Elio and the Stories Tese: New Tour, Reflections & Autism Awareness

The celebrated Italian musician Stefano “Elio” Belisari, frontman of the band Elio e le Storie Tese, has spoken candidly about the challenges faced by his family after his son Dante was diagnosed with autism and the subsequent loss of a close friend, Feiez, a keyboardist with the band. The interview, conducted by Walter Veltroni and published in Corriere della Sera on May 13, 2024, reveals a deeply personal account of navigating a complex system of support, or lack thereof, for families with autistic children in Italy, and the enduring grief of sudden loss. The conversation as well touches on Elio’s long career, his band’s unique approach to music and performance, and his views on contemporary Italian society.

Navigating Autism Support in Italy: A Family’s Struggle

Elio’s experience highlights a critical gap in support for families dealing with autism in Italy. He described the initial difficulty in obtaining a clear diagnosis for Dante, and the subsequent struggle to find adequate resources and guidance. “You quickly realize that the autism of a child is coupled with the absolute loneliness of parents,” Elio stated, emphasizing the lack of a centralized, accessible system to navigate the complexities of the condition. He noted the reliance on private associations and the absence of robust public services, creating a disparity in access to care based on socioeconomic status. This echoes broader concerns about the Italian healthcare system’s capacity to address the needs of individuals with disabilities, particularly in light of recent budget cuts to caregiver support programs in Lombardy, as Elio pointed out.

The process of diagnosis itself was fraught with uncertainty. Elio’s wife initially noticed developmental differences in Dante, but it took time to find professionals who could provide a definitive assessment. Early intervention is crucial in autism cases, and Elio stressed the importance of seeking help as soon as possible, rather than waiting for a child to reach a specific age. He described observing obsessive behaviors in Dante, such as a fascination with spinning tops, and a preference for objects over people, as early indicators. These observations underscore the importance of parental awareness and the require for readily available diagnostic services.

The Sudden Loss of Feiez and the Weight of Grief

The interview also revisited the tragic death of Feiez, the band’s keyboardist, who collapsed onstage during a performance. Elio described the profound sense of loss and the feeling that a part of himself had died with his friend. “I had the sensation that a piece of me had gone, that nothing would ever be the same,” he recounted. The suddenness of Feiez’s death, witnessed firsthand by his bandmates, left a lasting impact, adding another layer of complexity to Elio’s already melancholic disposition. This loss serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing relationships.

Elio e le Storie Tese: A Legacy of Humor and Musical Innovation

Despite the personal hardships, Elio remains committed to his music and his band, Elio e le Storie Tese. The band is currently preparing for a summer tour and a special performance called “Concertozzo” in Monza, featuring the Trio Medusa. Elio emphasized the importance of live music and the band’s commitment to creating a genuine, unfiltered experience for their audience, rejecting the leverage of autotune or other artificial enhancements. He also addressed rumors of the band’s impending breakup, dismissing them as playful speculation, similar to the staged dissolutions of other iconic groups.

Elio’s band has always been known for its unique blend of humor, musical virtuosity, and theatricality. They gained prominence after their performance at the Sanremo Music Festival, which sparked an investigation due to the song’s unconventional lyrics. Elio recounted the absurdity of being questioned about the potential influence of Pippo Baudo, a prominent Italian television personality, on the song’s composition. The band’s willingness to challenge conventions and push boundaries has been a hallmark of their career.

The State of Comedy and Social Commentary in Italy

The conversation also delved into Elio’s observations on the current state of comedy and social commentary in Italy. He expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of self-censorship and the fear of offending public opinion, particularly on social media. “There’s never been a period so bigoted, so conservative,” he remarked, lamenting the lack of freedom of expression and the pervasive atmosphere of judgment. He contrasted this with the more permissive and irreverent cultural climate of the 1970s, despite the political turmoil and social challenges of that era.

Elio highlighted the importance of satire and the ability to laugh at oneself and at society. He praised contemporary comedians like Luca Lundini for their surreal and unpredictable humor, which he sees as a refreshing departure from the prevailing trend of cautiousness. He believes that art and culture should be free from limitations and that artists should be encouraged to express themselves without fear of reprisal.

The Vannacci Controversy and Inclusive Education

Elio also weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding General Roberto Vannacci and his views on inclusive education. He firmly rejected Vannacci’s suggestion of creating separate classes for students with disabilities, arguing that inclusion is the most effective approach. “What works is inclusion,” he stated, emphasizing the benefits of integrating students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms. He believes that this fosters a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students, promoting understanding and acceptance. Corriere Fiorentino reported on Vannacci’s controversial statements and the subsequent backlash.

Elio’s advocacy for inclusive education aligns with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which emphasizes the right of individuals with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of society. The UN Convention provides a framework for promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities worldwide.

Looking ahead, Elio expressed hope that the upcoming meeting with associations dedicated to autism will provide a platform for raising awareness and advocating for improved support services. He highlighted the inspiring work of organizations like PizzAut, which provides employment opportunities for individuals with autism, demonstrating the transformative power of inclusive initiatives. PizzAut’s website details their mission and impact.

Elio’s story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by families affected by autism, the importance of compassion and understanding, and the enduring power of music and humor to bring joy and solace in the face of adversity. The lack of a coordinated national response, as he describes, underscores the need for systemic change and increased investment in support services for individuals with disabilities and their families.