Latest news with #Maneskin
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ultimate Eurovision rich list reveals top earner's astonishing £412.8m empire and recent winner's surprise cash pot
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE ULTIMATE Eurovision rich list has been revealed uncovering the staggering fortunes amassed by the contests most iconic stars. Topping the chart is a jaw-dropping £412.8 million empire, whilst a recent winner is sitting on a surprise cash pot. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up From chart-topping careers to money making performances let's take a look back at those who turned Eurovision fame into a serious fortune. Conchita Wurst 10 Conchita Wurst of Austria performs on stage at 2014 Eurovision Credit: Getty - Contributor Back in 2014, Tom Neuwirth better known as his performer name Conchita Wurst took home the Eurovision crown. After performing his iconic track Rise Like A Phoenix the Austrian national managed to score 290 points for his country. Since his big win the singer has gone on to carve out a name for himself, featuring on reality TV, modelling for top designers such as Givenchy and even writing his own autobiography. The star's net worth currently stands at £2.4 million. Nicole Seibert 10 Nicole Seibert made history in 1982 when she secured Germany's first-ever Eurovision win Credit: Getty Nicole Seibert made history in 1982 when she secured Germany's first-ever Eurovision win at just 17-years-old. Her winning song A Little Peace went on to become a European number one. Since her Eurovision stint the singer went on to release over 30 studio albums and 80 singles. Her net worth currently stands at a whopping £3.9 million. Jacqueline Boyer 10 Jacqueline Boyer clutches her trophy after winning the Eurovision Song Contest for France Credit: Getty French national Jacqueline Boyer became the first teenager to win the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960. She claimed victory with her song Tom Pillibi earning 32 points. After securing the winners title for France Jacqueline went on to feature in movies and release more songs. Now at 84-years-old she has earned a fortune of £3.9 million. Loreen 10 Loreen became the first female contestant to ever win Eurovision twice Credit: PA Swedish national Loreen took home the Eurovision title twice in 2012 and 2023. She became the first female contestant to ever achieve this following another singer on our list. Her 2023 contest song Tattoo earned her 5 million Spotify streams the day after the final. The 41-year-old has a varied reports regarding her net worth but it is believed her fortune stands somewhere between £2 and £4 million. Damiano David 10 Damiano David is the frontman for Italian rock band Maneskin Credit: Damon Baker Italian rock band Maneskin won Eurovision in 2021 with their extremely popular hit Zitti e buoni. Front man, Damiano David is now said to be worth a staggering £6.7 million since the bands success. Maneskin has gone on to establish themselves in the music industry with their track I Wanna Be Your Slave earning them 129 million views on YouTube. Mans Zelmerlow 10 Manz Zelmerlow was already an established singer before he won Eurovision Credit: Getty Back in 2016, Swedish popstar Mans Zelmerlow blew the competition out of the water with his song Heroes. This scored him an impressive 365 points beating runners up Russia by 62 points. Manz was already an established singer coming fifth on Swedish Pop Idol in 2005 and with the release of his popular 2007 track Cara Mia. Since 2007 he has released eight studio albums and even became a judge on the Swedish version of The Masked Singer. His net worth currently stands at £7.9 million. Johnny Logan 10 Johnny Logan made history in 1987 when he won the Eurovision song contest twice Credit: Getty Johnny Logan made history in 1987 when he won the Eurovision song contest twice previously taking home the trophy just seven years earlier. The Australian-born Irish singer sang for Ireland and his 1980 contest song What's Another Year and was dubbed 'Mr Eurovision'. He has since released a string of studio albums and has an estimated net worth of a whopping £11.8 million. Lulu 10 At 20-years-old Lulu brought home the Eurovision trophy alongside three other countries Credit: Getty In 1969 Scottish singer Lulu represented the UK with her hit song Boom Bang-A-Bang. Aged just 20-years-old at the time Lulu brought home the Eurovision trophy alongside Spain, France and The Netherlands in a controversial win. In 1974 Lulu sang the titular song for James Bond's The Man with the Golden Gun. Lulu now stands on a fortune of a staggering £23.7 million. ABBA 10 ABBA sang their iconic track Waterloo on the Eurovision stage in 1974 Credit: Getty Sitting on a whopping 224 million fortune each is Swedish band ABBA who graced the Eurovision stage in 1974. The group sang their iconic track Waterloo on-stage, which was crowned the second most-streamed Eurovision song of all time in 2020. The four man band have become one of the most successful groups of all time. Celine Dion 10 Celine Dion is one of the most successful singers in the world Credit: Getty Lastly, on top of the rich list is Celine Dion who has become the individual Eurovision winner of all time. The singer shot to international stardom when she represented Sweden at the 1988 Eurovision contest performing her song Where Does My Heart Beat Now? Now, one of the most successful singers in the world she has sold over 220 million records worldwide. Forbes has estimated her net worth at £412.8 million.
The Irish Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ultimate Eurovision rich list reveals top earner's astonishing £412.8m empire and recent winner's surprise cash pot
THE ULTIMATE Eurovision rich list has been revealed uncovering the staggering fortunes amassed by the contests most iconic stars. Topping the chart is a jaw-dropping £412.8 million empire, whilst a recent winner is sitting on a surprise cash pot. Advertisement From chart-topping careers to money making performances let's take a look back at those who turned Conchita Wurst 10 Conchita Wurst of Austria performs on stage at 2014 Eurovision Credit: Getty - Contributor Back in 2014, Tom Neuwirth better known as his performer name After performing his iconic track Rise Like A Phoenix the Austrian national managed to score 290 points for his country. Since his big win the singer has gone on to carve out a name for himself, featuring on reality TV, modelling for top designers such as Givenchy and even writing his own autobiography. Advertisement READ MORE ON EUROVISION The star's net worth currently stands at £2.4 million. Nicole Seibert 10 Nicole Seibert made history in 1982 when she secured Germany's first-ever Eurovision win Credit: Getty Nicole Seibert made history in 1982 when she secured Germany's first-ever Eurovision win at just 17-years-old. Her winning song A Little Peace went on to become a European number one. Advertisement Since her Eurovision stint the singer went on to release over 30 studio albums and 80 singles. Most read in TV Exclusive Exclusive Her net worth currently stands at a whopping £3.9 million. Jacqueline Boyer 10 Jacqueline Boyer clutches her trophy after winning the Eurovision Song Contest for France Credit: Getty French national Jacqueline Boyer became the first teenager to win the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960. Advertisement She claimed victory with her song Tom Pillibi earning 32 points. After securing the winners title for France Jacqueline went on to feature in movies and release more songs. Now at 84-years-old she has earned a fortune of £3.9 million. Loreen 10 Loreen became the first female contestant to ever win Eurovision twice Credit: PA Advertisement Swedish national She became the first female contestant to ever achieve this following another singer on our list. Her 2023 contest song Tattoo earned her 5 million Spotify streams the day after the final. The 41-year-old has a varied reports regarding her net worth but it is believed her fortune stands somewhere between £2 and £4 million. Advertisement Damiano David 10 Damiano David is the frontman for Italian rock band Maneskin Credit: Damon Baker Italian rock band Maneskin won Eurovision in 2021 with their extremely popular hit Zitti e buoni. Front man, Maneskin has gone on to establish themselves in the music industry with their track I Wanna Be Your Slave earning them 129 million views on YouTube. Advertisement Mans Zelmerlow 10 Manz Zelmerlow was already an established singer before he won Eurovision Credit: Getty Back in 2016, Swedish popstar This scored him an impressive 365 points beating runners up Russia by 62 points. Manz was already an established singer coming fifth on Swedish Pop Idol in 2005 and with the release of his popular 2007 track Cara Mia. Advertisement Since 2007 he has released eight studio albums and even became a judge on the Swedish version of The Masked Singer. His net worth currently stands at £7.9 million. Johnny Logan 10 Johnny Logan made history in 1987 when he won the Eurovision song contest twice Credit: Getty Johnny Logan made history in 1987 when he won the Eurovision song contest twice previously taking home the trophy just seven years earlier. Advertisement The Australian-born Irish singer sang for Ireland and his 1980 contest song What's Another Year and was dubbed 'Mr Eurovision'. He has since released a string of studio albums and has an estimated net worth of a whopping £11.8 million. Lulu 10 At 20-years-old Lulu brought home the Eurovision trophy alongside three other countries Credit: Getty In 1969 Scottish singer Lulu represented the UK with her hit song Boom Bang-A-Bang. Advertisement Aged just 20-years-old at the time Lulu brought home the Eurovision trophy alongside Spain, France and The Netherlands in a controversial win. In 1974 Lulu sang the titular song for James Bond's The Man with the Golden Gun. Lulu now stands on a fortune of a staggering £23.7 million. ABBA 10 ABBA sang their iconic track Waterloo on the Eurovision stage in 1974 Credit: Getty Advertisement Sitting on a whopping 224 million fortune each is Swedish band ABBA who graced the Eurovision stage in 1974. The group sang their iconic track Waterloo on-stage, which was crowned the second most-streamed Eurovision song of all time in 2020. The four man band have become one of the most successful groups of all time. Celine Dion 10 Celine Dion is one of the most successful singers in the world Credit: Getty Advertisement Lastly, on top of the rich list is The singer shot to international stardom when she represented Sweden at the 1988 Eurovision contest performing her song Where Does My Heart Beat Now? Now, one of the most successful singers in the world she has sold over 220 million records worldwide. Forbes has estimated her net worth at £412.8 million. Advertisement
Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Damiano David on life after Eurovision: ‘An apology would be nice'
'Shall we go and see the Pope?' I ask Italy's biggest pop star, Damiano David, the frontman of the heavily kohled and leather-clad 2021 Eurovision winners Maneskin. He laughs, blowing cigarette smoke out before letting me down: 'I don't think so.' I'm sort of joking. I know he has listening events with fans and journalists for his debut solo album, Funny Little Fears, after our interview. It would be a special kind of diva behaviour to abandon that for some papal devotion. But Leo XIV is giving his first Sunday address at the same time as our interview, just two miles to the west of the hotel balcony where we're sitting in Rome. Plus, Harry Styles was spotted in St Peter's Square last week
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
We've had mainstream success, won awards & had a million streams but this album is for me, says Maneskin's Damiano David
Find out why Damiano nearly walked away from music — and what changed his mind MANE MAN We've had mainstream success, won awards & had a million streams but this album is for me, says Maneskin's Damiano David FOR Maneskin's Damiano David, it feels like the right moment to release a solo album. And the Italian singer reveals a more personal, previously hidden, side of himself on the record. Advertisement 6 Maneskin's Damiano David bares all on his new solo album Funny Little Fears Credit: Damon Baker 6 David says he is grateful for the success that he has enjoyed with Maneskin since their Eurovision breakthrough with song Zitti e buoni Credit: Rex David — who found fame when his band won the Eurovision Song Contest for Italy in 2021 — admits: 'For a long time I felt misunderstood as a public figure. In terms of confidence, being in the public eye took a lot away from me.' Chatting on a video call from his Los Angeles home, he adds: 'For years, I felt like I was being watched all the time, that wherever I went there might be someone taking a picture, filming a video. 'So even going out to do the groceries was a challenge for me, not because of people asking for pictures, but because it caused a lot of anxiety.' It's a busy time for David when we speak as he is about to move house. Advertisement 'It's a little chaotic because I'm trying to keep track of everything, but it's exciting too,' he says. 'There were different stages making this album. The first part was terrifying and extremely stressful because I had to force myself to face my fears. It was like a huge, scary monster. 'I had to face things that scare me, like going to the studio, having to introduce myself and adapt to the room. 'Just writing a song, I had to open up somehow.' Advertisement That process of confronting fear also forced the singer to confront his identity. 'People only knew a part of me through my role in the band,' he explains. Top 17 Shocking Eurovision Controversies That Rocked the Stage 'Top tier of pop' 'I wanted to show who I really am — and not be afraid. 'Our generation is over cringe culture [mocking online], because people are allowed to be goofy, to be normal, to be fallible and make mistakes. Advertisement 'But my brain was still focused on projecting perfection — yet I am convinced that perfection is the number one enemy of art and happiness. I don't aim for perfection, I aim for greatness, to be good. So I have a constant fight in my brain about this. 'But I had a goal and so, after a demanding month which I found extremely hard, things got easier.' On David's first solo record, called Funny Little Fears, there are no hidden layers at all. He says: 'The spotlight is on me, and it's my full personality — when I'm confident and secure and when I'm vulnerable and scared. It's the full thing. Advertisement 'But it's changed everything for me, and I'm open to things. 'Someone mentioned acting. If the right thing comes, why not? Sometimes artists cross over and it looks forced. I wouldn't like that, but if the right project came along and it was organic, then why not?' My favourite song is Tango, which might be the fastest of the whole record. It's very fast, very funny and the lyrics are almost making fun of myself. David says he is grateful for the success that he has enjoyed with Maneskin since their Eurovision breakthrough with song Zitti e buoni. He adds proudly: 'I have achieved a lot with Maneskin. We've had mainstream success and won a bunch of awards and have our million streams or whatever. Advertisement "So this album is for me. And I was able to experience making it in a healthy, free and joyful way.' Funny Little Fears is a less rocky sound than Maneskin, and David has been inspired by the likes of Keane, early Killers and even Billy Joel's Piano Man. 'The top tier of pop music inspired this,' he says. 'I tried to steal something from Elton John too. And I hope you can hear that. 'It's a different sound. Even as a singer, I sound different. I have more range on here. Some of the songs are extremely fun to sing. Advertisement 'My favourite song is Tango, which might be the fastest of the whole record. It's very fast, very funny and the lyrics are almost making fun of myself. 'So it's very dark but, at the same time, extremely happy with this dance vibe. It's great to sing — a little cheeky, a little funny and inspired by a relationship that I had. It's a cool song.' The first single is an irresistibly gorgeous number called Silverlines, which David made with Labrinth, the London producer/singer known for Beneath Your Beautiful. 'Dark places' Other collaborations include with actress and model Suki Waterhouse and American singer songwriter d4vd known for TikTok hit Romantic Homicide. Advertisement 'Labrinth is great,' says David. 'How did it happen? I still don't know, as it happened all so fast. 6 David admits he has had to overcome some dark times Credit: Damon Baker 6 Maneskin were Eurovision winners at the contest in 2021 Credit: Splash 'Sarah Hudson, who I wrote the song Next Summer with, writes with him and asked me about getting him to add something to it. Advertisement 'So this opportunity came from the sky as I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right moment.' And writing that song was deeply therapeutic for David. 'It's a song about getting out of dark places or dark moments, which is what this album did for me,' he says. 'I was in a very unhappy and unsatisfied place. 'And I'm aware this life gives me so many privileges, but at the same time I am very sensitive, and this work involves many emotions and there's lots of loneliness.' Advertisement At his lowest, he even considered walking away from music. 'Maybe quitting would have been extreme,' he admits. 'But a two-year hiatus was knocking at the door. 'But through the writing process, something shifted. When I write music, I get access to parts of my brain that I don't normally have access to. Advertisement I was in a really dark place, deeply unhappy, and I knew I had to do something about it, fast. 'It's like a stream of consciousness — I don't always know what I'm writing about until I read it back. But it gives me clarity. 'It's like putting the problem on paper, or what's making me happy in that moment. 'At times, I thought that music itself was the problem — that maybe I wasn't cut out for it, or that it had lost its sparkle for me. 'But then I realised it was exactly the opposite. It was the one thing I could hold on to. Advertisement 'Making this record helped rebuild me and gave me the good life I have now.' The hardest part for David was coming to terms with the fact that he wasn't happy. 'It took the longest to admit,' he explains. Starting the record felt like a train wreck. 'I was in a really dark place, deeply unhappy, and I knew I had to do something about it, fast.' Advertisement One of the standout tracks, the hauntingly beautiful ballad Sick Of Myself, captures the raw emotion of that difficult period. 'That could have been the album title,' he tells me. 'But then I thought it was too dark, and it took out the positive part — because the album is a journey from darkness to light.' That journey also brought a new understanding of connection and vulnerability. 'I realised I need people,' he says. 'I've always been convinced I could do everything on my own. Advertisement "Now I see how central and meaningful real connections are. I used to think happiness came from job satisfaction and status — and it doesn't. 'I've grown and matured enough to see that there's always someone who can bring light back into your life, even when everything seems like it's falling apart.' The First Line is an upbeat love song about his girlfriend, American actress and singer Dove Cameron. He lights up: 'Now that's a very special one and my girlfriend loves the song because it's about her. She loves the whole record.' Advertisement 'Crazy journey' Their relationship, like the album, attracts plenty of attention — and with that comes scrutiny. So how does he cope? 'We take whatever comes with it,' he says. 'We're very happy and have a strong connection, so there's not much noise that can upset us.' Everything I've been through making this record has changed and inspired me. It's a new chapter and I'm ready for it. David began his music career at the age of 15. By 17, he had co-founded Maneskin with Victoria De Angelis and Thomas Raggi, later joined by Ethan Torchio. Advertisement They started performing as buskers on the streets of Rome before becoming famous when they finished second on the Italian X Factor in 2017. The singer has previously said he missed out on being a teenager. Today he adds that if he had started his career later he would have a stage name. 'I regret not having one,' he says. 'It helps separate your everyday life and your stage life. But then if the 15-year-old me could see me in LA making this record, he would be amazed. It's been a crazy journey.' And on the topic of Maneskin, how is their relationship today? Advertisement 'We are still friends. I recently had dinner with Thomas here in LA. We're all still good. We message each other and they've heard the album.' 6 Ethan Torchio, Victoria De Angelis, Damiano David and Thomas Raggi of Maneskin attend The Brit Awards in 2022 Credit: Getty The start of June sees David embark on a mammoth world tour, including two shows at London's Roundhouse in September. 'We're designing the stage and working on the set,' he tells me. 'I have a bunch of ideas that I hope I'm going to be able to pull off. Advertisement 'I know it's going to be very long and demanding, but I'm going to have the right amount of sleep and I'm working out and eating well. That really helps and not just on a physical level. 'It's about being smart, working out the schedule, having little rests, and having people come around to make it feel less lonely and less like you're travelling around the world out of a suitcase. 'Everything I've been through making this record has changed and inspired me. It's a new chapter and I'm ready for it.' 6 David's Funny Little Fears is out today Credit: supplied Advertisement DAMIANO DAVID Funny Little Fears
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
We've had mainstream success, won awards & had a million streams but this album is for me, says Maneskin's Damiano David
FOR Maneskin's Damiano David, it feels like the right moment to release a solo album. And the Italian singer reveals a more personal, previously hidden, side of himself on the record. 6 6 David — who found fame when his band won the Eurovision Song Contest for Italy in 2021 — admits: 'For a long time I felt misunderstood as a public figure. In terms of confidence, being in the public eye took a lot away from me.' Chatting on a video call from his Los Angeles home, he adds: 'For years, I felt like I was being watched all the time, that wherever I went there might be someone taking a picture, filming a video. 'So even going out to do the groceries was a challenge for me, not because of people asking for pictures, but because it caused a lot of anxiety.' It's a busy time for David when we speak as he is about to move house. 'It's a little chaotic because I'm trying to keep track of everything, but it's exciting too,' he says. 'There were different stages making this album. The first part was terrifying and extremely stressful because I had to force myself to face my fears. It was like a huge, scary monster. 'I had to face things that scare me, like going to the studio, having to introduce myself and adapt to the room. 'Just writing a song, I had to open up somehow.' That process of confronting fear also forced the singer to confront his identity. 'People only knew a part of me through my role in the band,' he explains. Top 17 Shocking Eurovision Controversies That Rocked the Stage 'Top tier of pop' 'I wanted to show who I really am — and not be afraid. 'Our generation is over cringe culture [mocking online], because people are allowed to be goofy, to be normal, to be fallible and make mistakes. 'But my brain was still focused on projecting perfection — yet I am convinced that perfection is the number one enemy of art and happiness. I don't aim for perfection, I aim for greatness, to be good. So I have a constant fight in my brain about this. 'But I had a goal and so, after a demanding month which I found extremely hard, things got easier.' On David's first solo record, called Funny Little Fears, there are no hidden layers at all. He says: 'The spotlight is on me, and it's my full personality — when I'm confident and secure and when I'm vulnerable and scared. It's the full thing. 'But it's changed everything for me, and I'm open to things. 'Someone mentioned acting. If the right thing comes, why not? Sometimes artists cross over and it looks forced. I wouldn't like that, but if the right project came along and it was organic, then why not?' My favourite song is Tango, which might be the fastest of the whole record. It's very fast, very funny and the lyrics are almost making fun of myself. David says he is grateful for the success that he has enjoyed with Maneskin since their Eurovision breakthrough with song Zitti e buoni. He adds proudly: 'I have achieved a lot with Maneskin. We've had mainstream success and won a bunch of awards and have our million streams or whatever. "So this album is for me. And I was able to experience making it in a healthy, free and joyful way.' Funny Little Fears is a less rocky sound than Maneskin, and David has been inspired by the likes of Keane, early Killers and even Billy Joel 's Piano Man. 'The top tier of pop music inspired this,' he says. 'I tried to steal something from Elton John too. And I hope you can hear that. 'It's a different sound. Even as a singer, I sound different. I have more range on here. Some of the songs are extremely fun to sing. 'My favourite song is Tango, which might be the fastest of the whole record. It's very fast, very funny and the lyrics are almost making fun of myself. 'So it's very dark but, at the same time, extremely happy with this dance vibe. It's great to sing — a little cheeky, a little funny and inspired by a relationship that I had. It's a cool song.' The first single is an irresistibly gorgeous number called Silverlines, which David made with Labrinth, the London producer/singer known for Beneath Your Beautiful. 'Dark places' Other collaborations include with actress and model Suki Waterhouse and American singer songwriter d4vd known for TikTok hit Romantic Homicide. 'Labrinth is great,' says David. 'How did it happen? I still don't know, as it happened all so fast. 6 6 'Sarah Hudson, who I wrote the song Next Summer with, writes with him and asked me about getting him to add something to it. 'So this opportunity came from the sky as I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right moment.' And writing that song was deeply therapeutic for David. 'It's a song about getting out of dark places or dark moments, which is what this album did for me,' he says. 'I was in a very unhappy and unsatisfied place. 'And I'm aware this life gives me so many privileges, but at the same time I am very sensitive, and this work involves many emotions and there's lots of loneliness.' At his lowest, he even considered walking away from music. 'Maybe quitting would have been extreme,' he admits. 'But a two-year hiatus was knocking at the door. 'But through the writing process, something shifted. When I write music, I get access to parts of my brain that I don't normally have access to. I was in a really dark place, deeply unhappy, and I knew I had to do something about it, fast. 'It's like a stream of consciousness — I don't always know what I'm writing about until I read it back. But it gives me clarity. 'It's like putting the problem on paper, or what's making me happy in that moment. 'At times, I thought that music itself was the problem — that maybe I wasn't cut out for it, or that it had lost its sparkle for me. 'But then I realised it was exactly the opposite. It was the one thing I could hold on to. 'Making this record helped rebuild me and gave me the good life I have now.' The hardest part for David was coming to terms with the fact that he wasn't happy. 'It took the longest to admit,' he explains. Starting the record felt like a train wreck. 'I was in a really dark place, deeply unhappy, and I knew I had to do something about it, fast.' One of the standout tracks, the hauntingly beautiful ballad Sick Of Myself, captures the raw emotion of that difficult period. 'That could have been the album title,' he tells me. 'But then I thought it was too dark, and it took out the positive part — because the album is a journey from darkness to light.' That journey also brought a new understanding of connection and vulnerability. 'I realised I need people,' he says. 'I've always been convinced I could do everything on my own. "Now I see how central and meaningful real connections are. I used to think happiness came from job satisfaction and status — and it doesn't. 'I've grown and matured enough to see that there's always someone who can bring light back into your life, even when everything seems like it's falling apart.' The First Line is an upbeat love song about his girlfriend, American actress and singer Dove Cameron. He lights up: 'Now that's a very special one and my girlfriend loves the song because it's about her. She loves the whole record.' 'Crazy journey' Their relationship, like the album, attracts plenty of attention — and with that comes scrutiny. So how does he cope? 'We take whatever comes with it,' he says. 'We're very happy and have a strong connection, so there's not much noise that can upset us.' Everything I've been through making this record has changed and inspired me. It's a new chapter and I'm ready for it. David began his music career at the age of 15. By 17, he had co-founded Maneskin with Victoria De Angelis and Thomas Raggi, later joined by Ethan Torchio. They started performing as buskers on the streets of Rome before becoming famous when they finished second on the Italian X Factor in 2017. The singer has previously said he missed out on being a teenager. Today he adds that if he had started his career later he would have a stage name. 'I regret not having one,' he says. 'It helps separate your everyday life and your stage life. But then if the 15-year-old me could see me in LA making this record, he would be amazed. It's been a crazy journey.' And on the topic of Maneskin, how is their relationship today? 'We are still friends. I recently had dinner with Thomas here in LA. We're all still good. We message each other and they've heard the album.' 6 The start of June sees David embark on a mammoth world tour, including two shows at London's Roundhouse in September. 'We're designing the stage and working on the set,' he tells me. 'I have a bunch of ideas that I hope I'm going to be able to pull off. 'I know it's going to be very long and demanding, but I'm going to have the right amount of sleep and I'm working out and eating well. That really helps and not just on a physical level. 'It's about being smart, working out the schedule, having little rests, and having people come around to make it feel less lonely and less like you're travelling around the world out of a suitcase. 'Everything I've been through making this record has changed and inspired me. It's a new chapter and I'm ready for it.' DAMIANO DAVID ★★★★☆
