THE RATS And Nek they release their first single together: it's titled What will remain of these 20 years and is available from Friday 26 June on all digital platforms for 4SR / ADA.
It is a collaboration born far from the logic of the market, in the studio and in a natural way. Listening again to the rough mixes of the song, the band immediately realized they had something special on their hands. The leader of the group, Wilko Zannidecided to share it with Nekfans of RATS from the beginning, who in that piece recognized an atmosphere and an attitude in which he found himself, choosing to take part in it. A meeting between two voices and two different paths, but more similar than one might think.
RATS And Nekwhat does it tell What will remain of these 20 years
The song recounts the sense of bewilderment of a generation suspended between disillusionment, nostalgia and the need for meaning, in an era marked by uncertainties and contradictions. Between scratchy guitars and urban atmospheres, the text passes through neon-lit nights, cold cities and “loser heroes”, transforming personal and collective anxieties into a reflection on what will truly remain of these twenties.
Who are I RATS
THE RATS were born in 1979 in Spilamberto, in the province of Modena, under the influence of punk rock and English and American new wave. They made their debut in 1981 with C'est Disco. In the 1980s the lineup changed several times, but the group continued to publish, from the EP The last warrior (1986) to the album RATS (1987). In 1989 the formation was consolidated with Wilko Zanni, Romi Ferretti And Lor Lunatiand in the same period the live release comes out Live.
The sound evolved towards a more direct guitar rock and in 1992 the band signed with CGD Warner, releasing Po Valley Indiansdriven by the single Clear and enriched by collaboration with Luciano Ligabue. Albums follow Beautiful and Damned (1994) e The Vertigo of the World (1995), with tours in Italy, Europe and Asia. In 1997 the group disbanded, although maintaining a strong bond between the members.
After years of fan requests, in 2008 i RATS they return to the stage with a reunion in Nonantola, from which the live show was born In Viva Vox. They gradually resume activity with PE Metaphysical Equivocation (2012) and the album You are waiting to be connected with the desired hell (2013). The journey continues with the double live vinyl Where are you Modena Sud? (2023) and, in 2025, with the single Goodbye.
Who is Nek
Singer and multi-instrumentalist, with over 10 million records sold worldwide and 18 studio albums, Nek he is one of the most loved male voices on the Italian scene. After his debut in 1992 with the album Nekhas collected successes over a thirty-year career. In recent years he has also distinguished himself as a television presenter with programs such as From the Street to the Stage and the various editions of The Voice.
In 2022 he released the celebratory album 5030dedicated to his thirty-year career and fifty years of age. Since 2023 he has brought the project to life RengaNek together with Francesco Rengawith a long tour, participation in the Sanremo Festival and an album of unreleased songs. In 2025 the entire discography was re-released on crystal vinyl, accompanied by the miniseries NEK HITS on his YouTube channel.
Song credits
Title: What will remain of these 20 years
Artists: RATS featuring Nek
Tag: 4SR / ADA
Release date: June 26, 2026
Photo by Nino Saetti.
