

Savatage
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Albums
Members
Current
Chris Caffery
Guitar
Jeff Plate
Johnny Lee Middleton
Jon Oliva
Keith "Thumper" Collins
Steve Wacholz
History
Al Pitrelli
Electric guitar
Chris Caffery
Guitar
Chris Caffery
Guitar
Criss Oliva
Jack Frost
John Zahner
Electric guitar
Keyboard
Background vocals
Additional
Steve Wachholz
Zak Stevens
Story of Savatage
Hailing from Tarpon Springs, Florida, Savatage emerged in 1979, forged by the Oliva brothers, Jon and Criss. Initially christened Avatar, a name clash forced a rebranding just before their 1983 debut, Sirens. This pivotal shift marked the beginning of a legendary career. Savatage became a cornerstone of the US heavy metal scene in the early-to-mid 80s, profoundly influencing countless metal subgenres.
Their prolific output includes eleven studio albums, two live albums, five compilations, and three EPs. While Fight for the Rock (1986) brought them initial chart success (#158 Billboard 200), Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991), and Edge of Thorns (1993) solidified their critical acclaim and cemented their legacy. Tragedy struck on October 17, 1993, when Criss Oliva died in a car accident, just six months after Edge of Thorns` release.
Undeterred, Jon Oliva (with producer Paul ONeill) carried on Savatage
s torch, releasing four more studio albums amidst several lineup changes before an extended hiatus in 2002. The bands members went on to create other notable projects, including Jon Oliva
s Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle, and Doctor Butcher, further cementing their impact on the broader landscape of rock and metal.