Savatage | Masquerade | Ybor City, FL | October 17,2003 |

 

(W/Circle 2 Circle, Streets)

I can't say enough about what an amazing show this was, I grew up on Savatage, and being from Tampa, Fl. I got to see them a ton of times.. 

Me and some of my friends even did Savatage for air-band in high school.. and won first place both times.. and doing that against, dancers.. and pop music wasn't easy.... (Even if we were just faking it..lol) I went on to take drum lessons from Steve, who was one of the reasons I started playing drums. (along w/Tommy Lee) I watched them grow from our little local band.. to Mtv stars... but nothing prepared me for October 17, 1993.. I even remember what I was doing at the moment they announced Criss Oliva had died in a car accident.. I had just got home from Livestock, and was standing in my kitchen.. I knew the music world would never be the same.. I went to the funeral and saw the most amazing gathering of friends, family and fans.. the Oliva family allowed everyone into the family to share this very sad moment.... something else I will never forget..

Through the years I followed them through many more line-up changes.. till they just lost me in the shuffle.. after about 3 more drummers (after Steve) at least 3 other guitarists.. and Jon Oliva in and out of the band.. I just couldn't find the passion I once did... I will always be a Savatage fan.. but in my heart.. things were just never the same w/out Criss... the closest they get is when Chris Caffery plays Criss's stuff.. I can close my eyes and feel Criss..

Fast forward...

October 17,2003.. The Criss Oliva 10 year memorial concert.. this would be the first time all original members would be on stage together in what seems like forever... and what a treat..... First off "Streets" opened the show with an amazing tribute to Savatage, the mix was a little off... so it was hard to hear all the guys.. but all in all they were great! Then came Circle][Circle, Zak Stevens new band.. awesome like always.. (See the Circle][Circle pics on another page) 

 

Marla Stone from 98Rock.. (the old days) even flew in for the show... which was a great old school treat...

And of coarse we cant forget Kathy.. for putting on an amzing night...

Then came Jon Oliva doing a bunch of solo songs no one had heard yet.. great stuff.. with Jon amazing vocal style.. and lyrics.

He played keyboards.. and some acoustic guitar also...

Then came an awesome treat.. Chris Caffery came out and they did a few Dr.Butcher songs.. I have both Dr.Butcher c.d's (anyone who is a fan of OLD Savatage will love them!) This was amazing.. and the songs kicked ass!

 

Then after a long break.. out came the boys.. Steve, Johnny, Chris, and Jon.. even Zak sang his era songs..

The lights were amazing, the show was amazing.. tons of super rare songs.. "Wishing Well" "Jesus Saves" acoustic version.. 

on and on.. tons of rare songs.. One of the highlights for me was seeing Steve kill those drums.. I'm used to see him playing sets that are about the size of a house.. so it was cool to see him play a set you can actually see him on.. (not that I could get good pics.. too much fog..)

Here is a ton of pictures from the night... Awesome show.. the only thing I can possibly say about the show, is I wish they would have played the Criss DVD they were selling, or show some Criss footage between bands...

We couldn't hang out after the show, cause I was leaving for Biketoberfest early... I had even brought my huge Savatage scrap-book to get signed.. I guess I'll have to hope for another amazing night like this one.....