Adelmo Fornaciari, widely known as Zucchero, was born on September 25, 1955. He chose the picturesque island of Formentera to mark his 68th birthday with a relaxed gathering at the Pelayo restaurant in Migjorn. About forty guests joined the celebration, a close circle of family and friends who know how to make a party feel intimate. Formentera holds a special place in his heart, and this wasn’t the first time he has marked milestones there with people he loves around him.
The vibe of the night carried the soul of a blues musician who loves to mix color and rhythm with the company of those dearest to him. He bantered with his guests and even picked up his guitar to strum a few tunes, letting the music spill into the evening. The crowd joined in, and among the songs, the crowd favorite “Baila Morena” made a cheerful appearance, inviting singalongs and smiles. One of the singers at the event was his daughter, Irene Fornaciari, who has been carving out her own path in music and recently graced a stage in Plaza de Sant Ferran as part of a municipal cycle of open-air performances. Irene began gaining attention in 2010 after winning a prominent Italian song contest, and she has since established herself as a rising artist. The impromptu ensemble also featured Igor, Irene’s partner on guitar, Diego Fornaciari on drums, and Federico Biagetti on guitar and vocal duties. Local musicians — including Antonin Maurel, Nuno Alves, Eky Hoffman, and singer Kelly Neuenschwander — joined in, enriching the moment with their own flavors.
It was a spontaneous night, with other diners catching the surprise of a private party unfolding in the background, all while a globally acclaimed musician shared the space and the mood. The setting and the company created a warmth that turned ordinary dining into a memorable celebration.
Zucchero soaked in the joy of the moment and shared it with his guests. He even sparked an impromptu choir, guiding friends he invited to sing and play along, occasionally teasing them with a joke or two as he led the group through familiar melodies.
The birthday also served as a quiet milestone for the musician’s ongoing work with his band and crew. It complemented the broader narrative of his World Wild Tour, a journey that has seen him perform in thirty cities and set the stage for upcoming concerts in the United States scheduled for November and December, alongside other celebrated artists such as Andrea Bocelli.
Adelmo Fornaciari’s celebration on Formentera underscored a simple truth: even at the height of global touring, the moments spent with family, friends, and local supporters give the music its best rhythm. The night closed with laughter, shared stories, and a sense that the music lives in the people who carry it forward, leaving a lasting imprint on everyone present.