In an unexpected turn of events, Savatage is set to perform at the 2025 edition of Brazil’s Monsters of Rock festival, scheduled for April 19, 2025, in São Paulo. Alongside heavy-hitting legends Scorpions, Judas Priest, Europe, Queensrÿche, Opeth, and Stratovarius, Savatage’s appearance has sparked immense anticipation among fans eager for any chance to witness the band live. Ticket sales will begin on Friday, November 1st.
Earlier today, Savatage confirmed their participation in the festival through a social media post, and according to the festival website, the line-up will feature Johnny Lee Middleton (bass) Chris Caffery, and Al Pitrelli (guitars), Jeff Plate (drums), and Zak Stevens (vocals).
The band’s lineup history is significant, marked by multiple lineup changes and vocal transformations. Zak Stevens joined Savatage in 1992 as the new frontman, stepping in after founding vocalist Jon Oliva. Zak brought his voice to four influential albums: Edge of Thorns (1993), Handful of Rain (1994), Dead Winter Dead (1995), and The Wake of Magellan (1997). After leaving in 2000, Zak’s departure cleared the way for Jon to reclaim his position as lead vocalist. The two vocalists came together in 2015 for a legendary performance at Wacken Open Air—the band’s only live appearance since going on hiatus in 2002.
Savatage’s last studio album, Poets and Madmen, came out in 2001, featuring Jon’s return as lead vocalist after Zak left for family reasons. This era also saw the departure of guitarist Al Pitrelli, who joined Megadeth in 2000 but contributed solos for a few tracks on the album before leaving. Following the release, Savatage embarked on a brief U.S. tour, supported first by Fates Warning and then by Nevermore. During this time, Jon tapped Damond Jiniya of Diet of Worms as Zak’s touring replacement, a period that saw Jon himself taking on a more substantial vocal presence.
This potential reunion could make the upcoming show in São Paulo an unforgettable chapter in the band’s storied career, and we can only hope for more shows to be announced soon.