Jump to content

Savatage

From Alfawiki
Savatage
Company typePrivate
IndustryMusic
Founded1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida, United States
FounderJon Oliva, Criss Oliva
Headquarters
Tarpon Springs
,
United States
ProductsHeavy metal music, studio albums, live recordings, compilations, EPs

Savatage () is a heavy metal group from the United States, established in 1979 by siblings Jon and Criss Oliva in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Initially called Avatar, the band adopted the name Savatage prior to releasing their first album, Sirens (1983), due to conflicts over the original name. Throughout the 1980s, Savatage was instrumental in shaping the American heavy metal landscape and impacted various metal subgenres. Their discography comprises eleven studio albums, two live recordings, five compilations, and three EPs.

The group's fourth studio release, Hall of the Mountain King (1987), represented a significant turning point, coinciding with their collaboration with producer and songwriter Paul O'Neill, who remained involved with them until his passing in 2017. Albums that followed—Gutter Ballet (1990) and Streets: A Rock Opera (1991)—cemented their evolution from power metal to progressive metal, integrating operatic lyrical themes.

Their seventh album, Edge of Thorns (1993), included their sole charting single, "Edge of Thorns." Tragically, six months after its release, guitarist Criss Oliva died in a vehicular accident. In tribute, Jon Oliva and O'Neill decided to continue Savatage’s journey, producing four additional studio albums amidst lineup shifts before entering a lengthy hiatus in 2002. During this downtime, members initiated side projects such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle, and Doctor Butcher.

On August 2, 2014, Savatage revealed plans for a reunion at the 2015 Wacken Open Air. Although discussions about further performances and new recordings occurred, the band returned to hiatus afterward. Interviews conducted between 2020 and 2021 suggested progress on new compositions, which Jon Oliva confirmed in April 2023. Currently, they are working on their first studio album in over twenty years, provisionally titled Curtain Call, with a projected release date set for 2026.

Formation and early years (1979–1986)

In 1979, brothers Criss Oliva and Jon formed their initial band named Avatar after previously playing in Tower and Alien respectively. Drummer Steve "Doc" Wacholz joined in 1980, taking over percussion duties from Jon. The trio practiced regularly in a space called "The Pit," situated behind the Oliva family residence in Tampa, Florida. Wacholz earned the moniker "Doctor Hardware Killdrums" due to his intense drumming approach.

The group performed frequently across venues in Tampa and Clearwater. By 1981, Ronald Leon Sisson was added as bassist. Early footage from that year captures Avatar performing tracks like "Holocaust," which would later appear on Savatage’s debut album, alongside covers such as Van Halen’s "Eruption" and "You Really Got Me." The band also contributed to local metal compilations like The YNF Pirate Tape, produced by Tampa’s 95YNF radio station. To avoid legal issues related to their original name, they combined elements of "Savage" and "Avatar" to form the name Savatage.

Their initial releases included the debut album Sirens (1983) and the EP The Dungeons Are Calling (1984), both issued through independent label Par Records. Signing with Atlantic Records in 1984 led to their sophomore album, Power of the Night, released in 1985. Produced by Max Norman, this record showcased Jon’s prominent keyboard contributions and dramatic song arrangements. Despite receiving positive critical reception, commercial performance was modest. Atlantic proposed funding a music video for "Hard for Love" only if it was retitled "Hot for Love," which the band declined; consequently, no video was produced. To support this album, Savatage toured alongside Rogue Male and Illusion and opened for acts including Mötley Crüe, Quiet Riot, Exodus, Raven, Overkill, and Armored Saint.

In 1986, following the release of their third album Fight for the Rock, an effort heavily influenced by Atlantic Records’ commercial demands that the band disparagingly referred to as Fight for the Nightmare, Savatage toured with major bands such as Metallica, Kiss, and Motörhead. The label insisted on recording two cover tracks originally intended for other Atlantic artists—a move that harmed their reputation and nearly led to the band's dissolution while also exacerbating Jon Oliva's substance abuse issues. Nevertheless, Jon recognized certain highlights on the album including their rendition of Badfinger’s "Day After Day." During this era, original bassist Keith Collins exited; he was replaced by Johnny Lee Middleton, who has remained a steady presence since 1987 and has appeared on every album except Handful of Rain.

Ascendancy and the Passing of Criss Oliva (1987–1993)

After the disappointing sales of Fight for the Rock, Savatage came close to breaking up; Jon Oliva auditioned for Black Sabbath, while Criss Oliva contemplated joining Megadeth. Nevertheless, motivated by producer Paul O'Neill, they decided to persevere. In 1987, their collaboration with O'Neill resulted in Hall of the Mountain King, their first album to achieve commercial success, which propelled them into wider recognition. Tracks such as the title song and "24 Hours Ago" received substantial rotation on MTV's Headbangers Ball. This success led to a global tour, sharing stages with acts including Dio, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, and Testament. The album introduced symphonic influences, courtesy of O'Neill, that would become a hallmark of Savatage’s subsequent works. From this point forward, O'Neill also became the primary lyricist, enriching the band’s material with conceptual themes starting from Gutter Ballet.

January 1990 saw the release of Gutter Ballet, which marked a stylistic shift toward a more progressive and operatic sound, inspired by Jon Oliva’s experience with Phantom of the Opera. Tracks like "Gutter Ballet" and "When the Crowds Are Gone" highlight this transformation. Some songs written earlier were omitted but later appeared as bonus tracks or were reimagined by Jon Oliva's Pain. The album garnered airplay on Headbangers Ball and rock radio stations, supported by extensive tours across North America and Europe alongside Testament, Nuclear Assault, King Diamond, Candlemass, and Trouble.

Chris Caffery, who initially contributed offstage during tours, officially joined Savatage in 1989 but did not participate in the recording of Gutter Ballet. He departed after the accompanying tour due to personal reasons but maintained collaboration with Jon Oliva and eventually rejoined Savatage in the late 1990s.

In 1991, Savatage unveiled their inaugural rock opera, Streets: A Rock Opera, narrating the tale of a fallen rock star. Despite modest sales attributed to grunge's rising popularity, the single "Jesus Saves" received notable airplay and broadened their fan base. Originally planned as a double album featuring spoken interludes, label constraints reduced it to 17 tracks with minimal narration; unfortunately, master tapes for unreleased material were lost. Some musical ideas from these missing songs surfaced on their subsequent album, Edge of Thorns. A narrated edition was reissued in 2013.

The accompanying world tour commenced in Europe in October 1991 with Vicious Rumors and extended through North America alongside Armored Saint and Fates Warning, including their debut shows in Japan. After concluding in spring 1992, Jon Oliva left to concentrate on side endeavors like Doctor Butcher and the Broadway-bound musical Romanov, while still co-writing with Criss Oliva and Paul O'Neill. Elements from these projects later influenced releases by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

On June 13, 1992, Jon performed a "farewell concert" in Tampa featuring 28 songs spanning Savatage’s career highlights; this event was neither recorded nor filmed for public release.

Zachary Stevens, formerly with Wicked Witch, was introduced as Savatage’s new lead singer through Criss Oliva’s guitar technician Dan Campbell. The band recorded Edge of Thorns in 1993. Although drummer Steve Wacholz took part in recording sessions, he opted out of touring duties and was replaced by Andy James. This era saw increased mainstream exposure via radio play and a world tour regarded as Savatage’s finest live performance. Tragically, founder and lead guitarist Criss Oliva died on October 17, 1993, after a collision caused by a drunk driver. Despite acknowledging that Savatage could not continue as before without Criss, Jon Oliva resolved to keep the band active as a tribute to his brother’s memory.

Post-Criss and the band's second phase (1994–2000)

Soon after the passing of Criss Oliva, Savatage organized a tribute concert featuring the Streets tour lineup without Criss. In 1994, lead guitarist Alex Skolnick from Testament stepped in temporarily for their ninth album, Handful of Rain, which was composed by Jon Oliva and Paul O'Neill. Although the album essentially functioned as a Jon Oliva solo endeavor—with Oliva handling all instruments except vocals performed by Zachary Stevens and lead guitar parts by Skolnick—it was released under the Savatage name, crediting Middleton and Wacholz on bass and drums respectively. Drummer Andy James had departed following Criss Oliva’s death to explore other musical avenues. The track "Chance" marked the introduction of Savatage’s signature use of counterpoint vocals, a technique that would continue on subsequent releases. The closing piece, "Alone You Breathe," served as a homage to Criss.

As preparations began for the Handful of Rain tour, drummer Steve Wacholz officially exited the band and was succeeded by Jeff Plate, previously associated with Zak Stevens’ group. During the tour, Jon Oliva took on keyboard and rhythm guitar duties. The tour culminated in the live CD/VHS release Japan Live '94 (later renamed Live in Japan). Supporting acts included Exhibit-A, Skolnick’s own band, alongside power metal ensemble Tempo Tantrum. Following this brief touring period, Skolnick departed to pursue other creative interests. Reflecting in a 2011 interview, Skolnick described his tenure with Savatage as a mixed experience—grateful for the opportunity but feeling constrained artistically.

Former guitarist Chris Caffery, who had left after the Gutter Ballet era, returned to pay tribute to Criss Oliva by performing all his guitar solos. Atlantic Records sought to add a second prominent guitarist and chose Al Pitrelli, noted for his work with Alice Cooper and Asia, to contribute most of the new lead guitar parts.

In 1995, Savatage unveiled their second rock opera, Dead Winter Dead, which exceeded the scope of Streets. The band gained crossover recognition with "Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24," a track that received substantial airplay during the holiday season. While touring Europe and Japan, they postponed a U.S. tour to focus on creating Christmas Eve and Other Stories, recorded under the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) banner—a project merging Savatage’s music with orchestral arrangements. Jon Oliva later voiced frustration that TSO’s success—rooted in an original Savatage composition—underscored challenges associated with the Savatage name.

Also in 1995, the live album Ghost in the Ruins – A Tribute to Criss Oliva was issued, featuring performances from the Gutter Ballet tour. Released as Final Bell in Japan, it was among several potential titles considered for the album Streets.

The eleventh studio effort, The Wake of Magellan (1997), arrived following a hiatus prompted by TSO’s achievements. This album addressed themes such as the value of life, suicide, and substance abuse, drawing inspiration from incidents like the Maersk Dubai tragedy and Veronica Guerin’s assassination. After this release, Savatage parted ways with longtime label Atlantic Records and signed with smaller imprint Nuclear Blast, while TSO projects continued under Atlantic/Lava. Jon Oliva viewed this move favorably because Nuclear Blast "loved the band and understood [their] material."

Owing to songwriting efforts by Jon Oliva, Paul O'Neill, and longtime engineer Robert Kinkel, the primary distinction between Savatage’s later albums and Trans-Siberian Orchestra works lies in TSO’s incorporation of a full orchestra alongside multiple guest vocalists beyond Oliva and Zachary Stevens.

Hiatus and individual ventures (2001–2013)

During this period, Savatage concentrated on their Trans-Siberian Orchestra endeavor, highlighted by the release of The Christmas Attic. Their 2001 album Poets and Madmen signaled Jon Oliva's comeback as the lead singer, replacing Zak Stevens, who departed to attend to family matters. Guitarist Al Pitrelli left in 2000 to join Megadeth, though he contributed guitar solos prior to his exit. The band embarked on a U.S. tour supported by Fates Warning and Nevermore. Chris Caffery brought in Damond Jiniya (from Diet of Worms) as Zak’s stand-in for live performances, facilitated by Circle II Circle’s manager Dan Campbell. Jack Frost joined as rhythm guitarist but exited following the tour, likely due to other obligations. During summer festivals in 2002, the lineup included Annihilator’s Jeff Waters.

Following this, Savatage remained dormant as members devoted themselves to Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Jon Oliva's Pain, leading to Chris Caffery expressing dissatisfaction in 2006 over the absence of new Savatage releases.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra proceeded with album releases featuring various Savatage members across its touring rosters. On European tours in 2011 and 2014, Pitrelli, Caffery, Middleton, and Plate performed together live. Over time, Savatage tracks such as Gutter Ballet, Believe, and Chance became staples within TSO’s setlists. Jon Oliva seldom joined TSO on stage; Paul O'Neill appeared frequently until his passing in 2017.

Jon Oliva established Jon Oliva's Pain, debuting with the album 'Tage Mahal in 2004. This group regularly incorporates material from Savatage’s Criss Oliva era alongside unreleased compositions from Jon’s late brother into their new songs.

Lead guitarist Chris Caffery pursued solo projects with multiple albums, while Zak Stevens co-founded Circle II Circle alongside Dan Campbell. Their 2003 debut Watching in Silence, produced by Jon Oliva and featuring Caffery, launched the band. Following management conflicts that led to lineup shifts, Zak reassembled Circle II Circle and increasingly featured Savatage songs from his tenure during live performances. Their European tours in 2013 and 2014 showcased full renditions of Edge of Thorns and Handful of Rain, respectively.

Drummer Jeff Plate collaborated with electric violinist Mark Wood, joined the band Metal Church, and revived Wicked Witch with Zak Stevens under the name Machines of Grace, releasing a self-titled album in 2010.

Steve Wacholz, who did not participate in Trans-Siberian Orchestra activities, formed Reverence in 2010 alongside guitarist Pete Rossi, vocalist Todd Michael Hall (formerly of Jack Starr's Burning Starr), and ex-members of Tokyo Blade Bryan Holland and Frank Saparti.

Criss Oliva 10th anniversary memorial concert

On October 17, 2003, fans convened at The Masquerade in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida, to honor Criss Oliva’s memory on the tenth anniversary of his passing. The event included performances by Circle II Circle, Jon Oliva's Pain, and Doctor Butcher. A unique one-night-only ensemble featuring Jon Oliva, Johnny Lee Middleton, Steve "Doc" Wacholz, Chris Caffery, and John Zahner performed selected Savatage compositions, with Jon Oliva handling many of Criss’s parts on keyboards. This concert was neither recorded nor filmed for commercial distribution.

Reunion speculation

In June 2006, Jon Oliva revealed an interest in producing one final Savatage album, followed by a live CD and DVD release, although no specific timeline was announced. By October of that year, Chris Caffery mentioned that Alex Skolnick and original drummer Steve "Doc" Wacholz might join if the project moved forward. Nonetheless, in November 2006, Jon Oliva dismissed the reunion rumors, explaining that Savatage had cost him nearly one million US dollars over time without yielding financial returns.

Jon framed his band Jon Oliva's Pain as an extension of Savatage's legacy, running concurrently with the more commercially successful Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He also shared intentions for a one-time anniversary tour featuring former members and producer Paul O'Neill as a farewell gesture. Zachary Stevens confirmed his involvement in the 25th anniversary celebrations. Jon remarked: "Well, it's over but it's not over... We haven't disbanded or anything. We have plans to do something in the future." Additionally, he worked on video compilations showcasing extensive live footage of Criss Oliva.

Throughout 2007, Jon reiterated that no reunion of Savatage was planned due to his commitments with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Jon Oliva's Pain, which he described as being "as close to Savatage as you can get." Despite this stance, in October 2008 Savatage reactivated an official MySpace page listing a lineup including Jon Oliva, Zak Stevens, Chris Caffery, Al Pitrelli, Johnny Lee Middleton, and Jeff Plate—indicating Stevens’s return. A new official website followed in December. However, Jon clarified these updates related solely to reissues of Savatage’s catalog and merchandise; no new recordings or live shows were intended.

Jon voiced frustration over ongoing reunion speculation:


In 2013, while promoting his solo album Raise the Curtain, Jon entertained the idea of new Savatage material but highlighted commercial realities favoring Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He explained that TSO consistently sells out large venues, whereas Savatage struggled to attract audiences. He expressed openness to recording a small EP but rejected any rushed or low-quality projects that could harm Savatage’s reputation:


One-time reunion, Paul O'Neill's passing and second hiatus (2014–2019)

On August 2, 2014, Trans-Siberian Orchestra announced a live appearance at Wacken Open Air 2015, followed by a Savatage reunion show—marking their sole European performance that year. This fueled speculation about additional concerts.

In a December 2014 interview, guitarist Chris Caffery expressed hopefulness regarding future Savatage endeavors but refrained from making definitive promises. Frontman Jon Oliva stressed the importance of acting promptly and disclosed plans to consult with producer Paul O'Neill about the band’s direction. Oliva also mentioned offers for performances in regions such as America, Greece, and South America, keeping possibilities open.

At Wacken, Savatage performed seven tracks before Trans-Siberian Orchestra took the stage; the event concluded with a joint set featuring both bands and O'Neill on guitar. In October 2015, Zak Stevens revealed ongoing talks about a potential new chapter for Savatage involving either touring or releasing new material.

By April 2016, drummer Jeff Plate deferred decisions regarding Savatage’s future to Jon Oliva and Paul O'Neill but expressed excitement about the 2015 reunion and prospects for touring. Sadly, in April 2017 producer and co-composer Paul O'Neill passed away at age 61.

In August 2017, original drummer Steve "Doc" Wacholz mentioned the possibility of a 2018 Savatage tour but doubted that two drummers would perform simultaneously. By September 2018, Plate reaffirmed interest in reuniting but cited O'Neill's death and Trans-Siberian Orchestra's ongoing success as factors causing delays. He emphasized the distinctive chemistry among the six core members and expressed hope for integrating Savatage projects alongside TSO’s activities.

In December 2019, Zak Stevens described Savatage as dormant yet enduring—waiting for the right moment to resume operations. He noted TSO’s recent inclusion of five Savatage tracks in their setlist as an encouraging sign pointing toward future developments.

Second reunion and forthcoming twelfth studio album (from 2020 onward)

In November 2020, guitarist Al Pitrelli disclosed that Jon Oliva was actively composing new music, sharing compositions and concepts, and demonstrating a keen desire to fully reunite Savatage and resume touring activities. Although no formal discussions with agents or promoters regarding tours had taken place, Pitrelli mentioned ongoing dialogue among the band members about regrouping once the pandemic restrictions ease.

By December 2020, guitarist Chris Caffery indicated that a fresh Savatage album could be expected in 2022. Despite the absence of the late producer Paul O'Neill, the band had been contemplating new material for several years. Caffery confirmed that he, Oliva, and Pitrelli had been heavily involved in songwriting, underscoring the band's perseverance after enduring significant losses. He also noted improvements in Jon Oliva’s health following earlier challenges.

In February 2021, Savatage made their debut album Sirens and EP The Dungeons Are Calling available on US streaming services for the first time, signaling renewed momentum and sparking speculation about future releases.

After months of reunion speculation, Jon Oliva affirmed in March 2021 that he, Caffery, and Pitrelli had been exchanging song ideas since their reunion at Wacken in 2015. Oliva expressed strong enthusiasm for a full-time reunion and revealed they had remotely composed several tracks during the pandemic period. By June 2021, he mentioned having enough material for three albums but noted the absence of a record contract or studio arrangements.

In December 2021, Caffery provided an update stating that songwriting remained vigorous, with promising compositions such as "The Dungeons Are Calling Again" potentially leading an upcoming album. He maintained optimism about releasing new music despite ongoing uncertainties.

In April 2023, Jon Oliva announced plans to reunite in June to begin recording Savatage's first studio album in over twenty years, provisionally titled Curtain Call. The lineup was set to feature members from the Dead Winter Dead era alongside contributions from original drummer Steve Wacholz. Oliva aimed for a 2024 release date coinciding with his late brother Criss Oliva’s birthday. However, by September 2023, recording was postponed due to Oliva sustaining a spinal fracture; sessions were anticipated to resume in early 2024. Progress continued into December 2024 without a definitive completion timeline; vocalist Zak Stevens reported collaborating on eight or nine tracks with Oliva. In April 2025, Oliva targeted January 2026 to commence recording, contingent on his health improvement.

Savatage performed their first concert in nearly ten years at the Monsters of Rock festival in São Paulo on April 19, 2025, followed by their inaugural show in Chile at Masters of Rock. Due to diagnoses of multiple sclerosis and Ménière's disease, Jon Oliva was unable to participate in these performances. During spring and summer of 2025, Savatage returned to Europe for their first live appearances there in over two decades, including headlining gigs and festival dates at Into the Grave (Netherlands), Graspop Metal Meeting (Belgium), and Rock Fest (Spain).

Musical style

Savatage originated as a heavy metal ensemble, characterized by Jon Oliva's commanding vocal delivery and Criss Oliva's robust guitar riffs paired with melodic solos. The addition of bassist Johnny Lee Middleton in 1986 prompted a transition toward a more accessible hard rock sound, influenced by record label demands, though this shift did not yield significant commercial achievements.

In 1987, under the guidance of producer Paul O'Neill, the band embraced symphonic components, with Hall of the Mountain King representing their initial foray into progressive metal. During this period, Jon Oliva increasingly incorporated keyboards and piano into the band's arrangements.

The album Gutter Ballet took its name from a Broadway project conceived by O'Neill that remained unproduced; Savatage expanded upon this concept in their subsequent rock opera, Streets: A Rock Opera. Later, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra adapted O'Neill's original script to create a Gutter Ballet musical featuring Savatage's compositions.

Following Jon Oliva's exit, vocalist Zachary Stevens introduced a distinctive singing style while preserving the band's progressive metal and hard rock essence. Upon Oliva's return, he frequently contributed lead vocals on selected tracks.

A defining feature of Savatage's later output was the use of counterpoint and harmony vocals. Beginning with the 1994 release Handful of Rain, multi-layered vocal arrangements became increasingly prominent, with live shows showcasing multiple members performing vocal parts.

The band's inspirations encompass Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, AC/DC, Van Halen, Rainbow, UFO, The Beatles, Rush, The Who, Metallica, Pink Floyd, Queen, Motörhead, Scorpions, Accept, Saxon, and Jethro Tull. In turn, Savatage has influenced a wide range of artists including The Smashing Pumpkins, Pantera, Testament, Death, Morbid Angel, Obituary, Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, Artillery, Nasty Savage, and Anacrusis.

In popular culture

The track "Hall of the Mountain King" from the eponymous album was featured in the video game Brütal Legend.

German power metal group Powerwolf recorded a cover of "Edge of Thorns" for the deluxe edition of their 2015 release Blessed & Possessed.

"Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)" from the album Dead Winter Dead was included in season 8, episode 10 ("Christmas Wishes") of the television series The Office.

Band members

Current members

  • Jon Oliva – keyboards (1981–1992, 1993, 1994–2002, 2014–2015, since 2023), lead and backing vocals (1978–1992, 2001–2002, 2014–2015, since 2023), guitar (1978–1980, 1994), bass (1978, 1994), drums (1981, 1991, 1994)
  • Johnny Lee Middleton – bass guitar and backing vocals (1986–2002, 2014–2015, since 2023)
  • Chris Caffery – guitar and vocals (1987–1990, 1995–2002, 2014–2015, since 2023), keyboards (1987–1990)
  • Zachary Stevens – lead vocals (1992–2000, 2014–2015, since 2023)
  • Jeff Plate – drums (1994–2002, 2014–2015, since 2023)
  • Al Pitrelli – guitar and backing vocals (1995–1999, 2002, 2014–2015, since 2023)

Discography

External links

Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Savatage&oldid=83639"