Roberto Buffagni, Italian nightclub pioneer, dies at 59

Roberto Buffagni, a 59‑year‑old entrepreneur from Reggio Emilia, died overnight. Together with his brother Massimo, he transformed Riccione’s Riviera nightlife, acquiring and modernising iconic venues such as Villa delle Rose and the Peter Pan nightclub.

Regional officials highlighted his impact: President Michele de Pascale and Tourism Assessor Roberta Frisoni said his passing leaves a deep void in the local tourism and entertainment sector, noting his role in attracting generations of visitors from Italy and across Europe.

Buffagni’s career spanned decades, during which he anticipated trends and turned historic clubs into cultural landmarks, shaping the region’s night‑life reputation.