Since the mid-1980s, Vasco Rossi has been one of Italy's biggest rock music stars. He continues to sellout large concert venues in his homeland with his aggressive rock sound and independent and expressive lyrics.

Rossi's first music release came in 1977 with Ma cosa vuoi che sia una canzone (What do you expect from a song), followed by Non siamo mica gli Americani (We aren't the Americans) in 1979.

Rossi's rock edge and popularity both grew into maturity with the release of Colpa d'Alfredo (Alfredo's fault) in 1980. In 1981, Siamo solo noi (It's only us) was released and the title track became an anthem for Italian youth. Additional LPs included 1982's Vado al massimo, 1983's Bollicine (Bubbles) which topped the Italian LP charts. In 1985, Rossi released Cosa succede in città (What's happening in town).

Rossi signed with EMI Records and released Liberi liberi (Free free) in 1989, followed by a live double LP, Fronte del palco (Stage front) in 1990 (recorded in Milano). Rossi's success in Italy was clearly established when over 100,000 fans attended 2 concerts by Rossi in Rome and Milan. In 1991, another live LP, San Siro was released. After touring throughout Europe to expand his fan base, Rossi released Gli spari sopra (The flack above) in 1993. In 1996, Nessun pericolo per te (No danger for you) was released. In October, 1999, Rossi was nominated for a MTV Europe Music Award for Best Italian Act. In 1998, Rossi released Canzoni per me.