MEETING GIANLUCA BEZZINA

 

I am so excited! Yesterday - August 18, 2021 - I met Gianluca Bezzina!

Before I tell my story I want all of you, who don´t know Gianluca Bezzina, to listen to the song "Tomorrow", which he performed for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013.

And it is important to watch:

- first the official video of TOMORROW

- second the live performance of Gianluca in ESC Finals in Malmo, Sweden 

Here are the links:

Offical video of "Tomorrow" by Gianluca:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WmJXIR9xtw

Live performance of Gianluca at the Finals of Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmo, Sweden:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK4TvZeL6c0

Did you like the song?
I LOVE IT!
So, here is my story:

Being a huge fan of ESC for pretty much all of my life I do remember Malta always having outstanding good performers. In fact it was because of ESC that I even knew about Malta in general. 
It was in 2012 when I visited Malta for the first time and it was then when I fell in love with that tiny island in the very South of Europe.

Of course I had an extra eye on the Maltese ESC performers in 2012 and 2013 and I have to admit I love them both:

2012: Kurt Calleja - "This is the Night" - Position: 21 

2013: Gianluca Bezzina - "Tomorrow" - Position: 8

I do remember at my second vacation in Malta in 2013 I even saw some posters of Gianluca Bezzina in concert and I already thought how amazing it would be to hear him live. 

In November 2013 I moved to Malta. A life dream came true: living at the sea, in the South, in everlasting summer. 

And somehow it was that particular song "Tomorrow" which reflected my feelings about my big step most:

- happy and joyful

- a super likeable performer with a huge smile and an extreme positive charisma

- a video, when you watch it, you instantly feel happy and you gonna hum or sing the song for hours afterwards 

That happy song, Gianluca and the video, in which I recognized some spots of Malta I have already been to, became the song of my "new life" in my new home!

It was then at work, talking to a young Maltese colleague, that I found another big fan of Gianluca Bezzina.

More than once I said to her: "How I wish I could see him live one day! Or to run into him. That would be great!"

She told me:

"Well, if you want to meet him, you have to go to Mater Dei Hospital. He is a doctor there." 

We laughed about that because he is a doctor for Urology - so that would probably never happen ... 

On May 1st, 2014 another thing happened:
With a colleague I went to Valletta for the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Malta joining the EU.

In the Harbour area there was a big party going on and when we reached a small stage directly at the promenade I couldn´t believe my eyes and ears:
Kurt Calleja was performing "This is the Night"! 

"So now it is only Gianluca Bezzina I have to run into one day!!"

And then it happened!

My post on Facebook sounded something like this:
"IT FINALLY HAPPENED!! After 6 years, 3 months and 18 days I ran into Gianluca Bezzina!! Me so happy!!"
It did happen in Sliema when a young couple came walking toward me. The father carried the baby in a baby carrier, which was such a cute picture. But then I thought: 

"Wait a minute. This is Gianluca Bezzina. - OH MY GOD! This IS Gianluca Bezzina!!"

Inwardly I was freaking out, jumping up and down - on the outside I remained totally calm. I would have loved to tell him I am a big fan but I would have never disturbed his family shopping tour. This is kind of awkward, right? Though what I did while the young family walked into a shop and I still could see them through the store window, I stared at all the Maltese people around me. Didn´t they recognize one of their biggest music star?

I was so happy. I really wished to run into him one day and now I did. For days I was humming Tomorrow and I told everyone I finally ran into Gianluca!

The second time I ran into him .. no, the other way around ... he came running toward me on the harbour promenade in Sliema right when the ESC 2021 happened and Malta was so excited of their actual performer Destiny. 
Again I was so happy to see him, but would have never stopped him to let him know I am a fan.

And then not Tomorrow but Yesterday happened!!

It was planned by Universe. Just let me tell you that. The whole evening I felt like being pushed or guided. Every decision I had to make was so crystal clear though I wavered and went out of my routine several times. 

First I didn´t want to do anything after work but I was hungry. Then I couldn´t make up my mind what I wanted to eat or where I wanted to go but I took a shower and got ready anyway. Then I left the flat in a really great and extreme light hearted mood. On the way to my first stop - the ATM - I suddenly decided I will go to Valletta. Surprised myself with that thought. I usually don´t go to Valletta for dinner (only for lunch). 

- Really? You wanna go to Valletta? - Yes. - Should I check if my favourite restaurant is open for dinner on a Wednesday? - Hmmm, no. I will go anyway. If they are not open I find something else. - Or, maybe I really should skip that and take a walk to Sliema instead. 
When stepping onto the road a bus for Valletta was just approaching.

- Well, that´s a sign! I definitely will go to Valletta!

Entering Valletta at a for me unusual time of the day I noticed two things:
1. Many people where on the way! After the last one and a half years it was so good to finally see Valletta crowded with people again.

2. Many restaurants were setting up for live performance. Which was a bit odd in my opinion because it was a normal Wednesday evening. (The real "odd" thing was that this specific thought was important for the ongoing of the evening ...)

My favourite place was packed as well but a table was found for me. So I was able to enjoy a glass of wine, a delicious meal and a nice, warm (not too hot) summer evening in a nice atmosphere. 

Also important for the further ongoing of the evening was that I had a glass of wine. Cause usually I have coffee and dessert after my meal. But it was too late for coffee and I enjoyed the chilled glass of white wine, which I rarely do. A dessert would not have fitted. 

Another important thing was that people still were coming and waiting for a table. So I decided to end my dinner early, maybe find some ice cream on my way out. And I decided to walk home instead of taking the bus. 

Usually I walk up Merchant Street till the end, go down to Republic Street at the Old Opera and take it from there.

Yesterday I was pulled into a different direction: 

Crossing over to Republic Street early (again I was a bit surprised by that but kind of knew it was important). I passed St. John's Co-Cathedral when I heard live performance from one of the restaurants. I liked the song and I liked the voice so I again changed my path to take a look at the performers. 

Knowing I don´t have to catch the last bus I planned to enjoy the music for a bit. Walking pass the restaurant I heard another live music performance from that little square in front of St. John's Co-Cathedral. This even caught me more ...

So I walked on but couldn´t see who was singing because too much light from a little statue behind where the singer and one guy on the keyboard were sitting.

And then it hit me:

- Oh my God! This is Gianluca Bezzina!! - No, wait a minute. Why would Gianluca perform here between those two restaurants? - But it is him! I do recognize his voice! - Forget it. He is a big star. He would never perform here "on the street". - IT IS Gianluca Bezzina!

Totally freaked out I started to record him with my mobile though there was nothing to see hence to the much too bright blue light. In fact I still haven´t seen his face clearly to really be sure it is him. A couple also were recording him. So I said to the woman:
"This is Gianluca Bezzina, right?"

From her accent I discovered she is not Maltese but a tourist and of course had no idea what I was freaking out about. I apologized to her and tried to explain: "He performed at the Eurovision Song Contest and is a star here in Malta."

I needed to be sure but I didn´t want to walk by and stare at him. So I decided I will take it from the side of one of the restaurant and probably ask a waiter. Also that seemed a bit awkward. I am not that kind of fan who shrieks and freaks out (outwardly at least). Luckily I recognized one of the women who worked there and started with a little small talk first. Than I asked her. She was not sure herself and had to ask a colleague.

"Iva" was his respond - and there it was: YES, it IS Gianluca Bezzina!

The restaurants were packed with dining people so I sat on the steps of St. John's Co-Cathedral on the other side of the street. Totally happy, totally thrilled that it finally happened! Only, hence to two more live performer at restaurants around I couldn´t hear him that good. But again an odd thought appeared: Not being able to see him well and to hear him well probably is not that bad. Otherwise I would totally freak out. So I sat there and just was happy to be there.

Watching his videos on YouTube before I know he is also singing "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. 

And people let´s face it!
This is an outstanding beautiful song, many stars already covered it - but there are only two performers who really give me goosebumps when they sing it:

1. Jon Bongiovi

2. Gianluca Bezzina 

Couple of minutes later:
"Now I've heard there was a secret chord ..."

I was on my feet in seconds! Pulled out my mobile and went as close as I dared to. Recording just a bit of the song I enjoyed the song live - of course with goosebumps! Then, though nobody usually was clapping after the songs, I needed to applaud at that point. And the two performers looked into my direction and "thanked me". 

And that was the moment when I reacted without thinking anymore:

I just went over to them, stopped before Gianluca and for the first time clearly saw his face:
"I am sorry to interrupt you. I just need to tell you I am a fan since Tomorrow and it took me 8 years to finally hear you live!"
"Thank you", he beamed at me - his famous huge smile! "Much appreciated."   

"Thank you so much. I couldn´t believe running into you here tonight after 8 years."

"Do you live in Malta?"

"Yes, I do. But I was a fan already back in Austria."

"Ah, thank you. I appreciate that."

Then I left, went back to my steps in front of the church and was just happy I did it. And I had that good feeling that he also liked me coming over and telling him.

One or two songs later they took a break. 

So I had time to reflect of what was happening just now. With trembling fingers I tried to write a short post on Facebook.

Meanwhile I watched Gianluca walking to a group of people in one of the restaurants. Perhaps friends, family or fans - again I couldn´t see it clearly. Though from the corner of my eye I saw him walking back to the "stage", picking up his water bottle and the iPad he used to read the lyrics for the songs. 

- Wouldn´t it be great when he comes over to me? - Yeah! But why would he? I am not even a paying guest in the restaurant. I am sitting on the church steps on the other side of the street! 

This thoughts made me happy and I was smiling. Funny thing, because it doesn´t freak me out ... even at that moment, when I KNEW he is coming over. He started to slowly walk into my direction and I already put my mobile away. The odd thing was I didn´t freak out and I didn´t get nervous.

It just happened!

"Hey, sorry I couldn´t talk more before."

"It is sooo good to see you here. I can´t believe it!"

He stood in front of me, beaming his radiant smile and we chatted for a while. 

I told him how I became a fan and how I wished to run into him one day. We talked about Kurt Calleja and that I saw him live already.

"You know, I had this young Maltese colleague. We often talked about you. She told me if I want to see you I have to be sick AND a man."

He was laughing about that!

"Yes, I am still making music but I am focusing on medicine right now. Just a few small things like that."

"But you are famous! Don´t people recognize you?"

"Yes, they do. But I am not that kind of a star. My character is quiet, even a bit shy."

"But you HAVE to make music! Your voice is sooo amazing! I am watching your videos on YouTube. Also the songs with your family, so great!"

"Well, thank you."

"I am so happy to hear you tonight. I still can´t believe it."

I also told him the story when I saw him and his family in Sliema. 
"Are you staying around?"

"Sure I do. It´s a really nice summer night. Only thing is I don´t hear you well because of the other performers around."

"Yes, I know. But we have to share the place. So we are just having a break for about 20 minutes and then we´ll continue."

"Thank you again! I so enjoy it. All the best!" 

I sat there, watching him going back, knowing Gianluca Bezzina just came over to chat with ME, feeling so happy because it was a nice chat, nothing awkward happened, I didn´t say anything stupid. I just was able to tell him everything I wanted to tell him and he seemed to enjoy it as well. 

The most amazing feeling was that I felt so calm, not freaking out. It just happened and I was immensely happy about it. Still it felt like everything turned out how it was supposed to be and it was meant to be! 

I enjoyed the rest of the concert. Even walked over when the tables cleared a bit and had a glass of wine, while hearing him and his outstanding beautiful voice better.

When he announced the last song for the night I finished my drink and went over to them to talk to Gianluca for the last time:
"Thank you so much! Good night!"

"You are welcome. Bye." 

Totally happy with me and the world I walked out of Valletta, glad I decided to walk home. I needed to process the evening anyway.

I made it till Triton´s Fountain right outside Valletta ... when I finally "realized" what just happened. 

Then the tears started to fall and I couldn´t stop crying for a long time. 

Today I am walking around as if I am the King of the World! A huge smile on my face and humming Tomorrow as happy as can be!!

THANK YOU FOR THAT, GIANLUCA!