Brudstock, northern Italy’s fest for fans of classic rock and blues

By Cesare Greselin , special to The Garrison OutlookJuly 18, 2023

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Brudstock, a “Peace, Love & Music” is July 28 to 30 at Vigonovo Di Fontanafredda, Pordenone – very close to Aviano Air Base.

Opening the festival on July 28 is “The Given,” a Led Zeppelin tribute band, followed by “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll,” who play Rolling Stones covers. Then comes “The Riders,” who cover Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Creedence Clearwater Revival and more.

The next day, July 29, features “The End,” covering The Doors, and Michele Luppi and the “White ‘N’ Purple.” Luppi, Whitesnake’s keyboard player since 2015, has also recorded two albums with singer David Coverdale.

“(It) is close to the American base in Aviano, said Luppi, a 1998 graduate of Musicians Institute of Hollywood, California, “So, you are all invited, families and friends, a special thank you to all the Soldiers for their work and to keep us safe.”

Expect Luppi and White ‘N’ Purple to play songs from Whitesnake, Deep Purple, and Rainbow. Then, “Thomas & The Seeker Boys,” offer songs by Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, ZZ Top, and the Beatles.

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On the last day, July 30, features a morning picnic for the families and friends with music from the Woodstock period. That evening, harmonica player “Gianni Massarutto & Bluesiana” play Blues, Boogie & Swing, followed by blues guitarist “Fabio Stevie Ulliana & Off Limits Band.” The final act is “Chei Dai Cridens,” featuring songs from the Creedence Clearwater Revival

(Photo Credit: CESARE GRESELIN) VIEW ORIGINAL

Brudstock, like Woodstock, mixes in “Bruno,” the creator’s name. This year is the 25th year the festival was held. Some of Brudstock’s original members were at Woodstock in 1969, like “Canned Heat” and Lee Lyons, bass player of “Ten Years After.” Other well-known musicians include Ian Paice of “Deep Purple”, Ken Hensley of “Uriah Heep”, Bernie Marsden of “Whitesnake”, John Steel of “The Animals” and Gerry McAvoy of "Rory Gallagher." A book about the history of the festival is available online or at the venue.

People dress as hippies for a best-dressed hippie contest. Campers and tents are welcome. The festival is also near a lake for fishing, “Le Orzai,” which is also “Agriturismo & Sport Fishing.”

Tickets for July 28/29 are €5,00 a day. July 30 is free. For more info visit www.brudstock-it, write to info@brudstock.it or call +39 3928074105.