Beppe Carletti: "At 80 years old, I dream of a fiction about the Nomads.

Beppe Carletti, founding keyboardist of the Italian band I Nomadi, has shared his dream of a television series chronicling his life and career, including his iconic collaboration with Augusto Daolio, during his 80th birthday celebration on August 12. The veteran musician, who has been active since the group's formation in 1958, expressed his hope of returning to the Sanremo Music Festival to commemorate the band’s longevity, currently standing at 63 years and counting. He noted that I Nomadi are the longest-serving band in Italy and the second-longest globally, after the Rolling Stones. Carletti emphasized that touring nearly every evening is not merely a profession but a lifestyle, one that defines the essence of being a nomad. His reflections were shared with ANSA, highlighting both personal milestones and the enduring legacy of the band. Carletti’s journey has been marked by a deep connection to his roots and a commitment to social causes. In 2012, he organized the Concerto per l’Emilia following the earthquake that devastated parts of the Emilia-Romagna region. The event attracted 40,000 attendees and raised nearly 1.2 million euros for reconstruction efforts, particularly benefiting hospitals in Carpi and Mirandola. Over the decades, he has participated in missions in some of the world’s most fragile regions and supported various social initiatives. These efforts have earned him several honors, including the Artisti per la Pace award, the Gold Medal of Cavaliere dell’Infanzia, and the honor of Cavaliere della Repubblica conferred by former President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. In 2023, President Sergio Mattarella welcomed the band to the Quirinale to celebrate their six-decade milestone. Throughout his career, Carletti has maintained a philosophy rooted in authenticity and respect for both music and its audience. He views success not as a destination but as a natural outcome of a genuine artistic path. His belief in the power of music to connect people has led him to meet numerous influential figures, from Pope John Paul II and the Dalai Lama to leaders such as Arafat and filmmaker Federico Fellini. Despite these encounters, Carletti remains grounded, often reflecting on the simple joy of performing and the bonds formed through music. In his office, he keeps memorabilia from fans, emphasizing the unique relationship between the band and its audience, a bond built on shared values, sincerity, and a pursuit of truth beyond appearances. The band’s history is deeply intertwined with the work of Francesco Guccini, whose songs have become integral to their repertoire. Carletti has expressed a desire to tell the story of his meeting with Daolio, the band’s original singer and guiding light, through a cinematic adaptation. This project would explore the evolution of the group and the lasting impact of their collaborations. During recent performances, the band has included tracks such as "Noi non ci saremo," "Auschwitz," "Dio è morto," and "Canzone per un’amica," each carrying emotional weight and historical significance. These songs continue to resonate with audiences, serving as a tribute to the artists who contributed to the band’s legacy, even as some have passed away. Guccini himself, celebrating his 80th birthday, reflected on his life and career in an interview. Born in Modena in 1940, he has spent his life creating music, literature, and engaging with political and philosophical ideas. Known for his lyrical depth and intellectual curiosity, Guccini has always resisted rigid ideological labels, advocating instead for open-mindedness and questioning. His song "Libera nos domine" stands as a powerful example of this ethos, expressing a yearning for freedom from dogma and oppression. Guccini has remained consistent in his beliefs over time, aligning with left-wing ideals while rejecting the notion of blind adherence to any ideology. His contributions to Italian culture extend beyond music into literature and public discourse, making him a respected figure among intellectuals and artists alike.