Rock Legends Rudy and Robert Sarzo Return to the Country They Fled as Children on “Cuba Libre Rising” Out Worldwide August 20
Cuban-born brothers Rudy and Robert Sarzo join Love/Hate frontman Jizzy Pearl, drummer Robin Diaz, original singer Ruben Martinez and producer Danny Saber to give a song born in a dream fifteen years ago its definitive recording. Released by Zanna Records on all digital platforms August 20, 2026.
BURBANK, CA — August 20, 2026 — Zanna Records today releases “Cuba Libre Rising,” the definitive new recording of a song its writer first heard in a dream more than fifteen years ago. Written by Gianluca Zanna, the track is an anthem of exile, freedom, and the unbreakable Cuban spirit — and it is now available worldwide on every major digital platform, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer and Tidal.
Recorded on July 27, 2026 at Clear Lake Recording Studio, the session brought together a lineup whose chemistry no booking agent could have manufactured. On bass and guitar are Cuban-born brothers Rudy and Robert Sarzo — who fled Havana as children in 1961 and went on to become two of rock's most celebrated names, with credits spanning Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Quiet Riot, Dio and Hurricane. For a song about the country of their birth, they lend not only their artistry but their lived history.
Love/Hate frontman Jizzy Pearl brings his unmistakable voice to the new arrangement, sharing vocals with Ruben Martinez — the song's original singer and the son of Cuban refugees — closing a circle two decades in the making. Robin Diaz (Candlebox, Hole, P.O.D., Live) anchors the rhythm, Claudette Lyons adds background vocals, and the sessions were produced by Danny Saber, whose credits include The Rolling Stones, U2, David Bowie, Michael Hutchence and Black Grape.
A Song Born in a Dream
The story of “Cuba Libre” did not begin in a studio. More than fifteen years ago, Gianluca Zanna heard the melody in his sleep — dreaming of Cuban streets, of protests, of hungry children and government violence. He woke in the middle of the night and wrote the melody and the lyrics, despite knowing little at the time about the Cuban struggle. He recorded a first version with Ruben Martinez in 2005 and carried the song with him for two decades, waiting for the moment it was meant to become what he had first heard.
That moment arrived this July.
“I truly believe it was not a coincidence that all of us came together to record this new version,” said Zanna. “I dreamed this melody more than fifteen years ago, watching the Cuban people suffer for their freedom. Now destiny has brought me together with these extraordinary human beings — each one a master of their craft — to give ‘Cuba Libre’ the epic recording it was always meant to have. This is more than a song to me. It is a dream finally coming true.”
“To have Rudy and Robert Sarzo — two men who actually lived the exile this song is about — play on ‘Cuba Libre,’ with Danny Saber producing and Ruben returning to sing the song he first gave a voice to, is beyond anything I could have scripted,” Zanna added. “Some things you do not plan. Destiny plans them for you.”
Dedication
“Cuba Libre Rising” is dedicated to the Cuban people still seeking their freedom, and to the memory of actor Tomás Milián. Zanna, who grew up in a public boarding school in Rome dreaming of coming to America, credits Milián's maresciallo Giraldi character and his Roman slang as a source of comfort during those years — a Cuban-born artist who found his voice far from home.
The Recording
Music & Lyrics Gianluca Zanna
Producer Danny Saber
Executive Producer Gianluca Zanna
Bass Rudy Sarzo
Guitar & Percussion Robert Sarzo
Vocals Jizzy Pearl
Vocals Ruben Martinez
Background Vocals Claudette Lyons
Drums & Percussion Robin Diaz
Audio Engineer Eric Milos
Original 2005 Arrangements Simone Sello
Recorded At Clear Lake Recording Studio — July 27, 2026
Worldwide Release August 20, 2026
The release includes “Cuba Libre Rising (Official Version)” and “Cuba Libre Rising (Radio Edit),” alongside the “Cuba Libre” Andrei Murariu Remix produced by Gianluca Zanna and Cuba Libre Rising Danny Saber Remix. A video documentation of the recording session, captured by Agency 32, supports the release.
Also of Note
Rudy Sarzo's performance fee for the session is being donated in full to a non-profit. The original 2005 recording of the song resurfaced organically on TikTok among Cuban activists, prompting the decision to give it a definitive new version.
About Zanna Records
Zanna Records is the independent music label founded and operated by Gianluca Zanna, built without major-label backing. Performing as “Luca” in the EDM duo Luca and Claudette alongside singer Claudette Lyons, Zanna is a Rome-born, Arizona-based songwriter behind a catalog of original compositions spanning EDM, rock, and classical. The label's music reaches audiences worldwide through verified radio airplay across +500 stations in 99 countries and territories on six continents, a YouTube channel with more than 43 million total views and 50,000 subscribers, and 1.58 million monthly YouTube Music listeners. Learn more at www.zannarecords.com
Media Contact
Zanna Records · zanna@zanna.us
Fascinating read about this powerful new anthem! It’s amazing to see this long‑held musical vision realized with rock legends the Sarzo brothers and such a talented group of artists. The connection between the song’s theme and their real‑life story makes this release so meaningful. Great article, thanks for putting this out! --tryon