Thomas Raggi’s Masquerade: A Rock ’n’ Roll Communion Beyond Boundaries

Photo Credits: Francis Delacroix

When a guitarist known for igniting global stages with Måneskin decides to step into the arena alone, the world expects fireworks. What Thomas Raggi delivers instead with Masquerade, arriving December 5, 2025, is something deeper, something truer, something beautifully human.

This is not a vanity record. Not a detour. Not even a side project. It’s a gathering. It’s a celebration. It’s rock ’n’ roll stripped to its bones, pulsing with camaraderie and intent.

And it happened simply because musicians, great musicians, still believe in the power of plugging in, turning up, and creating something meaningful for no agenda other than joy.

Produced by Tom Morello, Masquerade pulls together an all-star cast purely because they wanted to be there: Beck, Nic Cester, Alex Kapranos, Maxim, Hama Okamoto, Sergio Pizzorno, Chad Smith, Matt Sorum, Luke Spiller, and Upsahl. Eight tracks, no fillers and no disguises, just the pure voltage of rock music made for the sake of making music.

Raggi speaks of this project with the reverence of someone who knows he has been handed a key to something sacred:

“This Album is the result of a lot of work and dedication… Seeing so many musical icons come together reminded me that music knows no boundaries; that you have to follow your instinct and inspiration, ignore imposed rules, and simply do what you feel.”

There’s vulnerability there. Gratitude. And the deep thrill of someone who has found a community that amplifies, not overshadows. The collaboration between Raggi and Tom Morello feels like an artistic handshake across generations. Morello doesn’t just admire Raggi’s talent, he champions him:

“It was really exciting to see such a young, skilled guitarist so passionate about the music… I see this project as part of keeping that tradition alive.”

Those words matter. That tradition, the spirit of rock ’n’ roll storytelling and rebellion, is something many feared was fading. Masquerade is proof that it still matters. That it still moves people. That it still unites.

Lead track “Getcha!” is born from the collision of Beck’s creative spark, Chad Smith’s rhythmic fire, and Nic Cester’s lyrics. That’s not a typical “feature”, that’s alchemy.

Sergio Pizzorno puts his stamp on “Cat Got Your Tongue,” turning Raggi’s riffs into something kinetic and mischievous. Maxim co-writes “Fallaway,” and Upsahl helps shape “Lucy,” her voice reflecting the fresh generational energy this record embraces. Each collaboration is a relationship. You can feel the trust, the playfulness, the shared risk.

Every artist’s contribution comes with authenticity:

Alex Kapranos, thrilled to record “You Spin Me Round,” recalls his lifelong love for the song, adding, “It should capture the energy of the song but also bring something different… and this definitely has that.”

Hama Okamoto, who shares rhythm duties beside Chad Smith, reflects “Playing the rhythm section with my favourite artist Chad Smith was absolutely amazing.”

And Upsahl, speaking for many, smiles in the simplicity of her joy, “The day we wrote it, the song just fell out of us.”

There’s that word again, joy. It’s the axis upon which Masquerade spins.

It takes confidence to step from the shadow of a global phenomenon like Måneskin. But what Masquerade proves is that Raggi is not stepping away from anything, he’s stepping toward something. It’s rare, today, to find a rock record that feels communal rather than branded; instinctive rather than engineered; celebratory rather than strategic. This is one of those records. It’s a reminder that music at its best is not a commodity. It’s a conversation.

From the streets of Rome to Eurovision to world tours, Raggi has already lived a dream many dare not even whisper aloud. Yet with Masquerade, he opens a new chapter, not as “the guitarist from Måneskin,” but as a visionary collaborator driven purely by love of the craft. The album feels like a benediction. A hand on the shoulder. A nod from those who shaped the past to the one who will help shape what comes next.

And as Raggi himself notes, with humility and pride, “I feel as if those who made music history are placing a hand on my shoulder, saying: ‘You’re on the right path.’”

From where I sit, watching a new generation redefine the roots of rock, that path looks not only right, but electrifying.

Eight tracks of raw rock energy and collaborative heart.

More than an album, it's a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and the joy of making music with no mask, no labels, no limits.

And truthfully? We need more of that in the world.

About the Writer:

Stevie Connor is a Scottish-born polymath of the music scene, known for his work as a musician, composer, journalist, author and radio pioneer.

He is the founder of Blues & Roots Radio and The Sound Cafe Magazine, platforms that have become global hubs for blues, roots, folk, Americana, and world music.

A juror for national music awards including the JUNO Awards and the Canadian Folk Music Awards, Stevie’s deep passion for music and storytelling continues to connect artists and audiences across cultures and continents.

Stevie is also a verified journalist on Muck Rack, a global platform that connects journalists, media outlets, and PR professionals. Being verified on Muck Rack signifies that Stevie’s professional work is recognized, trusted, and publicly credited, helping ensure transparency, credibility, and a direct connection between him and the worldwide media and music community.