's vocalist, keyboardist, and founder Savatage, Jon Oliva, has provided updates on his current health status, as well as the progress of the band's new album. The musician's wish was to begin recording in January of this year.
Facebook group Savatage Legion, Oliva stated that he is suffering from "serious problems" still stemming from the fall he suffered in 2023, which fractured his T3 vertebra in three places and left him in a wheelchair, preventing him from participating in the band's historic comeback show at Monsters of Rock's 30th anniversarylast April. Jon also suffers from multiple sclerosis and Ménière's disease, which causes hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ears.
“I’ve been facing some serious health problems and, at the moment, I’m considering back surgery. The truth is, I’m in a lot of pain right now and haven’t been able to sing as I should. This has been one of the hardest things for me. I also can no longer travel by plane, which has made things quite complicated when it comes to going out and doing what I love [shows]. But this is important and hasn’t stopped me. In fact, we are looking for solutions to get around this situation,” he wrote [transcription via Blabbermouth].
Health problems “didn’t stop” Jon Oliva from working on the new Savatage album
Regarding Savatage's new album, possibly titled The Curtain Call, Oliva admitted that many problems arose, but that the band is working together to finally release the material. The keyboardist also thanked the fans for their support and asked them to "stick with him" because his group is "never close to breaking up."
“I know it’s been a long journey. Probably longer than any of us ever imagined. There have been delays, setbacks, and a lot going on behind the scenes. Some musical issues, and life problems, as always. But I want you to know one thing directly from me. I’m still here. And so is the music. There’s been a lot of work. Yes, health problems have delayed me at times, I won’t lie. But they haven’t stopped me. On the contrary, they’ve made me even more determined to finish what we started and bring you something worthy of the name and everything it represents. So, here’s the truth: things are moving forward. Maybe not at the speed of light, but they’re going in the right direction. And when the time comes, you’ll know. You’ll hear it. And I promise, it will be something special. Thank you for being with me all this time. Through the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We’re not finished yet, and we’re not even close. Stay with me,” he concluded.
READ ALSO: Why doesn't Jon Oliva, from Savatage, perform live anymore?
