Meet Matteo Bocelli, a rising star who might have escaped your attention if not for the legacy of his world-famous father, Andrea Bocelli. Many listeners were introduced to Matteo through their heartfelt duet, “Fall on Me,” a song that beautifully reflects not only their musical harmony but also their deep father-son bond.
When the song debuted in November 2018, Andrea Bocelli shared in an interview with People magazine that he felt a mix of emotions about the project. He explained, “He was not in my plans — I didn’t want him to participate in the recordings because I believe he needs to finish his studies at the conservatory. But we had a great opportunity, and we took it because it was a great song. But it doesn’t mean in any way that he’s arrived!” Andrea made it clear that while he hopes for Matteo’s success, he cares even more about his son remaining humble and firmly grounded.
The duet itself is a moving display of their musical chemistry. Matteo’s vocal talent shines, but the performance reaches its emotional peak when Andrea joins in with his warm, resonant voice. As Classic FM notes, Andrea adds a striking descant that contrasts beautifully with Matteo’s line, “Fly like a cannonball…,” leading into a chorus that leaves listeners captivated.
YouTube viewers have shared heartfelt reactions to the performance, including Mark Lester Catunga, who described being deeply moved by the duet. Norma Huff, a seasoned cellist, recalled an unforgettable moment performing with Andrea and Matteo in Miami, saying the song stayed with her long after the concert ended. Another listener, Lauri School Marm, reflected on the unmistakable love visible on Andrea’s face as he watched his son sing — a detail that resonated strongly with many fans.
According to Matteo, the creation of “Fall on Me” was unexpectedly meaningful. He had originally recorded a demo in hopes of convincing his father to experiment with a pop-influenced track. But producer Bob Ezrin envisioned something different — a heartfelt musical conversation between a son seeking guidance and a father offering reassurance. The concept proved powerful, resulting in a recording that felt both intimate and universal.
Though Andrea initially hesitated, he later expressed sincere pride and reiterated his wish for Matteo to stay true to the values that have always grounded their family. “Fall on Me” was ultimately included on Andrea Bocelli’s 2018 album Si and featured in the film The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.
Matteo soon embarked on his solo path with his debut single, “Solo,” released in September 2021. Two years later, in September 2023, he introduced his self-titled album, which includes the touching single “Chasing Stars,” written by Ed and Matthew Sheeran as a tribute to their own father.
Now, let’s revisit this remarkable musical journey through the performances below.