Andy Surdi (La Bionda, Toto Cutugno) passed away

The Italian drummer, singer, and composer Andy Surdi has passed away in Milan. Surdi, born as Andrea Surdi in Palermo in 1944, was considered one of Italy’s top twenty drummers and left a profound mark on the European pop, folk, and studio music scene.

Surdi began his career at the age of fourteen and became one of the most sought-after session musicians of the 1970s and 1980s. His international career took him from Stockholm to Amsterdam and Hamburg, where he honed his versatility: from pop and funk to Mediterranean folk and blues. In Italy, he quickly became a regular presence in the studios of the major record labels.

One of his most famous contributions was his drumming on the debut of La Bionda, the duo that later scored worldwide hits with songs such as ‘One for You, One for Me’. Surdi’s precise timing and smooth groove were a key part of their early sound.

Even more defining for his career was his long collaboration with Angelo Branduardi. Surdi played on a series of Branduardi’s best albums, including ‘La Luna’, ‘Alla fiera dell’est’, ‘La pulce d’acqua’, and ‘Cogli la prima mela’. His characteristic, melodic drumming gave Branduardi’s folk-pop a unique identity. He was also a mainstay in Branduardi’s European tours for many years, including the concert series that led to the iconic triple album Concerto.

In addition, Surdi collaborated with an impressive list of artists: Mina, Ornella Vanoni, Fabrizio De André, Mia Martini, Massimo Bubola, Pino Donaggio, Toto Cutugno, Fiordaliso, and many others. His reputation as a reliable, creative, and musical drummer made him a highly sought-after musician and a legend in the Italian music world.

In the 1990s, Surdi focused more on Mediterranean and Sicilian music, resulting in the album “Andrea Surdi” (1993). He also composed music for film, television, and advertising. Andy Surdi was 81 years old.