After winning the Eurovision Song Contest representing his home country Italy with Måneskin, the band reached stardom almost overnight and gained fans all over the world. But after living in constant motion for a few years, Damiano David decided to take a step back and focus on his solo project and released a debut album earlier this year. Many dates of the supporting tour were sold out, including the show in Los Angeles, proving that Damiano can stand strong on his own.
To get inside the Wiltern, the line wrapped around the entire block. Even without having an opening act, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation, and some fans were singing his songs while waiting in line for the restrooms. So when the giant letters spelling out his name lit up the stage, no one could contain their excitement any longer.
Damiano came out on stage wearing a bright magenta pink suit and a polka dot shirt which stood out against a more monochromatic lighting, and launched right into "Born With a Broken Heart." From the first note he sang, he had the audience hooked and he didn’t loosen his grip for the rest of the night.
Damiano, who seems to have been born to be on stage as he so naturally commanded the crowd, brought all of his Italian charm and raw talent to make sure LA does not forget this night. After performing a cover of "Pink Pony Club", he removed his shirt followed by an explosion of cheers from the fans.
At a certain point, he stepped off the stage for a few moments, only to return with a costume change in a black satin shirt and black pants. The letters of his name dimmed behind him as he sang "Perfect Life".
Damiano explained that when he was putting the show together he planned it to be divided in three sections: the first was representing the past few years, the rise to fame with Måneskin, the touring, playing arenas and collaborating with Tom Morello and Iggy Pop. Which as he explained "was so fun and exciting, until it wasn't".
The second section of the show was slower in pace and more stripped back to represent his search for his own identity, the fears of doing his own thing, and hate and judgement that came with it. Through songs like "Sick Of Myself" he opened up about those vulnerabilities connecting with the audience even more.
For the third act of the show, Damiano did another outfit switch and came out in a sequined sleeveless top. He introduced this part as a representation of letting go of people's expectations on what his music should sound like, how many songs should he put out, etc. and just focusing on what he wants his career to be.
The crowd cheered, danced, jumped around along with the music fully immersed in the moment. During "The First Time" Damiano led the audience in singing the chorus in unison, and as the voices echoed through the room, you could see the significance of this moment on his face. Blown away by the love and support of his fans he thanked everyone for coming to see him.
As the night was nearing the end, it was clear that no matter what the future holds for Damiano in his solo career or in possible new music with Måneskin, he will always have a solid fan base that will follow him no matter the next steps.
