Italian Singer-Songwriter Paolo Benvegnù Dies at 59

Italian singer-songwriter Paolo Benvegnù died on December 31, 2024, at age 59. His press office announced his passing in a brief note, describing him as a companion, father, and musician loved by all who met him. Born in Milan in 1965, Benvegnù began his career in the 1990s as the singer and guitarist of the cult alternative rock band Scisma, formed on the shores of Lake Garda in 1993. The band was known for its sophisticated, new wave-influenced sound and theatrical elements, with actors Max Ilian Zelig, Manuela Minelli, and Elena Massidda among its original members. Their debut album "Rosemary Plexiglas" (1997) exemplified their literary-inspired lyrics. After Scisma disbanded in 2003, Benvegnù launched a solo career in 2004 with the album "Piccoli Fragilissimi Film," which marked a jazz-folk turn. He collaborated with numerous artists including Brunori Sas and Irene Grandi. In 2024, he won the Targa Tenco award for Best Album with "È inutile parlare d'amore." He had recently released a 20th-anniversary reissue of his debut solo album, "Piccoli fragilissimi film – Reloaded," featuring collaborations with Paolo Fresu, Ermal Meta, La Rappresentante di Lista, and Dente. Benvegnù lived in Perugia for many years and had his recording studio in nearby Magione. He was a guest on the RAI 3 program "Via dei matti n. 0" hosted by Stefano Bollani and Valentina Cenni the night before his death.