The Sky series ‘They Killed Spider-Man – The Legendary Story of the 883’ continues to reap successes, not only in terms of ratings, but also in terms of the impact on the music of the duo from Pavia. Michele Rech, aka Zero limestonehe has no doubts: the TV series dedicated to the 883 is a small masterpiece. The Roman cartoonist, who has always been a great fan of Max Pezzali, expressed all his enthusiasm to Adnkronos, defining the series as “beautiful, brilliant, written in a fresh, intelligent way and full of visual and narrative ideas”. A praise that comes from afar, from a deep admiration for the music of Max Pezzali and Mauro Repetto: “Given that for me the 883s are the best thing that has happened to the Italian mainstream in the last 30 years – says Zerocalcare – the epic of losers who grow up in losers places first it made me feel less alone, then it shaped my vision of the world and consequently my work.”
An influence, that of 883, which profoundly marked his artistic training: “I wouldn’t do this job if punk and Max Pezzali hadn’t been there“. But what particularly struck Zerocalcare in the series? “For me the series is beautiful. As an Italian serial, since Mattia Torre no longer exists, I thought we would never be able to have products like this again.”
Furthermore, he says, “he had the intelligence to express some of the themes of 883 with the sensitivity of today, which evidently and fortunately has changed compared to 30 years ago. So you have all the power of that poetics, integrated with at least one a bit of that female point of view which in recent years has gained a strong and non-subordinate voice”. Zerocalcare’s enthusiasm is such that it ironically borders on envy: “I laughed a lot and was moved, except that I wasn’t capable of writing it myself“.
Also the Roman singer-songwriter Giancane who has collaborated on several occasions with Zerocalcare (for example, the soundtracks of the two animated series written by the cartoonist) praised the production, calling it “a perfect dive into the 90s” and particularly appreciating the performance of Elia Nuzzolo as Max Pezzali: “He is practically perfect in the role of Max, both in his gestures and in his voice. He is very similar to him.” “I really enjoyed the reconstruction of the era,” he continued. “From the musical equipment, such as the Roland 707, to the choice of cars, signs and even the vending machine, it is a continuous reference to the songs of 883. A real blast from the past.”
Giancane, who has never hidden his admiration for Max Pezzali, also reiterated in a recent interview with Adnkronos his desire to collaborate with him. He confessed that ‘Cumuli’ is his favorite song by 883 and, imagining his participation in Sanremo, he joked: “I would bring Max Pezzali and Fiorello to the cover evening with ‘Finamente tu’. I don’t understand why no one has done it yet” .
The 883 effect on streaming platforms
The success of the series is also reflected on streaming platforms: Spotify Italia confirmed to Adnkronos an increase in listeners of 883 songs in recent days. A flashback also confirmed by Fimi certifications. In week 42, well three songs by 883 have won important awards: platinum record for ‘Sei un mito’ (1993), and gold record for ‘Ti I feel alive’ (1995) and ‘Bella vera’ (2001). This success adds to the double platinum records already achieved by ‘They Killed Spider-Man’ and the platinum record of ‘A Love Song’ in the previous weeks.
The Sky series has undoubtedly played a key role in this renewed interest. By bringing to light the story of Max and Mauro, from the first songs written in their bedroom to the overwhelming success of the 90s, the drama has reawakened memories and emotions in those who lived those years first hand, and has also won over the new generations. A success that goes beyond simple nostalgia. The new Fimi certifications therefore represent not only recognition of the talent of Max Pezzali and Mauro Repetto, but also confirmation that the magic of the 90s, at least in the musical field, is not over yet.