The Criss Oliva Requiem Web Page

"Concerts: Savatage/Siren"

From: Aardschok America Aug./Sept. 1987

Author: Pat Prince

The Ritz Theatre, Tampa, Florida

     Florida's own Savatage returned to the Tampa Bay area to play the Ritz Theatre. Local radio station 95YNF pushed the show with heavy rotation of Savatage songs, and the show quickly sold out. Hundreds of fans were turned away from the door, so another show had to be added the following weekend.

     Opening act Siren went over reasonably well with the headbangers. They just released their debut called No Place Like Home on Flame Trader Records. It was recorded in Germany, and Siren will return to Europe April 24th to headline their own tour.

     After a brief intermission Savatage hit the stage with "City Beneath the Surface." Their nineteen song set was dominated by older material with such highlights as "Midas Knight," "Holocaust," and "The Dungeons Are Calling." The only slow song performed that night was "Out on the Streets," which is a great metal ballad that was on their Sirens LP and re-recorded on their last album Fight for the Rock. But fear not, Savatage played three new songs that will be on their next album titled Vicious Experience, which should be their heaviest record yet! The band has been touring with Motorhead in Europe, and it seems that Lemmy's speed metal must have influenced Savatage to write "Guardians of Forever." This song is sure to be a metal classic! The other songs were "Beyond the Doors of the Dark" and "Before I Hang," which guitarist Criss Oliva says "are back to our metal roots."

     Vocalist Jon Oliva, who can play any instrument, now plays synthesizers onstage for the first time. But this is strictly limited to a few song intros and lead breaks. For the most part, he was charging across the stage like an Amtrak train, running over any band member or roadie in his path. This is the same man that warms up backstage by banging his head against a door. During "Twisted Little Sister," a roadcase was rolled onstage. Jon opened it and dragged out an erotic dancer barely dressed in black langerie, and they simulated sex acts that are illegal in Florida.

     Savatage played no less than four encores, consisting of "Power of the Night," "The Whip," "Sirens," and "I Believe." These guys are at their best live and sound heavier and more intense onstage than on their studio recordings. This is one of the best shows I've seen all year, and with the new material and the band's aggressive stage show, Savatage should acheive the worldwide recognition they deserve.

Main Page / Commentary / Music / Articles / Pictures / Gear / Links / Web Rings

Updates and Credits / E-mail : [email protected]

Sign the Guestbook / View the Guestbook

View Old Guestbook

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1