Savatage , after more than two decades, returned to the stage earlier this month, kicking off their tour at Monsters of Rock in São Paulo at Allianz Park .
Vocalist and keyboardist Jon Oliva suffered a fracture in three vertebral fractures, leaving him with a serious injury and confined to a wheelchair, preventing him from participating in the band's tour. He was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which further compromises his health.
In an interview with the Argentinian YouTube channel Rocktambulos , the founder of Savatage spoke again about his health preventing him from joining the band on this tour, explaining how his condition has even affected his basic needs.
“I was involved in a serious accident and got quite badly hurt,” he said [transcribed via Blabbermouth ]. “And it’s a long process, a long recovery process, and with the injuries I have, I can’t sing properly because it’s very painful. And it’s difficult to stand for more than a few minutes. So, unfortunately, you can see me as a football player who got injured. And I’m on the injured reserve team.”
When asked about his improvement since the accident he suffered almost two years ago, Jon Oliva was candid:
"Yes, but it's complicated to explain. When you fracture your spine, especially after a certain age, recovery is slow. I'm not 18 anymore, so everything takes longer."
He revealed that doctors suggested implanting metal prostheses, but he chose not to follow that recommendation.
“I was advised against it, and I didn’t want it either. Besides, I’m terrified of surgery. I said, ‘Nobody’s going to cut me open for no reason, no way.’ That’s why the healing is taking longer. They said it could take more than a year to heal properly. Right now, I can’t sing—if I try, it feels like I’m being hit with a screwdriver. It’s horrible, believe me. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”
New Savatage album
Despite the limitations, Oliva is fully involved in Savatage's comeback shows, which feature Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli on guitars, Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Zak Stevens on vocals, and Jeff Plate on drums.
“I’m more present than you realize. Because of the injury, I’ve taken on the role of musical director, organizing the repertoire and the structure of the shows. These guys are more excited than a teenage band—their energy is incredible.”
Oliva, co-founder of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra , also confirmed that a new Savatage album is almost entirely written, but recording has been postponed.
“We had a lot of material ready, but the accident messed everything up. I decided to prioritize the shows so as not to disappoint the fans. Now, I hope that after the TSO end-of-year tour in November/December, I'll be recovered enough to record in January. The songs are ready—I just need to be able to sing without feeling that unbearable pain.”
The musician remains optimistic, but emphasizes:
"I need to improve. I can't do anything my way while I feel like there's a metal rod piercing me."
Jon Oliva's participation in the Monsters of Rock show.
On April 19th, Savatage played a historic show at Allianz Parque in São Paulo . One of the highlights of the show was the song "Believe," from the album Streets – A Rock Opera . The performance begins with a video showing Jon Oliva at his piano singing the song; the band joins the vocalist to finish the song. During the song, vocalist Zakk Stevens introduces Chris Oliva , the late guitarist and brother of Jon Oliva, for the solo in "Believe."
This moment in the show continues to be repeated throughout the tour, bringing excitement to the band's fans.
READ MORE: Savatage Interview: Jon Oliva promises surprises at Monsters of Rock 30 Years | Wikimetal
