One of the leading Italian rockers made his UK concert debut in May of this year - only 45 years after beginning his successful singing career.

Claudio Baglioni, born 1951, held his first ever UK concert at the Royal Albert Hall, in front of a packed house of 5,000 fans. His concert follows the release of his latest album, Q.P.G.A.

The 2-hour concert included a mix of classics such as ‘Strada Facendo’, ‘Questo Piccolo Grande Amore’, ‘Io sono qui’ and ‘Porta Portese’, and for an entertainer with such experience, he didn’t fail to succeed. Claudio Baglioni’s songs have generally been a mix of Pop, with a subtle undertone of Rock, and it was his Rocker colours that shone through as he took to the stage.

Claudio Baglioni’s songs, and indeed Claudio Baglioni himself, have always appealed to the masses, with Baglioni fans of all ages and generations, and this was reflected in the 5,000 people who were lucky enough to get tickets for the concert.

Many Italian singers have thanked their UK fanbase with concerts, including Zucchero, Eros Ramazzotti, Ligabue and Adriano Celentano, with Claudio Baglioni now added to the list. Is Gianni Morandi or Jovanotti next...

Just a note for anyone attending a concert or show at the Royal Albert Hall - although a beautiful venue, views of the stage and the performers gracing it can be frustratingly distant, so a pair of binoculars would be a good addition for the next visit!

For information on upcoming events such as concerts, shows and exhibitions, please visit our website, www.finchleyitalianclub.com, or the Italian Cultural Institute’s, www.icilondon.esteri.it.