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Writer's pictureNoel Mifsud

Silvio Schembri: From Pieta to Tenerife


Silvio Schembri, born on January 29, 1958, in Pietà, Malta, has enjoyed a long and vibrant career as a singer, musician, and band leader. Best known as the frontman of the band Misty, Silvio's journey in music began at a young age, and his contributions to the Maltese music scene have earned him a place in the country’s cultural history.


At just 14 years old, Silvio learned to play the guitar, guided by his cousin, also named Silvio. His passion for music grew, and by 1975, he formed his first band, Cycopad. The group, which included Frankie Ebejer, Alex Vassallo, and Joe Faccetti, played together for two years before disbanding in 1977. Cycopad marked the beginning of Silvio's music career, and although the group had a brief existence, it paved the way for greater things.


In 1977, Silvio formed Misty, a band that would go on to define much of his career. The original lineup consisted of Silvio, Reno, Mario, and Joe Debattista. Over the years, Misty played at popular venues like the Caribbean Night Club in Ħal Far and the Riviera Martinique Hotel in Golden Bay, bringing their unique sound to enthusiastic audiences. While the band’s lineup changed multiple times throughout its existence, Silvio remained the constant driving force behind the group. Notable musicians who joined Misty at different points included Dominic Vella, David Xuereb, Donald Cini, and the late Joe McKeon, among others.


Despite their local popularity, Misty never had the opportunity to tour abroad. However, they did release several songs in Malta that left a lasting impact. Their first vinyl record, released as Silvio & The Misty, featured Misty as the A-side, and Tfajla as the B-side. They followed this success with the hits Xewqa and Imħabbti. In 1983, they released Crazy Lady, with Sunshine on the B-side. Their music resonated with Maltese audiences, blending both English and Maltese lyrics, a reflection of the island’s unique cultural landscape. In 1982, Misty also released their first cassette album, One, which contained eight tracks, including the Maltese song Futur.


Misty continued to perform until 1998, when the group officially disbanded. It was at this point that Silvio took a bold step and relocated to Tenerife. There, he established himself as a solo artist, entertaining audiences in various bars and clubs across the island. To this day, Silvio works tirelessly, performing twice a day, seven nights a week, all year round.



Throughout his career, Silvio had the opportunity to play alongside notable musicians, including Rick Wills, the bass player of Foreigner, who also collaborated with the Small Faces, Roxy Music, Peter Frampton, Spooky Tooth, David Gilmour, and Bad Company. He also played beside Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen. While May was enjoying a meal in a local pub in Tenerife, Silvio had the chance of Brian in joining him for a single blues number—an unforgettable moment in his musical journey.


Silvio Schembri’s enduring passion for music has led him from Malta to Tenerife, where he continues to share his talent and love for music with new audiences. His journey, from his humble beginnings with Cycopad and Misty to playing alongside international stars, speaks to his dedication, resilience, and unrelenting passion for his craft. Today, Silvio remains a beloved figure both in Malta and Tenerife, a testament to his long and successful career in the world of music.

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Guest
Oct 01

Brilliant story

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