Savatage’s Album Delayed Due to Jon Oliva’s Continued Songwriting
Savatage is currently in the process of working on a new studio album, but the exact release date remains uncertain. The main issue that the band is facing, according to Johnny Lee Middleton’s comments to Iron Madness, is that Jon is continuously writing more material. Although many songs have been recorded, and Jon has already laid down a substantial amount of his vocals, he keeps adding new pieces to the mix. Middleton explains, “So, we don’t know when an album will be released, but we know one will be released. It’s just a matter of when the timing is right.”
Fortunately, Savatage has its own recording studio, which helps them avoid the high costs associated with traditional studios. This is crucial in today’s music industry where physical album sales have plummeted, and streaming services pay artists minimal royalties per play. Middleton excited fans by stating, “We do have a lot of great songs that Jon has come up with some incredible stuff. And he wants it to be the last record. So, when it is released, it will be the last one.” Additionally, Chris Caffery hinted that the album might potentially be split into multiple releases, with a possible title change from ‘Curtain Call’ to ‘Curtain Call A.’
Alongside working on a new album, Savatage has plans to return to the live stage in 2025 after more than two decades of absence from a full tour. The band is set to kick off their comeback at the Monsters Of Rock festival in São Paulo, Brazil, on April 19, with additional shows scheduled in Europe. The lineup for these shows will include Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli on guitars, Jeff Plate on drums, and Zak Stevens on lead vocals.
Despite these exciting developments, Jon Oliva has faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2023, he suffered a severe back injury that has left him wheelchair-bound. He has also been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Ménière’s disease. Additionally, Oliva faced legal troubles, being arrested for charges related to cocaine possession and DUI in both 2021 and 2023.
Savatage fans eagerly await their new album and their return to the live stage after many years. With Jon’s prolific songwriting and the band’s commitment to delivering quality music, it’s clear that they are gearing up for a significant milestone in their career.