The band’s origins are traced back to 2015, but their official formation was in 2016 when members were forced to choose a band name while registering for a local music contest, Pulse. The name means moonlight in Danish, a call to bassist Victoria De Angelis’ half Danish heritage, and was chosen because the band liked the way it sounded.
Victoria De Angelis knew fellow band members Damiano David, the group’s lead vocalist, and guitarist Thomas Raggi from high school, and together the three asked Ethan Torchio to join as drummer after advertising to complete their line-up. This combination of formidable talents led them to winning the Pulse Contest, writing all their own songs and performing in front of hundreds of people.
They continued creating a name for themselves, busking on the streets of Rome and performing a small concert to a group of local fans. The band was determined to continue their success. By 2017, they were competing on the eleventh season of Italy’s X Factor.
The foursome shot up to national fame after eventually coming second to Italian singer Lorenzo Licitra. They covered iconic songs such as ‘Somebody Told Me’ by The Killers, ‘Take Me Out’ by Franz Ferdinand, and ‘Beggin’ by the Four Seasons. They also competed with their original song ‘Chosen’ which was released as a single by Sony Music on November 24 2017 and charted at Number two in the Italian FIMI Singles Chart. It was included in their EP of the same name, released on December 17 2017, and featured many of their well-known covers from their time on X-Factor. It later became double platinum certified by FIMI.
Måneskin began to make a global name for themselves, living in London from late 2019 till early 2020, and competing in the Sanremo Music Festival in 2021. Their win, with their rock song Zitti e buoni, came as both a shock and surprise to many because of the festival’s history with the song’s genre. The song featured on their 2021 album, Teatri d’ira: Vol I which hit number one on the Italian albums chart and, like their first album, became a triple platinum success.
The band was then catapulted into international stardom after competing on, and subsequently winning, the 65th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest as Italy’s ‘glam rock’ entry. Their performance of their song ‘Zitti e buoni’ led them to receive 524 points, become the first winners for Italy since 1990, and the first rock song winners since 2006. It was here, on the Rotterdam stage, that Damiano David shouted the iconic words, “We just want to say to the whole of Europe, to the whole world, rock and roll never dies!”
Their unforgettable performance and sensational song seemed to strike a chord across the globe and soon the band’s discography was entering global charts. ‘Zitti e buoni’ reached the Top 10 in the Spotify Global Chart and is the most-streamed Italian song ever in one day. It was also the first Italian-language song to enter the UK Top 20 in 30 years and even debuted at number 26 on the Billboard Global 200.
The band has continued with their world domination success and has managed to break into the US music market. This is in part due to their success as a top TikTok sound, with their cover of ‘Beggin’’ going viral, and has generated over 886 million streams on Spotify. They’ve booked performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Ellen DeGeneres Show and became the first ever Italian musical guests on Saturday Night Live.
It’s no wonder that when Måneskin released tickets for their 16-date LOUD KIDS ON TOUR, it sold out in as little as 15 minutes. Unfortunately, the tour has been delayed for at least a month due to COVID-19 concerns, and all UK and European shows will have their rescheduled dates by March 1.
Måneskin’s success is not to be underestimated. Their sound is unique, their performances are refreshing, and their attitude appeals to a younger generation determined to change the ways of the world. They are becoming a force to be reckoned with, and their third album is allegedly “in the works”. There is no doubt that Måneskin will continue with their success and firmly solidify themselves in the rock and roll halls of fame.
Featured image credit: Static.eurovision.tv
4th year English and Journalism student with a passion for interesting stories and interesting people
