Andrea Bocelli Interview transcript Broadcast on the Belgian TV Show "De Rode Loper" ("The Red Carpet") Martine Prenen: Forte dei Marmi, the coastal village some 40 km from Pisa. Andrea Bocelli lives here. His mansion is a real Bocelli museum. The gold discs on the wall testify to his successful career, the photos provide proof that the tenor is welcome among the greats of this world. MP: Thank you that we from De Rode Loper can be present here in your garden. Is this house a refuge for you? AB: In a way, yes, because I am travelling all around the world. My house is a refuge, a paradise of rest, where I can be with my family, my friends. MP: And in that oasis of rest, Andrea treats us to the speciality of the house, real Italian Espresso. MP: What is the secret of your coffee? AB: It has to be strong. MP: Nice ... but strong! MP: What do you enjoy most when you are home: making music, or being together with your family? AB: To me, making music is a way of life. I never consider it as work. Whether or not I am making a record, when I am home, I play the piano, sing or am recording. That is a normal thing. It is part of my daily life. MP: It will be clear, Andrea pampers his guests. Anyone who visits him will be treated to music, because music, that is his life. AB: I have made a small recording studio at home. Last summer we recorded my newest album there - Amore. Working at home has a big advantage. You select the perfect moment to record, when the ambiance is just right. That's better. ---------------- MP: Andrea Bocelli was born 48 years ago in Lajatico in the heart of Tuscany. According to him, that divine piece of Italy made him into the man he is today. And you can hear that in his music. ---------------- MP: What are the best memories of Tuscany, of your childhood? AB: Just like the others of my age, I was a boy who grew up in the green environment, among the animals, the horses etc. I had a carefree childhood. My family didn't just live in the countryside, they were fascinated by it. Especially my dad really loved the nature, the land, and from working on the land. I really did have a carefree childhood. MP: And anyone who says 'Tuscany', of course also says 'vino'. Andrea grew up among the vineyards, his father had one. Recently, the famous tenor released his own wine on the market. AB: We create a beautiful Sangiovese. Sangiovese is the most typical type of grape from Tuscany. AB: I have always drunk wine, also as a child. At that time it was mixed with water, but there was always wine. AB: When we wanted to improve the quality of the wine, my brother Alberto and I thought that we should dedicate that wine to our dad, who passed away. Dad had written two songs when we were children and he said: "If you want to become beautiful and healthy, you must drink Bocelli wine." MP: But that's true, isn't it because you have become very handsome. (The word "knap" used here can also mean "intelligent", rather than "handsome".) MP: Andrea's love for wine brought him into contact with Toni Etmeo, a Belgian-Italian wine trader, and for 16 years his trusted friend. ----------------- MP: How would you describe your friendship with Andrea? TE: The friendship is based on trust. Andrea is a world star and he must be able to count on people he can trust, even if it is just being his chauffeur, or dressing room attendant, on going on stage with him, as happened a number of times. You can feel the nervous tension he is under at that time, the sweat would even penetrate his costume. But that's a healthy tension, every time I felt that, then I knew it would be alright. If he was too relexed before a performance, an important concert, then it would always be not quite perfect, and he wouldn't be happy either. ----------------- TE: Are you always nervous, just before you go on stage? AB: I am always nervous, and it keeps getting worse. The bigger the responsibility, the bigger the anxiety. TE: What are you doing against it? AB: Nothing. TE: Nothing? AB: Nothing, I wait silently and then I leave. TE: There is no way to .... AB: No, No. TE: Does a glass of wine help? AB: No, no. TE: Andrea Bocelli first tasted international success 11 years ago in Antwerp met Con te partiro, highlight of the Night of the Proms at that time. His Belgiam fans are therefore close to his heart. TE: How would you describe your relationship with Belgium? AB: I came to Belgium for the Night of the Proms. I stayed there for more than a month. Since that time I have returned several times, and every time I got to know more people and I got to understand the mentality of this small country. When I arrive in Belgium, I have a feeling as if I am coming home. TE: Then we will be meeting again shortly. AB: Perfect.