Of EelST's many classics, "Tapparella", written in 1994 but first issued in 1996, is the best loved. It begins like Hendrix's "Little Wing", then it builds into an aching, Hammond-laced ballad before climaxing with a scorching guitar solo. On live dates, the band always use it as an encore, in memory of their late mate Paolo "Feiez" Panigada, who originally provided spine-tingling falsetto vocals and acoustic guitar.
The song is about a boy in his early teens who never gets invited to his schoolmates' parties. Tired of being the butt of their jokes, he plans to have an imaginary party in his mind where everyone is invited, friends and enemies alike, and, last but not least, a mysterious friend called Panino ("Sandwich"). Panino was also one of the many aliases of Panigada, so when the final throng explodes, it is a more than fitting tribute to the great musician and friend.
Just two months before Paolo's passing in 1998, this song was performed with special guest Carlos Santana during an Italian TV show.
Of EelST's many classics, "Tapparella", written in 1994 but first issued in 1996, is the best loved. It begins like Hendrix's "Little Wing", then it builds into an aching, Hammond-laced ballad before climaxing with a scorching guitar solo. On live dates, the band always use it as an encore, in memory of their late mate Paolo "Feiez" Panigada, who originally provided spine-tingling falsetto vocals and acoustic guitar.
The song is about a boy in his early teens who never gets invited to his schoolmates' parties. Tired of being the butt of their jokes, he plans to have an imaginary party in his mind where everyone is invited, friends and enemies alike, and, last but not least, a mysterious friend called Panino ("Sandwich"). Panino was also one of the many aliases of Panigada, so when the final throng explodes, it is a more than fitting tribute to the great musician and friend.
Just two months before Paolo's passing in 1998, this song was performed with special guest Carlos Santana during an Italian TV show.