Jon Oliva of Savatage shares near-death experience in freak accident
SAVATAGE is set to make a grand return after a lengthy absence from the stage. The renowned American heavy metal band, recognized for their ventures into progressive and power metal, has not performed live since the Wacken Open Air event in 2015, with their last tour dating back to 2002. However, fans can rejoice as they are gearing up for a series of shows in South America in April and Europe in June.
Their comeback journey commences in Brazil at the Monsters of Rock festival at Allianz Parque in São Paulo on April 19. They will be sharing the stage with other legendary bands such as SCORPIONS, JUDAS PRIEST, EUROPE, OPETH, QUEENSRŸCHE, and STRATOVARIUS. Speculations are circulating that they might also hold a separate concert at Espaço Unimed in São Paulo two days later.
The band’s 2025 lineup will feature Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli on guitars, Jeff Plate on drums, and Zak Stevens as the lead vocalist. However, it is with a heavy heart that the founding member Jon Oliva will be unable to join the group on this tour. Oliva faced a grave incident in 2023 that led to the fracturing of his T7 vertebra in three places. To compound matters, he has also been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Ménière’s disease, making it impractical for him to participate in the upcoming tour.
In a recent interview, Oliva candidly shared the details of his unfortunate accident and the subsequent health challenges that have left him incapacitated. Expressing his disappointment, he emphasized the importance of taking caution to avoid severe injuries like his own. Reflecting on the near-fatal accident, he highlighted how a mere difference in positioning could have cost him his life, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the miraculous escape from tragedy.
The scheduled SAVATAGE 2025 tour includes dates in South America and Europe. The South American leg will cover performances on April 19 in São Paulo, Brazil, at the Monsters Of Rock festival and on April 23 in Santiago, Chile, at Masters Of Rock. Following this, the band will head to Europe for a series of headlining shows in cities such as Oberhausen, Germany; London, UK; Zurich, Switzerland; Munich, Germany; and Milan, Italy. Additionally, they will be making appearances at various music festivals across Europe, promising an exhilarating experience for metal fans across the continent.
As SAVATAGE embarks on this eagerly anticipated tour, fans can expect a triumphant return of the band’s iconic sound and electrifying performances. Despite the absence of Jon Oliva, the band remains committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for their loyal followers, reigniting the flames of metal music on stages around the world.