Savatage is gearing up for a series of highly anticipated live performances in 2025, marking a return to live stage that was signaled by the announcement of their presence at Brazil’s 2025 Monsters Of Rock. The band’s lineup will feature Johnny Lee Middleton (bass), Chris Caffery (guitar), Al Pitrelli (guitar), Jeff Plate (drums), and Zak Stevens (lead vocals), who will take the stage at several renowned festivals across South America and Europe.
However, for a handful of years, every single Savatage fan out there has been longing for new music from the band. And according to a recent interview with Metal Pilgrim – where guitarist Chris Caffery, drummer Jeff Plate, and vocalist Zak Stevens discussed the band’s upcoming shows – we might now have a clearer idea about what to expect in terms of that long-awaited new album.
Discussing the progress of the new album, Caffery revealed that although the music is continuously being written, there’s no set completion date: “Well, the music is being written and it keeps being written. As far as when it’s going to be finished, there is not a date. Let’s just put it this way when we can, we will get music done. And the stuff that is written is very good. And when we get together and start playing, I have a feeling there’s gonna be new stuff that gets written too. I mean, in a perfect world, we get these shows done, we make a plan that’s going to stay straight and we can have an answer for this for an actual date.”
“I think it would be great to have some music, but for right now, I think the most important thing is that we’re going. And now that the Savatage machine is moving, we’ll be able to answer these questions better, I think, now that it’s solidified that it’s no longer the rumor that Savatage is playing. So we’ll have these answers more as we get together.”
Stevens added that they have been recording for a while and have around eight or nine songs in collaboration with Savatage mastermind Jon Oliva. The creative process is ongoing, with newer material often surpassing the older tracks: “We have been working on music. We’ve been recording stuff for a while now. I mean, I’ve got about probably eight or nine songs that I’ve been working on with Jon.”
“And he keeps writing more, like Chris said. So it’s just an ongoing process. Stuff is continuing to beat the old stuff. So Jon goes, ‘Oh, you like that? Well, here.’ And then something winds up beating something else, and then what you thought was gonna be the 10 songs on the record, now half of them have already gone to a new level. So we’ve got a lot of music. So it’s just gonna be a matter of time to when we can record it,” he added.
Caffery and Plate also touched on Jon Oliva‘s potential involvement in future performances, with Caffery mentioning that Jon might join them on stage for a song or two, similar to Glenn Tipton‘s appearances with Judas Priest: “For us, really, it’s gonna be up to Jon, when Jon is able to do what Jon is able to do. I know personally, I’m gonna see Jon tomorrow. He’s coming out to see us with TSO. And when he’s there, we’ll be speaking about the setlist for Savatage and what we’re gonna do. And I’ll know more about how he feels and what he has going on. And every time I speak to him, I find out more about how he is and where that’s going. So, as far as where Jon is, that’s gonna be up to Jon. He wants to be there.”
He shared that Jon’s participation would depend on his health and physical therapy progress. Caffery remains optimistic, believing that the band’s live performances will motivate Jon to join them: “I’ve gotta be honest with you. I think us going and playing is gonna push him to get this, whatever the physical therapy is, and make things happen that get him there, because I know the Mountain King and he wants to be there. He does wanna be there. So it’s gonna be one of these things. And we’re gonna do whatever we can to make sure that we incorporate him into the show. I mean, technology has a lot of a lot of things… So there are ways to get Jon Oliva to these shows. So we’ll figure it out.”
Plate praised Jon‘s decision to let the band perform despite his health challenges, acknowledging Jon’s significant contribution to Savatage since its inception in the ’80s. He expressed confidence in the band’s ability to carry on and inspire Jon to return to the stage once he recovers.
“It’s very honorable of Jon to allow us to do this. Savatage is his baby. He started this thing back in the ’80s. And the fact that he’s, like, ‘Let’s let these guys get out there and play and get this thing rolling.’ He’s got some health things he’s really got to straighten out. And they are serious, they are unforeseen and all of a sudden these things just happen. But Jon, I give that man a lot of credit for saying, ‘Okay, guys.'”
“We’ve all collectively — what do we figure, Chris? 160 years or something like that we’ve collectively been working for Jon Oliva, and he trusts us. So, this band going out there and getting this ball rolling is… I think Chris kind of nailed it on the head. This is gonna be an inspiration for Jon too. And we’re all just hoping for him to get healthy and get back on the horse and back out here with us,” Plate added.
Caffery recalled a heartfelt conversation with Jon, where Jon encouraged him to perform even without his presence. This interaction reinforced Caffery‘s commitment to honor Jon’s wishes and continue the legacy of Savatage.
“I looked at him the last time I saw him and I said to him that I’ve never done a Savatage show without you.’ We had a close talk about this stuff and got into that in particular, and he looked to me, and he just says, ‘Would you go fucking play?’ So any fans that tell me that this ain’t Savatage and it ain’t Jon, it’s, like, talk to him. It’s, like, keep your opinions to yourself.”
“I know who Jon is and I know what Savatage is. And when the Mountain King yells at you and tells you to go do that, I’m gonna go do it. That’s basically where I’m at,” Caffery mused.
Last October, Oliva explained in more detail his absence from the band’s upcoming appearances, via a Facebook post on the Savatage Legion group, made on his behalf. The statement reads:
“Hello Savatage Fans
This is Jon Oliva. I want to set a few things straight for everyone. First of all, I am very excited for Johnny, Chris, Zak, Jeff & Al to play again. I feel it’s important for the fans to enjoy our music live, and believe me these guys will kick ass.
As far as I go, I was going to do these shows but unfortunately, I’ve run into more health issues. I want you all to know that if there was any way I could do these shows I would, but my health issues are more serious than I originally thought. As most of you know I fractured my spine in 3 places and have recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis as well as Meniere’s Disease. My doctors are working with me to get healthy again.
I am working closely with the guys and will be involved in every other aspect of the show. I am 100 percent behind the guys doing this and I promise I will return as soon as possible.
In the meantime, I am working in the studio on new material I love you all, and thank you for understanding my situation, I know my brothers will deliver the goods.
Enjoy Sava Legions, much love to you all
Jon Oliva”
