The Return of Savatage: A Legendary Reunion in London and at Hellfest 2025 by Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen
LIVE REVIEWS — Words can’t describe the emotion, excitement, and fulfillment I experienced this summer while making my Savatage dreams come true.
When I realized the “Return of Savatage” was really happening, my goal was to see them twice: headlining, and at a festival.
It made the most sense to catch their third show in London, England at Shepherd’s Bush June 16th followed by their debut at Hellfest in Clisson, France on June 19th.
This was monumental for the Legion.
Savatage had not performed in over two decades, aside from their iconic appearance at Wacken 2015, where Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra made history playing Main Stage 1 and 2 simultaneously.
For those unfamiliar, Savatage is a legendary metal band from Tarpon Springs, FL, formed by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979. Between 1983 and 2001, they released 11 powerful albums before evolving into what’s now known worldwide as Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
After touring exclusively as TSO since 2002, Savatage are making their return!
They had a few April dates in South America, followed by almost a dozen in Europe and the UK. Savatage’s current lineup includes Zak Stevens, Chris Caffery, Al Pitrelli, Jeff Plate, Johnny Lee Middleton, Paulo Cuevas, and Shawn McNair.
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The Return of Savatage: A Legendary Reunion in London and at Hellfest 2025
By Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen
Friday, June 16th – London, England
Savatage played 20 songs from eight albums to an almost sold-out crowd at Shepard’s Bush Empire. Seeing Savatage perform is extraordinary for fans.
Something about the music that Producer/Co-Writer/”Mastermind” Paul O’Neill and the Oliva brothers created is unlike anything else. Even though lineups have changed, every performer has stayed true to the initial vision.
I rocked out on the balcony for the first half of the show and then worked my magic to get to the front row for the second half. Having (Jon) Oliva onstage via video for “Believe,” including a montage of (Criss) Oliva was a perfect way to ensure there was not a dry eye in the house. Although, (Jon) Oliva could not be
there due to health reasons, his blessing was given, and his hands were involved every step.
Of course, being front and center at Savatage headlining in London wasn’t enough… I had to crowd-surf too! Words can’t describe the feeling I had crowd- surfing to “Hall of the Mountain King” as Stevens pointed at me from the stage!
This was the best possible ending of an already perfect night. I was ecstatic over seeing such a phenomenal show and could not wait for Hellfest. German power metal band Induction got the crowd ready for Savatage, and even got us to sing along with Europe’s “The Final Countdown.”
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Savatage Saturday, June 19th – Hellfest – Clisson, France
Savatage debuted at the 19th. annual Hellfest on Saturday, a festival featuring 184 bands across six stages, drawing approximately 280,000 fans over its four days.
We had an interview scheduled, followed by their Press Conference, and live performance. This year’s Hellfest was exceptionally brutal with temperatures soaring to 95°F, high humidity, and almost no breeze.
My only goal was to make it through the day without melting! When we walked into media for our interview, I immediately spotted Caffery, Middleton, Pitrelli, and Plate sitting down for an interview.
A few moments later Pitrelli and Plate were asked to leave their current interview to join us.
It’s hard to believe that Pitrelli is still the baby of the band, even though he’s been there for 30 years! It was heartfelt to hear how much love they have for Jon (Oliva) and will always have for Paul (O’Neill).
There truly is no other band that even compares to Savatage… musically, creatively, artistically, or emotionally.
From the first note to the last, it was magical. Setlists vary, depending on festival or club, and the band are mixing it up nightly. I spent the first three songs in the photo pit and caught eye contact with Stevens and he waved to me!
I enjoyed emotions from fans around me seeing Savatage for the first time in 23 years, or possibly ever.
Having a longer set like the club shows is preferred, but it’s great to see them on a festival stage. This is just the beginning of the “Return of Savatage.” In comparison, in London the band played 21 songs and at Hellfest they played 11.
In London, fans started in the queue at 8:30 AM to get to the front of the stage and were there for Savatage. It was hot at Shepard’s Bush, but nothing compared to intensity felt at Hellfest.
At Hellfest, most fans melted for three to four nights and were there for a variety of bands. Quite a few Savatage shirts were worn that day on fans gathered for their set.
In the end, I was interviewed in the London queue about Savatage, crowd-surfed, got a setlist, Caffery guitar pick, interviewed Plate and Pitrelli, got pics/hugs with four of the guys, sat in during their press conference and asked a question, and shot from the photo pit. Both shows were incredible, and I’m honored to be part of it. I believe if you want something, you have to make it happen, and I am very grateful I made this trip happen to see Savatage in both environments.
Savatage are working on a 10-year plan, and hopefully all of you are part of it. I plan to be there for as many steps along the way as I can. I know that O’Neill and (Criss) Oliva are looking down on us all, proud of Savatage the band and the Legion.
RIP Paul O’Neill and Criss Oliva.
Written by Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen
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