Q: Eight of your albums are being re-released through Rude Records. Why did you decide to do this?
A: About a year ago, we closed our own label “Gridalo Forte Records.” We had released all our records on this label. Last year, we released our current double live CD “Live @ Checkpoint Kreuzberg” through Rude Records. We were very satisfied with Rude Records' work. That’s how we decided to re-release all our records through Rude Records as re-pressings.
Q: Your last album is the fantastic double live CD “Live @ Checkpoint Kreuzberg.” Why did you decide to record the album in Berlin-Kreuzberg at Club S.O. 36?
A: Our first live recording that we released is from Rome in 2001. Berlin is very important to us. We have a lot of connections to the city. The atmosphere at our concerts in Berlin has always been fantastic. For us, there were only two cities where we wanted to make the live recording. Tokyo and Berlin were the options. In the end, we chose Berlin. For us, Berlin is a living, pulsating city. Many of our friends live and work here. All of this spoke for Berlin.
Q: Let’s talk a bit about the current situation in Italy. Berlusconi is currently on trial. Do you think that the current incidents and court proceedings will lead to any changes?
A: Berlusconi is a terrible cancer and a disgrace for Italy! However, we don’t think anything will change in the medium term. It doesn’t matter whether we have a right-wing or a left-wing government. We justify this by saying that the most unpopular and worst legislative changes have been passed by people like D'Alema and Prodi. They were all politicians from the left camp. We are really not optimistic that anything fundamental will change.
However, we urgently need fundamental change! For this reason, we have no problem expressing our sympathies for communism.
Q: Many people in Germany do not understand how Berlusconi could become Prime Minister and still remain in power. How did this man come to power in Italy?
A: People vote for him, that’s a fact. This surprises many in Italy as well.
Q: How would you assess the situation of the left scene in Italy?
A: The left scene is currently not exactly on a high. The Italian Communist Party currently receives 9% of all votes if there were an election now. The other left parties are around 2%.
Q: As far as I know, you sympathize with socialism and communism. Why do you think these are better systems than capitalism?
A: We believe in a society where people are not exploited and animals are not exploited. We believe in a society where every person is guaranteed a job and a home, and the healthcare system is available free of charge for all people. We believe in a society where everyone pays taxes and these taxes benefit the people again. From this belief, we sympathize with the communist and socialist idea.
Q: The media in Germany have reported that Italy may face problems with its state budget. How do you assess the situation?
A: Financial problems are always the problems of the working classes. In Italy, an average salary is around €900 per month. It is difficult to find a job. It is not guaranteed that everyone has or keeps a job. And unfortunately, this is not a newly emerged problem.
Q: In November, you will play at S.O. 36 in Berlin-Kreuzberg as part of the “Punk Italia Festival.” Are you only playing this one concert in Germany, or will there be more gigs?
A: Currently, only Berlin is confirmed as a concert, but maybe more concerts will be added. We are currently exploring some possibilities to play more.
Q: When I look at your concert calendar, there aren’t many concerts listed. Why do you play relatively rarely?
A: The number of concerts we play is enough for us at the moment. In the past, we played a lot more. There were times when we played almost every day!
Q: Can we expect a new studio album from you?
A: We are currently considering recording a new album. As soon as something is ready to be announced, we will let you know.
