Livio Macchia (born 9 November 1941 in Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari – passed away 29 July 2025 in Melendugno, Lecce) was an iconic Italian musician, singer, guitarist, bassist, and founding member of the legendary beat‑pop band I Camaleonti. With a career spanning over six decades, he became a symbol of Italy’s 1960s and 70s music scene.
| Full Name | Livio Macchia |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 9 November 1941 |
| Birthplace | Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy |
| Profession | Musician, Singer, Bassist |
| Famous For | Founding member of the band I Camaleonti |
| Career Highlights | Hits like “L’ora dell’amore”, “Applausi”, “Perché ti amo”; Sanremo appearances |
| Children | One son (also a musician) |
| Residence | Melendugno, Puglia, Italy (in later years) |
| Death | 29 July 2025, Melendugno, Italy |
Livio Macchia – Early Life
Livio grew up in Acquaviva delle Fonti, in a passionate musical household. At around 16, he began composing songs and soon formed a band with schoolmates in Milan, evolving from ensembles like the Beatnicks and Mods to what became I Camaleonti. The name “Camaleonti” was chosen because they “adapted” their music style to cater to different audiences, rock for youth, standards for older crowds, much like a chameleon changes colors.
Livio Macchia – Death & Legacy
On 29 July 2025, Livio Macchia passed away at 83 years old in his beloved hometown of Melendugno after a long illness. Just a month earlier he had performed a celebratory concert—Livio Macchia & Friends, marking 60 years since the founding of I Camaleonti.
Local officials, including the mayor of Melendugno, paid tribute calling him “a star of Italian and international music” and “a son of Melendugno who gave generously to his community, even in illness”.
Livio Macchia – Career
Livio Macchia’s musical journey with I Camaleonti began in the early 1960s, when he co-founded the band in Milan alongside Paolo De Ceglie, Tonino Cripezzi, and Gerry Manzoli. Their big break came in 1965 after being discovered by Miki Del Prete and signing with the Kansas label, affiliated with Adriano Celentano’s Clan, following a standout performance at the Raduno Beat in Milan. The group quickly gained traction, releasing their debut album The Best Records in the World in 1966, which featured Italian renditions of iconic tracks by Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. From 1967 to 1973, I Camaleonti dominated the Italian charts with timeless hits like “Sha-La-La-La La,” “Portami tante rose,” “L’ora dell’amore,” and “Applausi”—with Macchia often taking the lead vocals. Their success peaked with “Perché ti amo,” which won the prestigious Un disco per l’estate in 1973, and they became regulars at the Sanremo Music Festival. Even in later years, the band continued to innovate, releasing albums such as …e camminiamo in 1979, and achieving third place at Sanremo with “Quell’attimo in più.” Remarkably, Livio remained musically active well into his 80s, hosting intimate jam sessions at his home in Puglia and preserving the spirit of I Camaleonti through evolving line-ups, leaving behind a legacy as one of Italy’s most enduring and adaptable artists.
Livio Macchia – Personal life
Livio Macchia had one son, also named Livio, who became a professional musician. In his later years, he lived in Melendugno, Puglia, where he remained musically active and organized local jam sessions. He was known for his strong opinions on the music industry and continued performing until shortly before his death.
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