Photo credit: Aurora Cesari
Following their victory in Sammarinese national final Una Voca Per San Marino (UVPSM), Piqued Jacks are hoping to wow audiences in Liverpool. Read on to learn more about the band’s history and their journey to Eurovision 2023!
Who are Piqued Jacks?
Piqued Jacks formed in 2006 in Buggiano, Tuscany in Italy. Their current line-up consists of Andrea Lazzaretti (vocals), Marco Sgaramella (guitar), Francesco Bini (bass) and Tommaso Oliveri (drums).
Having played together for a long time, Piqued Jacks have supported numerous well-known rock bands, including The Boomtown Rats and Interpol. They have released four EPs and four studio albums, their latest release being the 2021 album ‘Synchronizer’ which was produced by renowned session guitarist and producer Julian Emery alongside Liverpool-based producer Dan Weller, who has worked extensively with the British rock band Enter Shikari. Besides their Eurovision entry ‘Like an Animal’, their latest single is ‘Sunflower’, which you can listen to below:
The Road to Eurovision
Piqued Jacks were one of many acts to submit a song for UVPSM from all around the world. After performing in the third heat of the competition, the band progressed to the final on 25th February 2023 where they were ultimately crowned the winners, having been chosen by a jury consisting of both Italian and British music industry professionals.
The band took to the Eurovision pre-parties but initially encountered a negative reception at their first show in Barcelona, where it was reported that some fans were shouting for Ronela Hajati during their performance. Ronela, of course, being Albania’s 2022 representative who had also attempted to represent San Marino in 2023. Hearing these reports, SMRTV released a statement supporting the band, which you can read below:
Many Eurofans praised the delegation for throwing support behind their act when it was most needed and this, along with the guitar-driven, classic rock and roll sound of ‘Like an Animal’, earned Piqued Jacks fans. They have become known for their highly energetic performances at pre-parties, even running through the legs of our very own Phoenix contributor Danny during London Eurovision Party!
In terms of Eurovision staging, Piqued Jacks have gone for red and black staging and styling, with LEDs of eyes and lips, the latter being somewhat reminiscent of The Rolling Stones. You can see photos of this below:
Photo credit: EBU – Chloe Hashemi and Sarah Louise Bennett
Piqued Jacks perform in the second semi-final on Thursday 11th May and will perform 12th, before Georgia and after Austria. In a year affectionately being dubbed ‘The Battle of the Bands’ by some Eurofans, can Piqued Jacks stand out and earn a spot in the Grand Final on Saturday 13th May? We certainly wish them the best of luck!
You can follow Piqued Jacks on Twitter and Instagram.
