Cesare Cremonini launched his new album Amateur at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London, playing the entire 11-track record to a sold-out crowd ahead of an arena tour starting November 24, ANSA reported. The London showcase featured a stage set dominated by a large golden skull, which also serves as the mask worn by the artist’s alter ego on the album cover.
Cremonini debuts new album recorded at Studio 13
The showcase at the historic Victorian theater in west London marked a deliberate departure from the singer’s familiar Italian roots. The 46-year-old artist described the release as a fresh debut, arriving 27 years after his initial start with Lunapop.
Recording sessions for the project took place in part at Studio 13, the creative space associated with Damon Albarn. Cremonini noted that the studio’s entry requirement was pure creativity rather than paid access. The album blends rock references with saxophone contributions from Donny McCaslin, who previously worked with David Bowie on his final album ANSA reported.
Guest artists and Italian figures attend London performance
The London performance included live collaborations with guest artists who feature on the project. ANSA reported that rappers Salmo and Fabri Fibra joined Cremonini on stage for ‘Amateur’ and the single ‘Paparazzi’, while Malika Ayane performed on ‘Cose molto piccole’ and added a cover of Lou Reed’s ‘Walk on the wild side’.
The balcony audience drew notable Italian figures, including singer Elisa—credited as a co-writer on the track ‘Cavalli da corsa’—alongside Valentino Rossi and Formula 1 patron Stefano Domenicali. Behind-the-scenes contributions to the creative process also involved Elisa and Morgan, Corriere della Sera reported.
Reflections on the Music Industry and Technology
Speaking in London, Cremonini described Amateur as the desperate cry of a boy who does not even remember who he was before making music and today seeks to cement a crack by returning to be as curious as he was then. He also criticized the current reliance on digital algorithms and artificial intelligence in music production, asserting that the algorithm works for the benefit of those who earn from it and will lead to a world without interconnections between different people facing the same work.
Cremonini told Corriere della Sera that when he was told digital would free music it was a “great stupidity” and that music has been caged.
Questions Surrounding the Upcoming Tour
While the London debut featured specific guest appearances by Malika Ayane, Salmo, and Fabri Fibra, the exact lineup of guest artists who will join Cremonini during his upcoming Italian arena tour remains unconfirmed. Organizers have not yet announced whether the international musicians who performed at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire, including saxophonist Donny McCaslin, will accompany the band across the upcoming dates.
When Cesare Cremonini's Amateur tour starts and where it was recorded?
When does Cesare Cremonini’s new tour start?
The arena tour supporting the album Amateur is scheduled to begin on November 24.
Which guest artists performed at the London album launch?
The London showcase featured guest appearances by Malika Ayane, Salmo, and Fabri Fibra.
Where was the album Amateur recorded?
Part of the album was recorded at Studio 13, the creative workspace associated with Damon Albarn in London.
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