Renato Fiacchini was born in Rome in the Via di Ripetta, next to the Via del Corso.
He quit his studies early to devote himself to his true passion, playing music and singing - though initially with little success. He replied to the criticisms (including the recurring insult Sei uno zero! - "You're a zero!") by assuming the alter-ego of Renato Zero. After several different jobs, including an appearance in an advertisement for ice-cream, he recorded his first singles in 1965: "Tu, sì", "Il deserto", "La solitudine", which were never issued. His first published single, "Non basta sai/In mezzo ai guai" (1967), sold a total of 20 copies.
In the late 1960s Zero's career was favoured by the glam-rock fashion, which he had somehow presaged with his sexual ambiguity and androgynous appearance. At the same time, this led him to be accused of cloning characters like David Bowie. In 1973 he issued his first LP, No! Mamma, no! (live), but with little success. The follow-up Invenzioni met the same fate.
Birth of the "Zerophilia"
It was not until 1976 that he scored his first hit with the single "Madame". "Madame" and the album including it, Trapezio, established a regular and loyal audience for Zero. This was to increase exponentially in the following years, until he could boast a huge following of die-hard fans that he dubbed "Sorcini" ("Little Mice").
The late 1970s were indeed years of great success for Zero's character, with the LPs Zerofobia ("Zerophobia", 1977), Zerolandia (1978) and Erozero (1979) topping the Italian charts. At this time Renato Zero was amongst the two or three most popular singers in Italy and his song "Il Carrozzone" was already regarded, also by critics, as one of the best Italian songs ever.
In 1979 Zero played himself in the movie "Ciao Nì" (his usual greeting to his fans, which can be roughly translated as "Hi pal!"). In Italy this film was to be more successful than the blockbuster "Superman".
The 1980s
In the 1980s he began to abandon make-up and greasepaint, but this did not rid Zero of his mania for grandeur: in the 1980 tour, for example, he entered the scene riding a white horse. In 1982 he began a collaboration with the opera director Renato Serio, who was to write the string arrangements for almost all of Zero's following LPs. In late 1983 he took part in RAI's Fantastico 3, then the most popular Italian TV show.
His career continued to be successful until 1984, with top-charts songs like "Amico" ("Friend") and "Spiagge" ("Beaches"). That year, however, his album Leoni si nasce and the tour of the same name, in which he appeared disguised as a lion and escorted by four aborigines, were commercial failures. The album Zero of 1987 marked the low point of his career: instead of playing in arenas and stadiums, Zero had to sing almost for free in the piazzas and discos of Italy's minor cities.
1990s and 2000s: the Comeback
In 1991 Renato Zero participated to the Sanremo Music Festival with "Spalle al muro", and from that moment on his career began to rise again. In 1993 he was nr.1 in the Italian charts with the LP Quando non sei più nessuno. The following year Imperfetto repeated this success. During his tour concerts would regularly sell out, and he returned to his famous dress changes during the spectacles, although in a less kitsch and more balanced style.
In 2004 his tour "Cattura il sogno/Il sogno continua" (Catch the dream/The dream continues) was awarded from Pollstar magazine as the most successful of the year in Italy and as well as one of the most successful worldwide (#30). The recording af the Roman concerts, held at Olimpico Stadium in June, was the best selled musical DVD of 2004. In 2005 he took part to the Italian stage of Live 8, in the Circo Massimo. In November his new album Il dono ("The Gift") topped the charts and maintained #1 until the end of the year. In December 2005 he performed in the Vatican with a song dedicated to Pope John Paul II. Renato Zero's most recent tour started in February 2006 and is entitled Zero movimento. During some concerts held at the time of the campaign for the April 2006 elections he declared himself against former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Finale
Renato Zero Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Call out the air force, call out the tanks
From the cliffs of Dover call up the gulls
And don't forget the loyal territorials
But, who's sticking in there, who will defend
Every inch of England no matter what they send
Who's standing firm in our own front yard
That's who
The soldiers of the old home guard
Renato Zero's song "Finale" is an anthem of respect and appreciation for the soldiers who have dedicated their lives to defend their country. The lyrics of the song call out to different ranks of the military, requesting them to stand up for their nation in times of war. The opening lines of the song are a rallying cry for military support, asking for the Navy, Air Force and tanks to protect the country's borders. Renato Zero doesn't forget to mention the loyal territorials, who have always been an essential part of the military defense strategy.
The chorus of the song, "But, who's sticking in there, who will defend, every inch of England, no matter what they send," emphasizes the unwavering patriotism and devotion of the soldiers towards their nation. Renato Zero highlights that the true soldiers are those who will stand guard in their own front yard, which is a reference to the Home Guard, who played a crucial role during World War II. They were a volunteer force of civilians who fought on the home front, protecting the country's infrastructure and civilians from enemy attacks.
In conclusion, "Finale" is a tribute to all the soldiers who have given their lives to defend their country. It is a reminder to everyone that it's not just the uniform, but the commitment and loyalty towards the nation that make a true soldier.
Line by Line Meaning
Call out the navy, call out the ranks
Summon the naval forces and all the military troops
Call out the air force, call out the tanks
Mobilize the air and armored forces too
From the cliffs of Dover call up the gulls
Even the birds should be informed about the situation
And don't forget the loyal territorials
The loyal territorial forces should not be overlooked
But, who's sticking in there, who will defend
Who is brave enough to stay and defend
Every inch of England no matter what they send
Against any kind of attack, no matter how severe
Who's standing firm in our own front yard
Who is standing their ground in the vicinity of their own home
The soldiers of the old home guard
The answer is the soldiers of the old home guard, who are defending their homeland
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Walt Disney Music Company
Written by: RICHARD M. SHERMAN, ROBERT SHERMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind