When we think of Il Volo, we think of grand Italian plazas, black-tie galas, and the kind of vocal power that seems to vibrate through the floorboards. Gianluca Ginoble, Piero Barone, and Ignazio Boschetto have spent over a decade as the premier ambassadors of “Grande Amore.” Yet, once the house lights go down and the tuxedos are swapped for casual wear, the trio reveals a side that is far more relatable—and much more surprising—than their polished stage presence suggests.
Here are five fun facts that show the unexpected side of Il Volo:
1. The Pilot in the Wings
While he is known for his sharp tenor and even sharper red glasses, Piero Barone has a passion that takes him far above the stage. Piero is a dedicated aviation enthusiast and has spent significant time training to become a pilot. He has often shared that the discipline and focus required in the cockpit mirror the precision needed for operatic singing. If he wasn’t selling out arenas, you might very well find him in the captain’s seat of a commercial jet.
2. The Culinary Composer
Ignazio Boschetto is famous for his incredible vocal range and his infectious sense of humor, but his creativity doesn’t stop at the microphone. Ignazio is an avid cook who treats the kitchen like a recording studio. He is known for experimenting with traditional Sicilian recipes, often hosting dinners for friends and family where he “composes” flavors with the same passion he uses to arrange a harmony. For Ignazio, food is another way to share his heritage with the world.
3. A Deep Love for the Silver Screen
Gianluca Ginoble is often described as the “crooner” of the group, and his inspiration comes from a very specific place: the Golden Age of Hollywood. Gianluca is a massive film buff, with a particular love for classic cinema and the legendary actors of the 1950s and 60s. He often studies the movements and charisma of icons like Marcello Mastroianni and Dean Martin to help craft his own stage persona, blending old-world leading-man charm with modern vocal technique.
4. An Unlikely Soundtrack
You might expect their personal playlists to be filled with Pavarotti and Domingo, but the trio’s musical tastes are surprisingly eclectic. They grew up listening to everything from the gritty rock of Aerosmith to the pop perfection of Michael Jackson. This love for diverse genres is actually the secret to their “crossover” success; they approach operatic music with the energy and sensibility of pop stars because, at heart, that’s the music they’ve always loved.
5. The Brotherhood of “The Prank”
Despite the serious nature of their music, the dynamic between the three is closer to a group of mischievous school friends. They are notorious pranksters, especially during long international tours. Whether it’s hiding each other’s stage gear or jumping out from behind curtains in hotel hallways, their “quirky habits” keep them grounded. This levity is essential for surviving the pressures of global stardom, ensuring that no matter how big the stage gets, they never take themselves too seriously.
From the cockpit to the kitchen, these details remind us that Il Volo is more than just a musical act. They are three distinct individuals whose combined quirks and talents create the magic we see on stage. It’s this “unexpected side” that makes their connection with fans so enduring; they aren’t just voices on a record, but personalities that feel like family.
