ESC Covers really got sad news today. Both Andreas from Vienna and Norbert from INFE Ireland informed us that FRANCO BATTIATO of ITALY passed away.
Franco Battiato, 23 March 1945 – 18 May 2021, was an Italian singer-songwriter, composer, filmmaker, and under the pseudonym Süphan Barzani, also a painter.
Franco Battiato was for decades one of the most popular singer-songwriters in Italy. His unique sound, song-crafting and especially his lyrics, often containing philosophical, religious, and culturally exotic references. His work includes songwriting and joint production efforts with several Italian and international musicians and pop singers, including the long-lasting professional relationship with Italian singer Alice. Together with Alice, Franco Battiato represented Italy at the 1984 Eurovision Song Contest with the song I treni di Tozeur.