Eurovision winner Maneskin is bringing Italian rock to the global stage

Maneskin from Italy performs 'Zitti E Buoni' at the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest at Ahoy arena in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, May 22, 2021. – Photo: AP

Any artiste who wins the Eurovision song contest is guaranteed to make a big splash – but Italian glam-rock band Maneskin, which won the 65th edition of the competition late last week, made an even bigger impression than they’d intended when, during a press conference immediately after their victory, vocalist Damiano David ducked his head down toward the table at which the group was seated, spawning immediate speculation that he’d snorted cocaine while the band spoke with reporters.

The group immediately denied the claims – which, as anyone watching the video can attest, were far-fetched – and David tested negative for drugs after he’d returned to Italy, but needless to say, it made an impression. (Some have speculated that the rumour was started by fans of acts who didn’t win the competition.)