Riccardo Cocciante, the internationally renowned Italian singer-songwriter, is marking his 80th birthday with a flurry of new projects, including the release of a new single, an album, a docufilm and a nationwide tour. The single, “Ho vent’anni con te” (I’m twenty years old with you), debuted on February 20th, and serves as a preview of the album of the same name, scheduled for release on March 13th, according to Sony Music Italy/Boventoon. The release marks Cocciante’s first studio album in two decades.
“Ho vent’anni con te” is more than just a new song; it’s a statement about perspective and enduring youthfulness. Written in collaboration with Luc Plamondon and Pasquale Panella, the track explores the idea that youth isn’t defined by age, but by emotional intensity and the power of love. As Cocciante approaches this milestone birthday, the song embodies a spirit of renewal and a celebration of the emotions that transcend time. Pre-save options for the single and pre-order links for the album are available at https://sme.lnk.to/cocciante.
A Multi-Faceted Celebration
The release of “Ho vent’anni con te” and the upcoming album are just part of a larger celebration of Cocciante’s career. From February 20th to 23rd, the docufilm “Il mio nome è Riccardo Cocciante” (My Name is Riccardo Cocciante) will be screened in select Italian cinemas. Directed by Stefano Salvati and produced by Daimon Film in collaboration with Rai Documentari, the film chronicles Cocciante’s life and career, featuring archival footage, personal photographs, and, notably, content generated by artificial intelligence to enhance historical imagery. The film will be shown at Cinemacity Ravenna, Faenza Cinedream, Victoria Cinema in Modena, Multisala Modena in Trento, Cinema Multisala Lux in Rome, Cinema Impero in Varese, Arcadia in Bellinzago Lombardo, and Ariston in Mantova.
Adding to the excitement, the beloved musical Notre Dame de Paris, which Cocciante was heavily involved with, is returning to stages across Italy on February 26th, 2026, nearly 25 years after its initial Italian run. Produced by Clemente Zard and distributed by Vivo Concerti, the production will tour extensively, concluding on January 6th, 2027, in Rome.
Tour Dates and Solo Performances
Cocciante will too embark on his own solo tour, “IO…RICCARDO COCCIANTE NEL 2026,” produced by Vivo Concerti, complementing the Notre Dame de Paris tour. Beginning on June 20th, 2026, he will perform at a series of open-air venues throughout Italy, including Parco San Valentino in Pordenone, Piazza San Marco in Venice, and the Teatro Greco in Syracuse. The tour will culminate on September 12th, 2026, at the Sferisterio in Macerata.
Here’s a selection of tour dates:
- Saturday, June 20, 2026 | Pordenone – Parco San Valentino
- Thursday, June 25, 2026 | Venice – Piazza San Marco
- Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | Syracuse – Teatro Greco
- Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Pompei (NA) – Anfiteatro degli Scavi
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | Cernobbio (CO) – Villa Erba, Lake Sound Park
- Monday, July 20, 2026 | Este (PD) – Castello Carrarese, Este Music Festival 2026
- Sunday, July 26, 2026 | Teramo – Piazza Martiri
- Saturday, August 1, 2026 | Cabras (OR) – Anfiteatro Tharros
- Sunday, August 23, 2026 | Fasano (BR) – Parco Archeologico di Egnazia
- Saturday, August 29, 2026 | Riccione (RN) – Riccione Music City
- Thursday, September 3, 2026 | Cervere (CN) – Anfiteatro dell’Anima
- Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | Vigevano (PV) – Castello Visconteo Sforzesco
- Thursday, September 12, 2026 | Macerata – Sferisterio
The convergence of these projects – the new album, the docufilm, and both tours – represents a significant moment in Cocciante’s illustrious career. The use of AI in the docufilm highlights a modern approach to storytelling, blending the past with innovative technology. As Cocciante embarks on this new chapter, his operate continues to resonate with audiences, proving that the emotions explored in his music truly are timeless.
With a packed schedule of performances and releases planned throughout 2026 and early 2027, fans of Riccardo Cocciante have much to look forward to. The artist’s enduring appeal and continued creativity promise a vibrant period for his career and a memorable experience for audiences across Italy.
