Sanremo in Trouble? Italian Music Industry Warns: “Without Us, It’s Just Flowers”

It seems the only drama in Sanremo this year won’t be confined to the stage. The Italian music industry has drawn a sharp line in the Ligurian sand, with the FIMI (Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana) firmly backing RAI in its ongoing tug-of-war with the Sanremo municipality over the organisation of the 2025 Festival.

In an unambiguous statement to ANSA, FIMI CEO Enzo Mazza confirmed he had met with RAI’s CEO Giampaolo Rossi and that both parties are in lockstep when it comes to the festival’s priorities:

«We agreed on the central role of public broadcasting and the music industry in the Sanremo Festival—something the Sanremo municipality should fully recognise.»

No Labels, No Party (or at Least No Playlist)

But Mazza didn’t stop there. With the eloquence of someone who’s negotiated more than one backstage pass, he issued a not-so-subtle warning:

«Unless the local authorities commit financially and infrastructurally, there’s a real risk of withdrawal from the very people who guarantee the Festival’s success.»

For those needing a translation: no label money, no chart-toppers, no viral moments—and certainly no glittery duets at midnight. As he already stated in April:

“Without the music industry, Sanremo would be left with little more than flower arrangements. The Festival without music is an empty box.”

Calling the Shots (and the Invoice)

The message is crystal clear: Sanremo is more than just a civic celebration or a television event—it’s a commercial and cultural showcase fuelled by the music business. And if that business feels undervalued, underpaid or outright ignored, it might start putting its artists elsewhere.

FIMI is also calling for substantial financial reimbursement for companies involved. Because, let’s be honest, putting a number one hit on that stage doesn’t come cheap. And playing it for free? That’s just bad business.

A Festival with Friction

With Sanremo 2026 looming on the calendar, the pressure is building. Will the municipality respond with action—or with bureaucracy? Will RAI and FIMI tighten ranks? Will the Festival go ahead with all its bells, whistles and ballads intact?

Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: if things don’t get sorted soon, Sanremo may find itself with a lot of petals… but no playlist.

Source: Davide Maggio