Toto Cutugno was one of the most sought after foreign artists in our country: he went on tour, sang for ordinary people and earned a lot of money at private parties.
Photo: GLOBAL LOOK PRESS
Italian singer-songwriter Toto Cutugno has died at the age of 81 at the San Raffaele University Hospital in Milan. For many years, the artist was part of the board of trustees of this Italian hospital and research center, whose doctors prolonged the life of Toto Cutugno by 15 years. When a famous Italian was diagnosed with oncology, he was given no more than 5 months to live. But Cutugno’s strong body and desire to live, as well as the professionalism of the doctors, not only prolonged Toto Cutugno’s life, but also allowed him to work. The artist was bedridden only for the last six months, when another relapse of the disease occurred. Toto Cutugno’s farewell will take place on August 24.
In Russia, Toto Cutugno was a frequent guest. The last time the famous artist flew for closed private performances was in 2019. Toto Cutugno’s solo concert at the State Kremlin Palace was supposed to take place in April 2020, but due to covid restrictive measures it was postponed until 2021, then for the same reason until November 2022 and then it was canceled entirely. At that moment, the artist started another relapse of the disease…
According to producers and organizers of closed private events for wealthy Russians, in our country and in foreign resorts: from the early 2000s to 2019, Toto Cutugno was the most in-demand foreign artist at these parties. He sang at weddings and anniversaries in rich estates near Moscow, in restaurants, for our compatriots on yachts and foreign resorts …
Producer Ilya Sagliani tells KP.RU: “It’s a pity that such a legendary artist is gone. Toto Cutugno really liked Russia, the Russian fans and the listeners; he constantly talked about it. He created a great musical history for our people, many people always came to his concerts in Russia. Curiously, when it came to some massive events, combined concerts for a television channel or in support of a radio station, Toto Cutugno agreed to sing for free or under “loyal conditions”. He earned money from other performances: he was one of the most invited foreign entertainers on closed private vacations for the rich. Toto Cutugno’s performance cost at private and corporate parties from 100 thousand euros (10 million rubles now and 7.6 million rubles compared to 2019, when the artist sang with us for the last time, approx.). This is the lower limit of the rate. Approximately this is what the performance of our main stars costs: Kirkorov sings for a fee starting at 75 thousand euros (7.7 million rubles); the final cost depends on many nuances (location, client, etc.). If Toto Cutugno performed for a very rich businessman, it could cost between 150,000 and 200,000 euros, depending on the format of the party”.
Producer Ilya Sagliani said that the legendary Toto Cutugno sang for a symbolic fee for Russian fans, and for a solid fee for wealthy clients.
Photo: personal archive
Interestingly, Toto Cutugno planned his frequent flights to Russia (starting in the 2000s) in such a way that he would earn money (at weddings, anniversaries of the rich and corporations) and for a token fee (by his standards), or sing at some kind of mass event, or get on TV.
Toto Cutugno said: “Since 1985 I have been very often in Moscow and in other Russian cities. For me, Russia is the second homeland. I fell in love with her at first sight and to this day I carry that love in my heart. The most memorable visit was in 2006: I had two concerts in the Kremlin. Where about two hundred famous Russian artists (my friends) sang my songs with me. It was incredible. When I visit cities that I don’t know well, I try to see the sights. I have already seen a lot in Moscow, so I just drive a car … “
