Windopen: from 1976 to the present day!

In 1976, the Windopen were formed, one of the most representative bands of the now historic Bologna Rock scene.
They were among the founders of the musical movement that emerged in the basements of Via San Vitale 13, transformed into rehearsal spaces and more, contributing to the city’s musical identity during the decade that bridged the complex 1970s and the following 1980s.
All the photographs on display were taken between 1976 and 1986 by photographer Roberto Vatalaro, a friend and integral part of many important moments in the band’s history.
Intimate moments, everyday life, concerts: powerful and evocative shots that portray one of the most vibrant music scenes in the recent history of Bologna’s popular music.
The exhibition will be enriched with original footage and a playlist featuring all the tracks from the Windopen’s discography.

On Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM, at the opening of the exhibition, Riccardo Negrelli, the project’s creator, Roberto Vatalaro, and the band will be present. The band is still active today in preserving the memory of their work and is currently engaged in restoring a previously unreleased live album from that era.

The exhibition will be open to visitors until August 31, 2026.

Initiative promoted by the Culture and Creativity Department of the Municipality of Bologna as part of the activities of Bologna UNESCO City of Music.

Music Hall, located on the second floor of Biblioteca Salaborsa, is the first permanent exhibition space in Italy dedicated to the history of a city’s popular music.