After more than two decades without a proper tour, SAVATAGE is preparing to return to the stage. The American metal band, known for its fusion of heavy, progressive, and power metal, has been largely inactive in the live scene since 2002, with their last full performance taking place at Wacken Open Air 2015. Now they are set for a series of concerts across South America in April and Europe in June. The return begins in Brazil, where SAVATAGE will perform at the Monsters Of Rock festival on April 19 at Allianz Parque, São Paulo. The event will also feature SCORPIONS, JUDAS PRIEST, EUROPE, OPETH, QUEENSRŸCHE and STRATOVARIUS. There is also speculation about a SAVATAGE solo concert at Espaço Unimed on April 21, though it has yet to be officially confirmed. However, one key member will be missing: Jon Oliva, SAVATAGE‘s founding vocalist and keyboardist. In 2023, Oliva suffered a T7 vertebra fracture in three places, a severe injury that has left him relying on a wheelchair. Additionally, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Ménière’s disease, conditions that have further complicated his health.

In an interview with Brazilian music journalist Igor Miranda, Oliva repeatedly emphasized that his injuries prevent him from taking part in the tour, explaining how his condition has affected even basic activities, let alone performing. “I can’t even sing right now because of the pain,” he admitted. “I can’t stand for too long, and I need time for my vertebra to heal naturally.” When asked about surgery as a possible solution, Oliva explained that he had considered it but ultimately decided against it after seeking advice from medical professionals and acquaintances. “They wanted to put metal in my body,” he said. “But people I spoke to told me not to do it, that I would regret it. So, I chose to let it heal naturally.”

Despite his absence from the tour, Oliva remains deeply involved with SAVATAGE. He spoke about the band’s legacy, the music’s ability to withstand time, and the status of their long-awaited new album. When asked about his favorite SAVATAGE record, Oliva had a quick answer: “That’s a tough one. The album that means the most to me is (1991’s) ‘Streets(: A Rock Opera)’ because my brother (late SAVATAGE guitarist Criss Oliva),  (producer) Paul (O’Neill) and I worked so hard on it. It took a year to record. I had the most fun making it because it had so many songs and showcased every side of the band. From ‘Agony And Ecstasy’ to ‘Believe’ and ‘Somewhere In Time’ — that’s probably my favorite.” He also reminisced about the recording process, emphasizing how special the album was for him and the band. “It was the first SAVATAGE album recorded digitally,” he said. “We were the guinea pigs at Record Plant since they had just gotten all this digital equipment. We were the first band to use it. It was amazing.”

One moment that stood out was recording the track “Believe”, one of the most emotional songs in SAVATAGE‘s catalog. “I sang ‘Believe’ like 304 times… and they used the third take,” he laughingly recalled.

Even after decades, SAVATAGE‘s music continues to captivate fans. When asked why the band’s material remains relevant, Oliva pointed to its timeless quality. “A lot of SAVATAGE‘s stuff doesn’t sound dated. It reminds me of BLACK SABBATH‘s ‘Paranoid’. That album never gets old. I was listening to it the other day — you put it on, and it still stands out. I think that happens with SAVATAGE, too. ‘Hall Of The Mountain King’, for example, still stands the test of time.”

Oliva confirmed that a new SAVATAGE album is nearly complete, though work on it has been sporadic. “I basically have an album ready,” he explained. “I’ve been working on it off and on. We were talking about touring before my accident. I’ve been working on stuff for about a year. If I get the guys together to record, it’s ready. But we wanted to do this tour first.”

Regarding the amount of material available, he revealed that there is much more than just one album’s worth. “We have enough for four albums,” he said. “The lyrics aren’t written yet, but musically, it’s done. And it’s my fault everything stopped because of the fractures.”

Despite previously stating that the next album might be the band’s last, Oliva now seems uncertain about that claim. “I said it might be the last one, but now I’m not sure,” he admitted. “I have all this material. What am I going to do? Release a quadruple album? I don’t think it will be the last one.”

Savatage recently announced their first headline shows since 2002.

Saturday, June 14, 2025 – Oberhausen, Germany – Turbinenhalle *
Monday, June 16, 2025 – London, UK – Shepherds Bush Empire
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – Zurich, Switzerland – Komplex 457 *
Thursday, June 19, 2025 – Munich, Germany – Tonhalle *
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz

Singer Zak Stevens explains: “As you can imagine, there are so many special things about these shows that are racing through my mind. We get to play a series of headline shows for the first time in over twenty years that will put us right back in front of all of the unbelievable fans who have given us so many unforgettable memories over the last three decades. Here’s our chance to directly give back to everyone who’s been there supporting us all these years!”

In their long-awaited return to the stage after a decade, the iconic lineup of John Lee Middleton, Zak Stevens, Chris Caffery, Jeff Plate, and Al Pitrelli will also perform at the following festivals:

Friday, June 13, 2025 – Leeuwarden, Netherlands – Into The Grave Festival
Sunday, June 22, 2025 – Dessel, Belgium – Grapop Metal Meeting
Thursday, June 26, 2025 – Barcelona, Spain – Rockfest
Saturday, June 28, 2025 – Thessaloniki, Greece – Rockwave Festival 

“All the great festival shows are going to be off-the-charts amazing. It’s even hard to imagine the scale of excitement that’s going to take place with those shows”, continues Zak.

Savatage Founder Jon Oliva expresses his disappointment at not joining (but concurrent deep excitement for his bandmates), stating: “I am very excited for the guys to be doing some shows. Unfortunately, due to health issues, I will not be able to join the guys for this run. Hopefully, this is just temporary. I will continue working in the studio on new music for the future. These shows will be awesome and I will be working with them to get it all ready for you. I know everyone is going to love it!!! Me and the guys are very excited and ready to kick ass! So from me, thank you all for the support for all these years and we can’t wait to rock you!”

Watch the announcement trailer to get in the mood: