In 2004, they were recognized at the M.E.I. as the "best Italian punk rock band in the world”.

The courageous decision to write songs in Italian was made in 2008. The leader, Francesco Lorenzi, made this decision after an existential crisis he experienced in 2007 during a tour of 102 concerts in 10 countries across Europe and Japan, an experience characterized by a certain level of success for the band, but also by many excesses. This decision was a turning point, due to the author's desire to give a truer meaning to his life and therefore to the music, which takes on a deeper, more direct and positive tone compared to before. This decisive phase of change occurred through a journey of faith and a return to Christianity, a path then strongly shared by Francesco, Matteo, Gianluca, and Riccardo. As a result of this shared experience, thanks to their friendship and strong life choices made by each member of the group, the band was reborn in 2009, overcoming numerous difficulties.

Between 2008 and 2010, The Sun self-produced 20 new songs. Sony Music and its artistic director Roberto Rossi recognized their value and decided to offer the band a contract to release this material. On June 22, 2010, The Sun's first album "Spiriti del Sole" was released, immediately entering the top ten best-selling digital albums. The band then performed numerous concerts during the summer of 2010, playing in front of over 200,000 people. Following the successful single “1972", they released "Non ho paura" in the fall, which recounts the conversion that led to their recent turning point. On March 1, 2011, The Sun performed a special concert for Peace in Bethlehem, an experience that proved particularly significant in their growth journey. During the same period, they released the single "Hasta la muerte”, presented at a sold-out concert in Milan at the Salumeria della Musica, followed by a tour produced by the historic Barley Arts agency. In 2011, the band surpassed 500 career concerts, including performances throughout Europe, Israel, and Japan.

As part of the "Spiriti del Sole" tour, on March 1, 2011, The Sun performed a special concert for Peace in Bethlehem, an experience that proved particularly significant in their growth journey and gave the band a definitive new direction.

On April 9th, 2014, during the concert in Bethlehem, the birth of Officina del Sole was announced. This is the official fan club of The Sun, an association that aims for noble purposes and brings together hundreds of people from various countries. Along with Officina del Sole, Francesco and the band personally commit to organizing experiences, spiritual retreats, faith walks, and meetings in Italy and the Middle East. These initiatives have already involved thousands of young people from various states.

On May 7th, 2014, Francesco Lorenzi's first book was published (Ed. Rizzoli): "La strada del Sole". The singer's autobiography debuted in second place on the iTunes chart and is currently in its 10th edition, entering the bestseller category of Rizzoli.

Presented at the Turin International Book Fair on May 9th, and with the preface by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, “La strada del Sole” has been translated into eight languages and published in Spain, Latin America, Portugal, France, Belgium, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Croatia.

Over the years, countless testimonies have been received from many people who, also thanks to reading the book, have given a significant turn to their lives.

On May 18th, 2015, they released "Le case di Mosul", the first song taken from the new album “Cuore Aperto”. The unique song debuted at #1 on the iTunes chart. "Le case di Mosul" tells the story of Professor Mohmaud Al'Asali and deals with the theme of today's war, with reflections rooted in the history of Italian conflicts of the 1900s. Francesco shared the intimate reason behind this song on his blog ►LE CASE DI MOSUL.

Together with the Aleteia.org portal, the band produced a poignant video that combines real footage with computer graphics.

After two albums with Sony Music, the new album “Cuore Aperto” - released on June 16th, 2015 - marks the return of The Sun to self-production and enters at position #1 on iTunes. It then debuts at #21 on the TopOfTheMusic - FIMI chart. The album remains in the Italian top of the music chart for five consecutive weeks.

On June 18th, 2015, the new tour starts from Padua. On June 19th, in Piazza San Carlo in Turin, The Sun open the three-day event for the visit of Pope Francis for the Ostension of the Shroud and for the celebrations of the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco.

On August 1st, the band is the main guest of the Jota Festival in Portugal, in Faro, where at the same time Francesco Lorenzi presents "A estrada do Sol", the Portuguese version of La strada del Sole.

On February 18th, 2016, the band is nominated by Amnesty International Italy for the Voices for Freedom 2016 Award - A Song for Amnesty.

On June 18th, 2016, they release the new single "Il mio miglior difetto" with the related music video shot in the Negev Desert in Israel.

The band is invited by the international committee to perform during World Youth Day in Krakow, playing at the Halleluya International Festival on July 29th and before the final celebration of Pope Francis on July 31st, 2016.

In December 2016, as part of the Pontifical Academies Awards, by the hand of the Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the President of the Pontifical Council for Culture Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, Francesco Lorenzi receives on behalf of Pope Francis the Medal of the Pontificate "for the contribution given to the development of Christian humanism and its artistic expressions in the world”.

Over 100,000 people participated in the events of the Cuore Aperto tour, which continued throughout 2016 and 2017. Among concerts, evenings of dialogue and music, meetings in schools, the band was the protagonist of over 140 events, touching various European countries.

From April 2nd to 10th, 2016, the band returned to the Holy Land with 200 people from all over Italy to experience a new journey that combines music, spirituality, and solidarity. The trip was organized in collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Officina del Sole, confirming itself as a unique initiative. The band concluded the pilgrimage with a concert for peace at the Christian community in BeitJala/Bethlehem.

During the pilgrimage “Un invito poi un viaggio" - 2nd edition - a documentary film was produced about the band's history and the journey to the Holy Land for TV2000, which aired three times in the second half of 2016.

On December 8th, The Sun released “20", their new album made for the band's 20th anniversary. It's a double album with 40 songs, of which 10 are previously unreleased, accompanied by an exclusive 72-page photo booklet with the band's stories.

The release of the collection was preceded by the single "20" and its music video, which used images of life "on the road" from the past twenty years of the band's activity.

On December 9th, in Parma, the band celebrated their first 20 years of musical activity with an exclusive 3-hour release show, covering their entire discography, from the Sun Eats Hours' beginnings to the unreleased songs in the collection. Various guests performed on stage, including Max Laudadio and singer-songwriter Damien McFly.

On December 17th, The Sun received a special recognition as part of the “Premio Thiene" because "for 20 years they have been a successful international music band, an ambassador in the world of the Christian message.”

In support of the release of "20", from May 2018 to September 2019, the band proposed a new show written together with their great friend and director Luigi Cotichella. Francesco, Riccardo, Matteo, Gianluca, and Andrea alternated between music, dialogues, testimonies, videos, and interactions with the public, creating a particularly engaging mix that touched thousands of people in most Italian regions.

On August 11th, 2018, The Sun performed at the Circus Maximus in Rome before the intervention of Pope Francis, in front of 70,000 young Italians who came on foot from 195 dioceses. At the end of the concert, the group met again with Pope Francis, who encouraged the band to continue their path of life testimony through music.

On September 5th, the band played at the Excelsior hotel on the Lido di Venezia as part of an interreligious dialogue and testimony event organized by the Veneto region on the occasion of the 75th International Art Cinematographic Exhibition of Venice.

After the 2014 and 2016 editions, from September 30th to October 7th, 2018, the band returned to the Holy Land, bringing 230 people from all over Italy to experience a new journey that combined brotherhood, music, and faith.

As part of the pilgrimage, the band offered an exclusive acoustic concert in one of the most significant and evocative places in the Holy Land: the archaeological site of Capernaum. The journey, organized in collaboration with the Officina del Sole fan club, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and the Custody of the Holy Land, confirmed itself as a unique initiative of its kind. Thanks to this third edition of "Un invito poi un viaggio”, an important project of the Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land for the construction of a hostel for pilgrims a few meters from the Sea of Galilee, in the archaeological site of Capernaum, was supported.

On November 13th, Francesco Lorenzi's second book “I segreti della Luce" was published by Rizzoli, with a preface by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.

Francesco presents a journey in 21 steps, a linear and gradual itinerary that anyone who feels the need to investigate the meaning of their own life can undertake. A book for those who seek: a journey for everyone, because each of us is a soul in search of happiness.

The release of the book was announced through an intense and meaningful video and post published on Francesco's blog "Per anime libere.”

The book was presented on November 16th at the Sala d'Onore of the Triennale di Milano on the occasion of the Book City event. Hundreds of people from all over Italy filled the entire hall, turning an apparently formal presentation into an authentic experience of brotherhood and sharing.

The long book signing set a new record for sales of a book presented at the Triennale di Milano, previously held by Alessandro Baricco. The book is currently in its second edition.

From December 13th to 18th, The Sun went to Jordan, and in particular to Amman, to perform some Christmas concerts for Christian refugees who fled from Iraq and Mosul. The band met many Jordanian students, bringing them a message of peace, brotherhood, and courage through music and their own testimony. The band also held some music lessons for children in refugee camps as part of "The Sun school" project, created in collaboration with the Habibi association and made possible, in particular, by the assiduous commitment of Don Mario Cornioli in the Middle East.

After the release of the book "El camino del Sol" in Central and South America, the band participated in World Youth Day in Panama, held from January 22nd to 27th, 2019 in the Central American state, with Pope Francis. The Sun were the protagonists of this extraordinary youth gathering experience, designed and deeply desired by Saint John Paul II, performing in 6 different events within the WYD.

For the occasion, they released the album "Espíritus del Sol" containing eleven songs in Spanish, with songs previously released in Italian in the albums "Spiriti del Sole" and "Luce". The album is available on all digital platforms from January 22nd.

On March 21st, Francesco Lorenzi and Matteo Reghelin presented the preview of the film "La mia seconda volta" by Simone Riccioni with Luca Ward, Aurora Ruffino and Pietro Sarubbi, distributed by Dominus Production, at the Cinema Rex in Padua. Inspired by a true story, the film is about the preciousness of life and against drugs, and deals with the experience of Giorgia Benusiglio. In the most touching part of the film, the song "Noi", taken from the album "Cuore Aperto", was included to further emphasize the value of friendship.

The live activity in support of the "20" collection ended on December 9th, 2019, with a big concert in Parma, created with L'Officina del Sole, crowning a particularly intense and positive year for the band.

On May 12th, Francesco announced from his blog the initiative "Viaggi di Luce: Giordania 2019", which sold out the available seats in just ten days. The trip, organized by Francesco and L'Officina del Sole, took place from October 12th to 19th, 2019 in Jordan. An experience of meeting, culture, music, solidarity, and faith that ended with a big concert at the Terra Sanctae Theater for Iraqi refugee families and all participants.

It is possible to relive the story of those intense days through the travel diary published on Francesco's blog (www.francescolorenzi.it).

Since the end of 2018, Francesco has been writing many new songs, and from January to April 2020, the band entered the recording studio with producers Roberto Visentin and Maurizio Baggio to record the new album. Five years after the production of the last successful album of original songs "Cuore Aperto", this new work is characterized by an even more evident maturation in the sound of the band. Those who have already listened to the new songs have highlighted a unanimous feeling: due to the variety of themes proposed and the general perspective that emerges from them, the album seems to have been written precisely during the Covid-19 emergency and not before.

The album was supposed to be released before the summer, but together with the tour, it has been postponed to a date to be defined.

On April 9, 2020, the band released "Lettera da Gerusalemme”, a touching single from their new album. The song, characterized by an intimate and enveloping acoustic sound, has a story rooted in the past nine years that Francesco tells on his blog.

Despite having to postpone the album release due to the impossibility of holding public events, the band decided to maintain the launch of the new single on Holy Thursday 2020, as previously decided. The relevance of the song to what was happening in Italy at the same time led many to consider it as a song written specifically for the occasion.

On Easter Sunday, April 12, the very special hand-drawn music video by illustrator Lisa Pizzato, based on an idea by Francesco Lorenzi, was released.

With an open letter in which they describe their situation following the cancellation of the tour and the postponement of the album release, on June 21, 2020, they launched the “Produrre il futuro che vivremo insieme" campaign on the Gofundme platform.

The aim was to raise funds to complete the production of the album and launch it with adequate communication, offering those who participate real experiences to live together with the band.

The success of the initiative, which reached the set amount in just six days and continues to be supported months later, surprised and thrilled The Sun and allowed them to resume work on producing the new album.

On June 22, 2020, "Un buon motivo per vivere" was released, an energetic song that is part of a series of tracks that will be included in the new album set to release in 2021.

Born as a musical sequel to Francesco's second book, "I segreti della Luce - 21 passi per la felicità”, it is presented as "an affirmation, a choice, a way of being that speaks of the small secrets to live a life in the light in a simple way”. The song lists clear choices to put into practice to build a better future starting from now, and in a period of deep global crisis, it represents a way of getting closer to all those who want to lift themselves up and others up.

On August 15, the official lyric video was released, always made in collaboration with illustrator Lisa Pizzato.

Among the proposals from the campaign, House Concerts immediately garnered great success. Thus, on August 6, 2020, in San Mauro Pascoli (FC), a tour began that recorded numerous sold-outs, convincing the band to add more dates and propose them also in the following months.

The new and unexpected experience offers truly special concerts that offer The Sun the opportunity to meet many people up close and especially to tell their story deeply and naturally, in front of a particularly engaged audience.

In November 2020, thanks to the continuing success of "La strada del Sole”, now a certified bestseller, Rizzoli/Mondadori chooses to republish the book, this time in the prestigious BUR (Biblioteca Universale Rizzoli) series, with the addition of a new chapter that Francesco wanted to write seven years after the beginning of the autobiography's drafting.

In this new edition, Francesco reflects again on recent years, inviting readers to continue to take one step at a time on the Road, together with him and The Sun, as stated on the back cover: "La Strada del Sole exists, it is there, and each of us has their own personal one, which goes to make up the great path of light written and wanted with love from a place of eternity.”

The song, released on December 28th, 2020, is the third among the tracks previewing the release of the new album and tells the story of a father who, walking towards an uncertain tomorrow, questions the future of his own children. Despite being aware of the dramatic social, migratory, environmental, climatic, economic, and ethical emergencies, he is determined to fight the good fight to write a different sequel: the creation of a responsible and aware world in which empathy is the leading value of a new global brotherhood.

Thus arises a pop-rock track characterized by a mature and international sound, which powerfully supports a text capable of awakening in the listener the desire to do their part, because "another story is possible”.

Two days later, the band released the corresponding music video, directed by Maurizio Baggio and made with the double exposure technique, an absolute novelty compared to their previous works.

With a poetic and realistic cut at the same time, the video combines the band with images from all over the planet, also thanks to the collaboration with the international organization Animal Equality, and shows the need to become aware of the situation in which the world and humanity find themselves and the urgency of implementing a change of course from now on, opposing images of environmental degradation, animal and human exploitation, and destruction to others that recall the beauty of life, unspoiled nature, and new behaviors to cultivate.

Among the organizations immediately interested in the issues addressed by the single “Appunti verso la fine del mondo”, an intense collaboration was born with Save the Planet, a reality that works for the safeguard and protection of the planet.

After several meetings at the beginning of the year, during which a relationship of friendship and mutual esteem arose, the responsible persons of the non-profit organization assigned to the band the title of new "Colibrì d'onore" as ambassadors for having distinguished themselves in environmental communication and awareness-raising work.

Moreover, they published a long and emotional interview with Francesco Lorenzi on their website, addressing various topics with him: music and ecology, but also economics, humanitarian commitment, responsible lifestyle.

In December 2021, Caritas Internationalis, the international Catholic confederation that brings together 162 affiliated offices from around the world with the aim of coordinating the assistance work of national Caritas organizations and promoting justice and development, launched the global "Together We" campaign.

To launch and support the initiative, which aims to combat poverty, restore dignity to the excluded, and protect nature in the spirit of integral ecology and fraternity, Caritas Internationalis chose “Il mio miglior difetto" as the official song of the global campaign for its strong call not to be indifferent to Creation and to take care of the "common home," our "blue dot in the universe.”

For the occasion, the song was also recorded in Spanish - "Mi mejor defecto", in French - "Mon meilleur défaut", and in English - "The best of all my flaws". The Spanish version is sung by Francesco Lorenzi, while the French and English versions are sung by Luca Fiore, an internationally respected artist from the band.

2022 opens with an important project that transcends the boundaries of The Sun. Francesco Lorenzi and Andrea Marco Ricci, President of the association Note Legali and the Coordination of Musicians' Associations, combine their experiences and ideas and, with the support of others, create the record label "La Gloria”.

With a letter of intent published on the official website and on Francesco's blog, they outline the guidelines for a project to "build a Christian-inspired music edition and record label that gives adequate representation to this genre with modern tools and languages and the same professionalism required to operate in mainstream environments”.

The label's catalog, in addition to The Sun's presence, features artists such as Reale, Debora Vezzani, and Kantiere Kairòs, also proposing to recover and enhance the works of Pierangelo Sequeri, Michele Bonfitto, Marco Frisina, Guido Meregalli, and others. A choice that allows for the discovery of new and ancient "treasures" of Italian music.

On January 14, 2022, "La mia legge di attrazione" was released, the first single published with the new record label "La Gloria”.

An energetic pop-rock track about the desire for change, an invitation addressed to all those who are in their "Egypt" to find the strength for their exodus, to take control of their lives to be able to exclaim at the top of their lungs: "Life is now, yes!”.

The single was broadcast in rotation from January 15 to 22 on Rai Isoradio frequencies, the radio channel that has been accompanying travelers on the road for years, and was presented in the program "Sulle strade della Musica", dedicated to singer-songwriters who tell their stories, their challenges, and their desire to never give up.

On the occasion of the National March "Scegliamo la Vita", held in Rome on Saturday, May 21, which was attended by over a hundred associations from all over Italy to celebrate the beauty and value of life, the band performed a concert in San Giovanni Square in front of thousands of people.

A presence strongly desired by the organizers of the march who had chosen the song "Un buon motivo per vivere" as the soundtrack for this day full of joy and hope.

The following day, the participants in the event received greetings from Pope Francis on the sidelines of the recitation of the Regina Coeli.

From April 29th to May 8th, the band returns to Portugal for their first real tour in the Lusitanian land: seven concerts between Viana do Castelo, Santa Catarina da Serra, Ponte de Sor, Ribamar, Cadaval, and Alcabideche.

These events were met with great enthusiasm and warmth from the numerous participants, and several testimonies were added, especially in high schools in various cities.

During the tour, the band was a guest on the Canção Nova television network in Fatima, and Francesco Lorenzi was interviewed by Don Nuno Rosario Fernandez of Radio Maria.

The song, released on May 10th, confirms the collaboration between Francesco Lorenzi and Hillsong United, the most famous Christian rock group in the world with almost 25 years of career, 16 albums published, and over 18 million followers online. It anticipates the release of the album “Che Magnifico Nome”, born from Hillsong's desire to translate their greatest hits into Italian.

After contacting Francesco to entrust him with the project, he wanted to involve 10 other artists in the production of the album, such as Angelo Maugeri, Dario Urbano, Debora Vezzani, GenVerde, Ilaria Della Bidia, Marco Maccarelli of Laboratorio del suono, Lidia Schillaci, Luca Fiore, and Reale, putting himself at stake with the song "Io mi arrendo" (I surrender).

On July 8th, the album "Che Magnifico Nome" was released, which includes 13 of the greatest worldwide hits of Hillsong United interpreted by 9 important Christian music artists and not only from the Italian panorama, many of whom sing together for the first time.

Francesco, to whom Hillsong entrusted the work of translation, adaptation, and executive production of the album in Italy, wanted to "bring talents together, network, give prominence to the human and artistic quality of musicians who often do not find adequate space or support in our record system”.

The collection consists of pop and rock songs with the constant of great choral support, which have outlined a precise way of making music to praise God, bringing Christian music to the right international record recognition and immersing the listener in a wave of energy of prayer, trust, regeneration, encouragement.

Hillsong United have published the songs on their official pages, while the La Gloria record label is entrusted with the printing and physical distribution of the album in Italy.

On August 21, 2022, as a "Peace Builder" in the field of educating the new generations through the art of music, Francesco receives the "SAN PAOLO VI INTERNATIONAL PEACE AWARD”, a prestigious award previously bestowed upon prominent figures in the fields of solidarity, culture, medicine, science, and politics.

"With this award - the motivation reads - we intend to emphasize that Francesco Lorenzi's courageous testimony, a masterpiece of the Holy Spirit, prophet of joy and peace, with the Holy Spirit and the Queen of Peace, is preparing the Civilization of Love”.

On August 26, 2022, the single "Voglio qualcosa di vero” is released, which is the anthem song of “Fraternity", an experience that began at Don Alberto Ravagnani's oratory, a famous YouTuber priest, as a reality for young adolescents who desire to build a better world.

"Voglio qualcosa di vero” is a hard rock song with electronic and choral influences that make it particularly original in the Italian music scene. It has a very determined character that immediately leaves an impression, with a strong and counter-trend message.

The single is launched simultaneously with the first national experience that gathered young adolescents from all over the peninsula in Loreto (AN) from August 29 to September 1, 2022. During the event, the LabOratorium association was also presented, which includes Francesco Lorenzi and Don Alberto Ravagnani, as well as Don Luigi Maria Epicoco (the most followed young preacher in Italy), the founder of ScuolaZoo Paolo De Nadai, Giulio Gaudiano, and other young entrepreneurs, writers, and musicians.

"Voglio qualcosa di vero” is performed live for the first time during the concert held in Loreto on Tuesday, August 30, and is supported by the band's tour.

On the day following the extraordinary concert, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, among the speakers who animate the catechesis and testimonies of the Fraternity gathering entitled "All Saints”, Francesco Lorenzi also participates, who, stimulated by the profound questions of Don Alberto, tells the audience about his personal experiences and also shares little-known aspects of his adolescence.

Subsequently, a group of young people participate in an intense "workshop" with Francesco focused on affectivity, during which he deepens various delicate passages of his story to stimulate sharing within the group.

After the editions of 2014, 2016, and 2018, from October 15th to October 23rd, 2022, the band returns to the Holy Land, taking 170 people on a pilgrimage from all over Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Belgium to experience a new journey of fraternity, music, and faith.

In addition to visiting the traditionally significant sites (Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum), an important innovation focused on exploring Galilee, the land where Jesus spent most of his life.

Furthermore, they revisited important charitable and social promotion organizations, including Hogar Ninos Dios and La Crèche in Bethlehem, and offered a concert in Nazareth, shared with the Christian community of Galilee.

The journey, organized in collaboration with the Officina del Sole fan club and the Custody of the Holy Land, confirms itself as a unique initiative of its kind.

From November 8th to 10th, they are guests in Slovakia for a tour that included the most important universities in the country: Bratislava (Univerzitné pastoračné centrum - UPeCe), Ružomberok (Katolícka univerzita), and Košice (Teologická fakulta UK), an important city not far from the borders with Ukraine.

Three electric concerts received with enthusiasm and participation, during which they presented Francesco Lorenzi's book "I Segreti della Luce," recently translated into Slovak with the title "V ústrety svetlu".

On Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, at the Lyric Theater in Assisi, they celebrated their 25th band anniversary with an extraordinary sold-out event.

A special evening, attended by over a thousand Spirits of the Sun, during which they retraced the journey they've lived: a true Sun's path that innovatively combined friendship, music, and faith, touching the hearts of thousands of people worldwide.

The concert was opened by their friend Dario Urbano, the singer of Nuovi Orizzonti Music (the community founded by Chiara Amirante).

The evening was fully covered by TV2000 for the production of a special titled “THE SUN 25 SPECIAL SHOW - LIVE @ ASSISI: 25 ANNI DI AMICIZIA, MUSICA E FEDE”, which aired on Tv2000 on January 6th, 2023, and the documentary film "La vita che ci voleva!" curated by Pierluigi Vito, which aired on TV2000 on December 25th, 2022."

Five years after the release of the collection “20" (2017), and preceded by the single 'Tutto quel che ho”, the new album “Qualcosa di vero” is set to be released on December 5th, 2022.

The album brings together previously released singles, many of which have long been part of the band's live repertoire: “Lettera da Gerusalemme”, “Un buon motivo per vivere”, “La mia legge di attrazione”, “Voglio qualcosa di vero”, and “Io mi arrendo”. These are all pieces that have marked their musical output in recent years, showcasing the desire to continue offering liberating and energetic music, despite the challenging period of the pandemic, and above all, to provide the audience with songs that could instill strength, courage, and positivity.

Alongside the new tracks (“Più forte nell’amore”, “Ostinato e controcorrente”, “Non so spegnere l’amore”, “Dirti per sempre”), the album is characterized by sounds rooted in modern rock as its solid foundation, branching out into precious acoustic ballads and energetic, captivating punk tracks. A work that encapsulates the musical styles that now make “The Sun” brand unmistakable.

The artistic production was entrusted to Maurizio Baggio, an internationally recognized producer. Also involved were Roberto Visentin, who collaborated on the 2012 album “Luce”, and the new addition Damiano Ferrari, who co-wrote three songs on the album with Francesco.

On the occasion of the band's “Silver Anniversary”, Pierluigi Vito created the documentary “La vita che ci voleva" for TV2000, which premiered on December 25th, 2022.

Through images, songs, and exclusive interviews, the documentary retraces twenty-five years of music and friendship, of falls and rebirths: from the beginnings in 1997 of Francesco and Riccardo in a garage in Thiene (VI), to the sold-out concert in Assisi on December 3rd, 2022. It spans the arrivals of Matteo, Gianluca and Andrea, the successes in Europe and Japan, the crisis that disrupted the band's equilibrium, and the beginning of a story marked by wonderful encounters, renewed friendships, journeys and pilgrimages, and the birth of new music.

On January 27, 2023, the lyric video for the single "Tutto quel che ho" is released, a track that preceded the release of the new album "Qualcosa di vero".

Written hastily just after returning from the pilgrimage to the Holy Land (LINK TO UIPUV NEWS), the song describes "what one feels in their heart after such an experience: it is clearly perceived that 'Everything becomes light and blessing,' regardless of our situations, difficulties, and battles. If we choose to surrender and be guided by Him, we are filled with the necessary confidence to say our yes to Life. And everything, always, begins with TRUST."

During the month of January 2023, the band supported the charitable campaign “Custodiamo l’amore”, proposed by the Officina del Sole fan club in collaboration with the Custody of the Holy Land, to support the fraternity of the Order of Friars Minor and one of their numerous charity projects for our many brothers who live in a land of struggles and contradictions.

The proceeds, which reached a significant amount of over €7,000, will support the Casa del Fanciullo, a facility that accommodates 30 Christian boys aged 6 to 18 throughout the school year. Among various initiatives, it seeks to help their parents understand how to face the daily challenges and difficult situations they have experienced or continue to experience.

Father Francesco Patton, Custodian of the Holy Land and Guardian of Mount Zion, expressed his gratitude to everyone through a video message from Fra Sandro, in charge of the Casa del Fanciullo.

On February 24, "Ostinato e controcorrente" is released, a single from the album "Qualcosa di vero". The song is energetic, melodic, and festive, featuring sounds typically reminiscent of The Sun combined with elements that evoke the vibes of Californian bands Green Day and Rancid.

"The strength of 'Ostinato e Controcorrente'" - explains the author Francesco Lorenzi - "lies in the freedom it portrays, born from the communion between reason and Spirit. Many believe it to be our response to rights violations that occurred between 2020 and 2022; in reality, I wrote the song in the summer of 2019. For a long time, we have all been exposed to intense pressures imposed by an anti-human elite that denies the existence of God and Truth. Those who recognize this strategy face a tough journey but do not yield to blackmail and deceit. The sanctity of life, the sanctity of man, and his nature (being made in the image and likeness of God!) are indeed non-negotiable cornerstones for every stubborn and against-the-current individual”.

The song serves as the soundtrack for the documentary “Pandemonium”, produced and released in April 2023 by La Genesi and Lombardia Tv.

On March 10, 2023, coinciding with the digital release of the album "Qualcosa di vero”, they announce the dates for the 2023 tour, also confirming their presence at the World Youth Day in Portugal (July 24 - August 2). Over 40 dates that will take the band from the north to the south of Italy, until the end of September 2023.

After its release on CD (December 5, 2022) and on digital platforms (March 10, 2023), The Sun fulfills a long-cherished desire by releasing the album "Qualcosa di vero" in vinyl format.

In addition to the 10 previously released tracks, the band wanted to make this release special by adding two bonus tracks: a previous single, "Appunti verso la fine del mondo", and the new single "Gioia piena", set to release on May 26, 2023.

A limited edition collector's item for those who love The Sun's music, and also a unique opportunity to experience it with all the warmth and dynamism typical of vinyl.

On Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the conclusion of the National March "Scegliamo la vita", The Sun performed in front of thousands of families, mothers, fathers, children, youth, and grandparents in celebration, in the extraordinary setting of Piazza San Giovanni in Rome.

The long procession, consisting of people from all over Italy, involved more than 120 associations and organizations, marching from Piazza della Repubblica to the Lateran to celebrate the beauty and value of life.

On May 26th, the single "Gioia piena" will be released on music platforms, a track already included in the vinyl version of the album "Qualcosa di vero". This marks an absolute novelty in the sounds explored by the band: with its reggae-pop style, abundant choruses, brass section, numerous percussions, the song is a bath of sunshine and confidence.

All of this is complemented by Francesco's unmistakable voice and his unique way of conveying values and emotions, which on this occasion have managed to bring people of all ages even closer together.

On Monday, June 5th, The Sun will perform in the splendid setting of the Orvieto Cathedral (TR), the cathedral basilica that houses the Corporal of the Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena and the magnificent frescoes, among others, by Luca Signorelli.

The event took place as part of the 17th edition of the international festival ARTE E FEDE, an event that over the years has hosted many prominent representatives of the world of culture and contemporary masters of spirituality, including Angelo Branduardi, Giacomo Poretti, Giovanni Scifoni, Don Luigi Maria Epicoco, Franco Nembrini, and many others.

On June 9th, The Sun performed at the Cittadella Nuovi Orizzonti in Frosinone, managed by the Comunità Nuovi Orizzonti, the association founded by Chiara Amirante with the aim of addressing all areas of social distress by taking actions to support those facing severe difficulties.

The event is part of the T.E.R.R.A. Festival (Talents Empowerment Resources Networks for Adolescents), a project that experiments with a model of social inclusion and poverty alleviation by placing traditions and territorial identity at the center, with the goal of integrating active participation of the community in social solidarity.

On June 24th, the Joy Music Fest was officially announced, a unique and memorable gathering that brings together numerous artists with Christian inspiration on the same stage: The Sun, Gen Verde, Reale, Debora Vezzani, Kantiere Kairos, Angelo Maugeri, Dario Urbano, Ilaria Tedde, Elena Martelli, Nuovi Orizzonti Music, and Laboratorio del Suono, all together, with the extraordinary direction of Don Alberto Ravagnani and the youth of Fraternità.

Responding to numerous requests over the years to organize a large festival of free and countercurrent music, the event aims to "unite artists, families, communities, and paths in the same evangelical values, in the spirit of luminous and multifaceted music, reflecting a people who love and build, walk and grow in the love of God."

The event is organized by Francesco Lorenzi, the Officina del Sole fan club, Tiziano Muccioli, and Davide Mussoni.

Always very sensitive to environmental issues (see the songs "Il mio miglior difetto" and "Appunti verso la fine del mondo"), with a truly unique event, The Sun reaffirm their commitment to the theme of environmental stewardship.

On July 1st, against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sigurtà Garden Park, a 60-hectare natural park located in Valeggio sul Mincio (MN) considered one of the most beautiful in Italy and Europe, they took center stage in a live concert entirely powered by electric vehicles. This was one of the first cases worldwide, born from the collaboration between Luca Secco, Cristiano Belli, Giuseppe Sigurtá, Vehicle to Concert, Pianozero Eventi, and the band itself.

Following their participation in the World Youth Days in Brazil (2013), Poland (2016), and Panama (2019), The Sun announces their presence at the Portuguese edition in 2023.

From July 24th to August 2nd, they took center stage in 8 extraordinary concerts spanning Spain and Portugal, performing in front of tens of thousands of young people from around the world.

In the following days, they were guests on several major national television broadcasts to share their extraordinary experiences: on August 3rd, they appeared on Tg1 (RaiUno) in the morning edition, while on August 4th, they featured on Tg2 Post, a journalistic analysis television program on RaiDue, both broadcast live from Lisbon. On August 6th, they joined other guests in the studios of Tv2000 to introduce the Holy Mass presided over by Pope Francis, with an attendance of approximately one million and 500,000 people.

On September 2nd, at Beky Bay in Bellaria Igea-Marina (RN), the Joy Music Fest takes place – a festival that brought together, on and off the stage, a significant portion of the leading figures in Christian-inspired music for the first time in Italy.

Eight hours of music and testimonies, along with numerous supporting activities, saw the participation of many young people from all over Italy, leaving a significant impact on the hearts of those who attended. The success has convinced the organizers to replicate the event the following year, allowing an even larger number of people to experience a celebration of Music and Friendship.

In early September, the seventh single from the new album "Qualcosa di vero" was chosen as the theme song for the radio show "Giù la maschera”, conceived and hosted by Marcello Foa, airing from Monday to Friday on Rai Radio 1.

The Montanellian journalist, whom the band has long admired for his great sensitivity and intellectual freedom, directly suggested the song to open his program. The show aims to be a meeting point for an audience increasingly distant from politics and the so-called mainstream media.

Francesco Lorenzi himself was the protagonist of an episode aired on December 5th.

On Friday, September 22, and Saturday, September 23, Francesco Lorenzi and Riccardo Rossi participated in the 1st gathering of Italian Digital Missionaries in Rome, organized by the Synodal Group "La Chiesa ti ascolta", the team representing the digital continent of the Synodal Journey, accompanied by the Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See and the Italian Episcopal Conference.

This event marked a significant part of an adventure that began in August 2022 when the band relaunched the questionnaire for the Digital Synod. It culminated in the extraordinary event during the recent World Youth Day in Lisbon with influencers from around the world, the Mass presided over by Cardinal Tolentino, and the Festival that engaged more than 20,000 people.

Numerous prominent figures participated, including Paolo Ruffini (prefect of the Dicastery for Communication), Monsignor Lucio Ruiz (secretary of the Dicastery), Vincenzo Corrado (Director of the Office of Social Communications of the CEI), Don Tony Drazza (secretary of the General Secretary of the CEI), and Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín (undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops).

The collaboration with Fraternità continues, an experience born among thousands of young people starting from the oratory of Don Alberto Ravagnani. This collaboration includes the release of two tracks produced by Francesco, along with Damiano Ferrari and Maurizio Baggio, and distributed by the label La Gloria.

"Santi insieme" is the first official liturgical anthem of the community, created in anticipation of the second national gathering in Loreto and introduced with these words: "There is only one happiness, that of being saints".

On the other hand, "Dopo la festa", conceived from an idea by Andrea Occhipinti and entrusted to the voice of Filippo Santi, a young singer who participated in X-Factor 14, aims to be "a song for our generation, a step to change direction”.

Another significant chapter in the history of The Sun is written with the release of their first live album, recorded during the memorable concert on December 3, 2022, in Assisi, commemorating the band's 25th anniversary. A journey through 20 of The Sun's most beloved songs, capturing the energy and magic of that unforgettable sold-out evening at the grand Teatro Lyric.

The recording not only focuses on the instrumental performance of the band but also includes the voices of those in the audience, along with the sounds and voices perceived on stage and in the auditorium. The album thus becomes a truly immersive sonic experience, and it was a deliberate intention to create an audio recording that conveys to the listener what one experiences during such an event by The Sun.

On December 26, The Sun took center stage at an event organized by the Municipality of Torri di Quartesolo (VI) at Pala Villanova, in support of the "Città della Speranza" Foundation, a non-profit organization that, for thirty years, has been promoting study, educational activities, scientific research, and assistance in the field of all pediatric diseases.

A few days earlier, the band also met with students from the Institutes of Torri di Quartesolo and Marola (VI) to reflect together with the young people on the value of life, music, and friendship.

From December 30 to January 1, at the Villaggio Bella Italia in Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD), the event "Capodanno di Luce" takes place: an opportunity open to all to start the new year full of new hopes and to live together in relationships, encounters, and unforgettable catechesis.

In addition to Francesco, Riccardo, Matteo, Gianluca, and Andrea, various moments were animated by Don Alberto Ravagnani, a priest and YouTuber, founder of Fraternity and the digital oratory LabOratorium; Don Samuele Battistella, a young priest of the diocese of Casale Monferrato, a constant presence in the pilgrimage experience "Un Invito Poi Un Viaggio"; Gabriele Catanzaro, scientific curator of the Rome Planetarium; Maria Rachele Ruiu, a professional socio-educational counselor and a member of the Board of Directors of the association Provita & Famiglia; Elena Martelli, singer of Nuovi Orizzonti Music.

On the evening of December 31, the participants experienced a concert by The Sun and Nuovi Orizzonti Music, followed by an all-night party with DJ set by Giovanni Di Giacomo.

The Sun, through their activity and profession, support dozens of solidarity organizations and projects in support of various charitable initiatives, many of which are in collaboration with the Officina del Sole.

Among the various successful campaigns carried out, we mention the "Return to the origins at Christmas" campaign, promoted by the band with ATS Pro Terra Sancta (fundraising for disadvantaged Christian populations in Palestine); the solidarity campaign #10forSyria of the NGO AVSI - supported and promoted by the band; the Tende campaign of AVSI; support for the project to rebuild homes in Mosul; direct support for the Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem, the Hogar Ninos Dios in Bethlehem, Italy Solidale Onlus, Murialdo World Onlus, the missionaries of San Massimiliano Kolbe in South America; support for the project to rebuild spaces for young people in San Nicola in Tolentino, devastated by the earthquake of 2016; the project to build and create a structure to accommodate pilgrims in Capernaum in collaboration with the Franciscan friars and the Custody of the Holy Land, support for the Christian communities of Jericho and Amman, the solidarity campaign Give OXYGEN to #future in support of projects promoted by the social enterprise ZeroCO2, whose mission is to combat the climate crisis through reforestation, the use of permaculture, and collaboration with local farming communities, the charitable campaign "Costruiamo l'amore", proposed in collaboration with the Custody of the Holy Land, to support the Casa del Fanciullo, a facility that accommodates 30 Christian boys aged 6 to 18 and their families throughout the school year, and many other initiatives of various charitable organizations and associations in Italy and around the world.