At 43 Via Paolo Fabbri, Guccini’s songs blaring at full volume

In a quiet Bologna in early August, the voice of Francesco Guccini can be heard on the streets. The maestro, who died today aged 86, will sing no more. But a courier in his van, passing by 43 Via Paolo Fabbri, took it upon himself to treat the city to the singer-songwriter’s songs at full volume. 

Guccini lived at number 43 Via Paolo Fabbri until 2012. In 1976, he released the album named after this address, the record that paved the way for his commercial success. ‘L’avvelenata’ spits out anger and pride and responds to the criticism levelled in those same years at other singer-songwriters and to the criticism, spearheaded by journalist Riccardo Bertoncelli, directed at the album *Stanze di vita quotidiana*; ‘Piccola storia ignobile’ recounts the tragedy of abortion; ‘Via Paolo Fabbri 43’ is a blues track that evokes the nights in Bologna and the atmosphere of the time.

"He was very fond of Bologna; his daughter, Teresa, especially loves Bologna," Manuela Musiani, who lived opposite Guccini whilst he lived there, told ANSA. "We were neighbours for many years; in fact, my dad always used to joke to him: ‘Maestro, you’re my neighbour – I’m not Guccini’s neighbour’." Because my father had been here longer than him; he was born in this house in 1930. As for Guccini, I don’t remember exactly, but he certainly arrived later – I think in the 1970s.” At one point, Manuela becomes emotional. “Another thing I remember is that he used to ask to be walked back here every time there were elections, after he’d voted.” 

“Hello Francesco, with you goes the best part of my life,” reads a note signed by Angela and left outside her old house. Here, passers-by stop to offer a thought, a tear, a smile. And to sing her songs once more.