Watch: SAVATAGE returns to live stage for first time in 10 years
22-04-2025
SAVATAGE performed live for the first time in 10 years this weekend (Saturday, April 19) at the Monsters Of Rock festival at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil. The event also featured SCORPIONS, JUDAS PRIEST, EUROPE, OPETH, QUEENSRŸCHE and STRATOVARIUS.
SAVATAGE‘s lineup for the Monsters Of Rock festival and the upcoming shows this spring and summer consists of Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Chris Caffery on guitar, Al Pitrelli on guitar, Jeff Plate on drums and Zak Stevens on lead vocals. Also appearing with the group are SAVATAGE‘s two new touring keyboardists, Paulo Cuevas and Shawn McNair.
One key member is missing from SAVATAGE‘s reunited lineup: Jon Oliva, the band’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.
SAVATAGE‘s setlist for the Monsters Of Rock festival was as follows:
01. The Ocean (performed for first time since 1998)
02. Welcome (performed for first time since 1998)
03. Jesus Saves
04. The Wake Of Magellan (performed for first time since 2002)
05. Dead Winter Dead
06. Handful Of Rain (performed for first time since 2002)
07. Chance
08. Gutter Ballet
09. Edge Of Thorns
10. Believe (sung and played by Jon Oliva on piano, video on screen; band came in after first chorus)
11. Sirens (performed for first time since 2003)
12. Hall Of The Mountain King
Joining Chris and Al in SAVATAGE‘s current touring lineup are Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Zak Stevens on vocals and Jeff Plate on drums.
Zak joined SAVATAGE in 1992 as the replacement for Jon. Zak sang on four albums with the band — “Edge Of Thorns” (1993),“Handful Of Rain” (1994),“Dead Winter Dead” (1995) and “The Wake Of Magellan” (1997) — before departing in 2000, allowing Jon to return. Both Jon and Zak took part in SAVATAGE‘s 2015 performance at Wacken Open Air, which marked the band’s first, and only so far, appearance on stage since they went on hiatus back in 2002.
SAVATAGE‘s last album release, “Poets And Madmen”, in 2001 was highlighted by Jon‘s return as lead vocalist, replacing Zak, who left the band citing family reasons, and the departure of Pitrelli, who accepted an offer to join MEGADETH in 2000. Pitrelli did record solos for some songs prior to his exit. Another very limited U.S. tour followed, supported by FATES WARNING in the early shows, and then NEVERMORE for the remainder. Around this time, Jon chose Zak‘s replacement in the form of Damond Jiniya (DIET OF WORMS). Damond performed Zak‘s parts on tour, with Jon having an increased vocal role in proceedings.
In September 2021, Jon Oliva was arrested on the west central coast of Florida for driving under the influence as well as possession of a controlled substance. Police charged Oliva with possession of cocaine, which is a felony, and DUI, which is a misdemeanor. Oliva was reportedly arrested again in July 2023 on another cocaine possession charge.
Back in 2016, Jon announced on social media that he suffered a stroke in April of that year. At the time, he said: “It was not as serious as it could have been, but it did leave me with some physical recovery challenges often associated with strokes.”
Despite his health issues, Jon said that he didn’t regret the way he had lived his life. He wrote: “I lived the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle since I was 18. It’s all I knew and I enjoyed the ride very much. But there comes a time in everyone’s life where you have to step back and make some life-changing decisions… which I have.”
Social media