Chris Caffery (guitar) and Zak Stevens (vocals), members of Savatage , revealed in an interview with journalist Igor Miranda that they will have two new keyboardists on the tour that will pass through European and South American countries – including Brazil with the Monsters of Rock 30 Years and a separate show with Opeth in São Paulo .
The band, which returned to the stage after a hiatus, features a solid lineup of experienced musicians: Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Al Pitrelli on guitar, and Jeff Plate on drums.
Asked if the group had already rehearsed for the performances, Zak replied (transcription via Blabbermouth ): “Yes, we’ve already done some rehearsals. We have two keyboardists who will be joining us on tour… It’s an important addition to the band’s sound.”
“Johnny mentioned this today,” Chris added. “We’re not going to reveal names. When they asked me who they were, I replied, ‘I can list a thousand keyboardists who aren’t .’ Johnny mentioned that one of the musicians is from Colombia, so in addition to the keyboardist, we’ll have an interpreter for the shows in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries.”
Zak also explained how the band's vocal dynamics will work live and whether the new keyboardists will participate: “I'll be taking on most of the lead vocals, but these guys are incredible singers, seriously! The band's vocal situation is fantastic right now – I'm loving it because we have more layers and harmonies than we did before.”
“The vocal level has taken a huge leap, reaching our historical peak,” he continues. “Chris Caffery is doing a great job in his part. We have two excellent new singers (who are also keyboardists), in addition to Al, myself… Johnny is also adding some backing vocals. Chris is singing more than ever. It’s sensational, man! The vocal chemistry is incredible. While Jon [Oliva] is away, I’ll be carrying the brunt of the lead vocals.”
Chris detailed the creative process regarding live performances: “We want to faithfully reproduce the album arrangements without resorting to playback. The vocal harmonies and keyboard parts are essential, especially in songs like 'Chance' and 'Prelude To Madness'. With this lineup, we can explore all the nuances.”
Despite Jon Oliva's (founder and original vocalist) absence due to health issues, he remains artistically involved. "He participates in the selection of the repertoire and rehearsals. His presence is inspiring, and we hope to have him back when possible," stated Chris.
Savatage without Jon Oliva at Monsters of Rock
The musician suffered severe spinal fractures in 2023 and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Ménière's disease, conditions that limited his mobility. Despite the challenges, Oliva remains active in the music scene, including in side projects such as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Savatage will play at Monsters of Rock on April 19th . The lineup includes Scorpions , Judas Priest , Europe , Queensrÿche , Opeth, and Stratovarius.
Savatage before its "reactivation" in 2021
Zak Stevens was a member of Savatage between 1992 and 2000, participating in four albums. The band was inactive between 2002 and 2015, when they reunited at Wacken Open Air . Since then, the members have focused on other projects until the announcement of their reactivation in 2021.
The group's last significant tour took place in 2001, following the release of Poets And Madmen , with Damond Jiniya taking over vocals in place of Zak. The current lineup marks the return of Al Pitrelli , who had left the band in 2000 to join Megadeth.
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