Gherardo Guidi, patron of the historic Capannina in Forte dei Marmi, has died

Forte dei Marmi, 3 October 2024 – La Versilia, and not only that, he loses one of the most important and historical entrepreneurs. It’s this morning at dawn died in his town Forte dei Marmi Guidi Gherardohistorical patron Shed. Guidi, 83 years old, was taken ill and despite immediate rescue efforts by the 118 workers requested by his family there was nothing that could be done for him.

In August the Shed he pointed out 95 years old. It is a symbolic place of Versilia, and it has marked the history of a century made up of nights, social life, lifestyles, music and the history of Italy. Two paths that have transcended time, in 1929 the vision of Achille Franceschi who had the intuition to open it and, over the years, the extraordinary entrepreneurial ability of Gherardo Guidi, who managed to bring it to a historic goal.

It is the second longest running center in the world, the first ever in Europe. Under Guidi’s leadership, the Capannina has seen hundreds of famous people pass by: from Peppino di Capri to Gino Paoli, from Grace Jones and Gloria Gaynor, from Mina to Gianni Morandi, passing through Edoardo Vianello, Patty Pravo, Little Tony, Don Backy, up with Jerry Calà and the crew of the cult film ‘Sapore di mare’ by Carlo Vanzina. Many VIP guests will be in his rooms by the sea: Agnelli, Barilla, Marzotto, Moratti.

Gherardo Guidi had also written a book to crystallize the charm of Versilia nights, “So I cheated at night“. A journey of fifty years in the world of entertainment made up of a professional history born in 1960 and celebrated in 1977 when one of the cult institutions arrived not only in Italy but internationally -national, as the Capannina is the longest running in the world among those in business. The book by Guidi, Chief Officer of the Republic, is an autobiographical story written with the journalist Gianluca Tenti who will accompany the reader through unpublished testimonies, common memories, in a place that made history.

Among the first to express their condolences are Jerry Harbor: “Gherardo my friend, I owe you a lot and you will always be in my heart”.

Riccardo Tarantoli, president of Silb (Italian dance club union) Confcommercio Toscana, said: “We accept the unanimous condolences for the death of Gherardo Guidi, patron of the Capannina since 1977, one of the institutions the longest running historical in Italy and its true beacon of night entertainment. Guidi will continue to represent an example of a bright entrepreneur, who was able to build the identity of his company in osmosis with the land, so much so that for many, Forte dei Marmi is still “the” Capannina and its otherwise. Equality that reveals a lot about the ability of companies to be dough for places and communities”.

Drive, born Castelfranco di Sotto (Pisa), to open his first restaurant here: the ‘Little Mermaid‘ where he managed to bring Mike Bongiorno, Little Tony and Gino Paoli with him in the 60s. From there came new centers, challenges, cities and audiences to conquer: the Tigli and the Regine a Firenzefrom a sports club Bolognathe Carillon, except for rent, in Viareggio and finally the Capannina.

The love for Versilia made Guidi buy the Compass faucet. Entire generations have grown up in the Guidi building. The owner made the crowned heads dance, he welcomed the main people of our time, he was the first manager who engaged Mike Bongiorno as a presenter in the dance. Not only that: it hosted great concerts, from Ray Charles to Paul Young, launched the stars Ivana Spagna, Valeria Marini, Mayup to tomorrow’s champions.

He was the one who wanted, with him Vittorio Cecchi Gorithe national umbrellas for Carlo Conti, Leonardo Pieraccioni and Giorgio Panariello. In addition to being the patron of the Capannina, one of the rare international points of reference for nightlife, Guidi has produced television programs for Rai and successful films.

As a sign of mourning the Shed will remain closed Saturday October 5th as we read in a local post. AN funerals they will be held tomorrow, October 4, at 3.30 pm in the Collegiate church in Castelfranco di Sotto.