Queensrÿche and Savatage made their respective returns to Brazilian stages this Saturday, the 19th, at the Monsters of Rock 30th anniversary event .
The first band returned after a 13-year absence from South America. Savatage, despite having been away from the country for 24 years, delivered the most anticipated performance of the festival. Their show not only ended a long absence from Brazil but also marked the band's official return to the stage after a decade of inactivity.
Queensrÿche at Monsters of Rock 30 Years
Todd La Torre 's debut in Brazil and came as the group celebrates its 40th anniversary and is about to conclude the Digital Noise Alliance (2022).
The setlist featured tracks from the band's early phase, such as "Warning" and "Queen Of The Reich," as well as "Operation Mindcrime," the title track from their 1988 concept album.
La Torre seemed very happy to be in Brazil, mentioning the band's long hiatus from the country and also thanking the audience for their reception. Many fans feel that Geoff Tate is missed, but Todd has given the group a new lease on life.
Michael Wilton and Eddie Jackson also deserve mention. The guitarist and bassist, respectively, are the only original members and have remained with the band for four decades.
Throughout the performance the sound was loud, with the drums standing out more than the vocals and bass. The main omission was "Silent Lucidity." Despite expectations that it would be played, due to its return to the music charts, the track was left out of the setlist. "Eyes of a Stranger" closed the show.
For both the band and its fanbase, the show served as a barometer, demonstrating that the group is one of the best names in metal history and deserves to return soon for a solo tour, including more cities on the route.
Check out the photos of Jéssica Marinho:
Savatage at Monsters of Rock 30 Years
Savatage 's lineup consisted of Zak Stevens (vocals), Chris Caffrey (guitar), Al Pitrelli (guitar), Jeff Plate (drums), Johnny Lee Middleton (bass), and keyboardists Paulo Cuevas and Shawn McNair.
Jon Oliva – also a keyboardist and founder – even though he was unable to perform live, coordinated the entire rehearsal process and the selection of the setlist.
Throughout the stadium, there were a large number of fans wearing the band's t-shirts. Minutes before the performance, a spotlight fell from the stage ceiling, but the technical team quickly resolved the problem. Fortunately, no one was injured.
“The Oceania” and “Welcome” – played for the first time since 1998 – opened the show. During “Handful of Rain,” a light drizzle fell, prompting Zak to joke about it and say that the song “would match” the weather.
Stevens stands out for his friendliness. The vocalist interacted a lot with the fans, moved around a lot, and spoke in Portuguese: "Tudo bem" (Everything's fine), "Como vai" (How are you), and "Faz barulho" (Make some noise). He also kicked soccer balls into the audience during "Edge Of Thorns," followed by a fan invading the stage.
The most emotional moment of the show was when Jon Oliva appeared in a video singing “Believe,” bringing fans to tears. After the chorus, the band continued with the rest of the song. Images of Criss Oliva appeared on the screen along with the original recording of his solo. Criss passed away in 1993, a victim of a car accident.
The set ended with the classic “Hall of the Mountain King,” but also included “Chances,” “Dead Winter Dead,” and “Jesus Saves.”
For their highly anticipated return to the stage, Savatage couldn't have found a better audience or venue than Brazil. The expectation is that the group will release their new album later this year, which currently has the working title Curtain Call.
Check out the photos of Jéssica Marinho:
