Francesco Guccini gave a voice to the anxieties and ideals of generations of Italians. And I loved his music and his songs deeply.

I know many of his lyrics by heart. Wonderful, poetic, beautifully expressive. The songs ‘Cirano’ and ‘Cristoforo Colombo’ are some of the finest and deepest compositions in Italian music, and I am grateful to him for the contribution he made to my learning and developing of ideals.

I will continue to sing his songs, and I thank him for giving us such moving music. I will do so despite the fact that he probably wouldn’t be happy about it, and despite having read his spiteful remarks about me.
For ideology is not part of who I am and never will be: I am a free person, and the freedom to read and listen to anything – regardless of differences – will always be my compass. 

[Courtesy translation]