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Andrea Bocelli: No Retirement Plans, Thinks of Old Men Feeding Pigeons
2024-12-07
Andrea Bocelli, the renowned Italian tenor, shows no signs of slowing down. This year, he marked his 30-year career in music with a concert film titled "Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration" and a Duets album featuring numerous high-profile artists. In an interview with PEOPLE, Bocelli reveals his plans to keep performing and the idea of retirement doesn't appeal to him.

Retirement Not on the Horizon

At 66 years old, Bocelli, known for his "Fall on Me" hits, believes one can still pursue their passions while working. He says, "When I think about retired people, I always picture old men in their sleepers sitting on a bench and feeding the pigeons. But I think one can still do that while working. I'll keep going until my voice prevents me from doing so." He acknowledges that there may come a day when his voice changes and it won't be suitable for the performances his audience expects, but he will make a decision then.

Reflecting on His Career

Currently on tour, Bocelli reflects on his career so far. He believes striving for more is in the hands of the "good Lord." He says, "The good Lord may keep surprising me, and I will welcome everything. Reality has far exceeded my expectations. I'm already very happy and pleased with what I have accomplished, and I will try to give my best until the very last performance."

Concert Film and Celebrity Friends

Bocelli's concert film was captured over three days in July at Tuscany's Teatro del Silenzio. At the concert, he had several celebrity friends by his side, including Ed Sheeran, Shania Twain, Jon Batiste, Johnny Depp, Russell Crowe, Sofia Vergara, David Foster, Christian Nodal, Sofia Carson, Laura Pausini, Tiziano Ferro, Zucchero, and Giorgia. He also brought out his children, Matteo and Virginia. During the three-day event, he soaked in every moment and was filled with gratitude. He says, "I am an ex-countryside boy and I'm not easily moved. I don't get emotional so quickly. But at the same time, I'm more used to the fact that I shouldn't take anything for granted. Everything that happened in that fantastic backdrop of the Teatro del Silenzio, which is a part of the world where I was born and raised, made me feel grateful to everyone who was there and to the good Lord for the big gift I was given." He hopes he used his "voice in a proper way during my career."
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