On April 19th, Savatage gave their first live performance in 10 years Monsters Of Rock 2025 festival at Allianz Parque, in São Paulo.
The band performed with Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Chris Caffery on guitar, Al Pitrelli on guitar, Jeff Plate on drums, and Zak Stevens on vocals, in addition to two new touring keyboardists , Paulo Cuevas and Shawn McNair .
However, Jon Oliva , founding vocalist and keyboardist, is no longer touring with the band. In 2023, Oliva suffered a fractured vertebra that left him wheelchair-bound. In addition, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Ménière's disease, conditions that further complicated his health.
Jon Oliva explains his health condition and why he hasn't been performing.
In an interview with the YouTube channel Rocktambulos , Jon Oliva spoke about his health preventing him from joining the band on tour, explaining how his condition has even affected his basic needs [transcription via Blabbermouth ].
“I was involved in a serious accident and got quite badly injured. 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.”
Regarding his improvement since the accident he suffered, 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.”
Jon Oliva's participation in the Monsters of Rock show.
During Savatage's show at Allianz Parque in São Paulo , Jon Oliva appeared via video at his piano, singing the song "Believe" from the album Streets – A Rock Opera . Shortly after, the band – on stage – joined the vocalist to finish the song. On that occasion, vocalist Zakk Stevens introduced Chris Oliva , the late guitarist and brother of Jon Oliva, for the solo in "Believe".
New Savatage album
Despite the limitations, Oliva is fully involved in Savatage's comeback shows and confirmed that a new Savatage album is almost entirely written, but recording has been postponed. “I’m more present than you might imagine. Because of the injury, I’ve taken on a role as musical director, organizing the setlist and the structure of the shows. These guys are more excited than a teenage band—their energy is incredible.”
The musician continued: “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 excruciating pain.”
READ ALSO: Savatage returns in style alongside Opeth to São Paulo
