Vasco Rossi: 'Politics is not just about palaces, it's about deciding who to listen to'

Italian musicians have publicly addressed recent civil unrest, arguing that political engagement extends beyond government institutions to include how society chooses whom to listen to and protect. This commentary emerged following clashes in European cities, particularly in Italy, where social tensions escalated into street violence. The artists contend that music serves a distinct function in public discourse, reaching audiences who might ignore traditional political debates or editorial content. Vasco Rossi initiated this wave of reflection with a lengthy post on Instagram. He stated that a song does not provide instructions for living nor replace politics. However, he argued that music can give voice to discomfort before that discomfort finds the words to become a collective request. Rossi explained that politics is not solely the domain of palaces, elections, and programs. It is also the method by which a society decides who to hear, whom to shield, and whom to leave at the margins. He defined rebellion not merely as saying no, but as rejecting pre-packaged words, imposed identities, and easy answers. According to Rossi, true rebellion involves seeking a personal way to exist within reality and attempting to change it when necessary. He noted that a song travels without a press office, entering homes, cars, headphones, and squares. It reaches individuals who would not read an editorial or follow a political debate but recognize a phrase because it speaks directly to them. Rossi emphasized that music moves emotions, memories, and questions, functions often forgotten by official communication. He clarified that this does not mean transforming a song into a speech, adding that he has never believed he possessed the truth, noting his jean pockets were already full of useless things. Other artists joined the conversation, linking their work to the specific disturbances of October 17 and 18. Cosmo released a new track on social media, featuring lyrics that reference burning police vans, influencers, and data centers. Although the text appeared to comment on the recent clashes, the artist from Ivrea revealed he had written the song months earlier. He intended to release it later but decided to publish it immediately because it expressed his previous and current views. Cosmo stated it was easy to predict such events and believed the situation was only beginning, describing the system as sick and making the outcome inevitable. His lyrics included references to drinking Coca-Cola, fleeing collapsing structures, rolling stones thrown by others, time machines exploding, young men acting tough while hungry, going to work, and children watching as the future becomes a shock. Willie Peyote addressed the crowd during a concert at the Fabrique venue in Milan. The 41-year-old Turin-based rapper and songwriter spoke about the disorders, stating he disagreed with the notion that violence should always be condemned. He described living in a very violent system that is evicting people from their homes. Peyote pointed out that many cannot afford rent or fuel, and wages have remained stagnant for thirty years. He criticized those speaking of rearmament or sending youth to the front, labeling these actions as more violent. He accused those delegitimizing protests by focusing solely on violence of using violence as a stylistic choice or political program. The debate was opened by Marracash, who wrote on social media that one cannot change things with kindness. Sayf aligned with these positions, questioning why the focus is on violent demonstrations when the real issue is the removal of the right to a dignified future. Sayf, who placed second at Sanremo 2026 with the song Tu mi piaci tanto, argued that the violence of a system placing profit above life and dignity is forgotten. He stated the problem is not the divide between left and right, but between those above and those below, asserting that everyone belongs to the lower group. A separate analysis from Il Fatto Quotidiano contextualized these events within broader European trends. Wars, energy crises, billionaire profits, growing poverty, climate change, and future uncertainty are heating up European squares. Fear born of uncertainty, dissatisfaction, and rising inequalities form a lethal mix that fuels violent manifestations. In large cities, where class confrontation is maximal, urban guerrilla tactics have infiltrated justified protests. A new phenomenon involves minors coordinating via social media, bypassing controls to invade squares and confront unprepared law enforcement. These acts are not merely gratuitous vandalism. Participants steal items they desire but cannot afford, asking why they cannot have them. Media and politicians often blame parents or call for harsher lines, curfews, and prison sentences. Critics argue this ignores the distorted reality presented to youth, characterized by futile values, excessive consumerism, and unreachable wealth. Frustration over induced desires leads to theft. Families struggle with unemployment, debt, and discrimination. Schools highlight inequality through peers with expensive gifts or cosmetic enhancements. For some, joining a demonstration to take what is available now represents a response to immediate need, driven by the belief that tomorrow will be too late.