaglia, however, recalled the dynamics differently, stating, “E invece io credo che abbiamo insistito troppo.” These contrasting memories highlight the delicate human machinery required to keep a major band functional for half a century.
The Business of Live Touring and Declining Festival Competition
Legacy acts face distinct choices regarding how to manage their brands. When queried about a potential return to the competitive arena of the Sanremo Music Festival—where they famously triumphed in 1990 with “Uomini soli”—Red Canzian firmly closed the door.
Here is the kicker: after 60 years of career, the band views competitive validation as a chapter long finished. “Dopo 60 anni di carriera credo che possiamo permetterci di non doverci più sottoporre a una gara,” Canzian asserted.
| Metric / Milestone | Data Point |
|---|---|
| Career Span | Over 60 years |
| Recorded Songs | 400+ |
| Live Concerts Played | At least 3,000 across Italy |
| Sanremo Festival Victory | 1990 (with “Uomini soli”) |
| Archival Release | Banda nel vento (photographic book) |
Looking ahead, the band members suggested that any cinematic adaptation of their life story should ideally be handled by Fellini, insisting that their narrative deserves an open ending because a story spanning six decades and continuing still simply cannot conclude with a standard full stop. Facchinetti, true to form, is already looking toward the far horizon, noting that he is organizing the party for their centenary.
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