Beggin' For More! Your Biggest M?neskin Questions Answered

M?neskin made history at the 2022 MTV VMAs as the first Italian band to be nominated and win an award (Best Alternative Video)—and their performance was actually censored by the network, meaning it was absolutely a memorable one!

Though they should have been on everyone's radar already—and for music buffs, they absolutely were—the 2022 VMAs was the first time many heard of M?neskin. As such, we've answered all your biggest questions about your new favorite band. Welcome to the bandwagon, kids!

What does M?neskin mean in English?

The word "M?neskin" is Danish for "Moonlight." M?neskin's bassist Victoria De Angelis is half Danish, and her heritage and language inspired the band's lovely lunar moniker.

Worth noting: While most American fans pronounce "M?neskin" as "man-eh-skin" or "mahn-eh-skin," the band revealed to CNN that the correct pronunciation is actually "Moan-Ah-Skin." That said, they weren't and aren't offended if you say it differently.

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Why is M?neskin so popular?

M?neskin is popular for a number of reasons: Their songs are good, their charisma is basically unmatched, each member is attractive and stylish as hell, and no one else in the game is doing what they're doing right now.

Interestingly, what makes M?neskin popular worldwide is what made them feel like outsiders in Rome.

"It was very difficult because in Rome there's no real rock scene, so there's no like clubs wanting bands to play their stuff, and also people are not very used to going to gigs of upcoming artists," Victoria DeAngelis told iHeart Radio. "They just go to the famous ones that they already know, so it was really hard and that's why we started playing as buskers on the streets. We were always fighting with the other street artists about having the best spot, and we never won."

What happened during the M?neskin VMA performance?

M?neskin performed at the MTV VMAs for the first time at the 2022 ceremony, and they were quickly censored by the network, panning out to the Prudential Center crowd instead of the Italian idols onstage. What happened?

Victoria DeAngelis, who rocked a Lil' Kim-inspired pastie on one side for the red carpet, literally lost her shirt onstage, exposing a nipple. Frontman Damiano David rocked backless chaps for the performance, which may have also made censors—still feeling aftershocks from Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson's infamous wardrobe malfunction in the early aughts—nervous.

Thankfully, DeAngelis eventually got her wardrobe situation resolved while the cameras cut to the crowd. You can watch the whole performance of "Supermodel" below.

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How did M?neskin get so big?

M?neskin shot to global fame thanks to winning the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest, as well as their second-place finish in Italian X Factor in 2017—just two years after they formed. In 2022, they won the Top Rock Song for "Beggin'," a cover of the Four Seasons classic, at the Billboard Music Awards.

They have only grown more famous since thanks to their stellar live performances (including a great turn on Saturday Night Live) and eclectic, sexy aesthetic. With fans including Angelina Jolie and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, their buzz is well-deserved and palpable!

Does M?neskin smoke?

M?neskin frontman Damiano David smokes five to 10 cigarettes a day, but has few other vices. In 2021, David was baselessly accused of snorting cocaine, an allegation which was proved false—and his bandmates said he barely even drinks beer at all.

Guitarist Thomas Raggi told The Guardian, "Yeah, he’s such a sfigato, a dork: he goes to bed at 11pm with his chamomile tea!"

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What does Damiano's tattoo say?

Damiano David has a slew of tattoos. His text tattoos include:

• "Kiss This" on his left buttock (our king, truly)

• "Mom" on his shoulder

• "IL BALLO DELLA VITA" ("the dance of life") on his upper chest

• "for that pair of golden wings, paid all the gold in the world" (a lyric from Vegas Jones) above his pelvis

• "boys don't do cry" on his torso

Who writes M?neskin songs?

Damiano David writes the lyrics for M?neskin's songs. The rest of the band members, Victoria DeAngelis, Thomas Raggi, and drummer Ethan Torchio, collaborate with David to write the music to accompany his words. The exception, of course, is "Beggin,'" which is a cover of a Four Seasons track—though obviously the band's instrumental arrangement is largely their own.

Related: The Real Stories Behind Beloved '70s Songs

How did M?neskin win Eurovision?

M?neskin won first place in Eurovision with a total of 524 points. Their track "Zitti E Buoni" was the winning song, making it the first Italian-language song to win Eurovision since 1990.

Does M?neskin play live?

M?neskin does play live during their concerts. However, for certain televised performances, their instrumentals are often accompanied by or partially replaced by backing tracks. This isn't because they're incapable of performing, but rather because TV networks often won't spend the money or extend the manpower necessary for things like sound checks, rehearsals, or techs—and don't want to deal with the headache or backlash if anything goes wrong (think a messed up amp, broken guitar string, etc.) on live TV.

Who does M?neskin sound like?

M?neskin's sound has been likened to '70s rock. They count '70s icons like David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, and others among their influences, as well as '90s acts like Nirvana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band's more modern influences include The Arctic Monkeys, Harry Styles, and Bruno Mars.

When asked how he feels about being compared to classic rockers in a negative light, Damiano David explained to NME, “It’s so stupid and pointless to expect a band of 20-year-olds to replicate what was happening in the ’70s and ’80s. We’re in f**king 2022, so we’re just trying to do something new that makes us feel satisfied and happy. I really enjoy seeing people say, ‘Oh, they’re not Led Zeppelin.’ I know! We never will be. I’m not Robert Plant; I wish I was! I have to do my own s**t.”

Is M?neskin coming to the USA?

If you're a slave to M?neskin, you're in luck! The band will tour the United States this fall. They kick off their tour on Halloween at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, Washington, and wrap up on Dec. 16, 2022, at The Theater in Las Vegas. Get tickets here.

Next, test your musical knowledge with 100 music trivia questions and answers.