It's so cool to see so many people still digging what Savatage and Criss did! Blown away with the response to this video, thanks for putting up with all my clams and my greasy hair :D
Cheers from Tampa Bay, FL (their home) I'm in a cover band which play nearly every song you listed! We even do "Ghost in the Ruins"! Haha! - Come to FL and jam with us!
Hey leon.. This is jon oliva for real I just wanted to thank you for recognizing my brother's incredible Talent so underrated that it makes me sad but thanks to people like you he lives on thank you again God bless you
john, you and your brother are fucking geniuses, I listen to rock and metal of any style and savatage will always be in my top 10 bands in the history of music. please talk to the guys because you have to come back, the music needs you 🤟🏻🤟🏻
Criss was a great player and really cool too. I've seen Savatage play many times in the early days around the Tampa Bay area. He had the best tone of anyone.
I believe..Midas Knight..The dungeons are calling..I could go on and on and keep listing my favorites but really I like all their songs..I started with the 1st album when it came out..
I agree about Sirens as well. It is my number one from Savatage. If only Cris would have had a solo on that song, I would put it in my top 5 of all time. There is a live version on TH-cam (I think from Detroit) that is just savage. And Jon sings so well on it. I think Cris plays it a little differently in that live video, doing fast trills instead of a slide in the main intro riff. Here it is: th-cam.com/video/qIF4mBR9Ih0/w-d-xo.html
The dungeons are calling was so fuckin awesome! I was a teenager when that came out. I remember how me and friends was just blown away by it. And then power of night followed and we was like holy shit. This is amazing metal. Dam those were the days.\m/
Leon!! U did an awesome job!! Criss was amazing...I played w him back when he was 14 yrs. old...he was WAY ahead of his time even back then!!! Miss him lots!! Thanks for remembering and honoring Criss!! Doc
Dude... Holy shit... Absolutely one of the best. Definitely one of my favorites for back then very unique and influential. Him, Lynch, demartini and Jake E Lee... Damn thanks bro great stuff
Great list my 1A team is the godfather =Evh, Nuno, Criss. Guys on your list are my 2A squad along with Bratta,, Skolnick, Friedman dozen or so others haha.
When this album came out I couldn't find it anywhere- sold out- which I thought was very strange for a Savatage release. I went home and...my dad had bought it, and was very disappointed, he thought it was a Christmas album. My friend worked at a record store at the time and people were returning it in droves- they also thought it was a Christmas album. Sarajevo on one hand was a weird choice for a single, on the other hand I believe the success of that single was where Jon got the idea for Trans-Siberian.
Certainly one of the most underappreciated guitarists ever. He had the ability of a virtuoso but was able to harness that ability and play interesting riffs and solos. And the way he filled the sound space with his guitar, adding a bit here and there was amazing. For the latter, just listen to "Tonight he grins again" from "Streets".
Totally agree about Chris Cafferty. Good guy too. I met Chris after a Metal Church show. He was filling in on guitar for Metal Church. A few weeks prior M.C. guitarist broke his hand, and Chris was asked to fill in. He shared with me that he had a 2 weeks to learn the set list for M C., and he was flawless that night.
It's amazing how even though I haven't listened to their albums in a year or so, I can still remember their songs. I listened to them a shit ton when I was in high school. Such a great band!
Love everything about this video. Savatage is one of my favorite bands and I still can't get over how underrated they are. Criss was a powerhouse and is sorely missed.
Cris Oliva for me is the most underrated guitarist. We lost an amazing talent and this was our loss, the industry, the must we as humans. What to say invasion, riffs, epic bridges, animosity and sweetness he had it all and more. His tone in edge of thorns album was is unparallel. I wish I could replicate the he carved his stone tone. For me as an artist is a name that I always promote. Shame to all the media that they still ignore him. They were doing it when he was alive and they still doing it now.
If Cris had lived on, I believe he would finally get a break in nu metal. People gotta realize, his style of playing was 10 to 15 years ahead for his time. Even Dimebag, was influenced by him. Rest in peace to both ❤️🙏
I agree 100 percent....Criss Oliva never got the recognition of a lot of his contemporaries,which is a shame.....He had his own unique style....I bought Power of the Night when I saw it in a record store,just because I thought the cover was cool......I was hooked after that....One if the greatest bands of all time..
Criss would have been 60 this year 😥 I loved Criss's tone growing up. He had so much passion in his playing - he seemed to have this innate sense of phrasing and melody. His use of octaves and using the lower 5th to add extra 'size' to his power chords were subtle but huge influences. I was born in 1990, but lucked into Savatage by chance because I liked the cover to Hall of the Mountain King and bought it. What a great tribute, Leon! Really well played and you've captured that Oliva magic. The most impressive thing is that you've managed to narrow this down to 5 riffs. There are three classics in "Mountain King" alone!
Criss was sooooooooo very under recognized and under appreciated for his writing, his style, tone, and massive talent. The entire SAVATAGE band line up has never been given the accolades they very much deserve. Jon's vocals, Zack's vocals, Dr. Killdrums and Jeff Plate behind the kit driving the machine, Johnny Lee pounding the bass, and Chris Caffery and Pitrelli burning frets up. All of these guys are amazing talents!!! Take a listen to the other projects these guys have created and you'll find they are all putting out some awesome music. Not to mention TSO comes from this fold. RIP Criss. We love you, miss you, and thank you for sharing your talents and great music.
Was lucky enough to get to see him live on there Streets tour. He was such a great player. And your so right he belongs right up there with Randy, and Eddie.
Guitars players who know his stuff definitely put him up there. But sadly the band as a whole just never got big enough to be a household name. Kind of in that Allen Holdsworth/Ty Tabor realm where we guitarists know but rest of planet is asleep.
Criss was such an amazing talent and he will forever be missed. 😞 R.I.P. Criss My favorite Savatage album is hands down Streets: A Rock Opera. Never before, or after, has a piece of music sent shivers down my spine or given me goosebumps. Even today after all these years, it still happens. Jon and Criss were a once in a lifetime musical duo that can never be replicated. 😞
Criss was a master, undoubtedly one of the most underrated guitar heroes of the 80s. Criss had his own voice, which is recognizable in both solos and riff, and this really speaks volumes. He wasn't afraid to experiment with different tunings (Sirens, very first song of the very first album is in DropD), different sounds, different song structures (Hounds?). Such a shame he was taken away too soon.
Like you said , they are criminally underrated. I met all them in Tucson Az around 91. About an hour before they were going on stage, both brothers came over and sat with me and my buds and asked us how long we had been listening to them, how often were they on the radio etc… They were far from home in Florida…Very thankful to us! What a freakin show! Great upload too!
Great video! And yes, criminally underrated! Sadly, my introduction to Savatage came after Criss' passing. I heard "Handful of Rain" on the radio one night and was hooked. I then went about getting my hands on everything in their catalog. I think my favorite guitar part is from "When the Crowds are Gone." So soulful!
There are only a handful of guitarists whose riffs are instantly recognizable as “their” sound. Criss Olivia’s definitely have that unique, individual characteristic. Great video, highlighting some of them!🤘
Stop putting yourself down, as someone who knew Criss and the band on a personal level, I'm sure he'd be proud of your so-called "Attempt" Even Caffery says "No one ever could figure out just how he did certain things" thank you for this video. Keep it metal and keep it true
Finally some savatage acknowledgement thanks brother that was great a lot of my guitar playing was inspired by criss Olivia. My favorite solo was on summers rain and I think over all my favorite riff would be in the hall of the mountain king.
Gutter Ballet is one of the greatest albums ever recorded. For me, it’s the perfect mix of their early metal style and the later Broadway metal as you call it.
Thank you for this. Keep up the great work. Nice to see more and more people recognizing Criss and his killer monster tone. Raise the Fist of the Metal Child!
Criminally Underrated is an understatement, the arrangements and song writing are so far ahead of the times. Savatage has a special place in my heart because of the soul that Chris Oliva speaks through the solos and riffs. You represented them well.. Bravo \m/
the Olivas were definitely forward thinkers. I have heard stuff from the two brothers that sounded similar to bands like Gordian Knot waaay before that music was a thing
Criss had a small battery operated amp. And would play in the parking lot at tarpon springs high Skool . He was a awesome person n had time for all his fans. Steve was killer on the drums n Jon was a master of entertainment. I was lucky and blessed to grow up with them . Their music will never leave my heart. Their music is timeless n will be enjoyed forever.
I was ecstatic when you put up the Blackmore video. This has me over the moon! Gutter Ballet is one of my favorite songs to play, period. Of course, some of the parts I play would fall into the “how not to play” category, but I just have so much fun with it. So glad to see this video and Criss Oliva still getting his due so many years after his passing. He is easily in the pantheon of my guitar heroes. Thanks again, Leon!
God, I remember playing Strange Wings over a backing track at my high school's talent show. Woefully underrated band, and in my opinion, one of the originators of progressive metal.
Savatage did exactly that: offer life-changing moments, like you mentioned in Edge of Thorns. Their music just captivates you. Losing Criss was a devastating blow on many counts, but the others carried on the torch and his spirit and delivered exceptional albums even in the post Criss era. I have never been able to imitate (let alone reproduce) Criss's tone. So crisp and bright, but not screeching or jarring at all. They were flying Strange Wings... but still managed to Stay with Us A While (
Great playing, Leon. Went and looked this video up after your recent Q&A. So awesome to see this kind of content on YT about Criss and Savatage. As I said in my comment on the Q&A, best band ever in my opinion. Criss is my favorite guitar player ever, so inspirational, emotional, soulful and fluid. Jesus saves is one of my favorite riffs ever too. Criss has so many mind blowing solos too. So underrated, but he kinda preferred it that way. Savatage was a big life changer for me too. Something like Tempatation Revelation on Gutter Ballet or Silk and Steel is just so great instrumentally too. Thanks for this!
Excellent playing brother. John and Chris Olivia were two of the most talented musicians to ever walk the earth. Been a fan since I was a teenager. All their arrangements are second to none in my book. Thanks for the video.. awesome job !!
Criss should have been on the cover of every guitar magazine. He should be recognized for the amazing talent that he was! I love the solos on Ghost in the Ruins, He Carves his Stone & Follow me (so haunting) Savatage had the #1 spot on my Spotify wrap this year!! Ratt was #2 haha
Savatage is one of my favorite bands. Streets introduced me to them and was literally sitting in front of the stereo (that's right..stereo) and just starred at it.
I've never heard of you but I have now and I've subscribed too. Thanks for putting out some appreciation for Savatage, one of the best but least recognized bands in all of Metal. It amazes me when I see people in suits and fancy dresses at a TSO concert who love the music and the show but know nothing of their roots as Savatage. I thankfully got to see Criss Oliva play live in San Antonio shortly before the world lost him. You also did a great rendition of Hall Of The Mountain King. Check out Jon Oliva's pain as well.
@@grimmsleeper9475 thanks,in fact i liked almost all the albums,but my last statement is clear....in fact I LOVE SAVATAGE......their music is SO GOOD.....BY FAR¡¡¡
Neo Medina yes, particularly gutter ballet for me it probs will take time to get into that album for me it’s so much more different than the rest of Jon olivas music with savatage
Great video. Brings memories. Since I was 8-9 years old in Greece, I was gradually drawn into hard rock and then metal starting by listening to some Europe songs and mainly with Scorpions in the late 80s and plenty hair metal. First time I listened to Savatage by watching the video for When the crowds are gone on tv. That was a discovery. And they delivered high standards every time thereafter, even after the tragic loss of Chris Oliva and even after mid 90s when classic metal was out of fashion, they continued keeping the flame alive, even if they never got to the commercial spotlight they deserved (Trans-Siberian Orchestra probably got that). My first ever metal live performance I was lucky to attend was Jan. 1996 Savatage playing live in Athens for the Dead Winter Dead album. A memorable show. Zak Stevens, John Oliva, Al Pitrelli, Chris Caffery, Johnny Lee Middleton, Jeff Plate.
@@g99se9 Kirt is at home counting his money thinking, how in the he'll did I make all this money as an average guitar player...oh yeah...the rest of my band carried me on thier shoulders...lol
Hell yeah, finally Criss Oliva is getting the recognition he deserves, he was an incredibly talented guitarist, so sad that his life was tragically cut short, but he lives on through his music & die hard fans.
Savatage was one of my favorite groups when I was younger. The dungeons are calling and power of the night are two of the greatest of all time to me. Just Awesome true metal music. Plus the hall of the mountain king was really great to. They was a great group and so underrated. They really had it all. Also Jon's solo albums are really very good to. verygood video \m/🙂
Awesome video! I've been toying with the idea of doing a video on this very topic. Chris is way underrated in the guitar community! Killer riffs and great solos. HOTMK and Gutter Ballet hold a special piece in my heart. Great job!
I REALLY liked your version of the solo for " Gutter Ballet" seemed to have more improvisation in the first few seconds of it with the bends and stuff. I like it more than the Studio Version!
Great video! My son has followed you for a while now, and he sent me this video to watch. I first heard Sirens when I was 11, and I was hooked. I have been a huge fan of everything Savatage and TSO ever since. Their music has had a huge impact on not only my life, but the lives of my wife and our two sons as well. Like you said, they have so many great songs and riffs. You can literally get lost in their music and the lyrics. Thanks for the great video showcasing some of their greats.
Oh my gosh, so ironic you did this video, I kinda rediscovered Savatage this year again after nearly 30 years. I remember discovering them as a teenager in the mid 80’s (ya, I’m old) when I played drums and then got out of metal for a long time. Decided to start teaching myself guitar a few years ago and of course got back into my old favorite metal bands and stumbled upon Savatage again and had to start learning some of my favorite songs from them. My two favorite to play on guitar are Power of the Night and The Price You Pay. I have come to realize in the last year how amazing of a guitar player Criss Oliva was. Such an incredible combination of melodic and ripping shredder that he has become my favorite player by far, over EVH, DiMartini, Schenker, and others. Maybe only surpassed my Randy Roads. Thank you for doing this and bringing Criss to the forefront again and giving him the credit and praise he deserves. RIP Criss Oliva
I thinks Criss Oliva it was a sample of evolutions, since SIRENS, POWER OF THE NIGHT, till the máster Piece GUTTER BALLET, CRIS, always growing up! ....
Thanxxx for giving me back this brilliant songs! 20 years ago I loved this band so much and don't ask me why I've lost them... 'till NOW! GREAT PLAYING, LEON 🤘🤘🤘
Excellent video once again Leon!!! Criss Oliva and Savatage were literally light years ahead of the pack when the 80's metal movement broke. Truly one of the absolute best bands to come out of New York. Thank you so much for shedding the spotlight on them that they deserve.....Rock on Leon!!!😎👍🤘🎸
![[[OFFICIAL MV]] เอิ้นขวัญให้อ้าย- อ๊ะอาย สกุณาพร | ค่ายเพลงเป็นหนึ่ง](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/83x6L3X3qh0/mqdefault.jpg)
It's so cool to see so many people still digging what Savatage and Criss did! Blown away with the response to this video, thanks for putting up with all my clams and my greasy hair :D
Cheers from Tampa Bay, FL (their home) I'm in a cover band which play nearly every song you listed! We even do "Ghost in the Ruins"! Haha! - Come to FL and jam with us!
@@kdragon7 what band? I live here!!
Mentally yours!!!!
@@divinederelicts2956 "Whitewitch" - we're planning on doing a show at the brass mug soon (could use a rhythm guitar if u know anybody)
@@divinederelicts2956 kdragon7@msn.com
Hey leon.. This is jon oliva for real I just wanted to thank you for recognizing my brother's incredible Talent so underrated that it makes me sad but thanks to people like you he lives on thank you again God bless you
Thankyou John - your music changed my life man.
john, you and your brother are fucking geniuses, I listen to rock and metal of any style and savatage will always be in my top 10 bands in the history of music. please talk to the guys because you have to come back, the music needs you 🤟🏻🤟🏻
Hey John. There's not a day goes by that I don't listen to Savatage. I love the music you, Chris and the band created.
Wow the legendary John Oliva himself, Greetings from Egypt 🤘🤘
hey Jon. if you see this. please come to vegas lol
Finally someone recognizes the amazing talent of Criss Oliva!! Thank you Leon!!
Yes you are right. Chris was really great. \m/
Criss was a great player and really cool too. I've seen Savatage play many times in the early days around the Tampa Bay area. He had the best tone of anyone.
I wished I lived in Tampa bay area. My wife's best friend been living there for 20 years now. Heard there's metal clubs around there still. \m/
Hear here!
Hall of the Mountain King is an absolute masterpiece...start to finish. But my fave Savatage song is still Sirens.
My same thoughts, cheers!
Totally agree with you.. H.o.t.M.K. is amazing... But Sirens is on another level..
I believe..Midas Knight..The dungeons are calling..I could go on and on and keep listing my favorites but really I like all their songs..I started with the 1st album when it came out..
I agree about Sirens as well. It is my number one from Savatage. If only Cris would have had a solo on that song, I would put it in my top 5 of all time. There is a live version on TH-cam (I think from Detroit) that is just savage. And Jon sings so well on it. I think Cris plays it a little differently in that live video, doing fast trills instead of a slide in the main intro riff. Here it is: th-cam.com/video/qIF4mBR9Ih0/w-d-xo.html
Finally, Savatage is being raised.....R.I.P Chris Oliva...
Criss Oliva is how you spell that Guitar God's name!
Savatage are from my neck of the woods here in Tampa Florida, great band!
Lots of great music from that part of the world
@Cletus Anfernee Jackson HAHA!
@Cletus Anfernee Jackson Right! I think many even share the same teeth also.
The Outlaws are from the Tampa area as well! R.I.P. Hughie Thomasson!
The dungeons are calling was so fuckin awesome! I was a teenager when that came out. I remember how me and friends was just blown away by it. And then power of night followed and we was like holy shit. This is amazing metal. Dam those were the days.\m/
Chris olivia is definitely underated. Seems only true Savatage fans even know about his work. Thank you for keeping his soul alive Leon
Was underated
No Mark, he still is underrated.
Criss Oliva is underrated too.
Leon!! U did an awesome job!! Criss was amazing...I played w him back when he was 14 yrs. old...he was WAY ahead of his time even back then!!! Miss him lots!! Thanks for remembering and honoring Criss!! Doc
Are u really dr killdrums?
Tell us about the show?
@@jivancich which one?
Great job.Savatage is a great and underappreciated band.
I dont appreciate them either
@@MsTooncesthecat your a moron.
MsTooncesthecat listen to them then and come back later and love the music
@@MsTooncesthecat Because you suck.
Dude... Holy shit... Absolutely one of the best. Definitely one of my favorites for back then very unique and influential. Him, Lynch, demartini and Jake E Lee... Damn thanks bro great stuff
Definitely!
Great list my 1A team is the godfather =Evh, Nuno, Criss. Guys on your list are my 2A squad along with Bratta,, Skolnick, Friedman dozen or so others haha.
Criss Olivia is underrated. Listening to Hall of The Mountain King it's hard to believe that it's a one guitar band for that album.
The album “Dead winter dead” is a masterpiece that should be taught at schools ..
Great album, but that wasn't Criss Oliva - it was Al Pitrelli and Chris Caffery on guitars. Criss died in 1993.
That's the second encarnation of Savatage different groove,melodies so far from the criss roots..but it's a good record.
When this album came out I couldn't find it anywhere- sold out- which I thought was very strange for a Savatage release. I went home and...my dad had bought it, and was very disappointed, he thought it was a Christmas album. My friend worked at a record store at the time and people were returning it in droves- they also thought it was a Christmas album. Sarajevo on one hand was a weird choice for a single, on the other hand I believe the success of that single was where Jon got the idea for Trans-Siberian.
@TCaad10 It works your imagination ..
@@davelanciani-dimaensionx I know. I love Chris's playing, but the compositions and lyrics are unbelievable on all of Savatage's albums ...
One of the best bands. So damn underrated. Almost no one knows them
Legion Commander Main Good man. They are one of the finest metal bands ever. Oliva is incredible.
@@ryanmcneila1957 word brother
Me and my buddy rocked Jesus Saves on the way to high school in the morning. I love that riff
So much swagger to it
Certainly one of the most underappreciated guitarists ever. He had the ability of a virtuoso but was able to harness that ability and play interesting riffs and solos. And the way he filled the sound space with his guitar, adding a bit here and there was amazing. For the latter, just listen to "Tonight he grins again" from "Streets".
Criss Oliva & Vito Bratta : Best heavy rock guitarist of the 80's! Edge of thorns omg great play -Great video ! thanx
And both underrated, as well.
I am a real diehard fan of Sava and Criss.And the only similar sound /style i found is Vito's,not a 3rd one:/
Ok this is my group. Criss and Vito are 2 of my biggest influences from the 80s.
Dude. Put a smile on my face when I saw the title.
Finally someone remembered them. Also Chris Caffery is a very good guitarist. You deserve a big like ! Keep on shredding
Yes but not as good as Criss O
Totally agree about Chris Cafferty. Good guy too. I met Chris after a Metal Church show. He was filling in on guitar for Metal Church. A few weeks prior M.C. guitarist broke his hand, and Chris was asked to fill in. He shared with me that he had a 2 weeks to learn the set list for M C., and he was flawless that night.
It's amazing how even though I haven't listened to their albums in a year or so, I can still remember their songs. I listened to them a shit ton when I was in high school. Such a great band!
100% Savatage for life! Criss was & is still one of my fav players! & it all started for me with Dungeons!
Such nice comments....yes he was under rated....i know .... i was his drummer....thx for doing this video.....Doc W.
Awesome man! All glory to the most underrated guitarist/band. Cheers from Sweden!
Love everything about this video. Savatage is one of my favorite bands and I still can't get over how underrated they are. Criss was a powerhouse and is sorely missed.
Hall of the mountain king..brings back memories...great video..
Cris Oliva for me is the most underrated guitarist. We lost an amazing talent and this was our loss, the industry, the must we as humans. What to say invasion, riffs, epic bridges, animosity and sweetness he had it all and more. His tone in edge of thorns album was is unparallel. I wish I could replicate the he carved his stone tone. For me as an artist is a name that I always promote. Shame to all the media that they still ignore him. They were doing it when he was alive and they still doing it now.
If Cris had lived on, I believe he would finally get a break in nu metal. People gotta realize, his style of playing was 10 to 15 years ahead for his time. Even Dimebag, was influenced by him. Rest in peace to both ❤️🙏
I agree 100 percent....Criss Oliva never got the recognition of a lot of his contemporaries,which is a shame.....He had his own unique style....I bought Power of the Night when I saw it in a record store,just because I thought the cover was cool......I was hooked after that....One if the greatest bands of all time..
That was also my first Savatage vinyl.
Criss would have been 60 this year 😥
I loved Criss's tone growing up. He had so much passion in his playing - he seemed to have this innate sense of phrasing and melody. His use of octaves and using the lower 5th to add extra 'size' to his power chords were subtle but huge influences. I was born in 1990, but lucked into Savatage by chance because I liked the cover to Hall of the Mountain King and bought it.
What a great tribute, Leon! Really well played and you've captured that Oliva magic. The most impressive thing is that you've managed to narrow this down to 5 riffs. There are three classics in "Mountain King" alone!
Thanks for doing this - Great job! SAVATAGE remains one my favorite bands and should not be forgotten.
Criss was sooooooooo very under recognized and under appreciated for his writing, his style, tone, and massive talent. The entire SAVATAGE band line up has never been given the accolades they very much deserve. Jon's vocals, Zack's vocals, Dr. Killdrums and Jeff Plate behind the kit driving the machine, Johnny Lee pounding the bass, and Chris Caffery and Pitrelli burning frets up. All of these guys are amazing talents!!! Take a listen to the other projects these guys have created and you'll find they are all putting out some awesome music. Not to mention TSO comes from this fold. RIP Criss. We love you, miss you, and thank you for sharing your talents and great music.
Was lucky enough to get to see him live on there Streets tour. He was such a great player. And your so right he belongs right up there with Randy, and Eddie.
Guitars players who know his stuff definitely put him up there. But sadly the band as a whole just never got big enough to be a household name. Kind of in that Allen Holdsworth/Ty Tabor realm where we guitarists know but rest of planet is asleep.
Criss was such an amazing talent and he will forever be missed. 😞 R.I.P. Criss
My favorite Savatage album is hands down Streets: A Rock Opera. Never before, or after, has a piece of music sent shivers down my spine or given me goosebumps. Even today after all these years, it still happens.
Jon and Criss were a once in a lifetime musical duo that can never be replicated. 😞
Criss was a master, undoubtedly one of the most underrated guitar heroes of the 80s.
Criss had his own voice, which is recognizable in both solos and riff, and this really speaks volumes. He wasn't afraid to experiment with different tunings (Sirens, very first song of the very first album is in DropD), different sounds, different song structures (Hounds?).
Such a shame he was taken away too soon.
Like you said , they are criminally underrated. I met all them in Tucson Az around 91. About an hour before they were going on stage, both brothers came over and sat with me and my buds and asked us how long we had been listening to them, how often were they on the radio etc… They were far from home in Florida…Very thankful to us! What a freakin show! Great upload too!
Great video! And yes, criminally underrated! Sadly, my introduction to Savatage came after Criss' passing. I heard "Handful of Rain" on the radio one night and was hooked. I then went about getting my hands on everything in their catalog. I think my favorite guitar part is from "When the Crowds are Gone." So soulful!
There are only a handful of guitarists whose riffs are instantly recognizable as “their” sound. Criss Olivia’s definitely have that unique, individual characteristic. Great video, highlighting some of them!🤘
Criss was great...Nice to see him get some recognition...Hounds was an epic tune, great guitar solos!
Stop putting yourself down, as someone who knew Criss and the band on a personal level, I'm sure he'd be proud of your so-called "Attempt" Even Caffery says "No one ever could figure out just how he did certain things" thank you for this video. Keep it metal and keep it true
Finally some savatage acknowledgement thanks brother that was great a lot of my guitar playing was inspired by criss Olivia. My favorite solo was on summers rain and I think over all my favorite riff would be in the hall of the mountain king.
Summer's rain has one of the best solos ever
@@primearchitech absolutely
Gutter Ballet is one of the greatest albums ever recorded. For me, it’s the perfect mix of their early metal style and the later Broadway metal as you call it.
Thank you for this. Keep up the great work. Nice to see more and more people recognizing Criss and his killer monster tone. Raise the Fist of the Metal Child!
Criminally Underrated is an understatement, the arrangements and song writing are so far ahead of the times. Savatage has a special place in my heart because of the soul that Chris Oliva speaks through the solos and riffs. You represented them well.. Bravo \m/
Man... thanks for this! I really love Savatage and Criss Oliva. One of the best bands of the 80's!
My favorite song by Savatage is Strange Wings which sounds to me like a sort of ode to Judas Priest's Dreamer Deceiver/Deceiver.
It sounds like a lot of Metalcore bands need to pay royalties to this band. Those riffs sound waaay ahead of their time
the Olivas were definitely forward thinkers. I have heard stuff from the two brothers that sounded similar to bands like Gordian Knot waaay before that music was a thing
I hit the like button before even watching the video. Savatage, Criss Oliva... hell yes Leon.
Hall of the Mountain King was their pinnacle in my opinion.
Criss had a small battery operated amp. And would play in the parking lot at tarpon springs high Skool . He was a awesome person n had time for all his fans. Steve was killer on the drums n Jon was a master of entertainment. I was lucky and blessed to grow up with them . Their music will never leave my heart. Their music is timeless n will be enjoyed forever.
RIP Chris
RIP Paul
......are there just too many doors between then and now.....
I was ecstatic when you put up the Blackmore video. This has me over the moon! Gutter Ballet is one of my favorite songs to play, period. Of course, some of the parts I play would fall into the “how not to play” category, but I just have so much fun with it. So glad to see this video and Criss Oliva still getting his due so many years after his passing. He is easily in the pantheon of my guitar heroes. Thanks again, Leon!
Even thojgh I've never even heard the record, Gutter Ballet is what I would say if you said Savatage...it really stuck in my brain for some reason
"Edge of Thorns" is one of my all-time Rock songs.
Criss Oliva was one of my favorites! He gave albums like streets, hall of the mountain king, gutter ballet and edge of thorns a soul
So glad to hear such great praises of Savatage and particularly Criss, one of my absolute favorite guitar players ever.
He was my favorite guitar player. I was lucky to see him live 4 times. Like you said so much soul in his playing...
Beyond the doors of the dark. What a song what a dark melody.
Awesome playing, love the PRS’s. Savatage was one of my favorite bands in 80s & early 90s. Criminally underrated for sure!
God, I remember playing Strange Wings over a backing track at my high school's talent show. Woefully underrated band, and in my opinion, one of the originators of progressive metal.
That's so badass
Savatage did exactly that: offer life-changing moments, like you mentioned in Edge of Thorns.
Their music just captivates you. Losing Criss was a devastating blow on many counts, but the others carried on the torch and his spirit and delivered exceptional albums even in the post Criss era.
I have never been able to imitate (let alone reproduce) Criss's tone. So crisp and bright, but not screeching or jarring at all.
They were flying Strange Wings... but still managed to Stay with Us A While (
I see Savatage, I press like.
Great playing, Leon. Went and looked this video up after your recent Q&A. So awesome to see this kind of content on YT about Criss and Savatage. As I said in my comment on the Q&A, best band ever in my opinion. Criss is my favorite guitar player ever, so inspirational, emotional, soulful and fluid. Jesus saves is one of my favorite riffs ever too. Criss has so many mind blowing solos too. So underrated, but he kinda preferred it that way. Savatage was a big life changer for me too. Something like Tempatation Revelation on Gutter Ballet or Silk and Steel is just so great instrumentally too. Thanks for this!
For me its The Unholy. The first time I heard it everything stopped. The feel in that guitar part is insane.
Unholy and hounds epic!
Excellent playing brother. John and Chris Olivia were two of the most talented musicians to ever walk the earth. Been a fan since I was a teenager. All their arrangements are second to none in my book. Thanks for the video.. awesome job !!
I always loved listening to Criss Oliva. R.I.P.
Criss should have been on the cover of every guitar magazine. He should be recognized for the amazing talent that he was! I love the solos on Ghost in the Ruins, He Carves his Stone & Follow me (so haunting) Savatage had the #1 spot on my Spotify wrap this year!! Ratt was #2 haha
Savatage is one of my favorite bands. Streets introduced me to them and was literally sitting in front of the stereo (that's right..stereo) and just starred at it.
Holy crap Savatage. Haven't listened to them since 1990 ish. Those dudes were killer
Strange Wings, Gutter Ballet, HOTMK!!, oh my late 20"s, great video LT, as always
It's really rare to find someone that loves Savatage. A pretty underrated band. Thanks for the content!
Thankyou!
underrated, criminally underrated guitarist...
I've never heard of you but I have now and I've subscribed too. Thanks for putting out some appreciation for Savatage, one of the best but least recognized bands in all of Metal. It amazes me when I see people in suits and fancy dresses at a TSO concert who love the music and the show but know nothing of their roots as Savatage. I thankfully got to see Criss Oliva play live in San Antonio shortly before the world lost him. You also did a great rendition of Hall Of The Mountain King. Check out Jon Oliva's pain as well.
Thankyou so much! Jon olivas pain have some really rad stuff too.
My favorite album: The hall of the mountain King.
Neo Medina gotta love edge of thorns aswell ? , I’m giving power of the night album another listen it actually has some amazing songs on there
@@grimmsleeper9475 thanks,in fact i liked almost all the albums,but my last statement is clear....in fact I LOVE SAVATAGE......their music is SO GOOD.....BY FAR¡¡¡
Neo Medina I do too I like a lot of their albums I haven’t listened to all of them fully
@@grimmsleeper9475 CERTEAINLY,THEY ARE LITTLE DIFFICULT TO DIGEST IN ONE FULL RUN,BUT IN LITTLE PIECES ARE EXCELLENT¡¡¡
Neo Medina yes, particularly gutter ballet for me it probs will take time to get into that album for me it’s so much more different than the rest of Jon olivas music with savatage
Great video. Brings memories. Since I was 8-9 years old in Greece, I was gradually drawn into hard rock and then metal starting by listening to some Europe songs and mainly with Scorpions in the late 80s and plenty hair metal. First time I listened to Savatage by watching the video for When the crowds are gone on tv. That was a discovery. And they delivered high standards every time thereafter, even after the tragic loss of Chris Oliva and even after mid 90s when classic metal was out of fashion, they continued keeping the flame alive, even if they never got to the commercial spotlight they deserved (Trans-Siberian Orchestra probably got that). My first ever metal live performance I was lucky to attend was Jan. 1996 Savatage playing live in Athens for the Dead Winter Dead album. A memorable show. Zak Stevens, John Oliva, Al Pitrelli, Chris Caffery, Johnny Lee Middleton, Jeff Plate.
Grew up on their album Wake of Magellan. Always takes me back.
VIC Theater, Chicago, 1990, saw them on the Streets tour, one of the best and most memorable shows I've seen ever!
I met Chris...seen him three times, and hated he never got his due, while Kirk Hammett was worshipped like a guitar God that is average at best.
Agreed
Kirk Hammett has survivors guilt
@@g99se9 Kirt is at home counting his money thinking, how in the he'll did I make all this money as an average guitar player...oh yeah...the rest of my band carried me on thier shoulders...lol
@@thorpenator9148 More like James carried all others.
@@6drk6mrc6 Your right, they are all replaceable except for James, plus Lars is such a douche.
Criminally underrated is about right! RIP Criss, haven't thought about it in a long time. Thanks Leon, good stuff as always! 🎸
Hell yeah, finally Criss Oliva is getting the recognition he deserves, he was an incredibly talented guitarist, so sad that his life was tragically cut short, but he lives on through his music & die hard fans.
the hardest part of this video was trying to figure out the 5 riffs wasn't it?! CRISS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you did a great job.
Savatage was one of my favorite groups when I was younger. The dungeons are calling and power of the night are two of the greatest of all time to me. Just Awesome true metal music. Plus the hall of the mountain king was really great to. They was a great group and so underrated. They really had it all. Also Jon's solo albums are really very good to. verygood video \m/🙂
Awesome video! I've been toying with the idea of doing a video on this very topic. Chris is way underrated in the guitar community! Killer riffs and great solos. HOTMK and Gutter Ballet hold a special piece in my heart. Great job!
I REALLY liked your version of the solo for " Gutter Ballet" seemed to have more improvisation in the first few seconds of it with the bends and stuff. I like it more than the Studio Version!
Well done. Oliva was a riff master and for sure one of the top metal guitarists. Really enjoy all of the Savatage Albums.
Savatage is such an underrated band. Fans really know how extraordinary Savatage are.
Great video! My son has followed you for a while now, and he sent me this video to watch. I first heard Sirens when I was 11, and I was hooked. I have been a huge fan of everything Savatage and TSO ever since. Their music has had a huge impact on not only my life, but the lives of my wife and our two sons as well. Like you said, they have so many great songs and riffs. You can literally get lost in their music and the lyrics. Thanks for the great video showcasing some of their greats.
Thanks for sharing! That's awesome to know. Definitely one of the rare "metal" bands with depth to their lyrics.
If your band has a drummer named "Dr. Killdrums", you might Rock even harder!
Can't forget "Miles Away" !! The acoustic, the transition to the metal riff, and the solo! Savatage lives on!!
The tone on that Jesus Saves riff is sick!
Love savatage so much seen them live too superb
My favourite must be edge of thorns. It has everything I like about rock. Although "Streets" is one hell of an album.
Oh my gosh, so ironic you did this video, I kinda rediscovered Savatage this year again after nearly 30 years. I remember discovering them as a teenager in the mid 80’s (ya, I’m old) when I played drums and then got out of metal for a long time. Decided to start teaching myself guitar a few years ago and of course got back into my old favorite metal bands and stumbled upon Savatage again and had to start learning some of my favorite songs from them. My two favorite to play on guitar are Power of the Night and The Price You Pay. I have come to realize in the last year how amazing of a guitar player Criss Oliva was. Such an incredible combination of melodic and ripping shredder that he has become my favorite player by far, over EVH, DiMartini, Schenker, and others. Maybe only surpassed my Randy Roads. Thank you for doing this and bringing Criss to the forefront again and giving him the credit and praise he deserves. RIP Criss Oliva
I really love the Savatage music, Criss Oliva was a monster guitar player, I'm so sorry for the accident, we really miss him so much!!
I thinks Criss Oliva it was a sample of evolutions, since SIRENS, POWER OF THE NIGHT, till the máster Piece GUTTER BALLET, CRIS, always growing up! ....
Oliva has been criminally overlooked. Thanks for this.
Unholy has the most creative riff, imo...
One of my all time fave metal songs!!! Just awesome!!!
Thanxxx for giving me back this brilliant songs! 20 years ago I loved this band so much and don't ask me why I've lost them... 'till NOW! GREAT PLAYING, LEON 🤘🤘🤘
Big weekend of tunes coming up I take it?
I saw Olivas last show in Clearwater, it was epic.
Excellent video once again Leon!!! Criss Oliva and Savatage were literally light years ahead of the pack when the 80's metal movement broke. Truly one of the absolute best bands to come out of New York. Thank you so much for shedding the spotlight on them that they deserve.....Rock on Leon!!!😎👍🤘🎸
Criss /savatage can't be rated.
They are out of the league
I was very fortunate to see Savatage LIVE in a small club in Pittsburgh in 1987.. fantastic band.. great show..
You are the KING of guitar tone on TH-cam. Been playing for 35 years and have mad respect for what you do.
Too kind mate! Thanks for checking it out :)
Hail Criss Oliva ! Absolute MONSTER of a player.
Loved your video Leon!!! Chris Oliva has been one of my favorite guitar players....massively underrated and underrated band!!!!
Somebody finally said it.. the most underrated guitarist... I've said it for years great riffs amazing solos