Marco was a great rider, a legend in the making, so we had this guitar made in his memory. And just like him, it’s a one-off
SINGER PAOLO’S SPECIAL GIFT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY OF TRAGIC MOTORBIKE RACING STAR
Paolo Nutini has told how his dad Alfredo’s love of motorbike racing inspired him to create a one- off Fender guitar for charity.
Paolo and chip shop owner Al fredo approached Fender, who worked with them to make a unique SuperSic Strat.
The Paisley- born superstar hopes the stunning guitar will raise tens of thousands for the Marco Simoncelli Foundation, a cause close to his heart.
The 29-year-old singer – who has just been revealed as the headliner for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – said: “My father Alfredo is the bike fanatic. I have always loved them but they are his passion.
“What always got me was the sheer guts and guile that these guys show as they fly around that track at such speed.”
The foundat ion next month marks f ive years since the tragic death of emerging race superstar Simoncelli at the Malaysian MotoGP.
He was tipped as the “natural successor” to the great Valentino Rossi and was already world champion in the 250cc category.
His death is widely believed to have robbed the sport of a future legend and his family have since tried to raise funds for good causes.
Paolo and Alfredo are huge MotoGP fans so were desperate to do something to help the foundation raise money for their national and international humanitarian projects.
This year, the foundation are work ing towards bu i lding a day ca re facility for children with disabilities in Marco’s home town of Coriano in Rimini, Italy.
Paolo added: “I thought Marco was an exciting rider who seemed to be getting stronger and stronger.
“The people who knew him spoke of his kindness and geniality. A handsome big guy with wicked hair and full of passion.”
Simoncelli was also a passionate music lover, which is what inspired Paolo and his dad to create the beautifully customised guitar.
He and Alfredo worked with Fender to create the unique design based on the Marco Simoncelli Foundation logo.
Then they got racing legend Rossi to sign
What gets me is the sheer guts of these guys as they fly around the track at such speed
it. He was pictured with the guitar at the Italian MotoGP earlier this year, as was former Liverpool and Italy footballer Mario Balotelli.
The singer said: “It was his love for the guitar that led us to get in touch with Fender.
“I’ve been trying to get involved with the foundation for a few years and wanted to help so we organised to make this custom guitar a one-off.
“Fender were more than happy to get involved and we now have the custom Sic Strat.
“Valentino kindly signed it and we thought it would be a nice thing for somebody to have, to bid for. It’s up for auction and I hope somebody enjoys it.
“I hope that lovers of bikes or music or both can help us raise as much as possible for the foundation and ultimately the children that it will go to.”
Marco’s father Paolo said: “This is a sensational initiative from Paolo, Alfredo and our UK ambassador Martin Finnigan.
“This is the f irst time that we know of where such a great and important initiative leaves the world of music to help MotoGP. I can only say thanks for all the support.”
The guitar is now up for sale, with bidding sitting at around £ 4000. The auction ends on October 4.
Meanwhile, the Paisley singer has said he is over the moon that he can finally deliver a full Nutini stage show to Edinburgh fans – after being foiled by bad weather last time and then squeezing in a stripped-back set a few years later.
He said: “When they offered us the gig, I was made up. Ten years ago, we had shown up at
the castle, lined up to play alongside the Pet Shop Boys and, unfortunately, it was a washout, forcing the powers that be to cancel.
“We went back as a three-piece in 2008 to play a small set before legging it to Glasgow for George Square but this now gives us a chance to make up for lost gigs.”
The Hogmanay celebration is Paolo’s only UK show in 2016 other than the charity benefit he staged for the family of young mum Bevlee Jones in Newport in July.
Her 13-year- old son, Ieuan Joel, had contacted Paolo via Facebook asking him to sing at her funeral but he was abroad at the time.
So the big- hear ted Scot organised a special one-off show in tribute to her, with all profits going to her family.
At the time, Paolo said: “When I heard of Ieuan’s plea, it was with regret that I couldn’t attend his mother’s funeral and do what he asked of me.
“I wanted to help him in any way I could and I feel like a concert in aid of Ieuan himself and in memory of his dear mother was the right way to do so.”
It had looked like fans would have to miss out on seeing Paolo play again this year but the invitation to return to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay was just too good to pass up.
Paolo revealed: “We had no plans for any shows this year after Wales but this was the only one that, over the years, I hoped we would get another shot at.
“Edinburgh is electric at that time of year and I’m glad we’ll get a chance to be a part of it. Let’s dance, ladies and gentlemen.”